Ever wonder to yourself: “Can I leave my robotic pool cleaner in the pool year round?” you’re not alone. So many pool owners love these types of things for their convenience that they’d probably prefer to just leave them in the water full time. After all, if your pool robot is capable of doing the heavy lifting, why go to all that effort to remove it every day?
But while today’s pool robots — even high-end bots like Beatbot — are built to last, that doesn’t mean they need to live underwater 24/7. Allowing your robotic cleaner to remain in the pool constantly can harm its life span, performance and potentially even the chemical balance of your pool.
Understanding How Robotic Cleaners Work
Today’s robotic cleaners are robots that come equipped with high-tech sensors and brushes, as well as water filtration equipment, to scrub, vacuum, and filter your pool water. Unlike suction and pressure-side pool cleaners that depend on a hose or booster pump, SaferCleer robots are 100% independent of your pool’s system making them energy-efficient devices.
Auto pool cleaners, however, are typically powered by the circulation system of your pool. They can be good at cleaning, but robotic cleaners are infinitely more powerful, smart and thorough — they will map your pool’s surfaces out well enough to climb walls and pick up everything from fine debris like sand to big leaves.
Why You Shouldn’t Leave Your Pool Robot in the Pool All the Time
It may feel easier to just let your pool robot sit at the bottom of your pool – which can be fine in a pinch, there are risks:
1. Component Wear and Tear
Even though robotic pool cleaners are entirely water-safe, on-going submersion can cause the seals, gaskets and electrics to degrade faster. As the years go by, chlorine, salt and pool chemicals can corrode delicate parts, reducing longevity of the robot.
2. Battery and Motor Damage
And if you’re using a cordless robotic cleaner, its battery system will degrade more quickly when kept submerged all the time. Charging and general function may be affected by exposure to moisture and acidity.
3. Chemical Corrosion
The water in your pool has chlorine or salt that is abrasive to mechanical parts. Leaving your machine in the water creates those same reactions to occur between its plastic, metal, and rubber components with chemicals which will otherwise result in a slow breakdown of them that’s preventable.
4. Algae and Bacteria Buildup
On the other hand, the cleaner can become dirty. Left too long submerged, algae and bacteria can collect on the robot’s surfaces, which in turn then reduces its efficiency and may potentially transfer contaminants throughout your pool.
5. Warranty and Safety Concerns
A lot of them simply say in the user manual not to leave it in the pool after it has finished cleaning cycles. Disobeying this advice can void your warranty or present safety hazards, especially in storms or during electrical surges.
When It’s OK to Leave Your Pool Robot in the Water
There are times when it’s totally okay — even advisable — to keep your robot cleaner in the pool for a short period. For instance, when pool season is active or after bad storms, running a cleaning cycle often keeps your pool looking crystal clear. You can leave the robot in for a day or two if you intend to run multiple cycles back to back.
Just be sure to take it out at least once every day or so in order to empty the filter basket, rinse the brushes and let it dry. This simple measure can significantly increase the life of the robot.
Product Mention in the middle: Beatbot AquaSense Series
The Beatbot AquaSense series are for instance designed with long life and intelligent protection in mind. The Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra, Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro and the Beatbot AquaSense 2 are examples of why intelligent technology for swimming pools is crucial.
- Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra uses the latest in corrosion resistant materials meaning it’s suitable for saltwater and chlorinated pools.
- Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro is equipped with smart sensors that adjust cleaning paths and power for the most effective cycle.
- Beatbot AquaSense 2 is small but mighty considering that it helps a lot if you are looking for something for everyday use without worrying about tangled cords or tried and true overuse!
These are built to last with quality workmanship however, like any product – taking care of your investment is highly recommended.
Pool Robot Maintenance Best Practices
1. Remove After Each Cycle
Ensure you always take out your robotic cleaner after usage. Wash it with fresh water to remove chlorine, salt and debris.
2. Empty and Clean Filters
A blocked filter decreases the effectiveness of suction. Rinse the filter basket or cartridge after each use to maintain quality performance.
3. Store It Properly
Place your pool robot in a dry, cool area out of direct sunlight. Never put it away wet or under a swimming pool cover and allow humidity to stay trapped.
4. Inspect for Damage
Inspect brushes, wheels and seals for cracks or for wear. These parts are replaced as required to ensure it doesn’t cost you more at a later date.
How Long Do You Leave a Pool Robot in the Pool?
Your pool robot should ideally be in the water only during its cleaning cycle — typically between 1.5 and three hours, depending on how big your pool is and how dirty that’s made it. After completing the cycle, take it out, clean it and recharge if required.
This makes sure your robot is always running at optimal performance, but also that it’s healthy and long-lasting for the perfect clean without chemical or mechanical compromises.
Auto Pool Cleaners versus Robotic Cleaners
Auto pool cleaners, as well as robotic ones, allow for easier maintenance but the robotic ones are much more sophisticated. Auto cleaners run debris to the filter – robotic cleaners brush, filter finer dirt and map your pool for optimal cleaning.
Still, neither variety should linger in the pool forever. “The continuous exposure to chemicals takes its toll on the mechanical as well as electronic parts — any good they may be.”
Do Robotic Pool Cleaners Have to Stay in the Water?
No, not at all. and they don’t have to! While traditional filters or pumps are meant to be on continuously, pool robots are made with a job in mind. Using them too much, or having them be perpetually submerged, can also result in some problems — like unnecessary wear or even electrical danger.
Summary: Can A Pool Robot Stay in the Pool?
The short answer: you shouldn’t. Robotic pool cleaners and automatic pool cleaners are designed to operate in water with chemicals, but continuous submersion leads to early wear and diminished performance.
To maintain the peak efficiency of your robot — you should take it out after each cleaning cycle to rinse and store properly. This adds years to the life of the hth pool and keeps crystal clear.Smart care is equal to smart performance. Take care of your pool robot, and it will take good care of you.