And why these little machines are absolute game-changers for your pool.
If you’ve ever wished the pool could just clean itself… well, good news – robotic pool cleaners come pretty close. Think of them as tiny underwater housekeepers who never complain, don’t take holidays, and always tackle the job with enthusiasm. Before we dive into the top features to look for, here’s a quick refresher on how a robotic cleaner actually works and why so many pool owners are switching to them.
How Does a Robotic Pool Cleaner Work?
A robotic cleaner is basically a smart, self-contained vacuum with its own power supply.
It doesn’t connect to your pool pump or filtration system. Instead, you plug it into a safe outdoor power point, drop it into the pool and off it goes.
Inside the robot are:
- A motor that helps it move around the pool.
- Brushes that scrub the walls, steps, and floor.
- A filter canister that collects leaves, bugs, dirt, and anything else that’s made its way into the water.
It quietly works away while you get on with your life. Once the cycle is done, you simply lift it out, rinse the filter, and you’re good to go.
Robotic vs Suction Cleaners – What’s the Big Difference?
If you’ve ever used a suction cleaner, you’ll know they’re… let’s call it “quirky.” They like getting stuck in corners, stopping randomly, or eating your pool toys.
Robotic cleaners win in almost every category:
- They clean better. Robots scrub, vacuum, and filter all at once. Suction cleaners simply “wander around” hoping to pick things up.
- They save power. Suction cleaners rely on your pool pump – robots don’t.
- They reduce wear and tear. Because the robot has its own filtration system, less debris goes through your pool’s equipment.
- They’re fast. A good robot can finish a sparkling clean in a couple of hours.
- They’re smarter. Modern robots map the pool and clean it in logical patterns rather than playing bumper cars.
Once you’ve owned a robotic cleaner, going back to suction is like giving up your dishwasher and washing everything by hand.
The 10 Best Features to Look For in a Robotic Pool Cleaner
Not all robots are created equal. Here’s what really matters:
- Strong, active scrubbing brushes
These brushes do the real heavy lifting – lifting algae, grime and fine dust so the robot can vacuum it up.
- A large, easy-to-clean filter canister
The bigger the canister, the more debris it holds, and the less often you need to empty it.
Top-loading filters are the easiest to manage.
- Good mobility and clever navigation
Look for a robot that maps your pool or uses smart movement patterns rather than random bouncing.
This means fewer missed spots and quicker cleaning cycles.
- The ability to climb walls
Wall-climbing cleaners scrub right to the waterline – the spot where dirt loves to build up.
- A reliable “no-tangle” swivel cable
You’ll thank yourself for this one. Nobody wants to untangle 15 metres of cord after every clean.
- Multiple cleaning cycles
Quick clean. Deep clean. Floor only.
Different modes let you choose the best option depending on how messy the pool is.
- A carry caddy or trolley
Robots aren’t heavy, but they’re awkward. A trolley makes moving and storing the cleaner far easier.
- Energy efficiency
All robotic cleaners use less power than suction cleaners, but the best ones sip electricity rather than guzzle it.
- A solid warranty and local support
Robots are hardworking machines with lots of moving parts.
A good warranty – and a team who actually service the units – is absolutely worth having.
- A trusted brand with real-world reliability
Look for brands known for durability, easy parts availability and strong performance in New Zealand conditions.
(If you’re not sure, ask us)
How to Care for Your Robotic Cleaner
A good robot will last years if you treat it well. Luckily, they don’t need much from you.
- Rinse the filter after every use. Your robot just cleaned your entire pool – the least you can do is clean its little “stomach.”
- Store it out of the sun. UV rays can age the plastic and the cable.
- Never leave it in the pool permanently. It’s tempting, but it shortens the robot’s life and wears out the cable.
- Check the brushes regularly. Replace them when they start looking worn.
- Avoid dragging it by the cable. Lift it using the handle – the cable is not a leash!
Final Thoughts
A robotic pool cleaner is one of the best upgrades you can make to your pool.
They save time, save power, keep your water clearer, and help your filtration system last longer – all while doing a better job than old-school cleaners ever could.
If you’re thinking about getting one – or upgrading the one you’ve got – come and chat with us. We live and breathe pool tech, and we’ll match you with the perfect robot for your pool shape, surface and lifestyle.
