Pools create boundaries where a navigation mistake has higher consequences. The safest setup combines conservative virtual mapping with physical landscaping that does not depend on centimeter-perfect positioning at the water edge.
The practical answer
Keep the mapped mowing boundary comfortably away from an unprotected water edge and use permanent physical separation where practical. A mower should not need to drive with a wheel inches from a drop into the pool.
The constraint that matters most
Wet pool decks, toys, hoses, towels, and temporary furniture also create changing obstacles around the lawn. These are exactly the conditions where a technically accurate map can still face real-world clutter.
How to set the mower up for it
Build a conservative no-go zone around the pool perimeter, inspect after landscaping changes, and keep the mower route away from areas where splash water or temporary objects are common.
How we research robot mowers
We normalize manufacturer specifications around the buying constraints that actually change the decision: recommended mowing area, navigation architecture, slope capability, cutting-height range, obstacle sensing, charging behavior, multi-zone support, warranty, parts availability, and current pricing. We give more weight to property fit than to feature count.
Prices, specifications, firmware, and configuration-driven features can change. Check the current manufacturer page and local requirements before buying or installing equipment.