To ensure the cleaning of your swimming pool, there are several models of robots. These cleaning machines can be electric or hydraulic. However, if their action is to clean the pool, these two devices do not work in the same way and do not produce the same result. You’ve probably seen the wide range of pool cleaners available online and in stores, so let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each to help you find the model that’s right for you.
The electric robot cleaner: characteristics, advantages and disadvantages
The electric pool cleaner robot is a fully autonomous device that cleans the pool efficiently, regardless of its size, shape or coating. It remains to this day the most effective device for effortlessly cleaning a swimming pool. Depending on the size of the pool and the power of the device, one to two hours are sufficient for a complete cleaning.
The electric model is generally customizable and can clean the walls of the pool, the bottom, as well as the water line for an impeccable result. Thanks to its soft brush, it removes impurities from all types of coatings without damaging them.
What are the advantages of the electric robot cleaner?
- Easy and autonomous use : simply plug the robot into a power outlet after immersing it for it to start. It is completely independent of the pool’s filtration system and operates completely independently.
- Its programming : it is possible to program the electric robot cleaner to make it perform all the desired tasks. Bottom, walls, water line, stairs… it cleans what you ask of it.
- Efficiency and speed : in one to two hours depending on the size of your pool, the pool is clean.
- A multi-service program : the electric robot is equipped with several types of brushes to respect all coatings. It thus removes the impurities stuck to the walls of the swimming pool before sucking them up and filtering them.
What are the disadvantages of the electric robot cleaner?
- Its cost : the robot cleaner may be the most efficient, but it is also the most expensive. Even if it is possible to find some models at less than 700 euros, the most efficient cost between 800 and 2,000 euros. To the purchase price, it will be necessary to add the cost of the use which consumes electricity, at the rate of 1 to 3 hours of operation in the middle of the bathing season.
- Its fragility : overall, the device is solid, but its electronic components are sensitive, weakened by repeated contact with water and they are expensive to repair. In addition, these robots cannot operate in cold water below 10°C.
The hydraulic robot cleaner: characteristics, advantages and disadvantages
The hydraulic robot cleaner is a model that works by suction and thanks to the hydraulic system of the skimmer or the broom socket of a swimming pool. These inexpensive robots are nevertheless effective, provided you opt for a model adapted to the performance of your filtration. However, the basic suction models do not lift the impurities from the walls and are content to suck up the particles in suspension, unlike the pressure models. These expel water at high pressure to detach dirt from the walls before capturing it.
What are the advantages of the hydraulic robot cleaner?
- His price : the hydraulic suction robot is inexpensive since you can find models from 60 euros, even if it is recommended to buy a device for a minimum of 300 euros so that it is efficient and durable. In addition, the cost of use is zero since it uses filtration. It is therefore not necessary to spend more on another source of energy.
- Its lifespan : The service life of this device is longer than that of an electric robot cleaner, because it does not contain an electrical component.
- Easy installation : just plug it into the pool filtration system to make it work.
- Effective suction : the most widespread suction hydraulic robot cleaner sucks up the dirt present in the water, which reduces manual cleaning work since you only need to remove the dirt yourself with a suitable brush beforehand. In contrast, the pressure-hydraulic model takes them off, which is equivalent to the performance of an electric robot.
What are the disadvantages of the hydraulic robot cleaner?
- His half-work : the suction robot cleaner only does half the job, since it only sucks up the dirt. This requires manual intervention, as the robot is not fully autonomous. Nevertheless, it is possible to invest in a pressure model for a more complete action.
- One action at the expense of another : this robot works by being connected to the pool filtration. Consequently, it can only be running when it is working and it can reduce it or interrupt it for the duration of its action.
- Certain consequences for filtration : as the filtration device is more stressed by the action of the robot cleaner, the pump filter must be cleaned more frequently to avoid clogging, reduced performance and clogging.
- Incomplete cleaning : the angles are the big negative point of these robots. It is therefore recommended to reserve them for round or oval shaped pools and above ground pools if you do not wish to intervene manually too frequently.