Does a pool robot pay for itself?
A $500 robot is cheap next to a pool service, and a $2,700 robot is not. Tell us what cleaning costs you today (in dollars or hours) and see how long each robot takes to pay back.
How the math works
Monthly savings × swim-season months gives your yearly savings. We subtract a yearly parts allowance, then compare against the robot's price (the lowest price we've seen on Amazon) to get the payback period and the net result over your chosen years. Electricity is a few dollars a year for robots, so we leave it out. The one cost we can't price for you is replacing a cordless robot's battery or the robot itself at the end of its life: if you plan to own it past 4–5 years, readhow long robotic pool cleaners last.
For a deeper look at what pool services charge and what a robot can and can't replace, seerobotic pool cleaner vs pool service cost, then use therobot matcher to find one that fits your pool.
FAQ
Can a robotic pool cleaner replace my pool service?
It can replace the brushing and vacuuming part of a pool service. You'll still need to test and balance water chemistry and service the pump and filter. Many owners drop to a chemicals-only visit or do the chemistry themselves.
How long does a robotic pool cleaner last?
Corded robots commonly run for several seasons with routine parts; cordless robots depend on the battery, which loses capacity with charge cycles. We cover real-world lifespans in our how long robotic pool cleaners last guide.