Discover a wealth of advice for choosing the pool robot that will perfectly meet your needs as well as those of your pool. Whether you are looking for information on various technologies, criteria to consider, or suggestions for your purchase, we are here to support you at every stage.

The different categories of pool robots: Electric, Hydraulic, or Pressure

The market for pool cleaning robots is so vast that it can be complicated to find your way around. This guide will help you choose the right equipment for your pool based on its specific characteristics.

First of all, we can distinguish three main categories of pool robots:

1. Electric pool robots: They operate autonomously and do not require a connection to the pool’s filtration system.
2. Hydraulic pool robots: They plug directly into the pool’s filtration system and use the pump’s power to move and perform cleaning.
3. Pressure pool robots (Polaris): They connect to a separate booster pump, which provides them with additional power for cleaning.

Each type of robot has unique features, with its own advantages and disadvantages. This guide will help you determine the ideal robot for maintaining your pool based on your requirements.

Electric pool robot

The electric pool robot is the preferred choice due to its simplicity of use and cleaning efficiency. Its operation is very intuitive: you simply plug it into an electrical outlet, and it takes care of cleaning your pool autonomously.

This robot, being completely autonomous, is suitable for both new pools and those under renovation. It simply requires an electrical outlet, without additional work, even for the oldest installations.

It moves methodically, cleaning every part of the pool and vacuuming up dirt. The most powerful models also manage to clean vertical walls. For optimal cleaning, it is advisable to choose robots equipped with brushes that scrub the lining and remove dirt.

There are two main categories of electric pool robots:

Electric Robots – Floor Only

These robots focus on rapid cleaning of the pool floor, completing their cycles in just 1.5 to 2 hours. They are perfect for simple pools, preferably rectangular up to 8 x 4 m, with a flat or slightly sloping bottom. Their lightweight design makes them easy to maneuver, ideal for above-ground steel or wooden pools.

We present here two of the best performing models:

1. 1. Zodiac CNX™ 20 pool robot
   2. Vacuum cleaner

Electric Robots – Floor, Walls, and Waterline.

Leading manufacturers such as Zodiac, Hayward, and Dolphin offer robots that clean the floor, walls, and waterline. Their technology is now reliable and proven. When the robot reaches a wall, it stands upright, climbs to the waterline which it scrubs for a few moments, then reverses to continue cleaning.

These models are among the best available on the market. Their prices vary according to the features offered, such as a caddy or a remote control.

We have selected for you two of the most effective models:

1. 1. 1. Zodiac Vortex OV3480 pool robot
      2. Hayward Aquavac 300 pool robot with QuickClean PVC brushes

Foam Brushes or PVC Brushes: Which brushes to select for my pool robot?

The choice of brushes for your pool robot is mainly determined by the type of lining of your pool.

1. 1. 1. PVC brushes: are ideal for pools with a liner coating, offering excellent grip and being specially designed for this type of surface.
      2. Foam brushes: are perfectly suited for shell, tile, or polyester pools. The suction cups ensure better grip, facilitating the robot’s ascent of the walls. It can therefore effectively clean the floor, walls, and waterline.

If your pool has a liner coating, choose PVC brushes. For shell, tile, or polyester coatings, foam brushes are the ideal choice.

Currently, many robots are versatile and suitable for most pool linings. For example, the Dolphin Cosmos 20 and Dolphin Cosmos 30 models are equipped with combined foam-PVC brushes, allowing them to effectively clean all types of pools.

Is the remote control for an electric robot an essential accessory?

The importance of a remote control for an electric robot depends mainly on your personal preferences and the layout of your pool.

In many cases, the remote control is not considered essential, as the majority of electric robots operate autonomously and are capable of cleaning the pool effectively without human intervention. These devices are programmed to methodically cover the entire surface of the pool and perform a complete cleaning.

However, in certain specific situations, a remote control can prove useful. For example, if your pool has difficult-to-access areas or obstacles that can hinder the robot’s movement, a remote control could allow you to manually direct the robot toward these areas for more precise cleaning. Additionally, a remote control can be convenient for handling the robot from a distance, notably to direct it toward the waterline or to remove it from the pool once cleaning is complete.

In conclusion, although a remote control is not always necessary, it can constitute a useful addition for some users, especially in the case of pools with particular characteristics or specific cleaning needs.

Is the pool robot caddy useful?

The usefulness of the caddy for a pool robot depends on various factors, including your personal preferences, the regularity of your robot’s use, and the arrangement of your storage space.

In general, a caddy can be extremely useful for several reasons:

1. 1. 1. Ease of transport: A caddy makes it easier to move the robot between the storage location and the pool, which is particularly convenient if your robot is heavy or if you have to transport it over a certain distance.
      2. Organized storage: The caddy provides a specific location to store your robot when it is not in use, which helps keep your pool cleaning equipment in order and safe from potential damage.
      3. Robot protection: By placing the robot on a caddy, you reduce the risk of accidental damage. The caddy provides a stable support that prevents the robot from falling or tipping over when it is not in service.
      4. Accessibility: Having the robot placed on a caddy near the pool can make its use simpler and more accessible. You can quickly bring it out for an unplanned cleaning without having to carry it from a distant location.

Hydraulic pool robot

Hydraulic pool robots are easy to use. Simply plug them into the skimmer or the suction point of your pool.

These robots move thanks to the hydraulic force provided by your pool’s pump. They vacuum up dirt which is then directed toward the pump’s pre-filter, then toward the sand filter, thus ensuring constant cleaning of these two components.

Some of these cleaning devices are equipped with a basket allowing for the capture of large debris before they reach the pump pre-filter, which delays its clogging.

Hydraulic robots operate randomly as soon as the pool pump is activated and their hose is connected to the suction point. Being mechanical and without electronic elements, the risk of failure is very minimal.

Nevertheless, the main drawback lies in the fact that it is sometimes necessary to remove air from the suction hose by placing it near a return jet, which can prove impractical, especially when the water is cold! It is also essential to ensure that the pool pump has sufficient power to allow the robot to move optimally.

The great advantage of these robots: their reasonable cost! Their mechanical operation makes them easy to use without requiring a significant investment. They are often preferred before moving towards a more complex electric robot.

Here are the two most powerful models for you:

1. 1. 1. ZODIAC MX8 pool robot
      2. Zodiac T5 Duo hydraulic pool robot

Pressure Pool Robot: Polaris Robot

The pressure pool robot, also known as the Polaris, operates thanks to a booster pump that expels water at high speed towards the suction point. This generates high pressure that allows the robot to move through the pool. Its mode of operation is therefore entirely mechanical.

The leading brand in this sector is Zodiac Polaris. The booster pump is connected to a timer independent of the filtration system, allowing the robot to operate in total autonomy even when the pool pump is off. Polaris robots have a silt bag to collect debris, thus preventing clogging of the sand filter.

The Polaris robot represents an effective option for cleaning your pool. However, its installation can prove slightly more complex than that of hydraulic or electric robots. It is necessary to add a booster pump and a Piccolo-type timer to the filtration system so that the Polaris can function correctly. It is therefore essential to take this into consideration, especially during pool construction.

Would you like to know more about pool robots?

We provide you with a series of useful articles to assist you in choosing the ideal pool robot. We have compiled many practical tips, comparisons, and advice to help you in your search. Our articles offer information on different technologies, purchase recommendations, and suggestions adapted to your pool. They aim to answer your questions and help you make the best choice.

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👉 The various types of pool robots