How To Choose The Right Robotic Pool Cleaner For The Job

Manually cleaning your pool is not an easy task. Aside from getting down and dirty to ensure algae and bacteria are at bay, you need plenty of cleaning tools to get the job done.

Fortunately, you can now spend more time enjoying your swimming pool instead of cleaning it with the help of automatic pool cleaners. These devices can help keep the water of your pool crystal clear too much time and effort on your part.

Different Types Of Automatic Pool Cleaners

Automatic pool cleaners come in robotic, suction, and pressure types, so you are sure to find a machine suitable for your needs and budget. Each one performs differently, so it’s essential to learn a thing or two about how each type function for you to end up with the right one.

1. Suction-Side Pool Cleaners

This type also cost less and easy to maintain since it has less moving parts, making it a good option if you’re tight on budget. Suction pool cleaners suck up debris from your pool as they move around it, and then sends them to the filtration system of your pool. They usually pick up medium debris, but there are some models that you can set to suck small debris and residue as well.

Although they are on the cheaper side, they need a pool pump to operate and will increase the pressure of the pump system of your pool. So basically, you’ll be spending quite a fortune since you’ll be required to replace your pool’s filtration system more frequently.

2. Pressure-Side Pool Cleaners

These pool cleaners are the most common in households. They are inexpensive, reduces the pressures on the filter of your pool, easy to use and maintain.

They usually have wheels, come with a sweep hose, return jet hose, and filter bag. You hook a pressure pool cleaner to your pool’s return jet, and it will then utilize water pressure to drive through your swimming pool. Pressure pool cleaners work well at removing medium to large debris.

Its biggest downside though is that it will not work if your pool is not running and you may need an additional booster pump. So you may see yourself spending more in the long run since you have to purchase an extra booster, and your pool pump needs to be running the entire time.

3. Robotic Pool Cleaners

Robotic pool cleaners such as the Dolphin® and Polaris® – #1 residential robotic pool cleaners, are the most popular choice among homeowners. Not only do they offer excellent cleaning, but they can also decrease your energy bills significantly.

These small machines are powerful, handy, useful, and can pick up any size of debris that gets in their way. Also, you don’t need to attach then to the circulation system of your swimming pool and will only rely on its filter.

Simply plug them in, place them in your pool water, and off they go. Don’t worry about getting shocked or electrocuted. Robotic pool cleaners are submersible since they run on extremely low voltage. They also come with a long power cord that you can plug into a GFCI outlet, which will shut off automatically if it detects any sort of electrical imbalance.

The pressure and suction-side cleaners are great cleaners as well, but these cleaners are the best that you can get your hands on. There’s nothing more convenient than simply dropping your cleaner into the pool while you sit back, relax, and watch it do its job. The only real drawback of a robot cleaner is its high price tag.

What Does A Robotic Cleaner Do?

Robotic cleaners are capable of the following:

• They can vacuum pool floors. Some models feature rotating brushes while others come with fixed brushes. Keep in mind though that additional features will cost a bit more.
• These pool cleaning tools can clean not only your pool floors but its cove and partial or lower wall as well. The majority of these automatic pool cleaners come with scrubbing brushes for cleaning and climbing walls.
• They’re also capable of scrubbing. Advanced units combine the power of scrubbing and vacuuming. They can scrub and climb at the same time and clean crevices that are hard to reach.

How Do I Use A Robot Cleaner?

• Once you’re done assembling your automatic robot pool cleaner, plug it into any GFCI outlet near your pool.
• Choose the cleaning settings applicable to the cleaning task you have in mind. The modes will vary depending on the model you have, but the most common options you have are Waterline Only and Bottom only.
• Reduce the tangling of the cable by bringing your unit halfway to the length of your pool.
• Submerge your machine while moving it gently from side to side to allow any air to escape.
• Turn the robotic cleaner on, and then let it sink to the bottom area of your pool. Make sure that the unit is not turned on before submerging it to avoid damaging it. Also, shut it off first before removing from the pool water.
• Check to ensure that the robot can climb the pool walls entirely during the cleaner’s first cycle of wall-cleaning. Make some adjustments if it’s having trouble as per the suggestion of the manufacturer.
• When the device is done with its cleaning task, remove it from the water.
• Drain out all the water before storing your unit.

Robotic Pool Cleaners Features To Consider

There are plenty of options available on the market today that draws a thin line between your wants and needs. To ensure, you’ll get the one that meets all your needs, here are the crucial robotic cleaner features you need to consider when shopping for one:

• Suction Power. This feature is usually measured in GPM or gallons per minute. Make sure the unit you’ll is over 70 GPM to provide you with sufficient suction power.
• Filtration. The lower the micron value of a robot cleaner filter basket or bag, the better. The unit will be able to clean, as well as help polish, purify, and even sanitize your pool’s water. Focus more on this feature rather than an easy to clean filtration system. Do not be swayed by those using generic terms such as mesh or fine.
• Programmable Timer. It’s not the best robot pool cleaner if it doesn’t have the convenience of programmable timers. Choose a device that provides you with an option to schedule a weekly or daily cleaning where the unit will start and do its job automatically at set periods. Your pool will be kept clean even when you’re away running errands or on vacation.
• Anti-Tangling Mechanism. Your robot will perform several movements such as move around the insides of your pool, climb stairs, and vertical walls. It is inevitable for its cable or cord to get tangled during the process. You can prevent this problem by opting for a unit with a mechanical swivel or anti-tangling system.
• High-Quality Brushes. The brushes of your robot will do all the hard work of getting rid of all your pool’s debris and dirt. So choose either rotating rubber brushes or those with hard bristles that can remove dirt from virtually all pool surface.
• Lightweight. You still need to carry these automated machines and place them in and out of your pool. Choose a unit that’s not only useful but lightweight as well. The recommended robotic cleaner weight is below 16 pounds.
• Energy Efficiency. These days, the energy consumption of your pool is no longer determined by its size. You can find larger robotic cleaners with very large cartridges that can only consume as much as 180 watts per hour. Look for a large energy-efficient machine that can save on your monthly budget.
• Power Washing Jets. This feature can be found on select models and recommended if your pool tends to accumulate fine dirt, silt or sand particles.
• Durability. These robots are not cheap, so make sure to buy the most durable of the bunch. Read pool cleaner reviews and customer feedback, and opt for something that you can utilize for many seasons before encountering any repair issues. To be on the safe side, pick a unit that comes with more than one-year service warranty.

Go for a trusted company or brand like Dolphin® which is known for manufacturing the most reliable products out there. Also, make sure to check the warranty of the robot cleaner, availability of parts, and the company’s service warranty.

Why Should I Buy A Robotic Pool Cleaner?

You don’t need a pool or booster pump to operate a robot cleaner. The automatic pool cleaner has a power supply that you can just plug into your power outlet. It’s quite simple to install and run. It also comes with internal pump motor and cartridge filters or debris bags which you need to empty after every cleaning cycle. Although it’s an expensive choice, it offers a more efficient cleaning ability than suction or pressure-side cleaners, especially if you have a larger pool. A robotic pool cleaner can also save on your energy bills in the long run.