Do I Need to Vacuum a Pool If I Have a Robot Pool Cleaner?
You will need regular pool maintenance and the right equipment to keep your swimming pool clean and clear. A common question that arises is whether, if you already have a robot pool cleaner, you still need to use a manual or automatic pool vacuum. In this article, we will discuss what a robot pool cleaner does and how it differs from standard pool vacuums, skimmers, and other cleaning equipment.
How a Robotic Pool Cleaner Works
A robot pool cleaner is an advanced self-propelled cleaning device with a motor and filtration system designed to move in and filter your pool freely. Unlike suction or pressure-side vacuums, which use your pool’s filtration system, a robotic cleaner works on its own, with its own motor and filtration system.
Here, I would like to mention that a robotic pool cleaner like Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra uses cutting-edge mapping technology to scan the pool and design an efficient cleaning path.
Climb & Scrub—Premium models, including the top-of-the-line Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro, can scale walls, scrub the waterline, and scrub hard-to-reach corners.
Independent Filtration: Robotic cleaners are equipped with filtration systems that capture dirt, algae, and debris, taking the strain off your pool’s filtration system.
Energy-efficient: Robot pool cleaners are built to be energy-efficient, consuming less power than manual pool cleaning methods.
Is a Pool Vacuum Still Necessary?
For Heavy Debris Removal
Though a robot pool cleaner can take care of most debris, there are times when you might still need a manual or automatic pool vacuum:
In the aftermath of a storm or high wind, removing larger, loose leaves and branches handily with a pool vacuum or skimmer may be necessary.
If algae have already settled on the bottom of your pool, a pool vacuum for algae may work better for deep cleaning.
For Spot Cleaning
This is a mistake because a robotic pool cleaner navigates a pre-defined route and cannot clean those spots. A manual pool vacuum can help you hone in on those areas.
For Severe Algae or Stains
- For especially severe algae blooms, you may want to:
- Shock the pool to eliminate the algae.
- Vacuum the dead algae from the pool floor using a pool vacuum.
- If the stains don’t budge, you may need to learn how to acid wash a pool to rid yourself of deep stains.
Robot Pool Cleaner Vs. Manual Vacuum: The Benefits
✅ Hands-Free Cleaning
The Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra is a robot pool cleaner that cleans your pool for you. You just put the cleaner in the pool, activate it, and it does the work.
✅ Best Cleaning Performance
The robot pool cleaner can clean all areas of your pool, including the walls and waterline. Fancier models include strong scrubbing brushes and fine filtration for microscopic debris.
✅ Lowers Stress on Your Pool Pump
Manual and suction-side vacuums depend on your pool’s pump and filtration system, adding to wear and tear. A robotic cleaner is self-contained and gives the pool pump a break.
✅ Cleans Algae and Small Particles
A robotic pool cleaner can pick up fine debris, sand , and even small amounts of algae. The Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro features a high-capacity filter that captures fine dirt and algae, making it great for daily cleaning.
Test your robot pool cleaner. (Source: The Spruce)
Skim for Floating Debris
A robotic pool cleaner is not effective against floating debris. Before running the cleaner, use a skimmer to remove leaves, bugs, and other floating debris.
Ensure Proper Circulation
Proper water circulation will allow your robot cleaner to do an adequate job. If you notice poor circulation, you probably need to look for blockages or learn how to drain an inground pool without a pump to reset the system.
Make Sure the Robot’s Filter Is Cleaned Regularly
Be sure to empty and rinse the robot’s filter basket after every use to keep it performing at its best. A clog can cause the cleaner to operate less efficiently.
Difference Between a Robot Pool Cleaner and a Pool Vacuum
A good-quality robotic pool cleaner will cover 90% of your pool cleaning. Still, a manual or automatic pool vacuum is beneficial for specific scenarios, including:
- Storm debris removal of large trash
- Deep-cleaning algae blooms
- Spot-cleaning problem areas
The Maytronics pool cleaner and the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra are very good at picking up algae and debris. They feature powerful suction to dislodge stubborn dirt from the pool’s floor and walls and optional wall-climbing capability.
Will Robot Pool Cleaners Remove Algae?
The Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro robot pool cleaner can pick up dead algae and small debris. If the algae growth is more than severe, you might have to shock the pool and use a pool vacuum to remove the debris before the robotic cleaner can get the job done.
What About Pool Stains?
You may want to consider how to acid wash a pool if your robot pool cleaner or vacuum leaves stubborn stains.
What Is a Pool Booster Pump, and Do You Need One?
Pressure-side cleaners require a pool booster pump, which increases the water pressure. Since robotic pool cleaners work independently, they don’t need a booster pump. You’re unlikely to need a booster pump using a robot pool cleaner.
Conclusion
Although a robot pool cleaner can handle most of the cleaning tasks, a manual or automatic pool vacuum is still sometimes needed. However, when busy cleaning lady salon hours have you tackling smaller tasks, a robotic pool cleaner such as Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra or Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro is ideal for regular upkeep, removing acceptable debris, algae, and dirt. However, a pool vacuum or spot-cleaning tool can be helpful for larger debris or durable stains. A high-quality robotic pool cleaner will significantly decrease the time and labor you dedicate to your pool while ensuring it stays clean and clear all season.