Do You Still Need to Brush the Pool if You Have a Pool Robot?

If you're a pool owner, you've probably wondered if you still need to brush your pool's surfaces if you have a robotic pool cleaner. The short answer is yes, you do.

While robotic pool cleaners are incredibly efficient at keeping your pool clean, they don't replace the need for occasional manual brushing. Think of your robotic pool cleaner as a high-tech vacuum and your brush as a detail-oriented cleaning tool.

Each has a specific, crucial role in maintaining a sparkling clean pool.

The Robotic Pool Cleaner’s Role 🤖

Robotic pool cleaners are designed to handle the day-to-day maintenance of your pool. They tirelessly patrol the pool's floor, walls, and sometimes even the waterline, sucking up leaves, dirt, sand, and other debris. Their powerful brushes agitate the surface to loosen grime before it's vacuumed into their internal filters. This consistent action prevents most debris from settling and staining the pool's surfaces.

However, even the most advanced pool robots have limitations. They can't reach every nook, cranny, and crevice, especially in pools with unusual shapes, steps, or ladders. The fine silt and algae that cling to grout lines or textured fibreglass surfaces often require a more focused, manual approach.

The Importance of Brushing 🧼

Brushing is a fundamental part of pool maintenance. It’s not just about removing visible dirt; it’s about preventing algae growth and maintaining the integrity of your pool’s surfaces.

Algae spores are always present in the air and water, and they love to attach themselves to pool walls and floors, especially in areas with low circulation. Regular brushing dislodges these spores and any biofilm that might be starting to form. Once dislodged, the pool’s filtration system (or your robotic cleaner) can more easily remove them.

Brushing also helps to circulate chemicals more effectively. By scrubbing the surfaces, you help distribute sanitiser and other treatments, ensuring they work evenly throughout the pool.

Limitations of Pool Robots ⚠️

Even the best robotic pool cleaners have their limits. To house the motors, brushes and on-board filter baskets that make them effective, they need to be a little larger in size and require a minimum water depth to operate properly. That means many pool robots struggle to navigate stairs, benches, and tight corners. These areas still need to be brushed manually to prevent algae and fine debris from building up.

The new Maytronics Dolphin Liberty 600, due in Australia for summer, is the only robotic pool cleaner designed specifically to handle steps. But even with this model, we recommend giving steps and benches a quick manual brush to make sure your pool stays spotless.

A Winning Combination: Robot and Brush 🤝

The best approach to pool maintenance is to use your robotic pool cleaner regularly - at least a few times a week during the swimming season - and to supplement its work with a pool brush once a week.

This routine ensures you get the benefits of both tools: the consistent, effortless cleaning of your pool robot and the targeted, deep cleaning of manual brushing.

So, while your robotic pool cleaner is a fantastic investment that saves you countless hours of work, don’t retire your pool brush just yet. It’s an essential partner in keeping your pool pristine, healthy, and ready for a swim.

By combining the power of a robotic cleaner with the precision of manual brushing, you’ll enjoy a crystal-clear pool all season long.

📞 CONTACT US for expert advice on the best pool cleaner for your pool or explore our CHOOSE A ROBOT page to find your perfect match.