Should I get a robotic pool cleaner or a suction-side cleaner?

Get the robotic cleaner. It costs more ($500–$1,500 vs. $200–$400), but it actually works — it scrubs walls, steps, and waterline better, filters finer particles, doesn’t tax your pool’s circulation system, and saves electricity. You won’t regret the upgrade once you dump out a dry filter bag instead of backwashing.