There are three types of pool cleaners: robot, suction and pressure. In this test we've only tested robot and suction types. Inertia driven suction cleaners are the creepy-crawly-looking cleaners while geared suction cleaners have wheels or tracks.

We recommend pool cleaners with a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 90%.

The CHOICE Expert Rating is made up of performance (60%) and ease of use (40%).

The two main performance assessments are cleaning and stoppages. For cleaning, we measure how much of the debris is removed from the pool at the end of the cleaning cycle. We also record the number of stoppages and blockages, time out of service and the cause of the stoppage.

We assess the quality of the instructions, ease of assembly, ease of clearing blockages and ease of adjusting the pool cleaner if required.

How much leaf debris was picked up by the end of the cleaning cycle.

How much pebble debris was picked up by the end of the cleaning cycle.

How much sand debris was picked up by the end of the cleaning cycle.

How much twig debris was picked up by the end of the cleaning cycle.

Discontinued products may be available second-hand or on clearance at some outlets.

This is the manufacturer's recommended retail price.

This is the dimensions of the pool cleaner only, not including the piping.

For suction types this is the maximum distance of the hose (measured in metres) when attached to the filter inlet. For robots, it's the maximum distance of the cable from the pool's edge.

Length of the pipe/cable (in metres) that comes with the product.

Suitable for pools up to the size stated (measured in metres).

The types of pools the pool cleaner is suitable to be used in.