--- title: "This Is the Pool Tool I Never Knew I Needed" description: "We tested the best robotic pool skimmers to remove leaves and debris automatically. See our honest thoughts here." date: "2024-03-25" modified: "2025-06-20" authors: - name: "Chase Brush" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/chase-brush/" - name: "Paul Rankin" job_title: "Contributing Writer & Editor" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/paul-rankin/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-robotic-pool-skimmers/" categories: - "Exterior" - "Lawn, Garden & Pool" - "Pool Maintenance" - "Pools & Water Features" - "Reviews" tags: - "Commerce" - "MPR" --- # This Is the Pool Tool I Never Knew I Needed ![A person by the edge of a pool emptying the mesh filter basket of the Pivot-Solar Breeze Ariel Smart Robot Pool Cleaner.]() *Photo: amazon.com* Picking leaves and branches off the surface of a pool is a task usually accomplished with a manual pool skimmer net, but today there is another option: robotic pool skimmers. Like other robotic pool cleaners on the market, these devices are powered by motors and batteries that allow them to traverse the pool and suck up dirt and debris, helping to automate an otherwise labor-intensive process. Robotic pool skimmers come in a few different shapes and sizes, some of which may be more effective than others depending on the pool in question. Some robotic skimmers rely on solar energy for power, making them ideal for hot, sunny climates. Others are designed to work in tandem with robotic vacuums and other [pool cleaners](), helping to fully automate pool maintenance. The models in this list represent some of the best robotic pool skimmers on the market both in terms of cost and performance. - ![Robotic pool skimmer in use in pool Betta SE]() *Photo: Paul Rankin for BobVila.com* - ![Robotic pool skimmer in use in pool Betta SE]() *Photo: Paul Rankin for BobVila.com* - ![Robotic pool skimmer in use in pool Aiper Surfer]() *Photo: Paul Rankin for BobVila.com* - ![Robotic pool skimmer in use in pool Aiper Surfer]() *Photo: Paul Rankin for BobVila.com* - ![Robotic pool skimmer in use in pool]() - ![Robotic pool skimmer debris]() *Photo: Paul Rankin for BobVila.com* [][][] ### How We Chose the Best Robotic Pool Skimmers Unlike [robotic pool vacuums](), which have been around for years, robot pool skimmers are a relatively new phenomenon, so the market isn’t too saturated yet. Nonetheless, we searched dozens of retailers and outlets to find as many brands and models as we could, and then we consulted expert sources and user reviewers to get a sense of how they performed in real-world environments. Most of these models received few or low ratings, either because they were new products or because they were of poor quality; we reviewed only those models that enjoyed the highest and largest number of ratings across the marketplace. We also considered specific features for each model, such as price, battery life, and design, to help pinpoint the best robotic pool skimmers. The automatic pool skimmer robot we selected as our top choice is suitable for a wide range of pool types, from above-ground to inground pools. We also made sure to include a few backup choices, including options for buyers on a budget. The Betta SE is one of the most advanced robotic pool skimmers on the market, boasting a number of features that help take the labor out of pool maintenance. Unlike more rudimentary models out there, this one incorporates cutting-edge technology that makes it entirely self-sufficient and a breeze to use. A solar panel sits on top of the skimmer, keeping the unit powered all day without users needing to recharge it or replace the batteries. It also uses ultrasonic technology to navigate on its own, both in above-ground and inground pools of virtually any shape and size. Another bonus is that the Betta SE comes with plenty of other advanced pool skimmer parts. In addition to being large enough to capture the debris from a big pool, the mesh filter includes a handle that makes it easy to remove from the skimmer and carry to the trash, so the device itself never has to leave the water. Besides being powerful enough to easily propel the unit, its twin motors are also corrosion-resistant, making the skimmer safe to use in both salt and chlorine pools. Of course, all of the tech does come at a price. The Betta SE was among the most expensive skimmers we reviewed, and it probably isn’t suitable for pool owners on a budget. Still, for those looking for a skimmer that will clean the pool without requiring them to lift a finger, it’s hard to beat. **Get the Betta robotic pool skimmer at [Amazon](), [The Home Depot](), or [Walmart]().** ## More Pool Skimmers Worth Your Money While we understand the Betta SE may not be right for everyone, so we have a few other options to recommend. Among these alternatives is a similar—but slightly less expensive—solar pool skimmer, plus a model that may be able to connect to your existing [pool vacuum](), bolstering its efficiency. - **Aiper Surfer S1 Cordless Robotic Pool Skimmer**, available at [Aiper](). - **Pivot-Solar Breeze Ariel Smart Robot Pool Cleaner**, available at [Pivot-Solar Breeze](). - **Only About Innovations SkimmerMotion Original**, available at [Amazon]() or [SkimmerMotion](). ## FAQs To help you get the most out of your robotic skimmer, we researched some of the most commonly asked questions about these devices and [pool maintenance]() in general. ## Author Paul Rankin is a Scotland native. He has worked in translation and localization for over 10 years and began writing and editing for BobVila.com in 2021, focusing on the full range of tools, furniture, DIY supplies, and home and garden products that the team reviews. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]() [Instagram]()