Are you one of those people who dread the thought of cleaning your pool? Do you spend hours upon hours every week trying to keep your pool water sparking and scrub algae from the sides and floor of your pool? If so, you may be interested in investing in a robotic pool cleaner.
These cleaners are designed to automatically clean your pool, eliminating the need for manual labor. But will even the best robotic pool cleaner for algae really work when it comes to algae removal?
Let’s take a closer look at robotic pool cleaners and find out!
What is algae and why do I get it in my pool?
Algae are a type of plant that can be found in both fresh and saltwater environments. In swimming pools, algae can be introduced through rainwater or from swimmers who have been in contact with contaminated water.
Algae thrive in warm, sunny conditions, and their growth is often accelerated by high levels of nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen. While algae are not usually harmful to humans, there are health risks and they can cause problems for pool owners.
Algae can make the water appear cloudy and green, and they can also clog filters and other pool equipment. In addition, algae can create a slippery surface around the pool, increasing the risk of accidents.
To prevent algae growth in swimming pools, it is essential to maintain proper chemical levels and clean the pool regularly.
Do robotic pool cleaners clean algae from pools effectively?
While pool owners have a few options for cleaners, robotic pool cleaners are becoming increasingly popular. Often lauded for their effectiveness, these machines are designed to clean the entire pool, including the floors, pool walls, and even the waterline. In addition, pool robots are relatively easy to use and maintain, making them a popular choice for busy homeowners.
But do these cleaners live up to the hype? Both robotic and pressure pool cleaners effectively remove all the algae from pools. The brushes on these machines help to loosen and remove algae spores and growth from the pool surface, and the suction pulls the debris away so it can be adequately filtered out.
This cleaning efficiency can even save pool owners money in a few ways.
- First, by removing the algae from the pool, robotic cleaners help to improve the water quality. This means less chlorine or other chemicals will be needed to treat the water, saving on costs.
- Second, robotic cleaners help to keep the pool filter clean. Clogged filters can lead to decreased water flow and reduced cleaning power, which can increase energy costs.
- Finally, a regular cleaning with a robotic cleaner can help extend your pool pump’s life and filtration system, saving you money in the long run.
Are there any drawbacks to using robotic cleaners in your pool maintenance routine?
Robotic cleaners are a fantastic way to clean your pool with little effort. These clever devices are designed to scrub away algae and other debris, leaving your pool looking clean and fresh.
However, there are some potential drawbacks to using robotic cleaners. One issue is that they can be pretty expensive to purchase. Another potential problem is that robotic cleaners can sometimes miss spots when cleaning leaving behind patches of algae or other debris, so there will be an element of supervision needed from time to time.
However, more advanced robotic cleaners are less likely to leave streaks or missed spots as they include smart mapping algorithms that move the robot in a systematic pattern across the surface of the pool.
Finally, robotic cleaners require regular maintenance and upkeep, so you must ensure that you keep on top of their care.
Overall, automatic cleaners are a great way to keep your pool clean with minimal effort, but there are some potential drawbacks that you should be aware of before making your purchase.
How much do robotic pool cleaners cost?
It depends on a few things, but in general robotic pool cleaners cost, on average, between $700 and $1,500 and most models will come with a warranty of two to three years.
What are the best brands of robotic pool cleaners on the market today?
Several high-quality robotic pool cleaners are on the market, but the most popular is the Dolphin brand from Maytronics. Over the last few years, their flagship model, the dolphin premier robotic pool cleaner, has been a firm consumer favorite, while the nautilus range offers great value.
Some other brands worth looking at are Hayward, producers of the SharkVac, and Polaris who make the sweet looking 9650iq.
If you are looking at budget pool cleaners, Aiper is coming out with some amazing machines hundreds of dollars cheaper than the well-known brands. Their cleaners are designed to be easy to use and effectively clean all types of pools. They are also relatively affordable, making them an excellent choice for budget-minded consumers.
How do you choose the right robot pool cleaner for your needs and budget?
You’ll want to consider a few things when choosing the right robotic pool cleaner for your needs and budget.
- The size of your pool: Robotic pool cleaners come in a variety of sizes, so it’s essential to choose one that will be able to clean your entire pool.
- The type of pool: Some robotic cleaners are designed for specific kinds of pools, such as above-ground pools or inground pools. Also, consider swimming pool surfaces. Be sure to choose a cleaner compatible with your type of pool, whether vinal, pebble-tech, gunite, or something different.
- Type of debris: How much debris your pool usually has – if it’s generally pretty clean, you can get away with a less expensive model. But if your swimming pool is full of leaves and other debris, you’ll need something to handle that.
- Key features important to you: Some robotic pool cleaners feature advanced qualities like WiFi, cleaning schedule, Anti-swivel cords, automatic backwashing, and the ability to clean pool walls and steps. Others are more basic. Decide which features are must-haves and which ones you can live without.
- Your budget: Some great cleaners aren’t too expensive, but the really top-of-the-line models can be pricey.
Considering all of these factors, you should be able to find the right robotic cleaner for your needs and budget.
Tips for maintaining your robotic swimming pool cleaner
Maintaining your robotic pool cleaner is vital to extending its lifespan. Here are some tips:
- Keep your robotic pool cleaner as clean as possible. This may seem common sense, but keeping your pool cleaner and free of dirt, debris, and grime is essential. Not only will this help to extend its life, but it will also keep it working at peak efficiency.
- Be sure to empty the canister or bag regularly. Depending on your robotic pool cleaner model, it may have a canister or bag that collects debris as it cleans. Be sure to empty this regularly so the cleaner can continue working effectively.
- Avoid using it in extreme weather conditions. While most robotic pool cleaners are designed to withstand a wide range of conditions, they should not be used in extremely cold or hot weather. Doing so could damage the unit and shorten its lifespan.
- Store it properly when not in use. Store it in a cool, dry place when you’re not using your robotic pool cleaner. This will help to prevent damage and extend its life.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to read the owner’s manual for your specific model of robotic pool cleaner and follow all instructions carefully.
This will help you get the most out of your investment and ensure that it lasts many years.
Final thoughts
Robotic pool cleaners are a great way to keep your water crystal clear and algae-free. They come in various sizes and types, so you can find one perfect for your specific needs. In addition, by following the tips for maintaining your robotic cleaner, you can ensure that it lasts for many years.
Matt is the founder of the Little Robot Shop, who has spent much of the last decade hacking home cleaning with various robots and devices to make keeping his home clean as easy as possible. Not an easy task with two young children.
When not working on the Little Robot Shop website or YouTube channel, he works as technical support and product specialist for a fast-growing digital company. He does his best to get his younglings to code, which will be an essential skill in the future.