The worst part of owning a swimming pool is taking care of it From filter maintenance and skimming debris from the surface to managing chemicals and more, you’ll likely find yourself hanging out around the water more often than you’re actually in the water. Robotic pool cleaners are designed to alleviate this pinch point of pool ownership by giving you back your time and automating most of your tasks.
But are robotic pool cleaners worth it, or are they a gimmick that still require heaps of manual input? Here’s a closer look to help you decide if one would be a good addition to your backyard.
Before going any further, it’s worth noting that robotic pool cleaners carry a variety of price tags. Some can be had for a few hundred bucks, while others soar over $1,000 in price. Unfortunately, most budget-friendly robotic pool cleaners aren’t a wise investment. These often lack the automation of more expensive robots, which results in spotty cleaning, components breaking down sooner than expected, or long runtimes. Some might also only clean the bottom of the pool and leave the sides to you, making them less enticing than expensive models that do it all. Be sure to check the specifics of your prospective product carefully, as the abilities of one pool cleaner can vary dramatically from those of another.
The big draw of robotic pool cleaners is that they free up your summer calendar. But if you live in a climate that allows your pool to stay clean and you’re only working on it a few minutes a week, you may not need to pick up a robot. However, many pool owners spend hours keeping their water in pristine condition — if that’s you, then robot pool cleaners can be worth it.
Not only do these robots save you time, but they could save you cash. A robotic pool cleaner can often replace professional pool cleaning services, which are both costly and inconvenient. Most people will find that a reliable robot vacuum will pay for itself over time, especially if the robot comes with a multiyear warranty.
While robotic pool cleaners might sound fully autonomous, they still require manual input. For example, many need to be plugged into an outlet and removed from the pool once the cleaning is complete, while others might need to be charged between cleaning cycles. Regardless of which model you buy, there’s a chance you’ll need to unclog filters or pull debris from wheels and motors. Those are menial tasks compared to a full pool cleaning, but it’s important to note that you can’t simply toss a robotic pool cleaner in the water and forget about it all summer.
As long as you buy one that’s reliable and loaded with premium features, robotic pool cleaners are worth the investment. Our roundup of the best robotic pool cleaners is a great place to start your search, as it’s filled with highly automated models that handle most tasks with limited user input. The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is a particular standout, as it’s capable of cleaning floors and walls, and it comes with an easy-to-access top-loading filter for quick maintenance. It can also clean most pools in less than two hours — so you can get the water prepped in the morning for an afternoon party.
Outdoor security cameras are not always practical if you live in an apartment or rental. Drilling into an exterior wall may be off-limits, while pointing a regular indoor camera through a window can create another problem once reflections start showing up after dark.
Baseus is trying to solve both issues with the new PrimeSentinel W1, a $69.99 security camera designed specifically to monitor the outdoors through glass. It mounts directly to a window without drilling and uses a 4K Starlight sensor with an F1.0 aperture for full-color monitoring during the day and at night.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
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With AI progressing so fast, it's only a matter of time before we start getting AI companions like the ones we used to see in movies like R2-D2, Wall-E, or Baymax. Now, Singapore-based OKA Technology has unveiled Mori, a cute little AI companion that looks less like a conventional home robot and more like someone turned the Pokémon Foongus into a table lamp.
Mori isn't meant to clean your house or control your smart home, but to serve as what OKA calls a "Nature Companion." It uses subtle movements, warm lighting, nature-inspired sounds, and small reactions to make its presence around the house feel calming rather than distracting. Mori can sit quietly while you read, sway along to music, welcome you when you enter a room, or encourage you to slow down for a moment without requiring a screen or a conversation.