poolcleanerreviews

Robotic pool cleaner review

Polaris P965iQ Robotic Pool Cleaner with iAquaLink

6.2FairValue 1.1/10
CordedWallsWaterline?Skims surfaceWi-FiBluetooth?Navigation n/a

Spec-based review: scored from Polaris's published specifications with the same weights as every other robotic cleaner. Not a hands-on test. How we score.

Our take

The Polaris P965iQ Robotic Pool Cleaner with iAquaLink is a corded robotic pool cleaner from Polaris. It cleans the floor and walls, navigates in a pattern its maker doesn’t describe, and connects to its app over Wi-Fi. Its cable is 70 ft long.

On paper it scores 6.2 out of 10 (fair) against other robotic cleaners. Its strongest areas are runtime (8.5) and app & connectivity (8.5). Where it gives ground: navigation (4.0) and filtration (4.5). The maker doesn’t say how it navigates.

The best price we found is $1,099 at Leslie's. The typical robotic cleaner we track costs $899, so this one is pricier than most. For what it does, its value score is 1.1 out of 10.

If you want mapping navigation, the cheapest we track with it is the Dreame Z1 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner at $349.99.

If you want surface skimming, the cheapest we track with it is the Beatbot Sora 70 Robotic Pool Cleaner at $1,199.

To spend less for nearly the same spec score, the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Robotic Pool Cleaner rates 9.0 for $799.

For about the same money, the Beatbot AquaSense Robotic Pool Cleaner scores higher (8.7) at $799.

Bottom line: a fair pick for scheduling and checking on cleans from your phone.

Pros

  • +Climbs and cleans the walls, not just the floor.
  • +Wi-Fi app: schedule and start cleans from anywhere.
  • +Top-access filter basket: no bag to wash out.
  • +Comes with a caddy cart.

Cons

  • −The maker doesn’t say how it navigates.
  • −Corded: the floating cable can tangle and needs the occasional untwist.
  • −Filter fineness isn’t stated.
  • −Heavy to lift out at 41 lb.
  • −In-ground pools only.

Best for

  • Scheduling and checking on cleans from your phone

Skip it if

  • You want the fastest full-pool coverage
  • A cord across the pool bothers you
  • You have an above-ground pool

Where to buy the P965iQ

StoreCheckedBuy
Leslie's$1,099—todayView deal
In The Swim$1,099—todayView deal

Similar-priced alternatives

8.4

BWT AQUABOT Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner

Aquabot · Robotic · value 6.2/10

CordlessWallsWaterlineSkims surfaceWi-FiBluetoothMapping nav
  • +Maps the pool, using Ultrasonic mapping (gyroscope), so it covers the floor methodically instead of bouncing around.
  • +Climbs the walls and scrubs the waterline, where the scum line forms.

$1,099

at Leslie's

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6.4

Dolphin Explorer E30 Wi-Fi Robotic Pool Cleaner

Maytronics Dolphin · Robotic · value 1.6/10

CordedWallsWaterlineSkims surfaceWi-FiBluetooth?Navigation n/a
  • +Climbs the walls and scrubs the waterline, where the scum line forms.
  • +Wi-Fi app: schedule and start cleans from anywhere.

$1,099

at Home Depot

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6.3

Dolphin LIBERTY 300 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner

Maytronics Dolphin · Robotic · value 1.3/10

CordlessWallsWaterlineSkims surfaceWi-FiBluetoothNavigation n/a
  • +Climbs the walls and scrubs the waterline, where the scum line forms.
  • +Cordless: no cable to tangle or drape across the pool.

$1,099

at INYO Pools

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Compare the P965iQ with any cleaner →

Head to head: AQUABOT Cordless vs P965iQ · Explorer E30 vs P965iQ