Robotic pool cleaners

What Is a Robotic Pool Skimmer, and How Is It Different From a Pool Robot?

Published · By the BotLineup editors · Prices and specs as of that date, from the pages under Sources

Summary

A robotic pool skimmer roams the water's surface and collects floating leaves and bugs. A robotic pool cleaner works the floor and walls instead, so neither one covers the other's job. Skimmers earn their place in pools near trees or plantings, where debris lands on the water all the time.

Catch it before it sinks

Leaves float for a while, then soak up water and sink. A skimmer picks them up while they're still on the surface, which means less debris settling on the floor. Cleaning the floor and walls is still a job for a separate robot or for you.

Example: Aiper Surfer S1

The Surfer S1 charges two ways, from its solar panel or a DC adapter, and runs up to 20 hours on its battery. When the battery gets low, it heads for a sunny spot. Debris goes into a 5-liter basket with a 200-micron filter, and ultrasonic sensors keep it from bumping into walls. Aiper says it works in in-ground and above-ground pools, including saltwater and natural pools.

In the Aiper app you can check battery level, change settings, steer it manually, and see water temperature and cleaning history.

Do you need one?

If little ever floats on your pool, you can skip it. If you're netting leaves off the surface every time you clean, a skimmer can take over that chore. In a heavily shaded pool, solar charging will be slow, so plan on using the adapter as well.

Shopping for one? Find a cleaner for your pool →

Sources

  1. aiper.com/us/aiper-surfer-s1

We have not tested these products. Specs, prices, stock and terms are as published on these pages on the date above and can change; check the manufacturer or retailer before you buy.

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