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Why Your Next Pool Cleaner Should Be a Robotic Pool Cleaner
Content Table:
- 1. What Is A Pool Cleaner?
- 2. What Is An Automatic Pool Cleaner?
- 3. What Is A Robotic Pool Cleaner?
- 4. How Does A Pool Cleaning Robot Work?
- 5. Commonly Asked Questions About Pool Cleaners
- 6. The Many Benefits Of Owning A Pool Cleaning Robot
- 7. Is A Robotic Pool Cleaner Worth It?
- 8. Commonly Asked Questions About Pool Cleaning Robots
What is a Pool Cleaner?
There's nothing more refreshing than taking a dip on a hot summer day, and as a pool owner, when it comes time to swim, you want to ensure that the pool is clean and the surface is clear.
While a standard filtration system does a fine job generally filtering out dirt and debris, it often falls short when it comes to items like leaves, patches of algae, sand, or debris in the corners of the pool - unsightly things that can escape your pool’s circulation system. This is where an automatic pool cleaner steps in!
A pool vacuum cleaner efficiently removes dirt, leaves, algae, and other debris from the pool water and surfaces, saving you time and effort so you can enjoy your pool without the hassle of frequent maintenance.
In this article, we'll explain all you need to know about how a pool vacuum cleaner works, the benefits of owning one, and answer common questions about automatic pool cleaners. Let's dive in!
What is an automatic pool cleaner?
An automatic pool cleaner is exactly what it sounds like! It's a machine that picks up dirt and debris, helping to keep your pool clean and its water fresh.
These pool cleaners come in various types, each offering its own unique set of features and benefits.
Pool robot vacuum cleaners independently move around your pool's surfaces, scrubbing, vacuuming, and filtering out dirt and debris. They're incredibly convenient because they operate autonomously, allowing you to sit back and relax while they do the hard work.
There are also older-style suction-side and pressure-side pool cleaners, which rely on your pool's existing filtration and circulation systems. They attach to the pool's suction or pressure line and use the power generated by your pool pump to move around and clean the pool.
What is a robotic pool cleaner?
Pool cleaning robots are a modern option for pool owners looking for a hassle-free and effective cleaning solution.
Cleaning pool robots are unique among other types of pool cleaners because they operate independently, using their own motors, pumps, and filtration systems. These automatic pool cleaners can navigate the pool floor, walls, and waterline, equipped with brushes and scrubbers to loosen and remove dirt and debris. Best of all, they clean the pool with onboard intelligence. Some robotic pool cleaners use algorithms and path tracing to ensure that they don’t miss areas as they work; the best models actually map out and learn your pool shape in order to purposefully work their way across every inch of your pool. They can be plugged into a standard GFCI outlet, or even powered with a rechargeable battery, and some models come with Bluetooth or a Wi-Fi connection so you can control them with a remote or app on your phone.
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How Does a Pool Cleaning Robot Work?
A robot vacuum cleaner for your pool uses a combination of brushes, suction, and filtration to keep your pool sparkling clean. With rotating brushes or scrubbers, it first loosens dirt, algae, and debris from the pool's surfaces. Once the dirt is loosened, the robot uses powerful suction to vacuum it up. This suction power is strong enough to lift even the most stubborn debris from the pool floor and walls, leaving them spotless.
This type of pool vacuum cleaner also has a built-in filtration system. As it sucks up the debris, the filtration system traps it, preventing it from re-entering the pool water. And to ensure every nook and cranny is covered, it uses wheels or tracks for navigation, and may even come with an advanced navigation system to optimize its cleaning path. This type of cleaning is far superior to traditional suction-side or pressure-side cleaners which randomly navigate across your pool, potentially missing hard-to-reach areas.
Best of all, once you put this pool vacuum cleaner in your pool, it does all the work on its own. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it device while it cleans the pool. So sit back and relax, and get ready to enjoy a sparkling clean pool!
Commonly Asked Questions About Pool Cleaners
This depends on what type of pool vacuum you have! A manual pool vacuum will have to be assembled according to the manufacturer’s instructions and manually pushed around the surfaces of your pool. Suction side and pressure side pool vacuums are connected to a dedicated skimmer or suction line, or connected to the return port or jet.
The easiest type of pool cleaner to use is a pool robot vacuum cleaner. Simply plug the pool vacuum cleaner into a standard outlet, set the cleaning cycle, place it into the pool, and let it do the rest!
Pool robot vacuum cleaners are specially designed with multiple safety features. They are engineered with low-voltage motors and adhere to strict safety standards to prevent any electrical hazards. Their cleaning components, such as brushes and suction ports, are also designed to be safe for swimmers. Using common sense, while generally speaking you could swim in the pool while the cleaner is working, it’s often best practice to remove it when you have guests, children, or other swimmers who may not otherwise know to leave it alone while it works.
It's always a good idea to follow basic safety precautions when swimming with any type of pool vacuum, such as avoiding contact with the pool vacuum cleaner while it's operating and keeping an eye on children and pets.
This can depend on multiple factors. When determining how often to run your automatic pool vacuum, consider how much debris you get and how often you swim. If you swim multiple times a week, or get lots of leaves or dirt in your pool, pool experts recommend running your pool vacuum at least 2-3 times a week, if not daily. If you don’t use your pool as often, you should still run your pool cleaner every week or two.
One of the benefits of a robotic pool cleaner is that you don’t need to take it in and out of the pool after every time it completes a cleaning cycle. Many pool cleaning robots allow you to set weekly cleaning schedules so that you can easily leave it in over a period of time and just let it do its job!
That being said, pool cleaner manufacturers don’t recommend leaving your cleaner in the pool for extensive periods of time, and it’s also good to be aware of potential damage from bad weather or longer exposure to chemicals. If you’re expecting a nasty storm, or will be away for several weeks, it’s best to put your cleaner in storage until your pool is ready for its next cleaning.
Thanks to special sensors and clever algorithms, a robot for pool cleaning knows exactly where to go. As it moves around, a pool vacuum cleaner might go in random patterns or follow a specific path to make sure it covers the whole pool. Some pool vacuums even have smart mapping technology that creates a virtual map of your pool.
Efficiency, Ease of Use & Excellent Cleaning: The Many Benefits of Owning a Pool Cleaning Robot
Summer is a time for relaxation; taking a dip, basking in the sun, or tossing a beach ball with your kids. No one wants to spend just as many hours cleaning their pool as they do enjoying it!
It can be challenging to figure out how to choose the right pool cleaner. While pressure side and suction side pool vacuums reduce the amount of manual work, they leave much to be desired. If you’re looking to invest in a new automatic pool cleaner, it’s time to explore the many benefits of pool cleaning robots!
These devices offer a hassle-free solution to keeping pools clean and pristine. With their ability to save time and energy, and improve water quality, robots for pool cleaning are a top choice for pool owners everywhere.
Excellent cleaning
Pool robot vacuum cleaners are designed to give your pool the ultimate clean. This starts with a unique combination of brushes and rollers that are just as good at picking up large debris like branches and leaves as they are picking up small particles such as sand and algae. This means they are also ideal for every type of pool surface. Whether your pool is made of porous concrete or has a tile or pebble surface, you can rest assured it will get an excellent clean.
Powered by an electronic motor and equipped with smart technology, these pool vacuums also navigate your pool’s surface, walls, and steps with ease. This means no corner will go untouched, so there’s no need for manual touch-ups after the pool vacuum cleaner’s work is done.
Ease of use
Unlike traditional pool cleaning methods that require manual effort and expertise, cleaning pool robots are designed to be easy to use for everyone.
To use a pool cleaning robot, you simply need to lower it into the pool and turn it on. With user-friendly controls, you’re able to start the cleaning cycle with just the push of a button. Once activated, the robot will move across the pool’s surface, cleaning as it goes, and then shut off automatically once the cleaning cycle is complete.
Additionally, with smart sensors and mapping systems, these pool vacuums will clean without getting stuck or missing spots. This means you can trust it to do its job effectively without constant supervision.
Finally, you can choose between specially designed inground pool cleaners and above ground pool cleaners to ensure you get the best clean with the least amount of effort.
Extended filtration and water circulation
Unlike traditional pool cleaning methods that rely solely on the pool's filtration system, robotic vacuum cleaners for pools feature onboard filtration systems to continuously filter the water throughout the cleaning process. You can choose filters with a high micron value to capture even the smallest debris. In addition to giving you a better clean, this helps to reduce the wear and tear on your pool’s filtration system.
In addition, the constant movement of the pool vacuum helps to circulate water. This ensures that all areas of the pool receive adequate filtration, resulting in better water quality and a healthier swimming environment for you and your family.
Smart navigation
Robot-style automatic pool vacuums use intelligent technology to move around your pool in the most efficient way possible. Instead of just wandering randomly, they have sensors and algorithms that help them figure out the best route to clean your pool efficiently. Swimming pool robotic cleaners can also detect steps and walls, so they won't get stuck or miss an area.
Depending on the model, you can also program these pool vacuums to clean at specific times or on certain days. This means you can set them up to clean your pool automatically, without you having to lift a finger. Overall, smart navigation features make cleaner pool robots effective and easy to use, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your pool.
Energy efficiency
There are many reasons that swimming pool robotic cleaners are the most energy-efficient choice. Firstly, they run on their own motor, instead of relying on your pool’s pump. Whether simply plugged into an outlet or powered by a rechargeable battery, they can use as little as one-fifth of the energy as a suction side or pressure side pool cleaner.
In addition, they use their own filter, reducing the need for your pool to run additional filtration cycles. Finally, they are faster and can be programmed to only clean during off-peak hours when energy rates may be cheaper, further reducing energy consumption and optimizing energy efficiency.
Savings - both time and money!
Just because robot-style pool cleaners may have a higher price tag, doesn’t mean they’re the most expensive choice. If you’re investing in a new pool cleaner, you want the best! Automatic pool vacuum cleaners offer many ways to save money over time.
Since both suction side and pressure side pool cleaners rely on the force of other pool equipment to run, they use significantly more energy. In fact, when comparing types of pool cleaners, because they are self-powered, pool cleaning robots can save you up to 83% on your energy bill.
In addition, because they run independently and provide extra filtration, there is less wear and tear on your pool equipment and less need for chemical treatments.
It’s not just about the dollar bills though! When it’s pool season, you want to spend your time having fun! By automating the cleaning process, you can focus less time on pool maintenance and more time enjoying the summer sunshine.
Low maintenance
Automatic pool vacuums are known for their low maintenance requirements. Their onboard filtration systems are typically easy to access and clean. Some models even come with convenient features such as top-loading filter cartridges or filter bags, making maintenance a breeze.
Robots for pool cleaning are also designed to be durable and long-lasting. With proper care and maintenance, including regularly cleaning the filter cartridges or bags and ensuring the brushes are free of debris, these pool vacuum cleaners can provide years of reliable service without the need for extensive maintenance. And if something does go wrong, most cleaner pool robots come with a warranty to cover malfunctioning parts.
Helps to maintain chemical balance
These pool vacuum cleaners help keep your pool's water clean and balanced by more efficiently removing dirt and debris. By eliminating dirt, leaves, algae, and other particles, these cleaners reduce the organic load in the pool. As a result, there is less demand for the pool's sanitizer to combat bacteria and algae growth.
Plus, by reducing the build-up of debris, these pool vacuum cleaners ensure the water circulates well and gets filtered properly. This helps chemicals spread evenly throughout the pool, keeping it safe for swimming. Overall, these pool vacuums play a big role in keeping your pool water clean and balanced, so you don't have to use as many chemicals to maintain it.
Is a Robotic Pool Cleaner Worth It?
On average, pool owners in the US spend anywhere between $1500, to close to $3000 per year maintaining their pool, with over half of that spent on pool cleaning. And this doesn’t even account for the hours spent scrubbing tiles, changing filters, and connecting and disconnecting hoses - that is, of course, unless you have a pool cleaning robot!
With lower maintenance and energy costs, increased water circulation, and improved chemical balance in your pool, the savings add up quickly. In addition, when you combine the incredible ease of use, top-notch cleaning power, and smart technology, you’ll enjoy many more hours relaxing than spent laboring.
So whether you’re a seasoned pool owner, or new to pool maintenance, consider a robot vacuum cleaner for your pool, and enjoy all of the benefits that come with it!
Commonly Asked Questions About Pool Cleaning Robots
These automatic pool vacuums are known for their lasting durability. In general, you should plan to replace your swimming pool vacuum cleaner within 3 to 5 years, or maybe even longer with proper maintenance and care. Regular cleaning of the unit, including the filter and brushes, can help prolong its lifespan.
Typically, it takes about 2-3 hours to clean a medium-sized pool, depending on the amount of debris and model of your unit. Robot vacuum cleaners for your pool are programmable, so you can choose what type of cleaning cycle you prefer, which can also impact the amount of time it will take.
Automatic pool vacuums are made to be easy to use. Simply lower the cleaner into the pool and turn it on. Most models have user-friendly controls, allowing you to start the cleaning cycle with the push of a button. Some cleaners can even be controlled through a remote or mobile app! Once activated, the pool vacuum cleaner will navigate the pool on its own, cleaning as it goes. It is still important to periodically check the cleaner's progress, and then remove it from the pool when it has finished its cleaning cycle.
If you have a pressure side or suction side pool cleaner, you’ll have to connect the cleaner to the pool's filtration system, or dedicated suction or pressure line. Luckily, with a swimming pool robot vacuum cleaner, it’s much easier. You simply have to plug the pool vacuum into a standard power outlet, and then drop it into the pool!
Technically, you can leave a pool vacuum in the pool between cleaning cycles. However, it's recommended to remove the pool vacuum from the pool and store it in a dry, shaded area when not in use. Prolonged exposure to sunlight and chemicals can degrade the unit over time, so storing it properly can help extend its lifespan.
