If you’re weighing up robotic pool cleaners, it's helpful to understand what cordless pool cleaners offer before diving into specific features. These cleaners are independent, self‑powered units that operate without relying on your pool’s pump system. Our newest FreeRider™ range of robotic cordless pool cleaners are powered by a lithium‑ion battery rather than a floating cord or external transformer. The result? Faster setup, lower energy use, and easy programmability, without interfering with your existing filtration systems.

Cordless robotic cleaners offer standout benefits. They clean pool floors, walls, and often waterlines, using advanced navigation and internal filters. Most cost less to run than suction or pressure‑side cleaners, and are estimated to consume around 82% less energy per cycle, when compared to hydraulic systems. They’re typically lighter, easier to store, and much simpler to operate too. Just charge it, drop it into your pool, and let it run.

Meet the New FreeRider™ Range: Overview

All five cleaners in our latest FreeRider™ lineup cover essential pool shapes and surfaces, but they differ in coverage, programmability, filtration, retrieval, and value-added extras.

1. Pool Size & Shape: Match Your Cleaner to Your Pool

When choosing a robotic pool cleaner, start by considering your pool’s footprint:

• FR200

  is ideal for small pools up to 8 × 4 m: Simple, compact, and budget-friendly.

• FR500 iQ

  and

  FR800 iQ

  are a step up, suitable for to medium pools of up to 10 × 5 m: Has value-added waterline cleaning and app access.

• FR1000 iQ

  and

  FR2000 iQ

  suit larger pools up to 12 × 6 m:

  Ideal if you host guests

  or swim often.

Ensuring the cordless pool cleaner can cover your pool in one cycle helps prevent low battery shutdowns and incomplete cleaning. Here at Zodiac, we advise selecting a model with full coverage that caters to your pool specifications, to avoid missed corners or repeated cycles.

2. Cleaning Coverage: What Pool Surfaces Does It Tackle?

Our FreeRider™ Range of robotic cordless pool cleaners are capable of cleaning all pool shapes and surfaces, however your eventual decision is dependent on which FreeRider™ model’s cleaning ability to handle floors, walls, and waterline, and to what capacity and degree.

FR200 covers the floor and walls only, which makes it great for essential basic pool upkeep. However, it is less ideal if you notice scum or rings prone to occurrence at the waterline of your pool.

FR500 iQ, FR800 iQ, FR1000 iQ, FR2000 iQ add waterline cleaning, giving an overall more polished result with minimal effort. New customers often come in with pool stains and waterline cleanliness concerns, citing struggles in maintaining their pools, but these models handle it automatically, saving you from manual pool brushing later.

3. Cleaning Modes: More Control, Smarter Results

Different cleaning cycles give you flexibility based on pool condition:

• FR200 and FR500 iQ operate with a single cleaning mode: Simply turn on, drop in, and let it run its cleaning cycle.

• FR800 iQ offers two modes: either a floor-only or complete full-surface clean, which covers cleaning of the pool floor, walls and waterline.

• FR1000 iQ and FR2000 iQ include four modes: 1. Floor only, 2. Full clean (floor, walls, waterline), 3. Smart Cycle* (sensor-guided optimisation) and 4. Waterline-only mode

*Smart cycles reduce wasted time and energy via sensor systems that map your pool to streamline cleaning cycles and improve cleaning results.

4. Filtering Performance: The Clearer, the Better

Filtration affects how much fine debris is captured:

• FR200’s 2 L, 150 µ filter is ideal for standard maintenance of pool clarity.

• FR500 iQ’s 100 µ filter and 3 L capacity traps finer debris, ideal for dustier environments where pools might be closer to more shrubbery too.

• FR800 iQ, FR1000 iQ, FR2000 iQ feature dual filters (150 µ and 60 µ), with 3 L, 4L and 4 L respective capacities, giving superior debris separation and longer runtime between cleans when compared to other run-of-the-mill robotic pool cleaners in the market.

Robotic cleaners operate independently from your pool’s filtration system, so stronger onboard filtering lowers load on your pump and filter equipment, ultimately reducing the occurrence of costly unexpected repairs of your pool systems in the long-run.

5. App Control & Smart Features: How Connected Do You Need to Be?

Connectivity can define convenience for busy homeowners:

• FR200 is manual start only: Simple starting-up process and an excellent choice for the “unplugged” and device-free amongst us.

• FR500 iQ, FR800 iQ and FR1000 iQ offer app control, letting you start or schedule cleans from your handheld mobile devices, with notification alerts and the ability to command the cleaner to surface.

• FR2000 iQ includes full remote control, tap retrieval, waterline pick-up, app notifications, and easy handling via remote or hook.

These varying levels of automation give you the option to decide which FreeRider™ is more suited to your needs, be it a simple yet practical pool cleaner for your household pool, that adds manageable automation without added complexity, or whether you want the ease and access of tracking your cleaner from anywhere.

6. Battery Runtime & Charge Speed

All our cordless models use lithium-ion batteries, but differences impact how long they run and recharge.

While the upfront cost is often the first thing people look at, it’s important to consider the overall value each model offers and its compatibility with your pool and cleaning needs. For smaller pools, the FR200 might be perfectly sufficient, but if your pool requires longer cycles, opt for the higher-capacity models. Fast charging ensures you stay swim-ready, even when cleaning is unplanned or last-minute.

7. Weight, Portability & Value-Added Extras

FR200 is the lightest at 6 kg, making it super easy for anyone to lift. The other FreeRider™ pool cleaners all weigh 9 kg.

If you prefer to handle the cleaner yourself, or need something lightweight for a holiday home, consider size and weight before committing.

Aside from the above, FR1000 iQ includes a charging base, keeping the unit tidy, whilst FR2000 iQ includes a charging base, trolley (great for transporting the sturdy unit around), and remote control.

8. Retrieval Made Easy: You Decide

How your cleaner comes out of the pool may matter to some, especially when it comes to convenience:

• FR200 requires removal via a manual hook, suitable for small pools and light users.

• FR500 iQ, FR800 iQ includes our Tap & Lift™ and waterline pick-up feature, making removal effortless.

• FR2000 iQ offers multiple retrieval modes, such as our Tap & Lift™, waterline return, app-triggered return, remote, or manual retrieval mode, making it ideal for larger or deeper pools.

Which Model Matches Your Needs?

FR200: Budget-Savvy Starter

Perfect for smaller pools, it covers floors and walls with industry standard filtration with minimal extras, and maximum ease.

FR500 iQ: Everyday Value Pick

Excellent for regular pool users. Added waterline cleaning, app control, finer filtration, and Tap & Lift™ retrieval at a mid-range price.

FR800 iQ: Enhanced Cleaning Flexibility

Offers dual modes and upgraded filtration, making it a great option for households wanting more control and cleaner water without significant increased cost.

FR1000 iQ: Strong All-Rounder for Big Pools

Longer runtime, better debris capacity, smart modes, and app control, plus easier retrieval and tangle-free charging base. Ideal for larger yards or frequent swimmers.

FR2000 iQ: Premium, Full-Feature Options

If ease, automation, and hassle-free handling matter most, FR2000 iQ delivers remote control, an additional trolley, waterline cleaning modes, and full smart compatibility.

Conclusion

Choosing the right cordless robotic cleaner depends on your pool size, how often you swim, and your desired level of automation. All models in the FreeRider™ series offer robust cleaning, but the real differences lie in filtration proficiency, app control, runtime, and extras that affect your overall pool cleaning experience.

Robotic cleaners offer a more efficient pool cleaning experience, comprising less effort, shorter energy use, and greater peace of mind. Whether you’re upgrading or purchasing for the first time, there’s a FreeRider™ model that fits your lifestyle. With in-field warranty servicing and readily available spare parts, any maintenance can be handled quickly and efficiently here in Australia. Speak to our experts and find out more about our Zodiac FreeRider™ range of pool cleaners today!