4 Things You Didn't Know About Robotic Pool Vacuums

[@FrankRoy-xw7po]

I've had my Dolphin in the pool for 6yrs now every day during the summer when we aren't in it. The Dolphin is 6 (six) years old now and doing just fine. The only time it gets air is when I take it out to clean it

[@jeevespreston4740]

If I may ask, which model of Dolphin do you have, and what are your pool's characteristics? Thanks!!

[@billmalec]

I do the same with my Dolphin.M400. In the water most of the time during the summer. It's pretty old also.

[@USAFreedom4Ever]

I have a question for anyone who has the answer I have a dolphin M400 I have a fiberglass pool with a step ledge around the wall near the bottom. The robot starts up the ledge but never figures out how to go over it and continue up the wall and do the waterline. I’m assuming part of the problem is that it’s fiberglass so it’s extra slippery. Has anyone ran into this issue or anyone have a suggestion for a different pool robot? I noticed the beat bot aqua sense pro can skim the surface of the pool but I believe that’s when it’s running in different mode so I don’t know if it’s gonna help it climb my walls.

[@billmalec]

@@USAFreedom4Ever try new climbing rings

[@USAFreedom4Ever]

@@billmalec I did that already

[@natec913]

great advice. i use a robot throughout the pool season in KS and there are a lot of learning curves. i've owned my pool for 9 years and am in the process of ordering my 3rd pool robot. without a doubt they are useful critters. for the price, i'm fine with a new robot every 4.5 years. they save me so much time cleaning the pool. thanks. i look forward to more pool robot videos.

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

You sound like a lover of automatic pool vacuums and so perhaps you will enjoy this funny article I wrote about what it is like to own one of these robotic vacs: www.swimmingpoolsteve.com/pages/stages.html

[@enmodo]

@@Swimmingpoolsteve oh wow, I did not know cordless hoseless cleaners existed - my pool's suction port was de-plumbed at some point in the past for reasons unknown, I guess it might have a leak in that line - but I initially got like a $30 pressure side cleaner I'd attach to the garden hose. Since my pool system was leaking like a sieve at the time it was actually a pretty decent thing for the money and you know I LIKE cleaning my pool, it's cathartic. Wouldn't work if I had renters or went away for a couple of weeks - then again chances of a robotic or suction side one keeping going on its own unattended are slim too.

[@DeeDee-yp2mc]

which robot would you say is best? and are cordless good option?

[@AidanSkoyles]

Should I store my robot charged or uncharged for winter

[@77142957]

Charge it.

[@davidc8260]

So what's the point of having a programmable function if you're not supposed to leave it in the pool?

[@Majerly_Annoyed]

That was my first thought. My Pentair (Dolphin) 930 has a weekly program option. Instructions literally tell you to leave it in the pool (which makes sense...imagine having it on the pool deck when the program starts up? :D )

[@JBleick80]

My guess would be he's speaking in general and not for any specific model. The other guy that responded to you and maybe yours sounds like $600+ units. Mine was $200. No way I'd leave mine in the pool LoL.

[@77142957]

Exactly.

[@kimschmidt1073]

How do I get the foot back on when replacing the skiirt?

[@jls3220]

Are there ones better at climbing walls or sucking up algae?

[@ptrdnls]

Good info to have. Thank you

[@FondaSutton]

I have a Ofuzzi Cyber Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner the off/on switch is stuck in off position, how can I fix it?

[@deerlady104]

Are these things safe to use in above ground vinyl pools?

[@Aortadetroit]

A lot of them are not. Maybe a battery powered one that's less powerful?

[@darincatanzarite6230]

Thanks man . I was thinking of purchasing one over my Polaris 280 but I’ll just stick with that ! The Polaris works great in my pool and no I’m and out and last forever!

[@ml3110]

I bought a Dolphin Liberty 200 and man, I love this thing. I'm glad I invested. It's so much easier to deal with and takes the hassle out of the robotic vacuum. 😁

[@ccw5pfg]

Many good points, as always Steve. I have often pondered the degradation argument about leaving the robotic vacuum in the water 24/7. It is very common, at least in my area, for people to leave them year round. I realize there will be some free chlorine loss but I find that not worth worrying about. Admittedly, we are people that leave our robotic vacuum in year round and let it run daily on schedule.

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

I did robotic vac repairs for one summer at one of the major pool equipment manufacturers and it was obvious who leaves their vac in the pool and who takes it out. The plastics oxidize and the metals start to rust. I mean I completely understand the motivation to leave it in the pool. It is a lot of work to drag it in and out. But it definitely makes a difference to the longevity.

[@trevorwesterdahl6245]

No ifs ands or butts... leaving your cleaner in the pool takes, at least, half its useful life away and it will look old fast. Get a good robot. A good robot cleans the whole pool in one run. No, a Dolphin is not a good robot. None of them. I suggest the Polaris 9550. Just my opinion, but its based on years and years of experience.

[@Majerly_Annoyed]

The biggest tip I could give (and I learned this the hard way) is that the power supplies are typically "water resistant" not "water proof." I had mine attached to the caddy that came with my cleaner and it was exposed to rain etc. After 2.5 years the power module was fried from water getting inside. I still keep the new power supply attached to the caddy but now I have a small barbecue type cover that protects it from the elements.

[@tomhammer1784]

I have valves on intake from bottom drain and from side skimmer. I had the capture on bottom drain a few times so I partially close the bottom drain valve to reduce intake from that source and more to the skimmer. Need to watch water level and status of skimmer basket to insure you do not starve the pump. But with a six hour clean, that is usually not an issue.

[@deerlady104]

Is a wall climbing robot, such as Dolphin Premier, safe for climbing wall in a vinyl pool?

[@johnasbury9915]

We have a salt water pool and I also drown the device with a water hose once I remove it to get as much salt water out of it as possible. They are an awesome tool for pool care.

[@billhesford6098]

I thought the big advantage of a robot was we didn't need to use electricity as much, but with salt water chlorinator, you have to run it as well as a robot? I don't see the point at all.

[@johnasbury9915]

@@billhesford6098 yes, because even w the chlorinator you still need to brush the pool and get out debris at least once a week so it does save me a lot of my time spent brushing and vacuuming. It’s a handy little feller and I can’t tell it is costing me that much more in electricity but it sure saves me a lot of my time.

[@billhesford6098]

@@johnasbury9915 Thanks for replying.

[@awc723]

I have the polaris vrx iq+ ...it has a lift system where it comes up to the water line you pull it out and it evacuates the water back into the pool....

[@phamryder]

How’s the VRX working out for you?

[@awc723]

@@phamryder couldn't be happier...I also use a betta skimmer so not much makes it to the bottom...I only need to put the VRX in every 2 weeks...

[@derbygirle]

Can one leave a non robotic cleaner in the pool 24/7, like the P40 or the P39?

[@phaseboundary5323]

I have two pool brooms, one on a long pole and one on a short pole. Takes me maybe 10min to circuit the pool and sweep down the walls with the short broom, then another 5min to sweep down the floor with the long broom. The pool filtration system will do the rest. That's about the time it would total to wheel the robot caddy to poolside, carefully lower it, return two hours later and remove it, empty filter basket, etc. No robot to maintain, repurchase every few years, etc.

[@dagoelius]

20yr concrete pool owner here, the Kreepy Krauly VTX and older SC series vacuums are STILL the best pool cleaners. The gimmicky robotics trend cleaners just don't cut it long term for cost of maintenance and durability.

[@wolemai]

Not so. I have had my robot pool cleaner for over 10 years and I have only had to replace the motor once - nothing else. It is SO much easier to use than the dreadful chugga, chugga old style cleaner.

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

Chugga chugga - lol

[@Grangy27]

Doesn't the diaphragm need to be replaced frequently; and backwashing is required the clean the filter?

[@billhesford6098]

@@Grangy27 Yep.

[@albertkluttz8503]

My dolphin m400 has been in more or less 24/7/365 for 5 years.

[@imhitch321]

I'm trying to decide between a robot or a suction side cleaner. I have a screen enclosure so I don't get alot of debris. I want to try to not manually brush much anymore. Do modern suction side cleaners brush also?

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

Depends on a model by model basis but you will always have some who prefer one vac style over another. Powered with a pool pump means lots of power for the vac, but if this were my pool I am all for robotic pool vacuums. Especially on an enclosed pool.

[@scottisherwood1586]

Hello Steve, I have a couple of questions sir. I have an inground above ground vinyl pool. Its 12 x 24. Would you recommend a robotic cleaner for a vinyl pool and if so, which ones might you recommend that I look at for possible purchase?

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

Yes I would use a robotic vacuum in a vinyl pool. I would start by looking at Dolphin by Maytronics and seeing what they have available

[@scottisherwood1586]

@@Swimmingpoolsteve Thank you sir.

[@BonnieDeAlva]

Now that I've done everything wrong with my robot I find out why it is broken. I'm happy to find this information so I can treat the new robot better.

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

Maybe I can make you laugh a little and brighten your day. Here is a story about what it is like to own a robotic pool vacuum: www.swimmingpoolsteve.com/pages/stages.html

[@Healer107]

Hey what is wrong if yhe dolphin vacuum won't move or pull itself?

[@enmodo]

I bought a Polaris 9550 and it may be robotic but its as dumb as a post. Never gets stuck on the drain though. I did have it break down which after 6 weeks resulted in the manufacturer replacing all the components and then sending me a completely new one. I'm still living in fear of the dreaded and mystical ER10 code. Good news is I now have an entire spare machines worth of parts that could be sold for more than what I paid for it, plus an almost new one. I'm considering seeing if I can get the suction port plumbed up again, or now thanks to your post about them, investigating a 100% manual cordless hoseless cleaner. It's not like my Polaris would ever clean my pool first time anyway - it always seems to take 2 or 3 passes plus some manual steering to get everything. It does however have a 20-micro filter basket which is really good at getting fine particulates off the bottom of the pool - they arrive every time with have a desert wind storm which is pretty often.

[@juliesanchez77777]

My pump isn’t even on when the dolphin nautilus constant sticks to my main drain. It just gets stuck on the little white circle plastic drain. So much that I have to shorten the string to keep it out of deep which defeats its purpose

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

What kind of main drain do you have? It should be embossed on the plastic if you can read it. You might be able to find a vacuum ramp/addition to add to the main drain to stop it from hanging up. For example, you can google Hayward SP1048AVH to see one.

[@deborahklotz7845]

Retired, husband passed away with pancreatic cancer, I have back issues and can't do a manual clean like he did, can't afford to pay weekly cleanings. I may have to sell my house soon, I really was hoping to use my pool this year. Decided to buy a pool cleaner. I have spent many hours reading reviews and I am more confused than ever. I don't want or need a computer in it, would never figure it all out anyway. It's a standard inground, 18 x 36, liner. Anyone out there that can tell me which one to buy?????? Thanks Deborah

[@sandythomas4450]

I love our robot pool cleaner called Ofuzzi This is my 2nd robotic cleaner and I highly recommend the Ofuzzi. Last year we purchased one called Aiper and it was ok but when this pool season in Texas started back in April of 2023 it would not start. So we got the Ofuzzi robotic cleaner and so far it's been great.

[@Bob-gt1mq]

I also leave mine in 24/7. Too much effort to take it out every time.

[@trevorwesterdahl6245]

If you have a good robot, its cleans everything in one run. Crap robots don't, so you leave them in. Polaris 9550 is worth every penny. Don't bother with Dolphins, they suck compared to Polaris. Had Active 30, Quantum, and Nautilus. Never again. No comparison.

[@Bob-gt1mq]

@@trevorwesterdahl6245 problem is that the pool is constantly getting debris, not that the vacuum can't get it clean in a cycle.

[@ibsn87]

I absolutely leave mine in. It does a good job, but debris is constant coming in. That’s why it has a schedule 1 - 2 or every 3 days 😂 If your chemicals are maintained correctly, your robot will be fine (8 years old)….

[@Bob-gt1mq]

@@ibsn87 ha. Mine just stopped turning on a couple days ago. I also suspect I'm just out of warranty by a month. RIP

[@ibsn87]

@@Bob-gt1mq what brand?

[@nickk05281982]

Funny about leaving them in when they have underwater charging docks l

[@Jdizzle73]

im not dragging the freaking pool cleaner in and out every single day lol. I'll buy a new one when it dies

[@jackgoff6043]

If you lift it out until all the water drains out so does any debris the robot picked up.

[@theGator7dot1]

Really??? I have any easy fix for this. Go out to the pool. Lift the lid on the cleaner. Install the filter basket that apparently is not installed. Problem solved.

[@jackgoff6043]

@@theGator7dot1 Filter is in the robot cleaner why wouldn't it be. Apparently you know nothing about robotic pool cleaners.

[@theGator7dot1]

@@jackgoff6043 it was a joke. There’s no way that when you lift it out of the water the debris comes out. Everything that is sucked up is trapped in the filter.

[@unijabass]

​@@theGator7dot1I have a Dolphin s200 , when taking it out sand comes out of it with water every time 😑

[@billhesford6098]

I thought the big advantage of a robot was we didn't need to use electricity as much, but with salt water chlorinator, you have to run it as well as a robot? I don't see the point at all.

[@7thNoteOfficial]

Is brushing the pool better than sucking the pool? 😂

[@randywheeler5387]

I've been lucky for 17 years I've had to replace diaphragms 4 times maybe

[@trevorwesterdahl6245]

My Polaris 9550 can be used on a pathetically dirty pool no problem. All my Dolphins before it, they don't do well on a mostly clean pool. They suck. Agree, never leave a pool robot in the pool, its dumb. Chlorine is not any robot's friend. This is a major reason why a 'smart' cleaner, that runs schedules, makes no sense at all. Only reason is to make buyer spend cash for another one years earlier. Almost no robots have a problem with a pool pump running. Seriously, never seen that, must be a crap robot to have drain suction be a problem. The Polaris has a button and it brings itself to the top of the pool to grab it easily. Its not that heavy and the motor pushes the water out fast, senses its gone, and turns itself off. Frankly, even the Dolphins are easy to pull up to the edge and let water drain out. I have had 5 year old's do it, literally, its not that tough. NOTE: Appreciate your videos, you really helped me years ago to get check valve, flow meter, sacrificial anode, proper plumbing, etc... but some points here on robots seemed exaggerated. Then again, I also learned... get the best robot, its worth every penny.

[@enmodo]

I agree on the Polaris, although depending on which filter basket you use you may have to empty it several times before it is finished if there's a lot of silt/sand/dirty. I generally run with the fine one but if it is really nasty after a storm I'll use the courser one so it runs to completion and switch to fine to get stuff that is still settling. Never had a problem with the drain either - maybe that's people who have a single drain with direct suction instead of via the skimmer? But my pool is from the 70s and it had a skimmer suction for the drain so its not like that's a new invention. Also agree on lifting it out. It kind of purges itself as it reaches the top and I slowly pull it out over the edge. In two years it has gotten stuck on steps once - but it has basically destroyed the step edges as it clambers over them. Polaris explicitly mention not leaving it in while you're adding chemicals which for most people is going to be at least weekly and yeah, they have a schedule feature they make a big deal of but then tell you not to leave it in the pool - makes no sense. If they had a really smart robot it would climb out of the pool like a turtle and wait until the next schedule. But Polaris robots are dumb as a rock so they couldn't manage that. Most indoor robotic vacuum cleaners are far smarter than any pool robot.

[@theGator7dot1]

Agree regarding Dolphin (Maytronics) - they are awful. The company is awful to work with. Polaris (Zodiac) is not perfect, but they at least try to work with the customer to make it right when theirs fail early.

[@jimbiggs742]

M400 about 13 years old, spends every day of pool season in the pool.

[@pewterpirate4560]

I watched to see if i could use my aiper to get dead algae up instead of manually vacuuming... 😏

[@TheBajamin]

Some of this info is out dated. SOME New robots are designed to stay in the pool for cleaning schedules. They even park themselves in the pool.

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

The thing is nothing is different about those vacuums. They will simply last less long than a vacuum that is regularly removed from the pool. A chlorinated water environment is a very difficult condition for plastics and rubbers to live in, never mind the electronics and metals

[@MrRudyc]

No kidding. This is all common sense

[@Racheal-v9w]

Did not find this helpful

[@luthervaughn1]

Leave them in!

[@airplanemilt]

I take my dolphiin out and put it on a stand and have a cover for it. works fine.