The best robotic pool cleaners are able to do more than just move around the floor of your pool. They climb walls, clean tile line, and they usually have brushes built into them as well. They are also stand alone and don't use suction or pressure from your current pool system to work. They run off electricity and are self contained. They can have a higher up front cost than suction side or pressure cleaners but they also have longer manufacturer warranties.

A lot of different things can go wrong with a robot. It may have a power supply issue, the motor might not be turning or it could be something as simple as a broken handle or nozzle. The good news is that most of the time these issues are easy to fix with a little know how and patience. If your robotic cleaner is not working the first thing to check is that the power cord is still connected. It is also important to make sure there is enough slack in the cord so it can reach every part of your pool.

If the power cord is plugged in and there is slack in it but the robot is not moving or is moving very slow, it is likely that it is stuck. Debris can get stuck in the tracks, brushes and/or drive wheels of a robotic cleaner and can cause it to stop moving or slow down.

Another possibility is that the unit's handle is cracked and water is leaking in and disrupting normal operation. Taking the unit out of the water and moving it back and forth while listening for sloshing can help determine if this is the case.

It is also a good idea to remove the robot from the water after each cleaning cycle and rinse off the brushes and wheels as well as empty and clean the filter. This will help to extend the life of your robotic cleaner and prevent it from needing to be repaired or replaced as quickly.

The best robotic cleaners feature a 360 degree anti-tangle swivel. This little piece of engineering genius is a game changer and it has helped to eliminate one of the most common frustrations of owning a robotic cleaner. Twisted and tangled cables used to come with the territory but the swivel keeps them from becoming a tangled mess which not only slows down your robotic cleaner but it's also a huge source of frustration for users. The swivel is an investment but it is well worth the money. If you do decide to buy one, make sure that you get the genuine article and not a knock off. It will last much longer and you will save a lot of time and frustration. You will be happy that you did.