One of the most common and frustrating problems that pool owners face is the growth of algae. It not only makes the pool look unsightly, but it also contaminates your swimming pool equipment and decreases the pool's circulation and sanitation.

But fear not, as keeping your pool clean doesn't have to be a difficult task. The most efficient, easy, and cost-effective way to clean your pool and keep it free of dirt and algae is by using a robotic pool cleaner. These machines are designed to collect everything from leaves to fine debris, and even the most stubborn algae. They are the ultimate solution for total pool cleaning.

A robotic pool cleaner is an essential tool for any pool owner, providing an easy and efficient way to keep your pool in top condition. With the ability to clean all types of dirt, a robotic pool cleaner is a must-have for anyone who wants to enjoy a sparkling clean pool without the hassle of manual cleaning.

What to Look for When Buying a Robotic Pool Cleaner for Algae or Leaves

When it comes to keeping a pool clean and free of leaves and debris, a robotic pool cleaner is a great option. However, before purchasing one, there are a few things to consider.

Ultra-Fine Filter

The most important thing to look for is an ultra-fine filter. This filter is made of a high surface filter that is able to trap fine debris and algae. On most robotic pool cleaners, the filters are made of mesh which allow for small particles to flow through and out of the filter. But not with an ultra-fine filter.

The ultra-fine filter captures debris as small as 2 microns. This filter is only included in select robotic pool cleaners, so be careful when purchasing. Pool cleaners such as the Dolphin Sigma or Dolphin Quantum. If you want the ultra-fine filter and even more filter options, check out one of my favorites I've tested Dolphin Premier. It is the only Dolphin pool cleaner with a leaf bag and a total of three filter options included that you can swap out in just seconds.

Waterline Cleaning

Almost as vital as an ultra-fine filter is waterline cleaning. This is what will save you the most time. Most pool cleaners only clean the floors and part of the walls. Waterline cleaning allows the robot to not only climb to the top of the walls, but to scrub away where the walls meet the waterline, dislodging debris and algae at the scumline.

Now that we've dived into what to look for in a robotic pool cleaner, let's jump into the best pool robots for algae.

Top Robotic Pool Cleaners for Algae

1. Dolphin Premier

The Dolphin Premier is considered the best robotic pool cleaner for removing algae thanks to Multi-Media and commercial-grade motors. One of its key strengths is its ability to scrub floors and walls thoroughly and effectively, ensuring that even the most stubborn algae is removed.

Multi-media plays a huge role in this ability. Unlike other Dolphin cleaners, it includes three filter options right out of the box: ultra-fine filter (vital for algae removal), a leaf bag, and the standard mesh milter. The ultra-fine filter works to capture even the smallest particles, including algae, from the water. This means that the water is left crystal clear, helping keep your pool free from any algae. When it is time to clean, Premier will even alert you with it's Media-Alert which indicates it is time to clean Dolphin Premier's filters.

Now, what makes the Premier #1 is the ability for its filter types to be switched in seconds. If you have a ton of fine algae, you'll want the ultrafine filters. But if later in the fall you have a bunch of leaves in your pool, you can easily switch over to the Dolphin Premier's Leaf Bag. Dolphin advertises it as the only Dolphin with a leaf bag, and in our testing, it performs better than all of the other Maytronics cleaners we have tested.

• Complete Pool Coverage: Floors, Wall, and Waterline
• Multi-Media - Four Filter Options: Oversized Leaf Bag, Ultra-fine, Standard Mesh Filter, and (Sold Seperately) Disposable Debris Bag
• Eliminate Algae, Dirt, Debris, and Leaves with its Oversized Ultra-Fine Filter Cartridges and Leaf Bag
• Best Robot for Algae and Leaves
• Programmable Smart Timer: Schedule Cleanings to Automatically Run
• Media Alert: Let's you know when it is time to clean Premier's filters
• SmartNav 3.0 - Robotic Scanning Software

Read our full Dolphin Premier Review here.

2. Dolphin Sigma

The Dolphin Sigma ranks as one of our top robotic pool cleaners overall, so there is no doubt the Sigma is up at the top for the best pool robots for algae. Once again, the Dolphin Sigma includes an ultra-fine filter that will help remove the algae in your pool.

The ultra-fine filter cleans particles as small as 2 microns in your pool. What would normally pass through the standard mesh filters included in other Dolphin cleaners gets caught in Sigma's ultrafine filter. With Dual Oversized Cartridges, it cleans algae, leaves, and anything else you throw at it.

Sigma also includes the myDolphin Plus app, which allows you to schedule daily cleanings at anytime of the day. Whether you want it to clean at 8am Saturday and 5pm Thursday night, the Dolphin Sigma makes that happen. It also has a nice touch of keeping its cleaning history and lets you know how many gallons of water it filters over the course of its lifetime - a nice touch we loved to see.

• Complete Pool Coverage: Floors, Wall, and Waterline
• Two Filter Options Included: Ultra-fine and Standard Mesh Filter
• Eliminate Algae, Dirt, Debris, and Leaves with its Oversized Ultra-Fine Dual Filter Cartridges
• myDolphin Plus App: Enchanced Cleaning Scheduling
• Gyroscope: Enable Sigma to Clean with Precision
• SmartNav 3.0 - Robotic Scanning Software

Read our full Dolphin Sigma Review here.

3. Dolphin Quantum

Lastly, another fan favorite, the Dolphin Quantum. Once again, it includes the ultra-fine filter, but this time it is an ultra-fine filter basket. So if you want an easy to clean top-loading filter basket, this is the robot for you.

Equipped with waterline cleaning, programmable weekly smart timer, two filter options (fine and ultrafine filter basket), and more, the Dolphin Quantum is a fantastic option for any swimming pool owner. It will help eliminate not only algae, but leaves, dirt, and other debris from your swimming pol.

With full pool coverage, the Quantum cleans your floor, walls, and waterline through two powerful dual scrubbing brushes.

• Complete Pool Coverage: Floors, Wall, and Waterline
• Eliminate Algae, Dirt, Debris, and Leaves with its Oversized Ultra-Fine Filter Basket
• Programmable Smart Timer: Schedule Cleanings to Automatically Run
• SmartNav 2.0 - Robotic Scanning Software
• Standard Filter Basket Panels also included

Read our full Dolphin Quantum Review here.

Most Common Types of Algae

When it comes to maintaining a swimming pool, one of the most frustrating issues to deal with is algae. There are several types of algae that can grow in a pool, each with its own unique characteristics and methods of removal.

• Green Algae - One of the most common types of algae found in pools. It appears on steps and corners, where circulation and filtration are least effective. Green algae can spread quickly, accelerated by sunlight, so it should be removed as soon as possible. The best way to remove green algae is through super chlorination, which sanitizes a polluted pool. Regular maintenance during swim season, such as keeping the pool clean of plant and other debris, can also help prevent green algae from growing in the first place.

• Yellow Algae - Also known as “mustard algae” is another common type of algae found in pools. It doesn’t spread as fast as green algae, but it’s more challenging to remove. Brushing will only remove the layer of slime over the algae, so a more effective method of removal is super chlorination. Keeping the pool clean of floating debris, running the pump more often, and frequent testing for chemical balance can also help prevent yellow algae from growing in the first place.

• Black Algae - It is native to lakes and ponds, and can thrive in a neglected pool. This type of algae is not coated in protective slime, which means it can penetrate deeper into the hard surfaces of your pool. To remove black algae, use a stainless-steel brush on it before applying sanitizers.

• Pink Algae - While pink algae is relatively easy to maintain, as it usually appears at the waterline or PVC surfaces, like piping. A white-water mold sometimes accompanies it. Simple maintenance like regular brushing and sanitizing should keep it away. If pink algae get out of control, the usual procedure is to remove it and then administer a calcium hypochlorite shock.

To remove algae from a pool, it is important to identify the type of algae present and use the appropriate method of removal. Regular maintenance and proper chemical balance can also help prevent algae from growing in the first place. But to help maintain and remove algae, you'll likely want to buy a robotic pool cleaner with an ultra-fine filter. Without the ultra-fine filter, the robot may not be able to pickup the algae present in your swimming pool. So here are our Top 3 robotic pool cleaners for algae.