To maximize the life of your pool (along with your own enjoyment of it), keeping your pool clean is a definite must. Most people don’t exactly enjoy cleaning their pool though. Automated pool cleaners are one option to help take the load off but there can still be some pros and cons.
Pros of Automated Pool Cleaners
- Smart Technology: Automated, or robotic pool cleaners utilize the latest technological advancements to take on jobs of all sizes. Most are able to handle floating debris from large to small and are highly efficient. This is what has made them the #1 choice of cleaners everywhere for several years. These units are about as hands-off as you can get while still regularly leaving your pool pristine.
- Multi-Surface: Most automatic pool cleaners are not limited to cleaning just your pool’s floor. They are able to climb the walls as well to truly clean the entire pool. Robotic models are also self-contained systems. That means they don’t require being hooked up to your pool’s equipment. Which in turn means less burden is placed on your pool’s pump and filtration system. You can think of them like aquatic versions of home robotic vacuum cleaners, except these ones won’t get stuck under your side table.
- Lifetime Cost & Efficiency: While the upfront cost of a good automatic pool cleaner is quite high, they can help minimize other costs over time. Removing debris, cleaning algae, and keeping your pool clean is one of the easiest ways to avoid unexpected maintenance and repair costs.
Cons of Automated Pool Cleaners
- Performance Monitoring: While it is undoubtedly nice to add an automatic cleaner to your pool’s cleaning routine, you will still need to monitor how good of a job it’s actually doing. The point of automated pool cleaners is moot if they aren’t actually cleaning! You will also need to make sure the unit doesn’t get stuck, clogged, or jammed.
- Maintenance: The biggest headache for maintaining your automatic pool cleaner involves emptying the filter bag or cartridge. Some models have easier access than others through a topside hatch. Others may need to be flipped over in order to remove and clean. It is also important to keep an eye on your automated cleaner’s filter to replace as needed for the best performance.
- Manual Setup: While “automated” or “automatic” are right in the name, pool cleaning technology isn’t advanced enough to actually be 100% automated. You will need to manually set the cleaning cycle then pick up most models and physically put them in the pool to get the job done. Don’t forget to put them away when they’re finished either! Drying off and storing them properly in between cleaning cycles is a vital part of the process… Which means there is still a good bit of effort needed to keep your pool area clean.
Alternatives to Automated Pool Cleaners
If you aren’t sure whether or not an automated pool cleaner is right for your pool, contact us today! Our certified experts are happy to help you find the services and equipment that will fit your backyard best.
