I need to buy a robotic pool cleaner, preferably one that operates independently of the pool filtering system. I don't know squat about them or swimming pools for that matter, so I could use some help from some of the more pool savvy folks. My pool is fairly small and I would like to keep the cost under $800 if at all possible. Any recommendations and/or advice?

 

I had one and loved it. I did have a separate pump for the vacuum, sorry but I can't remember the name. Best investment I made for my money pit in the ground.

 

Try this......Robotic pool cleaners

 

I have a Polaris and I can look up the model for you when I get home. It did need its own pump to run but it does a nice job. For the stairs and the swim out, I use a spa wand and I believe Polaris makes those to. Nothing like sitting by the pool and watching something else do the work!

 

I had a Polaris too, it worked ok, but you get what you pay for.
For 800 bucks you can get a pretty decent Aqua bot.

 

There are a number of good models as recommended above. Before I throw in my $.02 how is your pool constructed? Gunnite, vinyl liner, in gound, above ground?

 

^ It is an in-ground pool. I'm not sure, but it may be vinyl liner or fiberglass. The pool was already installed when I bought the house and I've never paid much attention to it.

 

The pool folks here in Dallas recommend the Kreepy Krauly. Can be connected to a pump or into your skimmer. For gunnite they recommend the Polaris.

 

I've got one of these:

http://dolphin.maytronics.com/en-gb/reside...hin-diagnostic/

It works very well and is in your price range. It doesn't work well for heavy debris but covers the entire pool and cleans the sides - even the vertical walls.

I had an AquaBot previously and while it worked well their service and technical support sucked.

 

^Except for the colors, that thing looks exactly like the Hayward Tiger Shark (Model # 9950) that I've been looking at on Amazon.