At Sydney Pool Robotics we often see Robotic Pool Cleaners that have been subject to improper water chemistry. Many robot owners feel ripped off when their robot does not last as long as they had hoped, however in many instances user error is the reason why the robot has failed. And it’s not necessarily the owners fault, too often the proper way to use and care for a robot is not relayed to the client by the retailer.
Within your Robotic Pool Cleaner owners manual, which we know most people do not read, you’d notice that it states the ideal water balance for your robot is as follows:
Chlorine no higher that 4ppm
pH Between 7.0 and 7.8ppm
Maximum salt level 5000ppm.
When your robot is subject to water chemistry outside of these ranges, rapid and permanent damage can be caused to the electrical and mechanical components. The leading cause of premature failure of robotic pool cleaners is high chlorine. High chlorine bleaches your robots exterior, decays the cable and tracks, and worse of all, causes the failure of seals on the motor. Once these seals have failed, water enters the motor unit and destroys the electrical components.
We typically see a spike in High Chlorine related failures around July each year and the reason for this is likely the reduced chlorine demand from your pool. Throughout summer, your saltwater chlorinator is generating chlorine all day just to keep up with the demand from warm water and high bather loads, but as the water cools the demand for this chlorine drops. However, no one tells your saltwater chlorinator this, and it continues generating chlorine regardless, gradually causing the chlorine level in your pool to reach dangerous levels. This high chlorine will then cause expensive damage not only to your Robotic Pool Cleaner, but to components of your filtration system.
High chlorine is easily identifiable. Keep an eye out for these tell tale signs:
- Strong odour of chlorine when removing the robot from the pool.
- Bleached white debris within the robot.
- Decaying cable and tracks.
If you detect any of these issues, remove your robot from the pool and wash it down with fresh water. Do not return the robot to the pool until the water balance has been addressed.
How to Avoid Chemical Damage
The best way to avoid chemical damage to your Robotic Pool Cleaner is to know your pool. Purchase some test strips that allow you to regularly test your water at home, this will help you get an understanding of chlorine demand in your pool. You’ll notice variations from season to season, and even week to week as the weather changes. Adjust your chlorinators output as required as per the test results, if the chlorine level is low, increase the output. If the chlorine level is high, reduce the output.
Ideally, remove your robot from the pool when not in use, put it in to clean the pool and remove it when it is finished. We know this isn’t always feasible, but it is best practice and will extend the life of your robot.
Lastly, have your robot serviced annually. Your Robotic Pool Cleaner is a sophisticated piece of electrical equipment that operates underwater in harsh conditions. Annual servicing is a must if you are going to keep your robot in good working order. Even during the warranty period a quick trip to a service center will allow trained technicians to look over your robot and they may be able to resolve minor issues that could have become major expenses.
