Are robotic pool cleaners worth it?

It’s a tale as old as time. The children beg for a pool, with many tearful promises about how they’ll look after it. The enthusiasm lasts for about a week after you’ve installed the pool. After that, the kids start nagging you to get the latest automatic pool cleaners.

You have a quick look and find a cute little robotic number. You like its svelte lines, and it looks like a pretty cool gadget. Then you notice that it costs a bit more than the standard suction pool vacuum cleaner.

You’re torn. You like the robotic version, but is it worth the extra cost? Here are some things to help you make up your mind.

Better Energy-Efficiency

The suction cleaner is a tried and tested option for pools. It's effective, but you must connect it to the pump. It's an energy-intensive process because the pump must suction the water through the hose.

Robotic cleaners have a motor and suck water through a built-in filter. The water doesn't have to travel far, and the process is far more energy efficient.

How Much It Sucks

The power of the motor in your robotic cleaner will determine how fast it moves, and how much debris it sucks up. As the water has a shorter distance to travel, the suction effect is more potent with the robotic models.

Where Will You Plug It In?

There is a slight catch. You must plug your new bot in so that it can work. If you don’t have a power point within reaching distance, you’ll need to use an extension cord. That can get messy, and potentially dangerous if the extension comes into contact with the water. 

Maintenance

With both machines, maintenance is relatively easy. It's a little easier with the suction cleaner because there's no motor and few moving parts. However, robotic cleaners are sturdy and will last a long time if you care for them properly. Regularly examining the wheel is the first step.

Performance

A suction cleaner is a simple tool. It doesn't have sophisticated electronics on-board. In this respect, the bot wins hands-down. Get a model that has a remote control, and you can direct the bot or program a cleaning pattern. With suction cleaners, the cleaning pattern is random. 

Final Verdict

A robotic pool cleaner is a little more expensive, but it may be worth your while. The cleaner will pay for itself in energy savings over a few years. Just be sure to get a model that is right for your pool type.

If you need help in that department, get in touch. We’ll help you narrow down your options.