Robot or suction cleaner: how the floor and walls get cleaned

Your options for the pool floor

Manual vacuum

A vacuum head on a telescopic pole, connected by a spiral hose to the skimmer or to the vacuum point. The pump pulls the dirt into the pre-filter and the filter. It is simple, but it takes time and loads the filter.

Automatic suction cleaner

This also connects to the skimmer or the vacuum point and moves on its own using the pump's flow. It has no motor of its own, mainly covers the floor, needs the pump running and sends all the dirt to the filter.

Robot

An electric unit with its own suction motor, its own filter (basket or bag) and tracks or wheels to move around. It runs on a low-voltage cable from a power supply that stays out of the water. Most climb the walls, and many also clean the waterline, where body oils and sunscreen collect.

Robots and liners

A PVC liner needs gentle cleaning. For a robot, that means:

• Brushes: soft, made of PVC or foam, so they do not scratch the surface. On a textured non-slip membrane, ask the robot's manufacturer which brushes they recommend.
• Tracks or wheels: rubber, with no hard edges.
• Steps and benches: many robots do not clean them well, so go over them with a hand brush.
• Waterline: the robot helps, but stubborn marks need a cleaner suitable for PVC; see stains on the liner.

What to look for when choosing

• Whether it cleans only the floor, or the walls and waterline too.
• Programmes and cycle times that suit the size of your pool.
• A filter that lifts out easily from the top, and the option of a finer filter for dust.
• A swivel on the cable, so it does not tangle.
• Weight and a transport caddy, since the robot comes out of the water after every cycle.
• Availability of spare parts and service in your area.

Equipment choices for your own pool are discussed at the site survey.

Using it properly

• Take the robot out of the water at the end of the cycle and let it drain in the shade.
• Empty and rinse its filter after every use.
• Do not put it in the water straight after shock chlorination or adding chemicals.
• After heavy debris, e.g. after a storm, scoop out the leaves with a net first so it does not clog.

How often, and what it does not replace

A robot cycle usually lasts from one to a few hours, depending on the model and programme. In season, one or two cycles a week are often enough for a home pool; with lots of trees, dust or many swimmers it needs to run more often.

A robot noticeably reduces the dirt that reaches the pool filter, and with it the number of backwashes. It does not replace emptying the baskets, brushing the corners and testing the water, though. It is part of the routine, not all of it; see where it fits among the other jobs in pool cleaning.

Questions

See also