All pool bots are pool sweeps but not all pool sweeps are bots….Keep reading for 6 easy to understand points of pool sweep and robots that can help you know the difference, and simplify and automate your pool cleaning routine.
1. All Pool Bots are Pool Sweeps: “Pool Sweep” is a name that refers to a number of different machines that travel around your pool and work to keep it clean. The name alone does not discern or describe the range of options to choose from.
2. Types of Pool Sweeps: There are pressure side pool sweeps, there are suction side pool sweeps, and there are pool sweeping robots. Each one has its strong suits and benefits, all of which are incredibly helpful for ongoing pool maintenance.
When you hear the phrase ‘pressure side’ used about pools, you can know that the phrase is referring to the part of the pool where the water is being pushed back into the pool from the pump. Similarly the term ‘suction side’ refers to the part of the pool where the water is first pulled into the filtration system by the pump. And, as you likely guessed, the pressure or suction side sweeps would connect to and be powered by the part with the coordinating name. These machines are pool sweeps, but a pool sweeping ROBOT is a little different. The biggest difference is that a pool sweeping robot is going to have its very own power source and does not rely on other parts of the pool to propel itself. You could think of a pool bot as a sort of “smart” sweep….
3 Pressure Side sweeps usually depend on a ‘booster’ pump in addition to your main pool pump. The booster pump provides extra power to the sweep, allowing it to pick up heavier debris and maneuver the pool surfaces effectively. Pressure side pool sweeps will have their own filter bag or catch of some kind, and are going to excel at picking up larger items that have settled on the bottom of the pool. You will need to empty the sweeps from time to time to allow them to continue picking up and storing debris. There are some pressure side pool sweeps that don’t require a booster pump, but its important to know that these sweeps DO require specific plumbing details to be included in the pool. This specialty plumbing is less common in newer pools, in part due to the rise in robots on the market….keep reading to learn more.
4. Suction Side Pool Sweeps act more as an extension of your pools filtration, as they operate while the main pump runs, to gather fine debris that has settled in the pool where the regular skimmer process can’t capture it. Suction side cleaners will typically feed the material they pick up back to the filter, which for some pools will mean increased filter cleanings. But, for the low cost and simple operations they can be extremely helpful for smaller pools with seasonal debris. Because they use the pools existing pump, its good to keep in mind that while they operate, some suction side cleaners will need to use a fitting in the skimmer, so you won’t be able to skim and sweep at the same time, and others will have dedicated fittings plumbed in so that you can have both skimmer and sweep running in tandem.
5. A Pool Sweeping Robot is another creature altogether. These machines will have their own power source and motor to propel themselves around the pool. For many pool owners this translates to lower operating costs and more flexibility in adding extra pool cleaning since they don’t require the big filter system to be powered on while they work. Pool Robots have their own filters and baskets to catch the debris they pick up, keeping that material out of your main filters. Some pool sweeping robots have WiFi control, lights, the ability to map and learn your pool for efficient cleaning, and some will scrub all the surfaces-including the waterline while they’re at it. As you can see, a pool robot is a very dynamic and useful machine that can take pool ownership from a chore to a joy, which is common to hear from customers who make the investment. Some of our favorite bots are the Dolphin S series from Maytronics, which feature two active brushes to maximize thier scrubbing and climbing ability. There are currently rebates on offer for cash back, and these amazing machines can have all of their warranty service needs provided locally, right here at All Seasons Pools and Spas
6. The Benefit of a Robot is very different than standard sweeps, you can rely on them to do more of the work-and-if you choose well, you can spend much less of your time sweeping pool walls and scrubbing water lines down and a lot more time enjoying your pool…Your clean, beautiful pool! With what tends to be a higher price tag compared to the other types of sweeps, its important to consider them an investment rather than a purchase. While there are more brands on the market than ever before, we highly recommend a bot that is warrantied, serviceable and from a reputable manufacturer with a trusted history.
