Robotic vs. Suction Pool cleaner it’s one of the endless questions for homeowners. The good news is that either of these product types will perform cleaning jobs that traditional built-in filters and pumps won’t do. What’s more, it may be possible to get by with less chlorine if you add one or more of these cleaning devices to your pool maintenance tool kit. Either way, you can’t lose. Also, we think you’ll find that the robotic models are less expensive than you expect
The primary difference between these two pool cleaners is that one has computer-controlled guidance, and the other doesn’t. But that’s just the beginning of the differences between these two categories of machines. Now, let’s get a little more in-depth.
Suction Pool Cleaners
Suction pool skimmers are connected to the built-in filtration systems of your pool to remove debris from surfaces. They will circle repetitively along the floor and the walls. Fine particles can accumulate in pools, clog filters, and leave your pool looking shabby. They are excellent at removing them.
Because they are so repetitive, they will clean a given spot very well. You can let it do a section of the floor for a while, then move it to another. It doesn’t need much supervision except when you need it to clean another area. These machines are unguided, so they won’t work methodically the way a robotic version will do. But, they can clean a set of given areas thoroughly before moving it to the next.
For example, if you have a large pool with a deep floor- then a suction cleaner can get down there and clean large spots very well. Moving it to another section will be necessary. Just leave it to do its work and reposition it when you think the time is right.
Compared to pool robotics, these are much more affordable initially. Due to their more straightforward design, they are also easier to maintain. Since these devices have to be run using the power of the built-in cleaning system, they will draw a lot more electricity than a robotic model will. That means, over time, the money you save on a robotic model will be consumed in energy expenditures.
However, these do an excellent job on large open areas. They are great for cleaning pool floors and walls, and they will remove more debris with less supervision. Perhaps best of all, you won’t be as worried about it when you submerge it in water.
Where they excel
These vacuums work well in larger areas. Their repetitive movement is ideal for thoroughly covering a given area. However, because they need guidance, you will have to manually clean corners and small areas of your pool or use another cleaning tool.
Robotic Pool Cleaners
Robotic pool cleaners are the star of the show. Like a robot floor vacuum, they will cover all surfaces in a systematic and thorough manner. One important way they are different from household robot vacuums is they don’t use an onboard battery. Instead, they are plugged in and use a GFCI outlet to step the voltage down to a very low level. This is for safety, making them cheaper to run than the skimmer suction devices.
Another interesting fact about robot pool cleaners is that some use automated buoyancy tanks to let them climb walls and maintain the depth where they need to be working.
Just like an indoor vacuum robot, these can be controlled using an app. You can set up a cleaning area and let the robot do its thing by itself. You can also sit by the side of the pool and run it by remote control. Some come with remote control, and some are controlled directly through your phone through the application.
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These machines are more expensive to bring home, and maintenance is more complicated. However, their lower energy usage could make them the more economical choice over the long term. We have seen a few YouTube videos about pool-cleaning vacuums that have been running strong for two or three years. If yours lasts that long, there is a chance it will cost less over time than an unguided suction cleaner since it uses less power.
Where they excel
Robotic pool cleaners are recommended for large pools with large bottom floors. A robotic model can spend more time on a big surface and scrub it down thoroughly. Even if you have to change a filter halfway through cleaning, it can still do a more thorough job than a suction model, especially in large, deep swimming pools.
Final Thoughts
There are valid reasons to invest in a robotic pool cleaner and a suction model. After all, they both cover use cases that the other doesn’t. For example, a suction model will tend to miss the corners, and a robot model will only run for a short time.
Either way, you can save money on chemicals and professional services with either of these product types. But the right choice will depend on the size and shape of your pool and your budget.
