Do I Need a Robotic Pool Cleaner?
July 01, 2020 at 10:00 AM
If you own a pool, chances are, you’ve heard of robotic pool cleaners. Also known as pool robots, they are one of three types of automatic pool cleaners — suction-side cleaners and pressure-side cleaners are the other two.
Technology for all three cleaner types has advanced significantly over the years. So, when you’re trying to find the right pool cleaner for you, it’s all about understanding your pool’s needs and how different types of automatic pool cleaners work.
Let’s look at the most versatile and robust automatic option: the robotic pool cleaner.
What is a Robotic Pool Cleaner?
A robotic pool cleaner is like a smart household vacuum, but for your pool. Unlike pressure and suction cleaners, robotic pool cleaners don’t need your pool’s filtration or pump system to run. Instead, you simply plug them into an outdoor GFCI power outlet and they’re ready to get to work, moving around the pool and cleaning up debris as they go.
One of the main perks of a robotic pool cleaner is how incredibly energy efficient they are, requiring very low power to run — about the equivalent of a single incandescent lightbulb. It also cleans effectively, with built-in technology that guides it around the floors and walls, collecting and filtering debris along the way. Robotic pool cleaners are known for being able to access tough-to-reach spots and pick up relatively large debris.
Models vary, but in general, every robotic pool cleaner has the following components:
- Electric motor
- Brushes for scrubbing pool surfaces
- Long power cable
- Filter canister for easy debris elimination
- Wheels or tracks for navigating on all pool surfaces
- Water propulsion system
- Lightweight carrier for storage and transportation
- Programming control box
Are Pool Robots the Right Choice for Me?
Your pool professional is the best person to answer this question, but robotic pool cleaners are ideal for any pool.
Polaris® robotic pool cleaners work in most in-ground pools regardless of the material, from tile to gunite (concrete or aggregate — pebbles, stones, ceramic-coated crystals, or glass) and vinyl. Due to robotic pool cleaners’ dramatically reduced energy consumption, the cost savings can also be significant. Since many states encourage the use of energy-efficient products by offering rebates, you may qualify for a rebate program depending where you live.
Polaris pool robots offer countless benefits to pool owners, including:
- Ease of use: Plug it in, drop it in and go
- Energy efficiency
- Superior cleaning that tackles small to large debris
- Scrubbing capabilities on the floor and walls, all the way up to the waterline
- Convenient robot operation using a simple control box to select cleaning mode, start/stop the cleaner and more
- Less strain on your pool’s filter or pump thanks to a self-contained design
- On-the-go control using the iAquaLink® app with Wi-Fi connectivity*
- The Polaris 9650iQ Sport even offers hands-free voice activation through iAquaLink when synced with Amazon Alexa
*Feature available on select models
From programming your cleaner to clean certain surfaces, to controlling it from the comfort of your lounge chair, a Polaris pool robot delivers a superior experience, every time.
Introducing Polaris ALPHA™ iQ+ and ALPHA™ iQ Robotic Cleaners
If you’re looking for the best robotic pool cleaner, then the newly released Polaris ALPHA iQ+ and ALPHA iQ robotic cleaners are the ideal choice. With SMART features exclusive to Polaris, we’re revolutionizing the way you clean your pool.
Polaris ALPHA iQ cleaners are equipped with advanced programming and convenient app capabilities for on-the-go control. Using their SMART Cycle mode, the cleaners gauge a pool’s shape, size and surface material and determine the optimal time for cleaning the entire pool effectively and efficiently. The Sensor Nav System™ kicks in to collect data on fluctuating factors like pool depth and acceleration to adjust as it cleans, delivering superior results.
Both ALPHA models allow users convenient app control from their smartphones using the iAquaLink app (via the home’s Wi-Fi), but the ALPHA iQ+ takes things a step further. The ALPHA iQ+ offers full-featured app functionality to easily schedule recurring cleaning cycles, view current water temperature, receive timely status updates and access seven different cleaning modes. It even spot-cleans specific areas of the pool when in a time crunch!
Choosing the Right Pool Robot
Ready to start shopping? Use our compare feature to easily compare different Polaris robotic pool cleaners and find the best pool robot for your needs. When in doubt, talk to your pool professional for help making the right choice.