The best robotic pool cleaner in NZ is a cordless robot that cleans the pool floor, and on better models the walls and waterline, without you holding a pole. A robot is different from a manual pool vacuum, which you steer by hand, and from a skimmer, which only cleans the surface.
The main types are easy to tell apart. Cordless robotic pool cleaners run on a battery and clean the floor on their own. Above-ground pool robots are lighter and suit flat-bottom pools. In-ground robots add wall and waterline cleaning and handle larger pools. Solar skimmers collect leaves from the water surface. Handheld pool vacuums are manual tools for steps, spas and hot tubs.
Cordless robots in this guide run for about 80 to 150 minutes per charge, so match the runtime and the coverage figure to your pool size. Check whether you need wall and waterline cleaning, what type of pool surface you have, and how heavy the robot is to lift out.
This guide compares eight pool cleaners available in New Zealand, from the WYBOT C1 robot to a solar skimmer and two handheld pool vacuums.
Best pool cleaners comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WYBOT C1 | Best Overall | 4 modes, 150 minute runtime | Pools up to 150 sq m | 4.4/5 (291 reviews) |
| Winny C2 | Best for Large In-Ground Pools | 7 modes, brushless motor | Pools up to 200 sq m | 4.7/5 (25 reviews) |
| MOVA R10 | Best Lightweight | Dual motors, 3.4 kg | Pools up to 80 sq m | No reviews yet |
| PoolMr Above Ground | Best for Above Ground Pools | 40W motor, 120 minute runtime | Up to 1,614 sq ft | 4.6/5 (74 reviews) |
| Winny Above Ground | Best Budget | Dual motors, 80 minute runtime | Above-ground and flat pools | 4.2/5 (159 reviews) |
| Betta SE | Best Solar Skimmer | 30 hour solar battery | Surface cleaning | 4.4/5 (7,947 reviews) |
| Hushlight Handheld | Best Handheld for Spas | 20W motor, 7.5 ft pole | 60 minute runtime | 4.7/5 (21 reviews) |
| Ezasin Cordless | Best for Corners and Stairs | Telescopic pole to 69 in | Pools, spas, hot tubs | 5.0/5 (28 reviews) |
1. WYBOT C1 – Best Robotic Pool Cleaner Overall
The WYBOT C1 is the best robotic pool cleaner overall for most pools in NZ. It is cordless, so there is no cable to tangle, and it suits both above-ground and in-ground pools up to 150 square metres.
It has four cleaning modes: full pool, floor only, wall only and wall then floor. In the default mode it cleans the wall first and then gives the floor a deeper clean, following an N-shaped path on walls and an S-shaped path on the floor.
The listing quotes up to 150 minutes of runtime and about three hours to recharge. An independent water pump motor, dual PVC brushes, app control and over-the-air updates round out the package, and it has far more reviews than most cordless robots.
Pros
- Cleans floor, walls and waterline
- Up to 150 minutes of runtime per charge
- App control with over-the-air updates
- Suits above-ground and in-ground pools up to 150 square metres
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Premium-priced compared with the budget robots here
- Takes around three hours to recharge
- Battery runtime will vary with pool conditions
Key specs: Cordless robotic pool cleaner. 4 cleaning modes. Up to 150 minutes runtime. About 3 hour charge. Up to 150 sq m pools. App control. Approx. 45.7 x 43.7 x 33 cm.
2. Winny C2 Cordless Pool Robot – Best for Large In-Ground Pools
The Winny C2 is the best choice for large in-ground pools. The listing rates it for pools up to 200 square metres, which is the biggest coverage figure in this guide, and it uses a brushless motor for stronger suction.
It offers seven cleaning modes through the app, including waterline only, wall only, floor only, standard full pool, turbo floor, eco floor and wall then floor. Expert Mode lets you choose route patterns such as S-shape, cross-shape and star-shape for floors.
For fine debris, a 10 micron HEPA filter can be fitted as a secondary filter in Turbo Floor mode, which helps with algae and dust. Scheduled cleaning can be set in the app.
Pros
- Rated for pools up to 200 square metres
- Seven cleaning modes and route planning in the app
- Optional 10 micron secondary filter for fine particles
- Scheduled cleaning
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- One of the most expensive picks here
- Only a small number of reviews so far
- Heavy shipping weight listed at about 10.6 kg
Key specs: Cordless pool robot. Brushless motor. 7 cleaning modes. Up to 200 sq m pools. Waterline cleaning. 10 micron secondary filter. App scheduling. 12V battery.
3. MOVA R10 Robotic Pool Cleaner – Best Lightweight Pool Robot
The MOVA R10 is the best lightweight pool robot for small to medium pools. It weighs just 3.4 kg and measures 302 x 274 x 181 mm, so it is easy to lift in and out of the water and easy to store.
Two motors deliver 5,700 litres per hour of suction, with two bottom brushes for floor cleaning. It runs for up to 120 minutes per charge and covers pools up to 80 square metres.
It parks itself after each cycle and starts with a single tap. It is suited to above-ground and small flat-bottom in-ground pools, and the listing says it works on concrete, vinyl, fibreglass, tile and stainless steel.
Pros
- Light at 3.4 kg and compact
- Dual motors with 5,700 L/h suction
- Auto-parking and one-tap start
- Free delivery to New Zealand from Amazon AU
Cons
- No customer reviews yet
- Floor cleaning only, with no wall or waterline mode listed
- Limited to pools up to 80 square metres
Key specs: Cordless. 2 motors. 5,700 L/h suction. Up to 120 minutes per charge. Pools up to 80 sq m. 3.4 kg. 302 x 274 x 181 mm. Model R10.
4. PoolMr Above Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner – Best Pool Vacuum for Above Ground Pools
The PoolMr is the best pool vacuum for above-ground pools in this guide. It is a cordless robot with a 40W motor and up to 120 minutes of runtime, and the listing says it covers up to 1,614 square feet (about 150 square metres) on one charge.
It uses dual-layer filtration, a 180 micron mesh and a dense cotton sponge, to trap everything from leaves to fine silt, with an anti-backflow design so debris stays in the filter when you lift it out.
It climbs 0.2 inch wrinkles and 15 degree slopes, switches to a boosted edge cleaning mode when it meets a wall, and parks itself at the edge when the battery runs low. It is a solid, simple choice for a weekly clean.
Pros
- Strong 40W motor and 120 minute runtime
- Dual-layer 180 micron filtration
- Self-parks and drains quickly
- Good ratings from buyers
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Designed for above-ground and flat pools rather than complex in-ground pools
- Lithium-ion battery needs recharging between cleans
- Little-known brand
Key specs: Cordless robotic pool cleaner. 40W motor. 120 minute runtime. 180 micron mesh plus sponge filter. Up to 1,614 sq ft coverage. 4.5 kg. Lithium-ion battery.
5. Winny Cordless Pool Robot for Above Ground Pools – Best Budget Pool Robot
The Winny cordless pool robot is the best budget pool robot here. It is built for above-ground and flat pools, and it has a decent review base for a cordless model at this level.
A dual-motor system gives stable suction, and a 180 micron mesh filter with a sponge layer traps both big debris and fine particles. It runs for up to 80 minutes on a single charge.
It parks itself near the pool wall when finished, and at 3.3 kg it is light and compact enough to lift in and out of a small pool by hand.
Pros
- Lowest-priced robot in this guide
- Dual motors and 180 micron filtration
- Auto-parking
- Light at 3.3 kg
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Only about 80 minutes of runtime
- Intended for above-ground and flat pools
- Basic features compared with the WYBOT and Winny C2
Key specs: Cordless pool robot. Dual motors. 180 micron mesh and sponge filter. Up to 80 minutes runtime. Auto-parking. 3.3 kg. Lithium-ion battery.
6. Betta SE Solar Pool Skimmer – Best Solar Pool Skimmer
The Betta SE is the best solar pool skimmer here, and the most-reviewed product in this guide by a long way. It cleans the water surface rather than the floor, removing leaves, hair, pollen, dust and dead insects automatically.
It is 100 percent solar powered and can run for 30 hours or more on a full charge. Twin salt-chlorine-tolerant motors drive the propellers, and ultrasonic radar and four depth bumper rods help it avoid obstacles.
A 200 micron debris basket lifts out from the top without removing the skimmer from the water. It does not replace a floor robot, but it keeps leaves from sinking in the first place.
Pros
- 100 percent solar powered with 30 hour battery
- Salt chlorine tolerant motors
- Easy-empty top-handle basket
- Very large review base
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Cleans the surface only, not the floor or walls
- Needs at least 5 inches of water and is not compatible with infinity pools
- Premium price and limited stock
Key specs: Solar-powered skimmer. 30 hour continuous battery. Twin SCT motors. 200 micron basket. Ultrasonic radar. Remote control. 1 year warranty. Model SE.
7. Hushlight Cordless Handheld Pool Vacuum – Best Handheld Pool Vacuum for Spas and Hot Tubs
The Hushlight is the best handheld pool vacuum for spas, hot tubs and small above-ground pools. It is a battery-powered vacuum on a pole, so you steer it by hand to clean corners, steps and the waterline that robots can miss.
It weighs only 2.4 lbs, has a 20W motor and a four-piece aluminium pole that extends to 7.5 feet. A 4000 mAh battery gives up to 60 minutes of runtime.
The removable filter basket rinses clean in seconds, which makes it a good companion to a robot, or the only vacuum you need for a hot tub.
Pros
- Light and easy to carry
- Reaches steps, corners and the waterline
- 60 minute battery runtime
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- A manual tool, so you do the cleaning yourself
- Pole reaches 7.5 feet and is not suited to deep in-ground pools
- Only a handful of reviews
Key specs: Cordless handheld vacuum. 20W motor. 4000 mAh battery. Up to 60 minutes runtime. Pole extends to 7.5 ft. Removable filter basket.
8. Ezasin Cordless Pool Vacuum – Best Cordless Pool Vacuum for Corners and Stairs
The Ezasin is the best cordless pool vacuum for corners and stairs. It is a manual vacuum with a telescopic pole that extends from 33.5 to 69 inches, and the maker pairs it with a robot cleaner for tight edges.
It runs on a rechargeable battery with about three hours to charge. The listing says 60 minutes of runtime, although one bullet mentions 90 minutes, so expect around an hour.
A built-in fine mesh filter captures small particles, and a transparent dirt tank lets you see when it needs emptying. It works in above-ground pools, in-ground pools, spas and hot tubs.
Pros
- Telescopic pole extends to 69 inches
- Transparent dirt tank and rinsable filter
- Suits pools, spas and hot tubs
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Manual, so it needs your time and effort
- Runtime figures on the listing are inconsistent
- Needs extra poles to reach deep in-ground pools
Key specs: Cordless handheld pool vacuum. Telescopic pole 33.5 to 69 in. Rechargeable battery with 3 hour charge. Fine mesh filter. Transparent dirt tank.
How to choose a pool cleaner in NZ
Start with the pool. Above-ground and flat pools suit lighter robots such as the PoolMr, while larger in-ground pools need the coverage and wall cleaning of the WYBOT C1 or Winny C2. Then check runtime, because a robot that cannot finish the pool on one charge will leave patches behind.
Consider debris and upkeep. A fine filter helps with silt and algae, a skimmer stops leaves from sinking, and a handheld vacuum is useful for steps and corners. Check that the battery can be recharged easily and that the robot is light enough for you to lift out of the water.
For more outdoor guides, see our best pool floats, the best water blasters and the best robot vacuums.
The WYBOT C1 is the best robotic pool cleaner for most pools in NZ, with four cleaning modes, up to 150 minutes of runtime and app control. The Winny C2 is the best choice for large in-ground pools, and the PoolMr is the best pool vacuum for above-ground pools.
The Winny above-ground robot is the best budget option, the MOVA R10 is the lightest, and the Betta SE keeps the surface clear of leaves. The Hushlight and Ezasin handheld vacuums are the best way to clean spas, steps and corners.
FAQs
What is the best robotic pool cleaner in NZ?
The WYBOT C1 is the best robotic pool cleaner overall for most pools, with four cleaning modes, up to 150 minutes of runtime and app control. The Winny C2 is the best choice for large in-ground pools up to 200 square metres.
What is the best pool vacuum for an above ground pool?
The PoolMr cordless robot is the best pool vacuum for above-ground pools in this guide, with a 40W motor, 120 minute runtime and dual-layer filtration. The Winny above-ground robot is the budget alternative.
What is the best cordless pool vacuum?
For a hands-free clean, the WYBOT C1 and the PoolMr are the best cordless robots. For a manual cordless vacuum on a pole, the Hushlight suits spas and hot tubs and the Ezasin suits corners and stairs.
Is a robotic pool cleaner better than a manual pool vacuum?
A robot cleans on its own and saves time, while a handheld vacuum is cheaper and reaches steps, corners and the waterline. Many owners use both: a robot for the weekly clean and a handheld vacuum for the spots it misses.
Does a robotic pool cleaner clean the waterline and walls?
Only some models do. The WYBOT C1 and Winny C2 list wall and waterline cleaning, while the MOVA R10 and the above-ground Winny focus on the floor. A solar skimmer such as the Betta SE cleans the water surface.
How long does a cordless pool robot run on one charge?
The cordless robots here run for about 80 to 150 minutes per charge, according to their listings, and take roughly three hours to recharge. Larger pools need a longer runtime, so check your pool size against the coverage figure before you buy.
Can a pool robot get rid of algae?
A robot removes loose algae and debris from the floor and walls, but it does not treat the water. Keep your pool chemistry balanced and brush stubborn algae, and use a fine filter such as the Winny C2 secondary filter for fine particles.
