Behind the Hype - Robotic Pool Cleaners uncovered
First off, we don’t sell robotic pool cleaners, and we have no bias or hidden agenda. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision based on your unique needs. The type of pool surface you have—whether it’s plaster, fiberglass, or something else—and your pool’s shape play a major role in how well a robotic cleaner will perform. In this blog, we’ll explore the real pros and cons to help you determine if a robotic cleaner is the right choice for your pool or if a suction cleaner may be better for you.
Robotic pool cleaners have made pool care easier than ever, but there’s a lot of missing information about robots. Most websites focus on promoting their brand, highlighting why their cleaner is the best, without considering whether a robotic cleaner is right for you or will work in your specific pool shape.
Common myths about robotic Pool Cleaners
Robotic cleaners are great, but it’s important to know what you’re buying before you spend your hard-earned money.
The first myth is that they replace the need for chemical balance—this isn’t true. While robotic cleaners scrub and vacuum debris, they don’t fix your water chemistry.
The second is that they clean everywhere in the pool. While they are generally better than the old school suction cleaners, they can get suck in corners or follow the same pattern for hours or days. They can also get tangled up in their own power cord, which greatly restricts their movement. However, some robots now have anti-tangle features for their cords, and others now run on batteries; both of these help deal with these issues.
The third is that their onboard filtration is better than the pool’s main filter. We’ve had many clients who have fine sediment in their pool that their fancy cleaner won’t collect, even after weeks of cleaning. Most robots use low-grade coarse filters that allow for good water flow. High water flow also means high dirt flow, right through the filter and back into your pool! Also, knowing and comparing the filter’s micron rating is crucial, as it determines the size of particles the cleaner can capture.
The final myth is that cheap robotic cleaners have support and parts available. We have several clients with relatively new cleaners that are now completely useless because the needed parts are no longer sold, or were never available. Their 3-year-old fancy cleaner that cost $2,000 is now completely useless.
Robotic cleaners are popular for a reason
Now, let’s look at some of the positive facts about owning a robotic cleaner.
First, some believe that they are only for large or commercial pools. In fact, cleaners come in various sizes and are ideal for residential pools of most shapes.
Second, their energy efficiency is great. They don’t put extra pressure on your pool equipment like suction cleaners because they run independently and use less electricity, saving you money.
Finally, robots are not complicated to use—most just plug in and go, with user-friendly controls and scheduling options.
Robotic Cleaners Strengths
- Usually cleans all surfaces including walls
- Doesn't put extra pressure on your pool equipment
- Setting schedules, timers & apps are easier and better
- Some have strong brushes that sweep your pool surface
- Can still run even if main equipment is out of order
Robotic Cleaners Weaknesses
- Electronics struggle to last a long time in outdoor heat/water
- Big cleaners are heavy and hard to pull out of the pool
- Repairs are often complicated and expensive
- Electronic parts are often not available after a few years
- They're not meant to live in the pool—pulling it out gets old fast
Robots vs. Suction: Why the Old-School Cleaners Still Have a Place
Suction cleaners can require some patience and occasional adjustments, but a quality one can keep a pool clean for many years. Many pool owners even give their cleaner a nickname and enjoy seeing it work properly.
Several of our clients have shared that after their new robotic cleaner failed just a few years in, they dug out their old suction cleaner—and were pleasantly surprised by how well it still worked and cleaned the pool.
A old suction cleaner...really?
There are five things to consider before ruling out a suction cleaner.
- Suction cleaners have very few moving parts and therefore can last a long time. Replace the consumable parts every few years, and you’ll get close to a decade out of them.
- Suction cleaners use your main pool filter, so there are no extra filters to clean or replace! Your main filter does a superior job of cleaning your pool water.
- Pools with a high leaf load often do better with suction cleaners, as robots will stop when the filter is full. So, if you’re away for a month and your filter fills up quickly, then your robot sits on the bottom for weeks doing nothing!
- Suction cleaners are usually less expensive than a robot to buy. Remember, even expensive robots only last 3-5 years and need replacing, so the purchase price is important because they don’t last forever.
Suction Cleaners have a die-hard fan base
Let’s take a look at some of the main advantages of a suction pool cleaner.
Firstly, their suction is concentrated near the pool surface, often giving them better cleaning power than robotic models.
Secondly, they operate using your existing pool equipment, avoiding the need for an additional motorized unit that could fail or add to your energy bills.
Thirdly, suction cleaners are generally designed to remain in the pool longer, meaning less hassle with setup and removal.
Fourth, they’re typically more affordable upfront, offering great value for money.
Lastly, with proper maintenance, suction cleaners often match or exceed the lifespan of robotic cleaners, making them a cost-effective long-term solution.
Suction Cleaners Strengths
- Cheaper to buy
- Superior filtration as they use your pool filter
- Much lighter and less bulky than a robotic cleaner
- Consumables are cheap and easy to replace
- No fancy electronics to go wrong
Suction Cleaners Weaknesses
- Some struggle to cover the entire pool
- Stops if leaves block suction putting strain on pumps
- Repairs are often complicated and expensive
- Large suction hose can be bulky and annoying
- Skimmer doesn't work with cleaner attached, reducing filtration.
Final thoughts
While robotic pool cleaners offer convenience and advanced features, they may not be the ideal choice for every pool owner. Factors such as pool size, shape, surface type, and individual maintenance preferences play a significant role in determining the most suitable cleaning solution.
It’s essential to assess your specific needs and do your research to make an informed decision. By doing so, you can find a great cleaner that will make like a lot easier. The best thing to do is to see if your pool store allows a trial for 7 days before you commit. Testing it in your pool first, risk-free, can save a lot of headaches and stress if the return policies (usually store credit) or restocking fees are painful.
