Is it Time to Let a Robot Clean Your Pool?
April 8, 2024
It seems robots are doing more things in everyday life. They’ve been building our cars and trucks, among other things, for years. And now ‘Flippy’ may be even cooking the burgers at your favorite fast food restaurant. Or ‘Brillo’ may be mixing drinks at the bar down the street.
The smart home world has also seen its share of robots. We’ve all heard the vacuums — they’re so common now most people have them. But did you know there were smart home robots for home security, charging your EV, tending your garden and cleaning your pool.
There are plenty of home security solutions that don’t require a robot, charging your EV is pretty simple and most people enjoy gardening. But I have yet to meet anyone who really enjoys cleaning their pool. So let’s talk about that.
How do you know when it’s time to buy a pool cleaning robot? What do you even look for?
Like other smart home robots, pool cleaning robots offer several advantages and benefits. Here are some things to consider regarding ‘why’ …
Efficiency: Robot pool cleaners are designed to efficiently clean pools without the need for manual intervention. They can navigate through the pool, cleaning surfaces, walls, and even stairs effectively.
Time-saving: With their autonomous operation, robot pool cleaners save time for pool owners. They can be programmed to clean at specific times, allowing owners to focus on other tasks.
Energy-efficient: Compared to traditional pool cleaning methods, robot pool cleaners are often more energy-efficient. They typically use less electricity and water, contributing to cost savings and environmental conservation.
Thorough cleaning: Robot pool cleaners use advanced technology to scrub, vacuum, and filter debris from the pool, ensuring a thorough cleaning that can improve water quality and clarity.
Reduced chemical usage: By regularly removing debris and contaminants from the pool, robot cleaners can help reduce the reliance on pool chemicals, leading to a healthier swimming environment.
Long-term cost savings: While the initial investment in a robot pool cleaner may seem significant, it can result in long-term cost savings by reducing the need for professional cleaning services and extending the lifespan of pool equipment.
Convenience: Robot pool cleaners are designed for ease of use. They typically require minimal setup and maintenance, allowing pool owners to enjoy a clean pool without the hassle of manual cleaning.
Versatility: Robot pool cleaners are suitable for various types of pools, including in-ground and above-ground pools, as well as different shapes and sizes. They can adapt to different pool surfaces and configurations.
Overall, robot pool cleaners offer a convenient, efficient, and cost-effective solution for maintaining a clean and healthy swimming pool. If this has gotten you thinking about ditching the skimmer on the weekend, here’s what you need to know before taking the plunge (couldn’t resist) and buying one for your pool.
Top of FormRobot pool cleaners are in many ways the watery analog of robot vacuum cleaners, although their navigational technologies vary considerably. Simple cleaners will use water jets to move back and forth in wide arcs, reversing each time they hit an obstacle while sucking up debris through a small port in the bottom of the robot.
More advanced cleaners have multiple mechanical motors and sensors that take the robot through a more ordered cleaning routine, moving back and forth across the pool like a person behind a lawnmower. Models that can clean the sides of a pool can climb its walls in the same type of pattern. The spinning brushes on these models are more effective at scooping up sand, dirt, and other fine debris.
Robot pool cleaners are a “set and forget” smart home platform, though more advanced models can be set to clean the floor only, walls only, both floor and walls, and so on. If you want to stop the robot mid-run, you can grab it with a hooked pole and turn it off manually or with a remote control if it has one. They can also be controlled with smart apps but they usually won’t work while the robot is in the pool, as the water and concrete tend to block the wireless signal.
If you’re used to having something like an old-school Polariscleaner run for 8 hours a day to keep your pool spotless, you might be disappointed in what a robot pool cleaner can do Robot pool cleaners will generally run for less than 3 hours, sometimes much less. They will suck up 80 to 95 percent of debris, depending on how dirty things were when you started.
More advanced robotic pool cleaners, machines outfitted with treads, do a remarkably good job cleaning up fine debris and algae — much better than hose-type cleaners that need to be pulled out of the pool when you want to swim — and are nearly as good as a human with a brush. This capability alone makes it worth considering a more advanced unit — though they tend to be more expensive.
Robotic pool cleaners also require very little maintenance. They will need to have their debris baskets cleaned out after each run — possibly requiring the use of a brush to clean the filter screen. And you should dry them off, though most are very good at draining within a few minutes of removal from the pool. After a few hours of recharging, the robot should be ready to run again.
Pool robots are electronic devices, so they are prone to breaking down over time, especially given that they will spend a lot of time underwater. Never leave a robot in the water for longer than its running cycle, and always store it out of direct sunlight, so UV rays don’t break down its plastic components. Naturally, batteries will lose capacity over time, and these are generally not user replaceable.
Virtually every robotic pool cleaner can clean in-ground pools. Many models can also clean above-ground pools, which have different types of surface materials and often lack a smooth floor for the robot to traverse. Some pool-cleaning robots can handle both types of pools, but don’t assume they all can. The manufacturer’s product specifications should indicate which type(s) of pool the robot is designed to clean.
As you can see, there are a number of things to keep in mind if you’re considering a robotic pool cleaner. Besides the efficiencies around time, cost and energy there’s also your pool cleaning time to weigh in your decision. And there’s maintenance and charging that will require your attention. Like other smart home robots, costs for pool cleaning robots can vary immensely — another consideration.
I’m curious what your thoughts are around robot pool cleaners. Is this something you’d consider? Maybe you already have one. If so, I’d love to hear about your experience with it and which one you purchased.
Let Debbie and I know what you think in the comments, DMs and emails as we really enjoy hearing from you. Thanks again to all those following Debbie and I through our home building journey. It’s great to hear your success stories and suggestions as we move through the process. And if you like the content I’m posting each week, don’t forget to ‘Like’ and ‘Follow.’
Other smart home robot links
Take the Work Out of Pool Maintenance
Is it Time to Get a Robot Vacuum
The Time is Now to Get Your Smart Lawnmower
Why Aren’t Robots Doing All My Household Chores By Now
No Green Thumb No Problem, Here’s a Robot to Help
Is Amazon’s Astro Home Robot Worth The Price?
Continental and Volterio Are Developing Charging Robots for EVs
Soon There’ll be a Robot to Do Everything
Things to Consider Before Buying a Robot Vacuum
It’s Not the Jetsons But it is a Robot Named Astro
Alexa and Robot Vacuum Cleaners
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