Stop! Are You Ruining Your Expensive Pool Robot Without Realising?
Is it bad to leave a pool robot in the pool? If you read the Owner’s Manual of the top manufacturers, they all advise to remove the robotic pool cleaner from the pool after use and not to leave it in the pool for long periods of time.
Why should you remove your robot cleaner from the pool?
The pool is a harsh environment of salty water, chlorine and the pressure of the water which is bad news for the rubber seals of the motors and cables. Even though they are well made, they can’t withstand being underwater for weeks on end.
Think about it. You wouldn’t leave your lawn mower outside on the lawn full of grass clippings for weeks in between mows because the clippings would rot and it’d be out in the sun and rain.
The same applies to pool robots. Good quality machines like the Maytronics Dolphin or the Zodiac range of robotic pool cleaners aren’t cheap. They’re an investment in your pool that frees you up, giving you time back to enjoy your pool, while it keeps your pool clean. If it was a Ferrari, you’d be washing, polishing and putting it away … do the same for your pool robot and it will last much longer before it needs repair or replacing.
The typical scenario is that most people who own a robotic pool cleaner leave it in the pool for weeks on end or until their pool technician comes every 4 weeks to maintain their swimming pool. Most cleaners only have a 1 week holiday cleaning cycle before they automatically shut down, waiting to be removed from the pool and cleaned. As a result, they sit there for 2-3 weeks, underwater and with leaves and other debris rotting in the filter basket or canister.
Advice to Save Money
We know from experience that the most expensive – and avoidable – issue with pool robots is motor failure due to water getting in (or more technically, water ingression). Over years, the harsh pool water affects the seals and eventually gets in, damaging the circuit board in the motor unit or flooding it. A new motor can cost half the cost of a new pool robot!
Why is my robotic pool cleaner not moving?
Typical signs of water in the motor:
- The cleaner power supply turns on and then turns off immediately
- The cleaner power supply turns on, cleaner moves forwards or backwards briefly, and then shuts down
- The cleaner power supply turns on, cleaner starts to move then shuts down and displays an error message or fault code
Leaving your robot in the pool will also degrade the cable, causing it to tangle, become sticky or perish due to the effects of chlorine deteriorating the rubber.
Where should I store my pool robot?
Want to save money and better look after your cleaner? Take it out of the pool after it’s finished its cleaning cycle (or at least after a few days of running), clean out the basket, give the machine a hose down with water, and give it a rest out of the pool. A cool, dry location where it’s not exposed to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight is ideal. It’ll last a few years longer and save you bucket loads of money in the long run.
For more helpful advice on looking after your pool robot and extending its life, check out our other Expert Tips.
For troubleshooting if your cleaner is not working properly, have a look at A Step-By-Step Guide To Troubleshooting Your Robotic Pool Cleaner.
Need More Help? Feel free to call and consult our expert technicians.
