Cool Pool Tech: Robotic Pool Cleaners

If you own an inground pool, you spend a lot of time each year cleaning the pool. Or maybe you pay someone to do it for you. Today, we’re going to look at robotic pool cleaners, and how these bots can make owning a pool less of a chore, and add a cool tech factor to an otherwise boring chore.

We’re not going to tell you the best robotic pool cleaner, because that’s for you to decide. Do your homework, read reviews, and determine which robot is best suited for your pool and your budget.

What Is a Robotic Pool Cleaner?

A robotic pool cleaner is a self-contained gizmo that uses motorized wheels to propel itself around your pool floor, pool walls, and waterline. It uses brushes and suction to scrub and suck up debris as it goes. You plug it in with a special waterproof data cord, then drop it in the pool, and remove it from the pool when it’s done. It’s sort of like a Roomba for your pool if a Roomba could climb walls.

The robot cleaner has a removable filter bag that stores debris while it’s working, which you empty after each use. OK, so now you know the basics of what a robotic pool cleaner is and how it works, let’s move on to what to look for in one of these pool cleaners. We’re going to focus on robots for inground pools since that’s our area of expertise.

What to Look for In a Robotic Pool Cleaner

There are several considerations when it comes to choosing a robotic pool cleaner. 

Programmability

Any robotic pool cleaner you’re seriously considering should be equipped with Bluetooth or a WiFi radio so you can program it and it can connect to your home’s network. If it’s WiFi-equipped, you don’t even have to be home to have it start cleaning, as long as you’ve already placed the robot in the pool. 

We like robot cleaners that allow you to specify the type of clean (quick clean or thoroughly clean) and the ability to program the time and frequency of cleaning. This means you then just drop it in the pool before a scheduled cleaning. 

Suitability for Your Pool Material

Not all robotic pool cleaners work with all pool materials. Make sure you look for a cleaner rated for your pool’s specific material – gunite, plaster, fiberglass, tile, or vinyl liner. You don’t want the robot to damage your pool’s finish. 

Your Pool’s Shape

Some robotic pool cleaners are better suited for simple rectangular-shaped pools. However, others are super-high-tech and use artificial intelligence to learn your custom pool’s layout to provide a custom cleaning solution. They learn the slope of the deep end, where the stairs and rails are, and more.

Your Pool’s Size

Remember we said robotic pool cleaners have a waterproof plug? That means you need to select one that has a cord long enough for the robot to traverse the full length of your inground pool. You’ll want to select a robot cleaner with a cord that’s long enough, but also one that’s rated to clean your size pool. 

The Debris Bag

If you have a larger pool, you’ll want a robotic pool cleaner with a larger debris bag, or filtration canister. If you get a lot of leaves falling in your pool, look for a robot that can handle that. 

Value

Any robotic pool cleaner is going to cost you some money upfront. But just about any robot is going to save you time and money in the future, by reducing the need for you or a pool service to clean the pool. Most robot pool cleaners will last for 3-5 years. Although you can extend the life of your cleaner by providing regular maintenance and the occasional replacement part. 

Can You Swim with a Robotic Pool Cleaner?

Although you could swim in your pool while the cleaner is working, it’s not advisable. That’s because the robot cleaner stirs up debris, and you (or a child) could get caught up in the cord as it moves around the pool. Many cleaners can give your pool a very thorough clean in 2 hours.

Choose the Robotic Pool Cleaner That’s Best for Your Pool

Now that you know some of the features to look for, start your research to find the cleaner that’s best for you and your pool. You’ll wonder why you didn’t get one sooner!

Make It Exceptional. Make It Woodfield.

If you’re considering a new inground pool installation or need pool repair or pool renovations to bring your old pool back to life, we can help. We believe you deserve an exceptional experience when it comes to building or renovating your pool. 

We work with discerning homeowners throughout the Baltimore area. This includes Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Cecil County, Harford County, and Howard County. Schedule a call today.