Polaris P70 Review (2026)
Polaris quality for smaller in-ground and above-ground pools.
The Polaris P70 is Bob Vila's pick for smaller pools in 2026. It handles both above-ground and simple in-ground pools up to 40 feet with full floor and wall cleaning. At $349, it sits in a useful gap between the budget AIPER robots and the mid-range Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus. Reliable Polaris engineering at an accessible price.
Full Specs
| Pool Type | Above-ground & simple in-ground |
| Max Pool Size | ~40 ft / 30,000 gal |
| Cleaning Path | Floor + Walls |
| Cycle Time | ~2 hours |
| Filter | Fine cartridge |
| Cord Length | 40 ft |
| Scheduler | None |
| App Control | None |
| Weight | ~13 lbs |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Pros & Cons
- ✓Bob Vila "Best for Smaller Pools" 2026
- ✓Works for both above-ground and in-ground
- ✓Polaris brand quality + 2-year warranty
- ✓$349 hits a useful price gap
- ✓Floor + wall coverage
- ✗Floor + walls only — no waterline scrubbing
- ✗No scheduler or app control
- ✗40 ft limit — not for large pools
- ✗Simpler navigation than premium Polaris models
Full Review
The Polaris P70 occupies a useful price position: more capable than the sub-$200 budget robots, less expensive than the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus, and with Polaris brand backing that gives buyers more confidence than off-brand options at similar prices.
Bob Vila tested it head-to-head against 8 other robots in 2026 and singled it out as the best option for smaller pools — specifically for pool owners whose pool doesn't justify a $499+ in-ground robot but who want something more reliable than a $199 cordless.
Floor and wall cleaning is solid. The P70 covered the full surface of our 25-ft test pool consistently across multiple cycles. The 40-ft cord provides adequate reach for the pool sizes it's designed for — rectangular pools up to about 30,000 gallons.
The concessions are clear: no scheduler, no app, and no waterline cleaning. For pool owners who want to set a weekly schedule from their phone, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus or Active 30i WiFi is worth the extra $150. For owners who just want to drop in a reliable robot without dealing with an app, the P70's simplicity is a feature.
Who It's For
Owners of smaller in-ground pools (under 40 ft) or larger above-ground pools who want Polaris quality at $349. Good first robot for new pool owners.
Large in-ground pool owners. Anyone who needs waterline scrubbing. Tech-forward buyers who want scheduling and app control.