Have you ever spent a sunny  afternoon dragging a vacuum hose across your pool, wondering if there was a better way?

Well, there is – and it’s a robotic pool cleaner. 
Whether this is your first cleaner or you’re considering an upgrade, here’s what every pool owner should know before buying one. 

What is a robotic pool cleaner?

A robotic pool cleaner is an automatic, plug-in device that cleans your swimming pool floor, walls and even the waterline, all on its own. 

Unlike suction cleaners that rely on your pool’s pump, robotic cleaners are self-powered and self-contained, with built-in brushes, filtration and smart navigation. You just plug it in, drop it in the pool and let it do its thing. 

The big question: is it worth the investment?

With a quality model usually costing between $1,500 and $3,500, you may be wondering what you’re getting in return. So, here’s why thousands of Kiwi pool owners are making the switch:

• You'll save hours every week

Manually cleaning your pool can take 2-3 hours per week. But with a robotic cleaner, your weekly maintenance could drop to 5-10 minutes. That’s over 100 hours a year you could spend actually enjoying your pool instead of scrubbing it. 

• It cleans better than you ever could

At HPPS, we stock the trusted Dolphin range of robotic pool cleaners, known for their smart navigation, powerful scrubbing and reliable performance. 

Their technology allows them to scan your pool’s shape and cover every inch – including corners, walls and steps. Premium models even scrub the tile line, where grime and oils tend to build up. Add in rotating brushes, powerful suction and ultra-fine filters, and you’ve got a level of clean that’s impossible to beat manually.

• You’ll use fewer chemicals and save on power

Because robotic cleaners trap debris in their own filters (not your pool’s), your pump and filter system doesn’t have to work as hard. It’s a cleaner pool with less effort, fewer chemicals and reduced energy usage – a win all around!

• Smart features make life easier

Modern robotic cleaners are packed with features that simplify pool care, like programmable times, app control, quick clean modes and easy-clean filters. Some Dolphin models even have one-click filter access and transparent lids so you can see when it’s full. 

• It reduces overall wear and tear

Yes, the upfront cost is higher than a manual vacuum or suction cleaner. But over time, a robotic cleaner can help extend the life of your pool equipment and cut down on wear and tear. Plus, a regular and thorough cleaning helps protect your pool surface from algae, staining and other buildup, all of which can be costly to fix. 

Why we recommend Dolphin robotic cleaners

At HPPS, we’ve chosen the Dolphin range by Maytronics – a globally trusted brand with over 35 years of experience in robotic pool cleaning. These units are:

• Durable and built for NZ conditions.
• Backed by strong warranties.
• Tried and tested across a wide range of pool shapes and sizes.

We’ve seen the difference they make firsthand, and we trust them to deliver excellent results with minimal hassle.

Browse Dolphin robotic cleaners →

A few things to consider before buying

Not all robotic cleaners are created equal. Before you buy, think about: 

• Pool size – larger pools may need a higher-capacity cleaner.
• Surface type – some models are better suited to titles, others to liners.
• Features – do you want app control? Wall cleaning? Extra-fine filters?
• Storage – consider a caddy for easy transport and storage. 

Need help choosing the right model? Contact us for personalised advice – we’re here to help. Call us on 0800 280 840 or send us a message.