Can You Leave A Robotic Pool Cleaner In The Pool

Have you ever wondered whether it’s okay to leave your robotic pool cleaner in the pool overnight or for an extended period of time? It’s a question many pool owners have, and one that deserves some attention. 

Well, it’s not recommended to leave a robotic pool cleaner in the pool for too long. But how much is too long, and how long can you leave your pool robot in the pool? 

We’ll answer these questions in the articles, plus discuss the effects of leaving your pool cleaner in the water, and offer some tips on how to properly care for and store your robotic pool cleaner. 

So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive in!

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Why you shouldn’t leave your robotic pool cleaner in the pool

It may seem like a good idea to leave the robotic pool cleaner in the pool permanently, but it’s generally not recommended. It’s best to remove it from the pool after each use, clean it, and store it in a safe, dry place until the next time you need to use it. Here are 5 reasons why you shouldn’t leave your robotic pool cleaner in the pool. 

Quick deterioration of the pool cleaner’s parts

Another problem with leaving a robot pool cleaner in the pool for extended periods of time is the damage that the device can suffer. Prolonged exposure to pool chemicals and water can cause corrosion and wear and tear on the components of the cleaner, affecting its performance and potentially causing it to malfunction. Also, leaving the cleaner in the pool for an extended period of time can affect the water chemistry of the pool, leading to issues such as algae growth or pH imbalance.

A robotic pool cleaner submerged in a pool

Reduces longevity

In addition to the quick deterioration of the pool cleaner’s parts, leaving a pool robot in the pool for too long will also reduce the lifespan of the robot. 

Robotic pool cleaners are designed to stay in the pool for a few hours at a time, and keeping them submerged for too long may lead to corrosion of metal parts. Also, prolonged exposure to pool chemicals and water can cause wear and tear on the components, and generally reduce the longevity of the robot pool cleaner. 

Clogged filters

Filters are a very important part of pool robots, and they greatly contribute to the performance of these devices. The filters in robot pool cleaners are designed to trap and filter off debris in the pool water, and they need to be cleaned out after every cleaning cycle. When the pool cleaner is left out in the pool for too long, the filters may be forgotten and neglected, which will cause the filters to clog. This is a serious problem because pool robots can not efficiently clean a pool with clogged filters

Risk of battery damage

Some robot pool cleaners have rechargeable batteries, and leaving these robots out in the pool for too long can potentially damage their batteries. If these pool cleaners are left in the pool for an extended period of time, the battery may become depleted or overcharged, leading to damage and a shorter lifespan.

You have to think of the effect of pool chemicals on the battery, this can negatively affect battery life and performance. Exposure to high levels of chlorine, for example, can cause corrosion on the battery contacts, affecting the charging and power delivery capabilities of the battery.

Risk of accidents

You may not know this but leaving the robotic cleaner in the pool permanently can also increase the risk of accidents, such as tripping over the cord or getting tangled in the pool ladder. To avoid these potential issues, it’s important to remove the robotic pool cleaner from the pool after each use, clean it, and store it in a dry and protected location until the next use.

How long can you leave a robotic pool cleaner in the pool?

You can leave your robotic pool cleaner in your pool for as long as a cleaning cycle lasts, which is usually a few hours. Most robotic pool cleaners, like the Dolphin pool cleaners, are designed to be left in the pool for a few hours at a time, typically between 2–4 hours or for as long as a cleaning cycle lasts, before being removed. 

Keep in mind that the exact time will depend on the model of the pool cleaner and its specifications. Some pool cleaners may have a longer or shorter recommended operating time, and it’s important to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific robotic pool cleaner model.

It’s also important to note that leaving a robotic pool cleaner in the swimming pool for an extended period, such as overnight or for multiple days, could lead to potential problems such as damage to the pool cleaner and safety hazards.

To avoid any issues, it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific pool cleaner and remove it from the pool after the recommended operating time.

A robotic pool cleaner in a pool

If you don’t leave it in the pool where should you keep it?

When not in use, keep your robotic pool cleaner in a dry, secure place away from direct sunlight, water, and extreme weather conditions.

Some robotic pool cleaners come with a storage caddy or cart specifically designed for safe and convenient storage. If your pool cleaner came with a storage caddy or carrying case, use it to store your pool cleaner when it’s not in use. This will help protect the pool cleaner from dust, debris, and potential damage.

You can still store your pool cleaner in a safe place with a caddy. One option is to store it in a clean, dry place such as a garage, shed, or utility room. Be sure to keep it away from any chemicals or cleaning products, as these can damage the pool cleaner.

Can you swim with a robotic pool cleaner in the pool?

It’s generally not recommended to swim with a robotic pool cleaner in the pool. This is because robotic pool cleaners use electricity to operate, and having a powered device in the water with swimmers can be dangerous.

Pool robots are not designed to clean the pool with swimmers in it, therefore, they are unable to detect or avoid swimmers in the pool. If someone were to accidentally bump into the cleaner while it’s operating, it could cause injury or damage to both the person and the cleaner.

To ensure the safety of everyone in the pool, it’s best to remove the robotic pool cleaner from the water before swimming. Once everyone is out of the pool, you can turn on the pool cleaner and let it do its job. After it’s finished cleaning, be sure to remove it from the swimming pool and store it in a safe place until the next time you need to use it.

Man relaxing in a pool with a robotic pool cleaner at the edge of the pool

How to care for and store your robotic pool cleaner

Caring for and properly storing your robotic cleaner is important to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. You can help improve the longevity and effectiveness of your robotic pool cleaner by following a few simple steps.

Here are some general tips to follow:

  • Remove the cleaner from the pool after each use, empty the debris container, rinse it with clean water to remove any debris or chemicals.
  • Store the cleaner in a cool, dry, and protected location, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
  • Before storing the cleaner, give it a thorough cleaning with a clean cloth or towel and make sure it’s totally dry.
  • If the cord is tangled, gently untangle it, wrap it neatly and store it in a separate compartment to avoid damage or tangling.
  • Occasionally inspect the robot for any evidence of wear or damage on the brushes and filters, and clean or replace them as needed.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific model, and refer to the owner’s manual for any additional care and maintenance instructions.

FAQ 

Can you leave a robotic pool cleaner in the pool overnight?

It’s generally not recommended to leave a robotic pool cleaner in the pool overnight. Robotic pool cleaners are not meant to stay in the pool for too long because extended exposure to pool chemicals and water can potentially damage the pool cleaner, and can also affect the water chemistry of the pool. Even a Dolphin pool cleaner should not be left in the pool for too long.

What is the difference between an automatic pool cleaner and a robot pool cleaner?

The major difference between an automatic pool cleaner and a robot pool cleaner is how they function. 
Automatic pool cleaners are powered by the pool’s filtration system and use the pool’s own suction or pressure to move around and pick up debris. They often require a booster pump or separate booster system to operate, and can be less effective at cleaning difficult areas like walls or stairs. Suction-side cleaners or pressure-side cleaners are examples of automatic pool cleaners.
Robotic pool cleaners, on the other hand, are independent devices with their own power supply. They use a motor, brushes and filters to scrub and vacuum the pool surface and collect debris. Robotic cleaners are generally more efficient and effective at pool cleaning than automatic pool cleaners. 

Can you use a robotic pool cleaner on a vinyl pool?

Yes, you can use a robotic pool cleaner on a vinyl pool, but it’s important to choose a pool cleaner that is specifically designed for vinyl pools. Not all pool cleaners are suitable for vinyl pools, as they can be more delicate and require special care. 
If you have a vinyl pool, look for a robotic pool cleaner suitable for vinyl pools. They usually possess a non-abrasive brush and a low-pressure cleaning technique that is gentle on vinyl surfaces. Make sure you check that it’s clearly stated the pool cleaner is designed to clean vinyl pools, don’t just assume it can.

How do you get a robotic pool cleaner out of a pool?

To get a robotic pool cleaner out of a pool, first, turn off the power supply and unplug the pool cleaner from the outlet. Next, use the power cord of the pool cleaner to gently pull it toward the pool’s edge. 
Once you have pulled the cleaner to the pool’s edge, lift it out of the water and onto the pool deck or a nearby table. Be sure to handle the pool cleaner gently and avoid dropping it, as this can cause damage to the device. Finally, rinse the pool cleaner with fresh water and store it in a dry and protected location until its next use.

Final thoughts

We know how tempting it is to leave your robotic pool cleaner in the pool all the time, but it’s important to remember that doing so can have some negative effects. 

It’s generally not advised to leave your pool cleaner in the water for an extended period of time due to potential damage to your pool robot cleaner.

You can help ensure the longevity and performance of your robotic pool cleaner by following the manufacturer’s instructions, properly caring for and storing your robot, and removing it from the pool after each use.

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