The Best Robotic Cleaners For Inground Fiberglass Pools

Every fiberglass pool owner should have a thorough and working knowledge of necessary pool maintenance. It’s essential to stay on top of care and maintenance from the time you open your pool in the spring through closing it for the winter. Robotic pool cleaners can be a great help when it comes to keeping dirt and debris out of your pool, saving you time and effort. With an overwhelming amount of options available on the market, all with various features and benefits you may or may not need, deciding on a robotic pool cleaner can feel overwhelming. In our experience, the following four models are great at getting the job done while you sit back and relax.

 

Hayward TigerShark

 

A Hayward TigerShark robot can clean a 20’ x 40’ pool’s floors, walls, and waterline in just three hours. There are three configurations to choose from, including the standard TigerShark, the TigerShark Plus with remote control capabilities, and the TigerShark QC featuring a patented 90-minute quick-cleaning alternative mode. All the TigerShark models have an easy-to-clean cartridge filter system and a 24-volt motor to conserve energy and save you pool maintenance costs over time.

 

Average Price: Less than $1,500

 

Highlights:

• Easy-to-clean cartridge
• Lightweight design
• On-board pump for intense vacuum power
• Pool length: Up to 40 feet
• 1- to 3-year warranty depending on model
• Cordless
• Programmable

 

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus with Wi-Fi

 

Dolphin’s Nautilus CC Plus with Wi-Fi features an award-winning design backed by more than 25 years of technology innovations. The unit weighs less than 21 pounds and includes a 2.5-year warranty. A swivel system enables tangle-free operation, and a smart navigation system allows the vacuum to clean a pool in approximately two hours. The Nautilus CC Plus features rubber tracks that grip the pool surface in order to get into tight corners, up walls, and across tanning ledges. A fine filter traps algae, dirt, bacteria, and biofilm, while a high-RPM system provides a deep clean.

 

With Wi-Fi connectivity, you can run the Nautilus CC Plus from anywhere with just a few taps on the cleaner’s smartphone app.

 

Average Price: Less than $900

 

Highlights:

• East-to-clean cartridge
• Lightweight design
• Pool Length: Up to 33 feet
• 2.5-year warranty
• Swivel cables for tangle-free operation
• Programmable

 

Polaris 9450 Sport

 

The Polaris 9450 Sport is a lightweight robotic cleaner that can clean your pool in less than two hours. The “Aqua Trax” tires enable the Polaris to move freely across floors, steps, and walls. It has a navigation system that automatically controls the robot’s position, providing cleaning coverage without hang-ups. The 9450 Sport uses Polaris’s Vortex Vacuum technology that filters out particles and quickly gathers large debris. With a seven-day programmable timer, you can customize your settings and select the cleaning modes that work best for you. After cleaning, the 4950 Sport surfaces at the touch of a button, waits for you to grab it, then automatically evacuates water for effortless removal from the pool.

 

Average Price: Less than $1,000

 

Highlights:

• Easy-to-access filter canister
• Lightweight design 
• Easy to remove from the pool
• 2-year warranty
• Programmable

 

Aquabot X4 

 

The Aquabot X4 is ideal for all pool shapes and sizes with its 4WD non-marring, high-grip wheels for superior traction. The X4’s ultra-fine mesh filter baskets capture dirt, debris, and fine particulate down to 2 microns in size. The Anti-Tangle Swivel prevents the rover from getting hung up, and the straightforward interface makes it easy to operate and program. You can choose cleaning cycles between one and two hours long while programming for it to run automatically every 48, 72, or 96 hours.

 

Average Price: Less than $800

 

Highlights:

• Easy-to-access filter
• Lightweight design
• Pool Length: Up to 60 feet
• Energy-efficient
• 3-year warranty
• Programmable

 

Looking for more information on fiberglass pool care? Explore Thursday Pools’ Ultimate Fiberglass Pool Maintenance Guide for a thorough look at everything you need to know.

 

And if you’re ready for personalized advice, connect with a local independent Thursday Pools dealer near you.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Robotic Pool Cleaners

 

Do robotic pool cleaners work with fiberglass pools?

Yes. Robotic pool cleaners work great with fiberglass pools because they use gentle brushes and smart navigation systems that scrub floors, walls, and waterlines without scratching the gelcoat. They lift algae, dirt, and debris while saving you time compared to manual cleaning.

 

How much do robotic pool cleaners cost?

Most high-quality robotic pool cleaners cost between $800 and $2,000. Prices vary based on features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, programmable timers, and quick-clean modes. While the upfront cost may feel significant, a robotic pool cleaner saves you money long-term by reducing chemical use, conserving energy, and extending the life of your pool equipment.

 

Do I still need other cleaning tools if I have a robotic pool cleaner?

Yes. Robotic cleaners handle most of the heavy lifting, but you still need a pool brush, skimming net, and manual vacuum for quick cleanups or after storms. These tools complement your robotic cleaner and make sure every corner of your fiberglass pool stays spotless.

 

How long does it take a robotic pool cleaner to clean a pool?

Cleaning time depends on the model and pool size. Many robotic cleaners can clean an average 20’ x 40’ fiberglass pool in two to three hours. Some models even feature quick-clean settings that finish in as little as 90 minutes.