If you are in the market for a Robotic Pool Cleaner, chances are you’ve come across the new cordless options. Every manufacturer has one, but are they worth the money and do they actually make cleaning your pool easier?
Cordless V’s Corded, Pro’s and Cons
Corded
A traditional Robotic Pool Cleaner typically comes with a floating cable of around 18 meters, enough for most backyard pools. These cables feature a swivel connection to prevent tangling and connect the robot to the control system.
Pro’s High performance motors allow for high suction Unrestricted run times Easy to remove from the pool using the cable Always connected to WiFi Larger debris basket capacity Cheaper to service and will last longer Can be used over and over again without needing to remove from the pool.
Con’s Cable can be considered unsightly
Cordless
Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaners are smaller than their corded predecesers and designed for lighter duties.
Pro’s No unsightly cable Have to be removed from the pool so less exposure to damaging water chemistry.
Con’s Not suitable for large pools Smaller size restricts debris collecting capacity Battery requires charging after each use Battery requires replacement after 3 years Difficult to remove from the pool
Conclusion
Overall the removal of the cord on a robotic pool cleaner leaves you with a less capable and more expensive Robotic Pool Cleaner when it comes to the full lifetime of the robot. Replacement batteries are expensive and the performance of the robot will likley deteriorate as the battery ages. Compare that to a traditional robot that will work tirelessley for years, the cable is in our opinion a feature that whilst unsightly, gives the best value for money. There are also new cable options on the market that allow the cable to be connected inside the pool, giving the best of both worlds.
As a pioneer in Sydney’s Robotic Pool Cleaner service industry, Sydney Pool Robotics stands as a trailblazer in the transformative wave sweeping across the pool maintenance sector. A decade ago, the sight of a Robotic Pool Cleaner in a backyard was a rarity, as the majority of pools relied on traditional cleaning methods such as the classic Kreepy Krauly suction cleaner or the Polaris and Jetvac pressure cleaners.
In today’s landscape, the once-prevalent traditional pool cleaners have fallen out of favour, making way for the ascendancy of the Robotic Pool Cleaner as the undisputed ruler of pool maintenance.
Nevertheless, the transition comes with a shift in dynamics. Unlike the straightforward, low-cost nature of the old-fashioned pool cleaners, Robotic Pool Cleaners represent a more sophisticated breed of electronic devices that demand a level of care far beyond their predecessors. In times gone by, a Kreepy Krauly could be purchased for under $1000, effortlessly installed into the pool, and then essentially forgotten about. It would dutifully navigate the pool for hours each day, gathering leaves and debris with a certain clumsiness, only necessitating attention when its parts wore down to dust. Replacement spares were a minimal expense, typically costing under $100, allowing pool owners to swiftly resume their pool maintenance routine.
Fast forward to the present, and the landscape has shifted dramatically. Robotic Pool Cleaners, while offering unparalleled efficiency and capabilities, come at a higher price point due to their advanced technology. The days of a pool cleaner being a set-and-forget investment are a thing of the past. These electronic marvels require a more conscientious approach to maintenance and care, necessitating a departure from the ease of the traditional pool cleaning era.
Optimising the Performance and Longevity of Your Robotic Pool Cleaner
One recurring concern among owners of Robotic Pool Cleaners is the expectation that these devices can be left in the pool continuously, operating daily. Disappointment arises when, despite the initial investment, the expensive Robotic Pool Cleaner exhibits signs of wear and lasts only three years. It’s crucial to understand that this expectation is a carryover from outdated practices, as Robotic Pool Cleaners are not designed for continuous, daily operation.
So, how can you ensure that your Robotic Pool Cleaner remains efficient and lasts for an extended period? This guide outlines three key rules often overlooked during the purchase of a Robotic Pool Cleaner that are essential for promoting the longevity of the unit.
Strategic Use Patterns
Robotic Pool Cleaners, being intricate mechanical devices, share similarities with automobiles in terms of wear and tear. The more these devices are in use, the faster their components degrade. Drawing an analogy to car maintenance, consider that if you accumulate 100,000 kilometers on your car in a year, it would need servicing ten times based on the typical 10,000 km service schedule. Similarly, a Robotic Pool Cleaner benefits from less frequent servicing when used less frequently.
Quality Robotic Pool Cleaners log operational information onboard, tracking cycles, hours of operation, and faults such as being out of water, part cycles, and motor overloads. Historical data analysis reveals that an average Robotic Pool Cleaner requires a running gear check after 250 runs and electrical component servicing after 500 runs. While these are average figures, it’s important to note exceptions to the norm. We recommend using Robotic Pool Cleaners twice a week whenever possible, accumulating around 100 runs annually. This approach necessitates servicing every second year, allowing the unit to operate smoothly for at least five years before major intervention is required. Conversely, daily operation mandates annual servicing, with a likelihood of major failures within two to three years.
This critical information is often overlooked during the purchase of a Robotic Pool Cleaner but is indispensable for managing customer expectations. Running your robot every day is not a sustainable practice for its longevity.
Water Chemistry
Robotic Pool Cleaners operate in arguably the harshest domestic environment, exposed to water, sunlight, and chemicals designed to break down and destroy foreign substances. Following the guidelines outlined in your Robotic Pool Cleaner’s manual, maintaining the ideal water balance is imperative:
Chlorine levels should not exceed 5ppm
pH levels between 7.2 and 7.8
Salt levels should not surpass 5000ppm
This balance is crucial because the components of your Robotic Pool Cleaner are designed to tolerate it. Deviations from this range result in rapid degradation of components, particularly in high chlorine environments. Rubber tracks and seals degrade swiftly in such conditions, and once the seal fails on the motor block, the inevitability of your robot’s failure becomes apparent.
Regular Servicing
Similar to automobiles and other mechanical devices, Robotic Pool Cleaners require routine servicing. Components such as foam rollers, climbing rings, and brushes are vital to the robot’s operation. These are wearing parts, and once worn, your robot may struggle to perform tasks such as climbing walls. Continued attempts to climb under stress can put excessive pressure on the motor, shortening its lifespan.
At Sydney Pool Robotics, we strongly recommend an annual check for all robots. Conducting this check during the winter ensures that, barring any unforeseen events, your robot will dutifully maintain your pool’s cleanliness throughout the swimming season.
By adhering to these guidelines, you not only optimize the performance of your Robotic Pool Cleaner but also extend its operational lifespan, making your investment in cutting-edge pool maintenance technology truly worthwhile.
Maytronics is pleased to launch Ecoclear®, a new complete range of pool equipment, including high-performance pumps, filters, and heaters. Now both our professional and residential pool owner customers can secure the very best pool products from one place and benefit from Maytronics excellent customer support and warranty. The Ecoclear® range of heaters, pumps and filters are manufactured by market leaders Pentair, the world’s leading manufacturer of pool and spa equipment, who offer innovative products to make pool and spa ownership simpler, more enjoyable and more energy efficient than ever before.
This blog outlines the Maytronics Ecoclear® pool equipment range and the important features of each product and what to look for when choosing your swimming pool equipment.
FILTRATION
Pool Pumps
Choosing the correct pool pump is critical for pool water circulation and maintaining crystal clear water. It is important that you invest in a high-quality pump which will take your pool water to be filtered, sanitised, and returned to your pool. An energy efficient design will ensure you save money and reduce any environmental impact, while a whisper quiet pump will allow your family to relax and enjoy the pool. Your pool pump is the heart of your pool’s circulation. Maytronics Ecoclear® pumps are manufactured by Pentair who have incorporated innovative hydraulic engineering, refined over nearly 50 years, to circulate water more efficiently and quietly than competitor pumps. They have also been designed with convenient features to make routine maintenance easy and fast. Ecoclear® pumps offer the latest in breakthrough efficiency and have met all rigorous tests for certification. Ecoclear® single and variable speed pumps are engineered and manufactured to the highest standards of precision and quality for safe, dependable, and long-lasting operation, and with new technology incorporated are whisper quiet.
Ecoclear® Variable Speed Pump
Maytronics Ecoclear® variable speed pool pumps are ideal for new or existing pools. Utilising an advanced hydraulic design and the latest technology in permanent magnet and variable speed motors, the ecoclear® variable speed pool pumps are the perfect combination of efficiency and performance. These pumps deliver energy savings and the power when you need it. You will also have the peace of mind that you are doing your bit for the environment and reducing your carbon footprint.
FEATURES
Variable speed pumps, with up to 4 programmable speeds, allows you to effortlessly select the most efficient setting to meet your filtration, cleaning and water feature needs.
Brushless, permanent magnet motors deliver high efficiency, low noise levels and serviceability.
Fault protected motors prevent damage by automatically shutting down the motor in the event of a locked rotor, under-voltage, over-voltage or over-current condition and will automatically reduce the speed during an over-temperatureover temperature condition.
Precision-fit internal components and superior hydraulic design deliver effortless performance, energy savings and extended pump life.
Constructed with durable, thermoplastic, composite resin, so you can be sure it will stand up to the harshest conditions.
The Cam and Ramp™ lid is easy to remove and locks in place with a quarter turn, making inspection and cleaning a breeze.
The high-capacity trap holds a large quantity of debris, so you need to clean less often.
Quick-disconnect plumbing unions.
3 years warranty (T&C’s apply)
Ecoclear® Single Speed High Performance Pump
Maytronics ecoclear® single speed pumps, deliver maximum water circulation efficiency at the lowest running costs as it uses less horsepower than other pumps to produce the required water flow. The hydraulic design has been refined over 40 years and is designed to give a long, trouble-free life with minimal maintenance.
FEATURES
Unique FunnelFlo™ diffuser and high-efficiency impeller maximise water flow and energy efficiency while minimising turbulence and noise.
Energy-efficient motor with commercial-grade frame, rustproof stainless-steel shaft, and permanently lubricated, sealed bearings for long life.
Specially engineered design assures whisper-quiet operation as documented in rigorous ETL tests.
Oversized strainer basket extends time between cleanings.
See-through lid makes inspection fast and easy—engineered polymer remains clear and strong for years.
User-friendly Cam and Ramp™ lid is easy to remove and quickly locks in place with a quarter-turn.
3 years limited warranty (T&C’s apply)
POOL FILTERS
A pool filter is vital for sparkling clear water. The filter removes unwanted waste, keeping your pool water healthy. Chlorine and chemicals act as pool cleaners, killing bacteria and contaminants in the pool water, with the pool filter removing them. The filter prevents the pool water going cloudy and being filled with unpleasant debris. The Maytronics Ecoclear® range offers a choice of two different filter technologies – Cartridge or Media Filter. The filter you decide on will depend on your pool’s size and needs.
By removing impurities such as dirt, leaves, grass, hair, body oils, sunscreen, and even bacteria from the water, our highly efficient pool filters will keep your pool clean, clear, and inviting.
Ecoclear® Cartridge Filter
The Maytronics Ecoclear® Cartridge Filter, combines top-end filter performance with low maintenance. This dependable design uses special filter elements to strip tiny particles from your pool water – particles as small as 8 microns (an average grain of beach sand is 1,000 microns). Plus, cleaning is a breeze. Open the top, remove the cartridge, hose it off and the Cartridge Filter is ready to go again.
All components of the Ecoclear® Cartridge Filter have been designed using Finite Element Modelling for maximum strength at high pressures, ensuring years of life. The Lid and Locking ring have been ergonomically designed making the filter a breeze to use.
FEATURES
Built from highly durable UV resistant plastics.
Lid and locking ring have large handles for easy grip.
2 inlet ports and 2 outlet ports, 90 degrees opposed, allows fitting to any plumbing configuration.
40mm and 50mm barrel unions included.
Small footprint.
Stainless steel, oil-filled, pressure gauge.
Internal bypass valve prevents exceedingly high pressures.
5-year tank warranty (T&C’s apply)
Ecoclear® Media Filter
The high-performanceMaytronics Ecoclear Media Filteris incredibly simple to operate, easy to maintain and built for long term reliability. Its highly efficient design provides crystal clear and clean water, year after year.
The pool water moves through the media-filled pressure vessel. The media traps particles so small they are undetectable to the naked eye. Over time the dirt accumulates in the gaps between the media particles, causing the pressure in the vessel to rise. This signals to you to backwash the filter. Simply reverse the water flow to expel the dirt.
Pool filter operation doesn’t come any easier than this. The multi-port valve puts all the 6 filter functions right at your fingertips, simply rotate the handle to the desired position and the filter does the rest.
FEATURES
Large capacity 25” and 28” models.
Spun-woven fibreglass construction for exceptional strength, chemical resistance and long life.
UV resistant tank.
Stainless Steel clamp for corrosion resistance and allows 360-degree rotation of multi-port valve to simplify installation. Top diffuser ensures even distribution of water over the top of the media bed.
Top Mount 6-function 2” multi-port valve features a pressure gauge, sight glass and manual air relief for optimum filtration efficiency.
Internal design ensures that water is exposed to maximum sand surface area for superior filtration performance and efficient backwashing.
10 year warranty (T&C’s apply)
For exceptional results Maytronics recommends using premium, Australian Made Ecoclear glass filter media. Ecoclear Filter Media is made from 100% recycled glass. The environmentally friendly filter media lasts up to 3 times longer than traditional silica filter sand, saving you money and giving you a cleaner, healthier pool.
POOL HEATING
As the peak time in our swimming season, late spring and summer are all about hopping in the pool and having a fun time, but that comes to an end once the temperatures start to drop. Many people close their pools at night time and when temperatures start to dip below 18°C. For most people, ideal pool water is between 28-30°C. This is cool enough to be refreshing but warm enough to be inviting. When it comes to kids, 30°C is often the best temperature for swimming, so as air temp drops, swimming becomes less exciting for kids.
Add to your home’s value and all year-round fun and memories by adding an ecoclear® Heat Pump to warm the water to perfection. These heat pumps are economical to run as they essentially steal heat from the air and transfer it to your pool with incredible efficiency. Unlike a solar pool heater, the Ecoclear® heat pump can reliably heat your pool in rail, hail or shine, meaning you can swim comfortably during any season, at any time and make full use of your swimming pool investment.
Ecoclear® Inverter Heat Pump
The Maytronics Ecoclear® Inverter Heat Pump, is a powerful and efficient heat pump, which automatically heats or cools your pool according to the desired temperature. It adapts to outdoor conditions to ensure optimum bathing comfort while minimising energy consumption. Equipped with full-inverter technology, the Maytronics Ecoclear® Inverter Heat Pump is quiet, yet delivers powerful performance, thanks to the combination of a variable speed compressor and fan motor. Self-diagnostic software continuously monitors the system and adjusts for peak performance.
The Maytronics Ecoclear® Inverter Heat Pump is built for Australian conditions with a tough UV resistant, rust proof thermoplastic case, designed to withstand the elements, in an attractive compact design which blends neatly into any environment.
FEATURES
High efficiency. The inverter compressor gives you the power and efficiency to meet your preferred heating demands.
Intuitive, easy to use colour LCD touch screen, makes set-up and operation clear and simple.
Titanium threaded heat exchanger guarantees a longer life span, free of corrosion.
Intelligent thermostat automatically heats and cools.
Auto Defrost.
15 Years warranty (T&C’s)
Other Maytronics Pool Equipment To Consider
pH Drive Series
Adding a Maytronics pH drive will make your life easier. The pH levels in your pool must be balanced for comfortable swimming conditions and maximum sanitiser efficiency. In a new pool, acid must be added daily for maintenance. A Maytronics pH drive will do this for you. It will automatically add the correct, optimum level of acid to your pool, so you don’t need to manually handle pool chemicals. It takes any guesswork out of adding acid to your pool and maintaining your pool’s water chemistry. It prevents getting a green pool and makes your pool water balanced, for comfortable swimming any time.
CONCLUSION
Swimming in a warm, well-maintained pool is one of the best feelings out there. It feels even better knowing that your pool is always clean. Having the right pool supplies is essential to the health and safety of your pool. Choosing high-quality, energy efficient and eco-friendly pool equipment is a good long-term investment and will give you real cost savings.
For further advice on choosing the right pool equipment contact your nearest professional Elite Dealer or Elite Builder.
In a market with numerous pool cleaning options covering various budgets, it can be difficult for pool owners to fully understand the benefits of each type of cleaning system and which is right for your pool. With competitive prices, it can also be difficult to rationalise the cost of more expensive options versus the more budget-friendly.
What’s the difference between a robotic and a suction pool cleaner?
SET-UP
The required amount of human effort or ‘assistance’ needed for the automatic pool cleaners is next to none.
It is in the name – being a robot, they are essentially autonomous workers. Once they have been programmed and submerged in the pool, they are ready for action and you can walk away leaving the robot to do its thing.
Suction pool cleaners are similar in that once they are connected and hooked up correctly, they can be left to move around the pool. However, the major difference point to note here is that even the best suction pool cleaners still require being set-up. A suction pool cleaner set-up involves connecting the pipes to the existing system, as well as post clean care. Post clean care often involves the dismantling, rinsing of the filtration system and backwashing.
CLEANING EFFICIENCY
This leads us to the topic of running the different cleaners. Robotic pool cleaners are ‘smarter’ as they have the technological advancements to scan the entire pool and map out the surface area in grid form for a proficient clean. This makes sure the robot does not miss any corners or areas, as well as stops it from getting stuck. Suction pool cleaners clean at a random or predetermined pattern.
FILTRATION SYSTEMS
Unlike robots, the suction cleaners do not have their own filtration system meaning they do require connection to your pool’s existing filtration system. To work, suction cleaners require being connected to your existing skimmer and filter at the water intake valve i.e. the cleaner strains the water through the pool skimmer basket and filter when cleaning the pool debris. This causes two key issues, those being that it must be connected to an external filter and the existing pool system must be on to work, resulting in a higher electricity/power cost over time compared to the robotic cleaners who are ‘self-sufficient’.
While you may be leaning towards a suction pool cleaner due to it being the more affordable option in theory, a robotic pool cleaner’s value cannot be measured in money. The time saved on effort and maintenance is invaluable – and gives you more time to spend enjoying your pool.
What makes Maytronics robotic cleaners the smarter option?
As technological advancement and the idea of having a smart home becomes more attainable and idealistic for many, Maytronics have been working to install smart technology into our robots. Having a robot with wi-fi connectivity makes using the robot as easy as simply submerging it in the pool and using the app to start the cleaning cycle. This can be done from anywhere in the world, at any time, if the robot is in the pool, creating the opportunity for optimal performance at all times. It also gives the option to have the robot pre-programmed to run on a specific cleaning cycle, duration, time, and select the days you want it to run i.e. every second day if it needs a deep clean pre-summer or every Friday if you are maintaining it for weekend use.
If you are a busy family, or simply like the ease of using apps to connect to smart home software, we recommend picking a robot with the IoT WiFi connectivity software. We have an extensive range of robotic cleaners to suit all pool types. To find the perfect model for you click here.
Tips:
1. Turn off the pool pump and allow the debris to settle to the floor of the pool. This will also ease wear and tear on the existing filtration systems thus prolonging the life span.
2. Clean your robot’s filter after use; this will keep the robot running at full capacity and collecting as much debris and dust as possible.
Get Total Peace of Mind From Your Pool Cleaner And Mineral Swim System With The Maytronics For Life Benefits Program
Are you looking for a way to ensure that your pool investment is safe and remains sparkling clean?
Then you should definitely check out ‘Maytronics For Life’! This exclusive benefits program can be activated when you purchase a Dolphin M 700/S 400 Robotic Pool Cleaner or a Mineral Swim™ Mineral Purification System.
Our robotic pool cleaners and water treatments are designed to do all the hard work for you so you have more time to relax and enjoy your pool. When you become part of the Maytronics For Life family, you are guaranteed total peace of mind and long-term satisfaction with your pool maintenance system.
What Is Maytronics For Life?
Maytronics For Life, is an exclusive benefits program that gives you total peace of mind and keeps your pool investment safe and sparkling clean, for life, with exclusive Maytronics lifetime benefits, in participation with your local Maytronics Elite Dealer.
As a member of the Maytronics For Life family, not only are you getting the best water purification system and smartest robotic swimming pool cleaners on the market, you will also receive access to customer service support, product discounts, trade-in promise and more.
The Benefits of Joining the Program
When you join the Maytronics For Life family, you’ll have access to several valuable benefits for our innovative swimming pool robots and purification systems, including:
• 30-day satisfaction guarantee – We are confident you will be happy with your purchase of the Dolphin M700 / S400 or Mineral Swim System, if within 30 days from delivery date, you are not perfectly satisfied with your purchase, you can go back into your local store & swap it for an alternative option.
• Trade-in promise – You will always have the latest pool cleaning technology, with a guaranteed trade-in against the purchase of a new premium Dolphin or Mineral Swim system, anytime you like.
• Lifetime yearly robot health check – Make sure your Dolphin automatic pool cleaner is working perfectly before each summer season, by booking it in with your local Elite Dealer for a FREE yearly professional service.
“Nobody knows your Dolphin better than an authorised Maytronics professional”.
Get The Most From Your Robotic Swimming Pool Cleaner and Mineral Swim System
Maytronics For Life is an excellent way to ensure that your swimming pool investment remains in the best condition for years to come. With this exclusive benefits program, you get total peace of mind with access to customer service support, product discounts, trade-in promise and more.
So don’t wait any longer – join the Maytronics For Life family today! With our lifetime warranty promises and regular maintenance checks; we make sure your Dolphin robotic pool cleaner and Mineral Swim system work smoothly all year round!
Already got one of these products? Then don’t forget to register your details to get all the benefits from your Maytronics product.
