Robotic Pool Cleaners

A robotic cleaner removes the most tedious part of owning a pool. It does not replace the chemistry, and understanding the division makes the purchase clearer.

What they actually do

Scrub and vacuum debris from the floor, and depending on the model the walls and waterline. They filter water through their own cartridge rather than through the pool's filtration system.

That means they reduce load on the pump and filter, which is a real saving alongside the labour.

What they do not do

Sanitise the water. Chlorine or an equivalent, correct pH and regular testing remain essential, and a spotless-looking pool can still be unsafe.

Test at least twice a week in season, and after heavy use or rain.

Cabled and cordless

Cabled units run continuously from a power supply and never run out. The cable can tangle, and most have a swivel to reduce it.

Cordless units are easier to deploy and are limited by battery life, typically enough for one cycle. Check the runtime against your pool size rather than the marketing claim.

Match it to your pool

Check the stated maximum pool size, the surface type it suits — tile, vinyl and fibreglass behave differently — and whether it climbs walls and handles a sloping floor.

Steps and tight corners are where most cleaners struggle, and no model reaches everything.

Maintenance

Rinse the filter cartridge after every cycle and let it dry, since a clogged filter reduces suction dramatically. Check brushes and tracks for wear.

Remove the unit from the water between cycles rather than leaving it in, which shortens the life of seals and the battery.

Safety around the pool

Supervision is what prevents drownings, not equipment. A fence with a self-closing gate, a cover and a rule that nobody swims alone matter far more than anything mechanical.

Store pool chemicals locked away and never mix them, particularly chlorine products with acids, which releases toxic gas.

Running costs

Factor in replacement filter cartridges, brushes and eventually a battery. Compare that against the pump hours saved, and filter cleaning saved, which is a genuine offset rather than a marketing one.

Seasonal

Remove and store the cleaner over winter somewhere dry and frost free, with the battery at around half charge if it has one. Leaving a unit in a closed pool degrades seals and cables.

Check hoses and the power supply for damage before the first use of each season, since perished cable is a shock risk.

Safety

Never enter the pool while a cleaner is operating, and keep children away from the power supply.