We are all extremely busy these days, making tedious and time-consuming tasks even more of a hassle. Thankfully, technology is keeping up with the times, and products are coming out almost daily, designed to do the work for you, freeing up your time to tackle more important things.
One painstaking task we all dread during the summer is vacuuming the family pool. While no one enjoys this job, it is crucial to ensure you, your family, and guests have the luxury of swimming in a clean, clear, and debris-free pool.
To reduce the stress of vacuuming the pool by hand, many pool product manufacturers have created smart robots to do it.
You can set a timer or simply toss it in, and the cleaner moves around on its own, clearing the algae, dirt, grime, and other debris from the floor and sides of your pool even when you are not around.
While automatic pool-cleaning robots sound like an amazing invention brought back to us from the future, they don't come without a few drawbacks you might want to consider.
These drawbacks will be discussed in detail in the article below, along with the benefits you won't want to gloss over. Is a pool vacuum robot worth your time? Let's take a look.
Benefits and Drawbacks of the Popular Pool Vacuum Robot
Have you considered purchasing a pool vacuum robot to alleviate some of the stress from additional summer to-do's? These products sound like the perfect solution to the trouble of finding time to keep your pool clean while tackling other important tasks (or spending time actually swimming).
The benefits of these smart machines are very obvious. However, the drawbacks often go unnoticed until it is too late. So, before purchasing a pool vacuum robot, look at the benefits and drawbacks list to make a more informed decision.
Benefits of a Pool Vacuum Robot
There are plenty of reasons you should look into purchasing a quality pool vacuum cleaner. Most of these benefits are fairly noticeable from the get-go and probably why you are reading this article right now.
- Fast and Time Saving: Robotic pool cleaners work quicker than traditional manual cleaning techniques. These robots are designed to quickly scoot around on the pool surface while still collecting algae, dirt, and other debris. These products also free up your time to do other tasks since you don't have to be present while they work.
- Easy to Use: With an automatic pool cleaner, you don't have to worry about connecting tubes, filters, poles, etc. You plug in the machine, set a timer, and let it go. High-quality robots use sophisticated programming, algorithms, and maps to ensure they maneuver effortlessly throughout the pool, reaching every crack, corner, and surface area.
- Energy Efficient: If you want to become a little more eco-friendly while saving money on energy bills, an automatic pool cleaner is the way to go. Instead of relying on pool pumps and filters to operate your cleaner, they do the work on their own through a separate cord and power outlet. Some pumps are even cordless, only requiring battery power to function.
- Reduces the Need for Cleaning Services: Pool cleaning services can cost a fortune, with monthly maintenance fees ranging from 80-150 a month; this is more than a grand a year if you keep your pool up and running all year long. The price for services increases depending on how dirty it is. Pool vacuums keep your pool clean and reduce extensive bacteria and debris build-up.
- Pool Pump Friendly: When using a manual pool vacuum, you rely on the pump to provide suction and filtering. This amount of work can, over time, put a lot of stress on your pump and can cause issues in performance or even damage.
- Plenty of Options: No matter what type of pool you have, what your budget for a vacuum is, or what features you are looking for, there is a pool vacuum robot out there perfect for the job. With the interest in these machines growing every year, more options are making their way to the market.
Just by looking at this list, it almost seems silly not to jump on a reliable website and purchase a pool vacuum robot from a reputable company. But first, let’s look at some possible drawbacks you might not have considered before.
Drawbacks of the Pool Vacuum Robot
What on Earth can be bad about a smart machine capable of doing monotonous and time-consuming labour you would prefer to avoid at all costs? Well, we can provide a handful of examples that may or may not make you reconsider your possible upcoming purchase.
- Large Upfront Cost: Although you can find these machines at affordable prices, even the lower-end pool vacuums can be pretty pricey. On average, robotic pool vacuum cleaners will cost between $300 and $2000, depending on the type you buy.
- More Expensive Repairs: Because these are high-tech devices, repairs will cost more than your traditional pole and tube cleaning methods. Keep in mind you shouldn't have issues with your vacuum right away, so repairs for any device are expected after a few years.
- Heavier Than Other Vacuums: Most automatic pool cleaning robot models are pretty heavy, with most models weighing around 15 to 20 lbs, not including the water they fill with during use. This weight can make transporting and storing more difficult.
- Require Frequent Cleaning: Pool vacuum robots require frequent cleaning; in fact, you have to empty them and clean out the filter and basket after each cycle. Although it might be work you would rather not do, keeping the vacuum at optimal capacity is critical and will prevent future repairs.
- Requires a Little Education: Using a robotic pool cleaner is a bit of a learning curve since it is more tech-driven and digital. These machines are not as simple as attaching a hose to a stick and pump.
Most of the drawbacks to a pool cleaning vacuum product have to do with the technology and modernization that comes with it. When it comes to how it works and the time it saves you, there are no disadvantages at all.
Should You Purchase a Pool Vacuum Robot?
Are you still on the fence about whether a robotic pool vacuum is right for you? Let us help you out. Hiring a pool cleaning service can cost an absurd amount of money, and the outdated pole and pump vacuum is time-consuming, tedious, and just plain boring.
If you own a pool and are interested in crystal clear water that is safe and clean for long hours of swimming in the summer sun, purchasing a high-quality, automatic pool cleaning robot is one of the best ways to go.
To get the best robotic pool cleaner for your situation, check out the selection offered by Pool Products Canada. We have knowledgeable and helpful staff ready to answer your questions today.