If you want to keep your pool clean, you can buy a robotic pool cleaner or a pool skimmer. Both tools can make a huge difference, but which one is right for you depends on how you intend to use it and how much maintenance you’re willing to do.
Robotic Pool Cleaner: Deep cleaning that’s easy!
Robotic pool cleaners are the best way to deep clean without using your hands. These smart devices clean pool floors, walls and water lines and collect debris in a built-in filter. Many models are ready to use as soon as you take them out of the box, so you don’t need to use the pool’s own pump or filter.
The pros:
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It cleans dirt, leaves and algae really well.
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It cleans floors and walls.
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It is energy efficient.
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It saves energy.
The downsides are that it costs more to buy, and filters need to be cleaned every so often.
Pool Skimmers: Maintaining the surface of the water
Pool skimmers (especially the floating or solar-powered ones) help to remove things like leaves, bugs and other bits and pieces from the surface of the water before they sink to the bottom. They are useful for routine maintenance and keeping the water clear, but cannot clean deeper areas.
The advantages of this product include its affordability, ease of use and effectiveness in reducing surface debris.
The product has the following disadvantages: it is not possible to scrub or clean the pool bottom or walls, and it is only effective on floating debris.
Hybrid Option: Robotic Cleaners with Skimming Features
A number of modern robotic pool cleaners now offer built-in skimming functions, combining the best of both worlds. These units are designed to vacuum the floor and walls, while also helping to clean the surface as they move. This will eliminate the need for a separate skimmer or daily manual skimming.
The advantages of this product are as follows: This innovative all-in-one cleaning solution is designed to save time, making it the perfect solution for pools with surface and floor debris.
One potential drawback of this product is that it is usually more expensive than standard models.
Which option would you prefer?
If you are looking for a robotic pool cleaner that offers full automation and deep cleaning, especially for dirt, algae, or heavier debris, then this is the perfect solution.
If surface debris (e.g. leaves or insects) is the primary concern, and manual cleaning is acceptable, a skimmer is the ideal solution. It is also an excellent option for those wishing to operate the skimmer using solar power.
Should a more comprehensive solution be required, and a greater investment of convenience be justified, then a robotic cleaner with skimming functionality may be a viable option to consider.
Tips: Many pool owners find that using a combination of a robotic cleaner (standard or hybrid) and a skimmer provides the most consistent results while requiring minimal effort.