If you’ve owned a pool for any length of time, you know the walls can be just as dirty as the floor. Algae, calcium buildup, and dirt love to cling to vertical surfaces where regular suction cleaners can’t reach. That’s why wall-climbing pool cleaners are a game changer—they don’t just vacuum the bottom, they scale your pool walls and often scrub the waterline too.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best wall-climbing pool cleaners in 2025, the features that make them effective, and tips for getting the most out of them.
Why Wall-Climbing Matters
Cleaning the walls is important for more than just looks:
- Prevents algae growth: Algae thrives on vertical surfaces where circulation is weaker.
- Removes sticky debris: Pollen, oils, and dirt cling to walls and can stain over time.
- Improves waterline appearance: Wall-climbing cleaners often scrub just under the coping, where scum tends to form.
Features to Look for in a Wall-Climbing Cleaner
- Strong traction: Rubber tracks or high-grip wheels help the cleaner stick to vertical surfaces.
- Powerful suction: Keeps the cleaner firmly attached while removing debris.
- Scrubbing brushes: Essential for loosening algae and stuck-on dirt.
- Smart navigation: Ensures the cleaner doesn’t waste time or miss sections of the pool.
Top Wall-Climbing Pool Cleaners in 2025
1. Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme – Best Overall
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme is a high-performance robotic cleaner with dual scrubbing brushes and excellent wall-climbing ability. It uses advanced navigation to cover every inch of your pool, including the floor, walls, and waterline. Its fine and ultra-fine filter options make it ideal for both dirt and algae removal.
2. Polaris F9550 Sport – Best for Precision Navigation
The Polaris F9550 Sport features a four-wheel drive system that allows it to climb walls and navigate tight corners with ease. It also scrubs the waterline, and its large filter canister means fewer stops to empty debris. The strong traction makes it reliable even on slick surfaces.
3. Dolphin Premier – Best for Versatility
The Dolphin Premier comes with multiple filter options and powerful wall-climbing capability. It can handle different debris sizes by switching between a leaf bag, fine cartridge, or ultra-fine filter. This makes it a great choice for pools with seasonal debris changes.
4. Aiper Seagull Pro – Best Cordless Option
The Aiper Seagull Pro is a cordless robotic cleaner with wall-climbing ability, making it more versatile than many cordless models. With up to 3 hours of runtime, it can handle medium to large pools without the hassle of a power cord.
5. Hayward AquaNaut 450 – Best Suction-Side Wall Climber
If you prefer a cleaner that uses your pool’s existing pump system, the Hayward AquaNaut 450 is a solid suction-side option with strong climbing performance. Its four-wheel design improves traction on vertical surfaces, and adjustable intake inlets help it capture a range of debris sizes.
Matching a Cleaner to Your Pool Type
- For maximum automation: Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme or Dolphin Premier.
- For large pools with varied surfaces: Polaris F9550 Sport.
- For cordless convenience: Aiper Seagull Pro.
- For pump-powered systems: Hayward AquaNaut 450.
Tips for Getting the Best Wall-Cleaning Results
- Brush stubborn algae spots before running the cleaner.
- Ensure your cleaner’s brushes are in good condition for maximum grip.
- Run your cleaner regularly to prevent heavy buildup.
- Check and clean filters after each use, especially during algae season.
Quick Comparison
- Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme: Dual scrubbing brushes, advanced navigation, premium wall cleaning.
- Polaris F9550 Sport: Four-wheel drive, strong traction, large debris capacity.
- Dolphin Premier: Interchangeable filters, great for all debris sizes.
- Aiper Seagull Pro: Cordless, wall climbing, long runtime.
- Hayward AquaNaut 450: Suction-side, strong climbing performance, adjustable intake.
Final Thoughts
Wall-climbing cleaners take pool maintenance to the next level by tackling one of the toughest areas to clean. The Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme offers the best overall performance, while the Polaris F9550 Sport excels in navigation and precision. The Dolphin Premier is a flexible choice for changing debris conditions, and the Aiper Seagull Pro gives you cordless convenience without losing climbing ability. If you prefer to use your pool’s pump system, the Hayward AquaNaut 450 is a dependable wall-climbing suction-side cleaner.
With the right wall-climbing cleaner, you’ll not only keep your pool looking spotless, but you’ll also make it harder for algae and stains to take hold—saving you both time and money in the long run.