Buying Guide for Robotic Swimming Pool Cleaner

Robotic cleaners have built-in motors that consist of a drive, a pump, and a processor. The pump pulls in water from the pool through the bottom of the unit and sends it through filter bags before pumping it out the top of the unit. The pump creates suction that propels the robotic cleaner around the surfaces inside the pool. The robots have bump bars that cause the machine to change direction when they come in contact with objects like pool steps or walls.

• Robotic cleaners are programmable for different pool sizes and are designed to complete a predetermined cycle of cleaning and then shut off. They have long cords that must be plugged in to an electric outlet. After use, pool owners must remove the unit's filter bag and clean or replace it with a disposable robotic cleaner filter bag.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Robotic Pool Cleaners

• As self-contained pool cleaners, robotic models are probably the most energy-efficient. Filter and motor are built in. Robotic pool cleaners are the most effective of the three types because they can pick up even tiny particles from pool floor, steps, walls, and waterline.
• Some models have remote control features for directed spot cleaning. Some come equipped with four-wheel drive. Typically, the cleaning cycle for robotic models runs between two and four hours. Depending on the model, a robotic cleaner may be too powerful for smaller pools. Unlike a suction or pressure cleaner, a robotic unit should not be left in the pool when it is not active. Its long power cord may be a tripping hazard.
• As the most technically advanced pool cleaners, robotic units are also the most expensive. However, the energy savings from not running the pool pump when the cleaner is in use offsets the extra cost.

Summary of Key Characteristics in Pool Cleaners