Summer is for relaxing, not cleaning. Upgrade your backyard setup with a robot that cleans your pool for you. As the owner of an above-ground pool, I can attest that cleaning leaves, bugs, and other detritus is an everyday chore if the cover is off. I put up with it since my pool is only in use seasonally, but WIRED reviewer Chris Null has an in-ground pool he uses year-round, so he does not have time for foolery like nets, brushes, and manual vacuums. He has been testing pool robots for years, and his favorite robot he's ever tried has been from Beatbot.

Send the pool guy packing. One of these robotic buddies can maintain your water quality instead. Cleaning swimming pools is not fun. I learned this simple logic as a kid growing up in and around pools--it's the only way to survive summer in Houston, Texas. Four years ago, I became a pool owner myself, and I found that the rule still holds. Jumping into the pool on a hot day remains a rare treat, but if the pool is filled with leaves and dirt, that treat becomes a lot less delightful. And when the thermometer is reading over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the thought of laboring on the pool deck, scooping out debris with a net, is downright cruel.

Smart home technology is designed to make our lives easier, taking chores off our list and giving us more time to enjoy other pursuits. With the rapid onset of AI technology, autonomous tech is smarter than ever. Gadgets like Beatbot's line of robot pool cleaners take over one of life's necessary but time-consuming tasks, freeing you up to take full advantage of the summer sun. At the top of Beatbot's robot pool cleaner line is the Aquasense 2 Ultra, a cordless model designed for effortless operation that does away with the safety concerns of tangled, damaged or trip-hazard cords. It builds in several industry-first features, including automotive-grade coating technology for enhanced durability, and comes with a strong three-year full-replacement warranty for additional peace of mind.