Quick answer
An in-ground shortlist must distinguish surface compatibility, dimensions and waterline coverage; wall climbing alone is insufficient.
Research shortlist
An in-ground shortlist must distinguish surface compatibility, dimensions and waterline coverage; wall climbing alone is insufficient.
| Product | Research use case | Sourced features | Decision limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aiper Scuba S1 | Pool length | Pool type: In-ground; Maximum pool area: 1,600 sq ft (150 m²); 50 ft length; Wall cleaning: Yes | Aiper lists a 50 ft limit; Hayward specifies up to 20 × 40 ft. Check the exact dimensions before purchase. |
| Hayward SharkVac XL (RC9740WCCUB) | Finish | Pool type: Gunite, vinyl, fiberglass, pebble and tile surfaces; Maximum pool area: Up to 20 × 40 ft pool (manufacturer dimensions; area not inferred); Wall cleaning: Yes | Hayward names gunite, vinyl, fiberglass, pebble and tile; obtain confirmation for any unlisted finish. |
| Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus w/Wi-Fi | Floor-wall transition | Pool type: In-ground; Wall cleaning: Yes; Waterline cleaning: No | Ask about curves, ledges and steps in your pool; a wall-cleaning claim does not document every geometry. |
What to check before buying
| Decision factor | What to establish |
|---|---|
| Pool length | Aiper lists a 50 ft limit; Hayward specifies up to 20 × 40 ft. Check the exact dimensions before purchase. |
| Finish | Hayward names gunite, vinyl, fiberglass, pebble and tile; obtain confirmation for any unlisted finish. |
| Floor-wall transition | Ask about curves, ledges and steps in your pool; a wall-cleaning claim does not document every geometry. |
| Waterline requirement | The documented Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi record does not include waterline cleaning, unlike the Aiper and Hayward candidates. |
Aiper Scuba S1
Why it belongs here: For pool length, the US record documents Pool type: In-ground; Maximum pool area: 1,600 sq ft (150 m²); 50 ft length; Wall cleaning: Yes; Waterline cleaning: Yes.
Who should consider it: Buyers assessing pool length who can meet the documented Aiper Scuba S1 installation and operating requirements.
Before choosing: Aiper lists a 50 ft limit; Hayward specifies up to 20 × 40 ft. Check the exact dimensions before purchase.
Evidence limit: Aiper Scuba S1 is assessed for pool length using manufacturer documentation; this does not establish a comparative debris-pickup test result.
Full sourced specification recordHayward SharkVac XL (RC9740WCCUB)
Why it belongs here: For finish, the US record documents Pool type: Gunite, vinyl, fiberglass, pebble and tile surfaces; Maximum pool area: Up to 20 × 40 ft pool (manufacturer dimensions; area not inferred); Wall cleaning: Yes; Waterline cleaning: Yes.
Who should consider it: Buyers assessing finish who can meet the documented Hayward SharkVac XL (RC9740WCCUB) installation and operating requirements.
Before choosing: Hayward names gunite, vinyl, fiberglass, pebble and tile; obtain confirmation for any unlisted finish.
Evidence limit: Hayward SharkVac XL (RC9740WCCUB) is assessed for finish using manufacturer documentation; this does not establish a comparative debris-pickup test result.
Full sourced specification recordDolphin Nautilus CC Plus w/Wi-Fi
Why it belongs here: For floor-wall transition, the US record documents Pool type: In-ground; Wall cleaning: Yes; Waterline cleaning: No.
Who should consider it: Buyers assessing floor-wall transition who can meet the documented Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus w/Wi-Fi installation and operating requirements.
Before choosing: Ask about curves, ledges and steps in your pool; a wall-cleaning claim does not document every geometry.
Evidence limit: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus w/Wi-Fi is assessed for floor-wall transition using manufacturer documentation; this does not establish a comparative debris-pickup test result.
Full sourced specification recordHow we chose
Selection centres on pool length, finish, floor-wall transition, waterline requirement. An in-ground shortlist must distinguish surface compatibility, dimensions and waterline coverage; wall climbing alone is insufficient. This is source-based research, not a hands-on test or star-rated ranking.
Read the complete methodologyCommon questions
Does wall cleaning include the waterline?
Not necessarily. The documented Dolphin model climbs walls but lists no waterline cleaning.
Can I use pool area alone to size a robot?
No. Cable reach, length, depth and obstructions can limit access even when the area seems suitable.
Sources and verification
Official documentation consulted 5 October 2026. Specifications are manufacturer statements, not independent measurements. Check the exact regional model before buying.
- Aiper Scuba S1 — US current product specifications
- Aiper Scuba S1 — US current official store
- Hayward SharkVac XL (RC9740WCCUB) — US exact variant brochure
- Hayward SharkVac XL (RC9740WCCUB) — Official manual
- Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus w/Wi-Fi — US exact SKU specifications and price
- Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus w/Wi-Fi — Manufacturer CleverClean description
