You better not own a pool if you think you can lag behind the pool cleaning duty for more than two weeks because serious issues will soon float your way.

The biggest drawback of owning an in-ground or over-ground pool is the colossal aspect of keeping it prim and clean. We all want a crystal clear pool, but how many of us are ready to actually clean it?

Let us better not answer that question.

While agile pool-owners would not find cleaning duty as tedious as most of us would, automated pool cleaners are there to save the day for all. Not even a pool service expert can beat the convenience that robotic pool cleaners bring with a one-time investment.

Just imagine sending a robotic pool cleaner to dive in and do all the greasy work while you sip on a cocktail and enjoy the sun – feeling giddy in the toes yet?

Image source: pexels.com/photo/photo-of-person-near-swimming-pool

Types of Automated Pool Cleaners

There are three types of automated pool cleaners invented 19^th century onward, each of which has made our lives a lot easier than it was ever before.

1. Suction-side Pool Cleaner

First invented by Roy B. Everson in 1913, suction-side pool cleaners utilize the pool’s filtration pump to suck up the debris and discard it into the pump basket. Although the least expensive amongst the three, they require a tad bit of supervision as they are attached to the pool’s original filter pump or the skimmers.

The pool’s filter system must be functioning properly as it helps to propel the suction-side pool cleaner. It may tidy up the pool, but it puts on the debris load onto the pool filter system, which would then require you to backwash or clean it more often than usual.

Bottom line: Perfect if you’re looking for a cost-effective, workload-sharing pool cleaner and not entirely relying on it to fix up your swimming pool from inside out. Energy consumption may double up, though.

2. Pressure-side Pool Cleaner

These Pool Cleaners have a sweep hose and filter bag attached to them. Like the suction-side pool cleaners, they hook up with one of the return jets of the filter system to create a water vortex.

The cleaner is propelled around the pool by the water pressure that comes in the return jet, allowing them to sweep up dirt and debris into the filter bag.

Pressure-side pool cleaners are more effective and relatively costlier than suction-side cleaners. With their own filter bag, they do not overload the pool’s filtration system and, thus, are a preferable choice.

Bottom line: Perfect for scrubbing and collecting debris without pressuring the filter system.

3. Robotic Pool Cleaners

The king of automated cleaners is the robotic pool cleaner – easiest to use, with an in-built cleaning system and computerized intelligence. They run on electricity (or via induction), have extra-long power cords (can be even wireless), and save you maximum time and effort by doing everything to keep the pool clean.

Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/screen-web-design-developing-codes

Their personal vacuum, brushes, and filter bag with wheels to drive around is sufficient to sweep up dirt from the farthest nook of the pool.

Robotic pool cleaners run on motors and are equipped with sensors. Many come with memory function to store and update data constantly as they work around, thereby adding up to their efficiency and intelligence.

Like the icing on a cake, robotic pool cleaners have a programmability feature that allows the pool-owners to allocate specific cycles or running time so that the bot can clean up their mess behind after you’ve had a satisfying swim.

Bottom line: It is a no-brainer to know that the upfront cost of robotic pool cleaners is higher than both the suction and pressure-side cleaners – because of the obvious reasons. They might cost $700 to $1,000 and above, but they are a one-time investment to free you of all the mundane tasks once and for all.

But wait right there. You must also know how to maintain a robotic pool cleaner if you’re planning to buy one.

How do I maintain a Robotic Pool Cleaner?

There’s only one thing you are expected to do – check it up intermittently like you would follow up any device that you’ve brought at home. It is as simple as that.

However, it is important to mention that there are various types of robotic cleaners in the market – some are wireless, while others have cords; some require them to put in and out of the pool, while others can sit inside like a fashionable marine animal.

A standard maintenance practice is to examine the bot weekly when it is not cleaning, use a cloth to wipe away any dirt from it, and check for any replacement parts required. Meanwhile, you can also send a little prayer to the engineers who devised such magnificent bots for your use.

Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/action-automotive-car-employee

What to Look for When Buying Robotic Pool Cleaner?

While all robotic pool cleaners are equally incredible, there is no harm in keeping your knowledge up about the few top features you must be mindful of when buying the bot. They include;

1. Lightweight

Lightweight bots are always the best choice, no matter the size of the pool. This feature enables them to carry their work effectively, and remain human-compatible as well because you wouldn’t want to call for help when lifting the bot out of the water.

2. Programmability

Look for bots with programmable timers, because what’s the use of robotic cleaners if you have to switch it on and off every time you want your pool cleaned? Although it is unlikely that any robotic cleaner would come without this feature, there is no cost in being alert to it.

On a side note, make sure you check the Bluetooth feature of the robot – many products have interruptive signals that make the operation tiresome.

3. Climb-Ability

Robotic pool cleaners that can climb in, climb out, or climb the stairs of the pools are best to pick as they are inclusive in their tasks.

4. Sensors

Of course, the robot cannot work without sensors and deflecting features. Without this function, it can get stuck in a corner waiting for help, which dials down the efficacy of robotic pool cleaners in the first place.

5. Wide, Four Wheels

Four-wheeled cyborg cleaners are better than their subsidiaries because it has a powerful grasp on their movement. They can drive through the pool from end to end and navigate over the slippery surfaces without toppling over.

6. Energy Efficiency

There is nothing better than energy-efficient robotic cleaners. Make sure you check the energy consumption rate of the cleaner before buying one, because those that take up to 1,000 watts per hour can leave you bankrupt in a few months.

Robotic pool cleaners are virtually hassle-free. They are one of the best; in fact, the best investments you can make for your water-sports area at home. If you are a swimmer enthusiast and want your pool not to become a source of infection anytime soon, you must get a robotic cleaner to take over the cleaning duties while you laze about at the pool-side and enjoy the view.

Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/engin-akyurt