ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (BLOOM) – Pool maintenance is undergoing a high-tech transformation. Once seen as a luxury for upscale homeowners, robotic pool cleaners are now gaining popularity nationwide, providing hands-free maintenance, smart navigation, and impressive cleaning capabilities.

The rise of these devices comes just in time for summer, when sparkling blue water becomes more than a luxury, it’s a necessity.

“People desire convenience. They want a cleaner pool without having to spend weekends scrubbing or monitoring a machine,” explained George King, a pool tech expert with twenty years of experience in Florida. “Robotic pool cleaners used to be unreliable, but the newest models are smart, efficient, and dependable.”

What Modern Pool Robots Do

Unlike earlier plug-and-play versions that roamed aimlessly, today’s robotic cleaners utilize onboard mapping technology, app-based controls, and built-in sensors to ensure precise cleaning of every surface in the pool—walls, floor, waterline, and even the surface itself.

Some, like the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra, go even further.

Dubbed “the world’s first AI-powered 5-in-1 robotic pool cleaner,” the AquaSense 2 Ultra blends advanced AI navigation with 27 onboard sensors, a remote control app, and a natural water clarification system. The $3,550 unit features HybridSense™ AI Pool Mapping, adaptive debris detection, dual-side brushes, and a unique above-water auto-parking system for easy retrieval.

It’s also earned praise for going beyond basic cleaning.

“Since using this cleaner, I haven’t added any clarifiers,” said one verified buyer in an online review. “The water looks better, feels smoother, and even smells cleaner.”

Eco-Friendly and User-Friendly

Beyond scrubbing and suction, some robotic models now focus on sustainability. The AquaSense 2 Ultra, for example, automatically releases an eco-friendly clarifying agent made from natural crab shells that helps bind and filter fine particles.

It’s part of a growing push in the industry toward chemical-free cleaning.

“There’s been a shift toward green tech,” said King. “It’s not just about scrubbing the pool anymore—it’s about protecting swimmers’ skin, saving water, and using fewer harsh chemicals.”

Not Just for the Tech-Savvy

Though the price tags on these robots can reach well into the thousands, companies like Beatbot are offering payment plans and discounts. The AquaSense 2 Ultra is currently discounted to $3,150 with promo code 2ULTRA400OFF, and eligible groups, including healthcare workers and teachers, can receive an additional 3% off.

Still, for some buyers, the value lies in what they get back.

“It gives me back my weekends,” wrote another customer. “No more fishing out leaves or dragging hoses. I tap a button on the app, and it handles everything.”

Should You Get One?

Robotic pool cleaners may not replace professional cleanings entirely, but for day-to-day upkeep, they’re quickly becoming a must-have for pool owners—especially in warmer states like Florida where pools get year-round use.

Whether it’s basic vacuums under $500 or ultra-premium AI-powered bots like the AquaSense 2 Ultra, the message is clear: pool cleaning is no longer just a chore. It’s automated.