If you have an above ground pool, the Aquabot Pool Rover S2-40 is one of the best robotic pool cleaners.
It cleans so much better than suction and pressure side cleaners do and it doesn’t need any complicated setup.
It’s cheaper than most other above ground pool robots without compromising on cleaning performance.
Read on for our full review.
If you are looking for a different Aquabot model, read our reviews of the best Aquabot pool cleaners.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Impressive cleaning performance.
- Swivel cable.
- Top-access filter bag with ultra-fine filtration.
Cons
- No scrubbing brush.
- Filter bag is tedious to clean.
Product Specifications
Specifications
- Weight: 22lbs
- Pool type: Above-ground pools up to 40 feet
- Mobility: Jet driven
- Pool scanning: No
- Swivel cable: Yes
- Filter type: Top loading filter bag
- Pool coverage: Floor, cove and partial wall
- Weekly scheduler: No
- Remote control: No
Best Features
1. Hydro-Robotic Technology
The Pool Rover S2-40 moves on free-spinning wheels. They are not connected to a motor, which would require complicated mechanical linkages and lots of breakable parts.
Instead, the robot uses the force of water existing the filter to move forward. Aquabot calls this Hydro-Robotic Technology.
It saves energy and makes the S2-40 much easier to maintain since it does not break down often.
2. Powerful Suction
With no power going to the wheels, the S2-40 focuses all its power on the onboard vacuum. At 80 gallons a minute, the S2-40 has better suction than even some large in-ground robotic pool cleaners.
The extra suction power is essential for cleaning because the robot lacks scrubbing brushes. So it relies only on suction to remove floating debris as well as the dirt stuck on the pool liner.
If it’s been some time since you cleaned the pool, it’s a good idea to quickly scrub it manually to dislodge the worst of the dirt and make it easier for the robot to vacuum it.
But for everyday cleaning, the S2-40 cleans the pool well enough even without brushes
3. Top-Access Ultra-Fine Filter
4. Good Coverage
Like most above ground pool cleaners, the Aquabot Pool Rover S2-40 is not meant to be a wall-climbing robot.
It focuses mostly on the floor.
But the S2-40 will also clean the cove and part of the wall as long as the floor to wall transition has at least a 6” radius.
It doesn’t climb 90-degree walls.
By the way, the Pool Rover S2-40 is safe for all types of above ground pool liners including vinyl.
5. Two-Cycle Options
Want a quick clean before the kids jump into the pool? Select the 1-hr option on the power unit.
Want a deeper clean? Select the 2-hour cycle.
Issues & Concerns
Takes Time to Get the Navigation Right
The Pool Rover S2-40 doesn’t have pool scanning algorithms. It doesn’t even have pre-programmed patterns.
Instead, you adjust the pin in the front axle to make sure the robot doesn’t just move in a straight line back and forth.
It takes some trial and error to adjust the pin properly so that the robot covers the entire pool.
No Scrubbing Brushes
The S2-40 doesn’t have anything, a beater or brushes, to agitate stuck dirt for easier vacuuming. For pools with lots of algae and dirt stuck on the floor, the Rover may not provide a thorough cleaning.
That’s why we recommend doing some manual pre-scrubbing if your pool is filthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the Pool Rover S2-40 and Pool Rover Junior?
The Pool Rover S2-40 and Pool Rover Junior are both above-ground pool cleaners with many shared features.
The S2-40 is slightly more expensive. But it has more suction power and has better coverage. It cleans the floor, cove, and lower wall while the Junior only cleans the floor.
All other features –jet mobility, top-access filter bag, adjustable axle pin, and others – are similar across the two models.
Does the Pool Rover S2-40 pick all kinds of debris?
Yes, it does. The 2-micron filter bag traps leaves, bugs, worms, twigs, sand, silt, and algae.
Can I Use the Pool Rover S2-40 in my in-ground pool?
If you have a small in-ground pool (less than 30′), you can use the S2-40. But it’s designed mostly for above ground pools.
Is the Pool Rover S2-40 safe for my vinyl pool?
The Pool Rover S2-40 is safe for all types of pool liners. Whether you have a steel-walled pool or an Intex Easy Set vinyl pool, you can safely use the S2-40.
Our Bottom Line
The Aquabot Pool Rover S2-40 is the best robotic pool cleaner for most above ground pool owners.
It’s affordable, cleans really well and is easy to maintain.
