poolcleanerreviews

Robotic pool cleaner review

Hayward SharkVac XL Robotic Pool Cleaner

6.1FairValue 0.5/10
CordedWallsWaterlineSkims surfaceWi-FiBluetoothSystematic (gyro) nav

Spec-based review: scored from Hayward's published specifications with the same weights as every other robotic cleaner. Not a hands-on test. How we score.

Our take

The Hayward SharkVac XL Robotic Pool Cleaner is a corded robotic pool cleaner from Hayward. It cleans the floor, walls and waterline, navigates in a systematic pattern rather than at random, using smart steering technology, and has no app. Its cable is 60 ft long.

On paper it scores 6.1 out of 10 (fair) against other robotic cleaners. Its strongest areas are cleaning coverage (8.5) and runtime (8.5). Where it gives ground: app & connectivity (2.0) and warranty (4.0). Corded: the floating cable can tangle and needs the occasional untwist.

The best price we found is $1,599 at Leslie's. The typical robotic cleaner we track costs $899, so this one is pricier than most. For what it does, its value score is 0.5 out of 10.

If you want mapping navigation, the cheapest we track with it is the Dreame Z1 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner at $349.99.

If you want a Wi-Fi app, the cheapest we track with it is the Dreame Z1 Pro Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner at $399.99.

To spend less for nearly the same spec score, the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Robotic Pool Cleaner rates 9.0 for $799.

For about the same money, the Aiper Scuba X1 Pro Max Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner scores higher (9.5) at $1,699.99.

Bottom line: a fair robotic cleaner on paper.

Pros

  • +Cleans in a systematic pattern rather than at random, using smart steering technology.
  • +Climbs the walls and scrubs the waterline, where the scum line forms.

Cons

  • −Corded: the floating cable can tangle and needs the occasional untwist.
  • −No app or remote: settings are on the unit itself.
  • −Filter fineness isn’t stated.
  • −Only a 1-year warranty.
  • −In-ground pools only.

Skip it if

  • A cord across the pool bothers you
  • You have an above-ground pool

Where to buy the SharkVac XL

StoreCheckedBuy
Leslie'sW3RC9740WCCUB (no caddy)$1,599—todayView deal
In The SwimW3RC9740WCCUB (no caddy)$1,599—todayView deal
INYO PoolsW3RC9742WCCUBY (with caddy)$1,630.99—todayView deal
AmazonW3RC9740WCCUBlive—at clickCheck price

Similar-priced alternatives

7.3

Dolphin Nautilus Titan Wi-Fi Robotic Pool Cleaner

Maytronics Dolphin · Robotic · value 0.8/10

CordedWallsWaterlineSkims surfaceWi-FiBluetooth?Systematic (gyro) nav
  • +Cleans in a systematic pattern rather than at random.
  • +Climbs the walls and scrubs the waterline, where the scum line forms.

$1,599

at Maytronics Dolphin (US)

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8.2

WYBOT S2 Solar Vision Robotic Pool Cleaner

Wybot · Robotic · value 2.7/10

CordlessWallsWaterlineSkims surfaceWi-FiBluetoothSystematic (gyro) nav
  • +Cleans in a systematic pattern rather than at random, using AI Vision camera debris detection, auto return-to-dock.
  • +Climbs the walls and scrubs the waterline, where the scum line forms.

$1,599.99

at WYBOT−20%

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9.5

Aiper Scuba X1 Pro Max Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner

Aiper · Robotic · value 5.1/10

CordlessWallsWaterlineSkims surfaceWi-FiBluetooth?Mapping nav
  • +Maps the pool, using FlexiPath 2.0 + OmniSense+ 2.0 ultrasonic 360-degree pool mapping, so it covers the floor methodically instead of bouncing around.
  • +Climbs the walls and scrubs the waterline, where the scum line forms.

$1,699.99

at Aiper−6%

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Compare the SharkVac XL with any cleaner →

Head to head: SharkVac XL vs Nautilus Titan · SharkVac XL vs S2 Solar Vision