How Long do Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaners Batteries Last?
By Clark Rubber | 22nd October, 2025
If you are a pool owner you cannot escape the long debates about cordless robotic pool cleaners and how long does the battery actually last. Everyone has their word to say and we do too.
Let’s be honest, if you want a stress free, work free summer pool time, you need a robotic pool cleaner in your life. They take care of roughly 80% of your pool chores, which translates to more pool time with friends and family.
But one question always comes up: “But how long does the robotic pool cleaner battery actually last?”
A fair question, as after all, a cleaner that loses power after a year or struggles to hold charge halfway through summer defeats the whole idea of “set and forget.” Below you’ll find a rundown of our top cordless robotic pool cleaner and their battery life, how to make it last as long as possible.
Why does battery life matter for robotic pool cleaners?
If you buy a cordless robotic pool cleaner it is to gain convenience. If you end up having to charge it mid-clean, it would be a less than ideal experience.
Also inconsistent performance can lead to debris buildup, especially during the hotter months and may need you to manually intervene which we would like to avoid.
So battery life definitely matters because it will determine how long your robot can run on a single charge and help you determine which one is best suited for your pool.
Modern robotic pool cleaners brands use Lithium-ion batteries to power their cordless cleaners. These batteries are the backbones of your robot and provide high energy density, ensuring that the cleaners operate efficiently for extended periods.
Taking care of your robotic pool cleaner battery will ensure that you continue to enjoy powerful cleaning for the longest time possible.
6 things that will affect your robotic pool cleaners’ battery life?
Robotic pool cleaners are like any other electronic device, they perform best when they’re cared for properly. The battery life will depend on how they are used, how often and where they are stored.
Below are 6 things that have the biggest impact on your robotic pool cleaner battery life:
Number 1, your pool size and depth. The bigger and deeper your pool, the harder your robot has to work. Making sure you select the right Robot for your pool size is critical.
Number 2 is a little less obvious, but the surface of your pool will also have an impact on battery life. Pebblecrete, mosaic, or textured finishes create more friction than smooth tiles or fibreglass, meaning the cleaner’s motors need to push harder and use more power.
Number 3 is the amount of debris your pool accumulates. If your pool tends to have more leaves, fine sand, or dust, your robotic pool cleaner will need to run its suction motor at higher speeds to keep up. The more debris it picks up, the more energy it uses per cycle.
Number 4, the settings you choose. Most cordless robotic pool cleaners have multiple settings from eco or quick clean modes to deep-clean options. Deeper the cleaning, uses more suction and navigation power, so it naturally reduces runtime compared to lighter settings.
Number 5, how old is your cleaner. The older your robotic pool cleaner, the faster the battery will run out of juice. Over time, lithium-ion batteries slowly lose capacity. After about two to three seasons of regular use, you can expect around a 15–25% reduction in runtime.
Number 6, is the one most ignored and it is storage. It can easily be overlooked but how you store your robot between cleans has a big impact on battery health. Leaving it in the sun, in a hot shed, or sitting discharged for weeks can shorten battery life. For the best results, rinse it after use, dry it off, and store it in a cool, shaded spot.
How to maintain your robotic pool cleaner battery for the best performance, as long as possible?
To make your robotic pool cleaner's battery last as long as possible, it’s important to charge it properly, operate routine maintenance, and store it in good conditions.
Follow these guidelines to give your robotic pool cleaner’s battery the longest life possible:
- Always use the charger from the manufacturer. Using third-party chargers may damage the battery by delivering the wrong voltage or current.
- Always charge your robotic pool cleaner in a cool dry area, Avoid extreme temperatures low or high.
- Try to avoid overcharging and deep discharging. For most modern lithium-ion batteries, it's best to keep the charge level between 20% and 80%.
- Always ensure the charging port and contacts on the robot are completely dry before charging to prevent corrosion.
- Clean the filters after every use. When the filter gets clogged, the robot's motor has to work harder, which drains the battery faster.
- Empty and rinse the filter basket after each cleaning cycle to maximize efficiency.
- Rinse your robot with clean water after each use to remove any chemical residue from the pool water.
- Regularly clear tangled hair or other debris from the brushes, rollers, and wheels.
- If your cleaner has multiple settings, use the lower-power or "eco" mode for routine maintenance and only use the "turbo" or high-power mode for heavy-duty cleaning.
- For optimal performance, run your robot in water between 18°C and 32°C. Very hot or cold water reduces the battery's efficiency.
- Store properly during the off-season. If you are storing your cleaner for an extended period, charge the battery to about 50%. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, and check the charge level every few months.
- After the final cleaning of the season, make sure the unit and its battery compartment are completely dry before putting it into storage.
- Use protective accessories. A storage caddy or cover can help protect the robot from damage when not in use.
How Long Do Cordless Robot Pool Cleaner Batteries Last per Charge?
You can expect a wide range of battery runtimes when shopping for a cordless robotic pool cleaner, with operating times extending from as little as 60 minutes to well over 3 hours.
The actual runtime is influenced by the price, the manufacturer's brand, and the features considered standard for that model.
There is no one-size-fits-all. Generally, the longer-lasting batteries are found in premium units that also include advanced technologies like intelligent navigation and wall-scrubbing.
This broad spectrum of performance ensures you can find a cleaner suitable for quick daily cleanings or lengthy, thorough, whole-pool sessions.
Most modern robotic pool cleaners take about 3-6 hours to recharge, so you can do a full clean in the morning and a quick skim again later in the day if needed.
Aiper Cordless Pool Cleaners battery life
If you’ve been following the rise of cordless robotic pool cleaners, you’ve probably seen Aiper pop up again and again and for good reason.
This brand has completely changed what Aussie families can expect from a cordless cleaner.
They’re sleek, easy to use, and built for everyday convenience. You literally turn them on, drop them in, and walk away. Here’s a quick look at the lineup:
Aiper Scuba SE – $239.00
The Aiper Scuba SE is the entry level, lightweight, grab-and-go robotic cleaner from Aiper. It is perfect for small above-ground or plunge pools. With a 90 minutes runtime, you can easily drop it in every day for light daily maintenance.
Aiper Surfer S1 – $549.00
The Aiper Surfer S1 is what we call a skimmer.
It is designed for surface cleaning as it quietly glides along the water, collecting floating leaves, insects, and debris before they sink. A skimmer works great as an addition to a deep robotic pool cleaner.
With two charging methods, solar and DC charging your skimmer will work relentlessly to keep your pools crystal clear.
Fully charged the Aiper Surfer S1 glides across the surface of your pool, picking up all types of floating debris, for up to 20 hours.
Aiper Surfer S2 – $749.00
The big brother of Surfer S1 with more cleaning power, an added Debrisguard, a chlorine dispenser, and longer battery-life, your pool will stay debris free for 35 hours.
The dual solar and DC charging means that if the sun is out, your Surfer 2 can work around the clock.
The improved suction and navigation makes it perfect for medium-sized pools needing a more thorough clean.
The Surfer S2 is also the first skimmer with App Control which means you can control it from wherever you are .
Aiper Scuba S1 2025 Model (Clark Rubber Exclusive) - $999.00
Aiper’s latest cordless cleaner is a showstopper when convenience is your top priority.
It kept its sleek design but added more features and capabilities with dual filtration, app settings and smart navigation.
These features combined with an impressive 180-minutes runtime push the cordless boundaries.
This model is the perfect balance between power, convenience, and value.
Aiper Scuba S1 Pro – $1,499.00
Now we are entering the big weight arena. The Scuba S1 pro is a serious upgrade for in-ground or larger pools.
With a battery life of 180 minutes, it’s powerful suction, wall-climbing ability, and app control will give you a spotless pool with minimum effort.
Aiper Scuba X1 – $2,499.00
The Scuba X1 pro is one of Aiper’s most advanced models.
It offers precision cleaning, adaptive suction, and pushes the runtime to 180 minutes on a full charge.
If your pool is on the larger side, you might want to consider this one.
Aiper Scuba X1 Pro Max – $3,499.00
Ok, the Aiper Scuba X1 Pro Max is a beast!
With up to 12 hours in surface-only mode, 5.5 hours for floor cleaning (including SuperEco mode), and 5 hours for deep cleaning, we are in a premium category!
The robot is compatible with all pool shapes and materials, including concrete, fiberglass, vinyl, tiles, and more.
If your budget allows it, this is the ultimate Aiper robotic pool cleaner.
The advanced AI navigation “wave path” with a built-in camera and sensors for top-to-bottom cleaning and, Max Power Cleaning boasting 8,500 GPH of suction power, will give your pool the elite cleaning treatment.
How to keep your Aiper robotic pool cleaner at top capacity for the longest possible time.
Charge:
Avoid leaving them fully drained for long periods.
Aiper cordless pool cleaners use high-capacity lithium-ion batteries that perform best when they’re recharged soon after each clean. So make sure you plug it back as soon as it is out of your pool.
Even if not totally flat, giving it a short top-up charge between sessions is a good habit to keep it at optimal performance.
Storage:
Always store your Aiper in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, and make sure the charging port is completely dry before plugging it in.
Warranty:
All Aiper cordless models come with at least a 12-month warranty, giving you peace of mind that your machine will be taken care of if there is any issue. Check-out their website for more information: https://aiper.com/us/refund-and-warranty
Dolphin cordless robotic pool cleaners battery life:
If you need an intro to Dolphin, then you are really only starting your journey into robotic pool cleaners and we would recommend checking out this article first: Comparing the best robotic pool cleaners for 2025.
For the rest, no need to introduce Dolphin as they are probably the most known when it comes to robotic pool cleaners and one of the most trusted names in the industry.
You can rely on their precision engineering and decades of experience to deliver strong suction, smart navigation, and exceptional reliability.
The Liberty range brings Dolphin’s legendary cleaning performance to families who want cordless convenience with the premium results
Dolphin Liberty 200 – $1,999.00
The Dolphin Liberty 200 is your entry point into premium cordless cleaning for small and medium pools (up to 10m). It cleans floors, walls and can last 120 minutes on a default cycle time. It delivers when it comes to power and active scrubbing for a spotless finish.
If you value performance and you are already familiar with Dolphin robotic pools cleaners, then this might be your ticket to convenience.
It comes with a two-year warranty, including coverage for the battery.
Dolphin Liberty 400 - $2,699.00
The Dolphin Liberty 400 takes everything people love about Dolphin cleaners and adds cordless convenience, smart navigation, app connectivity, wall-climbing performance, and advanced “Click-Up” retrieval for easy handling.
It guarantees a 150 minutes-runtime on a regular cleaning cycle, advanced cleaning capabilities with dual scrubbing brushes, scrubs your pool floor, walls, waterline, and sunledge.
It comes with a 3 years warranty including battery coverage for your peace of mind.
----> Clark Rubber tip: Both the Liberty 200 and Liberty 400 give you the freedom of cordless cleaning backed by Dolphin’s trusted engineering. If you value performance and peace of mind, these models are among the most reliable on the market.
How to make sure your Dolphin Liberty battery lasts as long as possible?
Charge: As a general rule of thumb to keep them in top condition, fully recharge after each use and make sure the cleaner is completely dry before charging.
Storage: Again no direct sun or humidity. Make sure your Dolphin is stored indoors in a well ventilated area.
Warranty: Dolphin robots all have warranties ranging from 12 to 36 months. If you end up choosing one of their models, make sure you register it with the brand Here so you can get all the latest news regarding your robot.
Following these steps will keep your Dolphin performing safely and reliably season after season.
How Long Before I Have to Replace My Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner?
How long you can keep your cleaner in top performing condition will depend on your pool, your habits, and how you look after it. But generally speaking, the average life expectancy is 3–7 years, with higher-end models lasting longer with proper care.
A cleaner used daily in a large, dirty pool will wear out faster than one used occasionally in a clean pool.
Maintaining your robotic pool cleaner in good condition means regular cleaning of the filter after each use and storing the unit properly and away from UV light which is a major enemy of the plastic components on any pool equipment.
Storing the cleaner in a cool, shaded area when not in use is critical.
At the end of the day, your cordless robotic pool cleaner’s life comes down to how you use and care for it. Most will easily last you several seasons
The great news is, Aiper and Dolphin both make maintenance straightforward, with warranties and service options that keep you covered.
For most Aussie backyards, a cordless robotic pool cleaner is the perfect middle ground, powerful enough to keep your pool spotless, but simple enough that you don’t need to think about it.
If you’re not sure which one’s right for your pool, just pop into your local Clark Rubber and we’ll walk you through it.