A crystal-clear pool is the highlight of any backyard. But if you’ve ever battled floating leaves, stubborn dirt, or algae blooms, you know keeping it that way takes work. The right pool cleaner can change everything—saving you time, reducing wear on your pump and filter, and making pool care almost effortless.
The sweet spot for many homeowners is the under-$700 range. At this price point, you’ll find powerful cleaners packed with advanced features that rival high-end models—without pushing into four-figure territory.
Why Spending a Bit More Can Save You Time (and Headaches)
It’s tempting to stick with the cheapest cleaner you can find, but a mid-range investment often pays for itself. Higher-quality cleaners cover more surfaces, handle more debris types, and require less babysitting. They can also improve circulation by keeping water moving during cleaning cycles, which helps maintain balanced chemistry.
And perhaps most importantly—they free up your weekends for actual swimming instead of skimming and scrubbing.
What You Can Expect for Under $700
Moving into this range gets you more sophisticated cleaning capabilities. Typical features include:
- Full pool coverage – Cleans floors, walls, steps, and often the waterline.
- Smart navigation systems – Avoids missed spots and optimizes cleaning routes.
- Multiple cleaning modes – From quick touch-ups to deep scrubs.
- High-capacity filtration – Handles fine particles and large debris in one go.
- Durable build – Designed for several seasons of regular use.
Top Pool Cleaners Under $700
Dolphin Triton PS Robotic Pool Cleaner
The Dolphin Triton PS is a standout robotic cleaner for in-ground pools up to 50 feet. It’s equipped with a powerful active brush system that spins twice as fast as standard brushes, making it effective at loosening algae and dirt. Its large top-load filter basket traps everything from leaves to fine dust.
- Active brushing for deep cleaning
- Two-hour cleaning cycle
- Top-load basket for easy debris removal
At around $699, it’s a solid choice for pool owners who want reliable, thorough cleaning without stepping into premium pricing.
Polaris 3900 Sport Pressure-Side Cleaner
The Polaris 3900 Sport combines pressure-side cleaning power with a large-capacity debris bag, making it perfect for pools with heavy leaf fall or other large debris. It operates with a booster pump, scrubbing surfaces and vacuuming debris without overloading your main filter.
- Large debris bag with zipper closure
- Stainless steel chain drive for durability
- Enhanced vacuum power for quicker cleanup
It’s built for heavy-duty work and can tackle just about anything that blows or falls into your pool.
Dolphin Cayman Robotic Pool Cleaner
The Dolphin Cayman is a robotic cleaner that focuses on energy efficiency and strong scrubbing action. With its lightweight design and ergonomic handle, it’s easy to remove from the pool, and the Quick Water Release system means you won’t wrestle with extra weight.
- Single active brush for effective scrubbing
- Energy-efficient 2-hour cleaning cycle
- Lightweight for easy handling
It’s a great match for medium-sized pools and owners who want simple operation paired with strong cleaning power.
Robotic vs. Pressure-Side: Which Fits Your Pool?
Robotic cleaners operate independently of your pool’s pump, using their own motors and onboard filtration. They excel at removing fine particles, are energy-efficient, and often feature smart navigation. Pressure-side cleaners use water pressure from a booster pump to move around and capture debris in a separate bag—ideal for larger debris loads and heavy seasonal cleanups.
Here’s the general rule:
- Go robotic if you want minimal setup, superior fine debris removal, and programmable cycles.
- Go pressure-side if you regularly deal with leaves, twigs, or seed pods and want to keep debris out of your pool filter.
How to Get the Most from Your Cleaner
Whichever type you choose, these tips will help you maximize its performance and lifespan:
- Empty debris baskets or bags after each cleaning session
- Rinse brushes, wheels, and filters with fresh water
- Check moving parts for wear or damage every month
- Store your cleaner in a shaded, dry location when not in use
Consistent care ensures your investment keeps delivering season after season.
Final Thoughts
The under-$700 category offers some of the most capable cleaners on the market without hitting premium pricing. The Dolphin Triton PS brings thorough coverage and strong scrubbing action, the Polaris 3900 Sport is built for heavy debris, and the Dolphin Cayman offers a lightweight, efficient option for quick, reliable cleaning.
By matching the cleaner’s strengths to your pool’s unique challenges, you can turn maintenance from a chore into a simple part of your routine—leaving more time to enjoy your pool at its best.