Indoor Pools: Different Debris, Different Robot Needs
No leaves, no wind, still plenty of mess. Indoor pools trade outdoor debris for dust, hair, and humidity, and this guide covers the filter and storage habits that actually fit…
Robotic pool cleaner guides
A spotless pool, on autopilot.
Hands-on guides to choosing, running, and fixing robotic pool cleaners. Real cycle times, real debris tests, and calm fixes for the days your robot stops moving.
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Buying Guides
Choosing a robotic pool cleaner is mostly about matching the machine to your pool, not chasing…
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Cleaning Performance
A robot that runs is not the same as a robot that cleans. This section digs…
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Robot Care
Robotic pool cleaners fail early for boring reasons: clogged filter panels, worn brushes, tired batteries, and…
15 guides
Troubleshooting
When your robot floats in place, stops mid cycle, or will not power on at all,…
15 guides
Smart Features
App control, Wi-Fi setup, mapping, and scheduling can make a robotic cleaner genuinely easier to live…
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Pool Types
The same robot can be brilliant in one pool and useless in the next. Shape, surface,…
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Cordless Pool Robot Won’t Charge: Battery or Charger?
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Buying a Used Pool Robot: A 12-Point Inspection List
A twelve-point bench inspection for buying a used pool robot, from tracks and seals to a dry run test, plus what counts as a fair price.
Using a Smart Pool Robot Without the App
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How Often Should You Run a Pool Robot?
Three times a week or every single day: the honest answer depends on the season, how many people use the pool, and whether trees hang over it. Here is a…
8 Pool Robot Care Mistakes That Shorten Its Life
Eight small habits quietly turn a robot that should reach year seven into one visiting the repair bench by year two, and none of them feel like mistakes while you…
Rudraksh Goswami
Robotic pool cleaner tester and editor
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Quick answers
Common robotic pool cleaner questions
Do robotic pool cleaners really climb walls?
Most inground models do, and the good ones scrub the waterline too. Traction depends on your pool surface and the state of the robot: worn brushes, clogged filter panels, and cold water are the usual reasons a climber suddenly stops climbing. Above-ground and soft-sided pools usually need a floor-only model instead.
How long should a robotic pool cleaner last?
Budget robots typically give 3 to 5 seasons, while mid-range and premium models reach 5 to 8 with basic care. Filters, brushes, and tracks wear first and cost little to replace. Motors and cords are what end a robot, and both last much longer when the robot is rinsed, dried, and stored in the shade.
Can I leave the robot in the pool all the time?
It is a habit worth breaking. Constant exposure to chlorinated water and sun ages seals, cables, and plastics faster than actual cleaning does. Pull the robot out after each cycle, empty the basket, give it a quick rinse, and store it out of direct sunlight. Ten extra minutes a week buys years of service life.
Do robots work in saltwater pools?
Almost all modern robots handle saltwater fine, because a salt pool is far milder than seawater. Check the manual for a maximum salinity figure, rinse the robot with fresh water after each use, and watch metal contacts for corrosion. Skipping the rinse is what actually shortens a robot's life in salt pools.
Are cordless pool robots as good as corded ones?
They have closed most of the gap. A typical cordless model runs 90 to 180 minutes, which covers small and medium pools in one cycle with no cord to tangle. Corded robots still win in very large pools and heavy debris, since they never run out of power mid-clean. Match the choice to your pool size and tree cover.