Robotic pool cleaners are fantastic at keeping floors and walls spotless—but steps? That’s where things get tricky. Pool steps have tight corners, changing angles, and shallower water, making them harder for most robots to navigate. If you’ve ever noticed debris collecting on your steps while the rest of your pool looks perfect, you’re not alone.
In this guide, we’ll cover why steps are challenging for robots, the features that help cleaners handle them better, and the top models in 2025 that do the best job on these problem areas.
Why Steps Challenge Robotic Cleaners
Most robotic cleaners are designed to work best on large, open surfaces—like the pool floor and walls. Steps present a few challenges:
- Small surface area: Robots can have trouble “locking in” on a step’s surface long enough to clean it.
- Shallow depth: Some units require deeper water to maintain suction and traction.
- Multiple edges: The vertical riser and horizontal tread require different angles of contact.
- Navigation limits: Many robots prioritize larger areas and skip over small sections to save time.
This doesn’t mean steps can’t be cleaned by a robot—it just means you need the right design and features to get the job done.
Features That Help with Step Cleaning
- Advanced navigation: Allows the robot to detect and approach steps intentionally.
- Active brushing: Brushes that spin or oscillate to dislodge debris in tight areas.
- Strong wall-climbing ability: The same tech that handles walls often works for step risers.
- Compact body design: Smaller robots can maneuver better on steps.
- Multi-surface traction: Rubber tracks or high-grip wheels to stay stable on different step materials.
Top Robotic Pool Cleaners for Steps in 2025
1. Dolphin Premier – Best Overall for Steps and All-Around Cleaning
The Dolphin Premier is built with powerful dual scrubbing brushes, advanced navigation, and strong suction. It’s one of the few cleaners that can handle a variety of pool shapes and features—including steps—by deliberately covering all surfaces. Its interchangeable filter options let you switch to a leaf bag for larger debris or a fine filter for silt and sand that often collects on steps.
2. Polaris 9650iQ Sport – Great for Complex Steps
This model’s four-wheel drive system and smart navigation allow it to handle complicated pool shapes, including steps and benches. It has a large filter canister, strong suction, and the ability to climb and scrub edges. While no robot gets every inch of every step, the 9650iQ comes closer than most thanks to its maneuverability and targeted cleaning modes.
3. Dolphin Sigma – Best for Large Pools with Multiple Step Areas
The Sigma offers triple motors, high-traction tracks, and advanced scanning technology. It’s especially good in larger pools where steps are spread out or integrated into different areas. It climbs, scrubs, and navigates transitions between floor and steps more effectively than most mid-range models.
4. Aiper Seagull Pro – Best Cordless Option
The Aiper Seagull Pro is a cordless robotic cleaner with wall-climbing ability and rotating brushes that help with step cleaning. While it may not match the deep scrubbing power of wired models, its cordless design makes it easier to position and run around steps without cord tangles. Great for small to mid-sized pools with basic step configurations.
5. Dolphin Quantum – Best for Fine Debris on Steps
If your steps collect fine particles like sand, dust, or silt, the Dolphin Quantum’s extra-large top-loading fine filter basket will be your best friend. Its PowerJet 3D Mobility system increases its agility, helping it make better contact with angled or curved step areas.
Tips for Better Step Cleaning with Any Robot
- Run the cleaner more frequently during heavy debris seasons to prevent buildup.
- Start the robot near the steps to encourage early cleaning in that area.
- Occasionally brush steps manually to loosen stubborn dirt for the robot to pick up.
- If your model allows, select a “wall” or “waterline” mode—many will clean step risers in this mode.
What to Expect—And What Not To
Even the best robotic pool cleaner may not cover every square inch of every step in every cycle. This is normal. Because steps are small and elevated, most robots will clean a portion of them each run. Over multiple cycles, however, you’ll notice steps staying much cleaner overall compared to manual-only cleaning.
Quick Comparison Guide
- Dolphin Premier: Best overall coverage and flexibility for steps, walls, and floors.
- Polaris 9650iQ Sport: Agile handling for complex step layouts.
- Dolphin Sigma: Ideal for large pools with multiple step zones.
- Aiper Seagull Pro: Cordless convenience with good wall and step coverage.
- Dolphin Quantum: Great for fine debris and improved maneuverability on steps.
Final Thoughts
Pool steps are one of the trickiest areas for any robotic cleaner, but in 2025, several models handle them surprisingly well. For all-around performance, the Dolphin Premier is hard to beat. If you have complex or unusual steps, the Polaris 9650iQ Sport’s agility stands out. For larger pools with multiple sets of steps, the Dolphin Sigma is a smart choice, while the cordless Aiper Seagull Pro offers freedom from cords. And if fine debris is your main issue, the Dolphin Quantum delivers excellent filtration with solid step performance.
Choose the robot that fits your pool’s step style, size, and debris load, and you’ll spend far less time scrubbing and far more time enjoying your pool—steps included.