Make the Smart Choice: 8 Expert Tips on When to Repair or Replace Your Pool Robot Cleaner

One common dilemma faced by many pool owners is deciding whether to repair or replace faulty pool robot cleaners. As a seasoned pool technician, who’s seen more robotic pool cleaners than you can shake a skimmer basket at, here are some valuable insights.

Understanding Your Pool Robot

Firstly, let’s talk about what a pool robot cleaner robot actually does. These machines are like mini submarines that navigate your pool, scrubbing off the dirt and algae, and sucking up debris. And if we’re all honest about it, often left submersed in the pool with a filter basket of rotting leaves. There are fine particles wearing gears and tracks and it takes a lot of grunt to climb those walls and scrub the waterline tiles.  It’s a tough job!

Robotic pool cleaners are generally built to last; or at least, the leading brands. However, like any machine, they can run into normal issues of wear and tear. From my years of service, I’d say that a well-maintained pool robot should last you anywhere from 5 to 7 years. If you’re taking good care of your machine! Regularly removing the cleaner from the water, cleaning out the filter basket and storing in between workouts can greatly extend your pool robot cleaner’s lifespan.

Signs Your Pool Robot Needs Attention

As a pool owner, you need to keep a keen eye on your robot. Watch out for signs like the pool robot cleaner starting, moving forward, moving backward and then stopping soon after. Or, maybe the cleaner is not picking up debris or not climbing the walls. These can indicate issues. Maybe there are error codes or lights flashing. If that’s the case for you, check out our guide to Troubleshooting: common issues with robotic pool cleaners.

When to Repair Your Pool Robot

Sometimes, a quick repair can get your robot back on its feet, or should I say tracks. Here are a few scenarios when I’d recommend robotic pool cleaner repairs.

1. The Robot is Relatively New

If your robot is only 2-3 years old, it often makes more sense to repair it rather than replace it. Most good quality robotic pool cleaners have at least 24 months warranty so it may be worth checking to see if it’s covered under warranty. Or, if it’s 3-5 years old then it may just need new bearings or bushings, wheels or tracks. I’ve seen loads of machines that just needed a tune up kit and they were back in action.

2. Damage is Minor or Cosmetic

Minor issues like worn wheels, tracks, bearings or bushings can usually be repaired pretty simply. It could be as easy as changing the filter panels or basket to improve water flow. Maybe the cable is a massive tangle; this can be replaced too but is a little more difficult.

3. Cost of Repair is Significantly Lower than Replacement

This one’s a no-brainer. If the cost to repair your robotic pool cleaner is considerably less than buying a new one, go for the repair. I once had a client who almost bought a new one because their old cleaner wasn’t climbing the walls anymore when a minor repair with a tune up kit brought their old one back to life. With the right advice, they were pleasantly surprised!

4. Spare Parts are Readily Available

If the faulty parts are easily replaceable, a repair could be the way to go. Remember, the availability of spare parts depends on your robot’s make and model. As cleaner technology improves, manufacturer’s often discontinue older models and it can be difficult to get parts.

5. Some Repairs Need an Expert Technician

When it comes to repairs, make sure to choose a specialist robotic pool cleaner repair service. If it’s anything to do with the electrical side of things a professional repairer should do this. Often there will be a bench or inspection fee to check out your machine. And once assessed, a reputable repairer should be able to give you a quote on the cost of repairs that includes labour and parts. Ask for recommendations, check reviews, and remember, cheap doesn’t always mean better.

When to Replace Your Pool Robot

On the flip side, sometimes it’s better to replace the whole pool robot cleaner. Think about how many hours it’s sat in the pool and how many cleaning cycles it’s performed. Like an old car, there’s a point at which they cost more to fix than the cleaner is worth to replace. Here are some circumstances when replacing is a good idea:

6. The Robot is Old or Frequently Malfunctioning

If you can’t remember the exact date that you purchased the machine, or can’t find the proof of purchase, or if it’s constantly starting, stopping and not moving, it might be time for a new one. If well looked after, removed from the pool after each cycle and cleaned, then a good quality cleaner will often last 5-7 years. If you’ve left it for months on end at the bottom of your pool full of rotting leaves and algae, it may only last 3-5 years if you’re lucky.

7. Repair Costs are Close to or Exceed the Cost of a New Robotic Pool Cleaner

If fixing your robot costs an arm and a leg, it’s better to replace it. Recently I took a look at a 5+ year old cleaner for a customer; it was only working intermittently and getting error codes. It needed a new cable and motor block which was almost half the cost of a new machine. The client could see that a new robotic pool cleaner was the smart decision – a brand new pool robotic cleaner, new features and new 2 year warranty!

8. Advanced Features of Newer Models Significantly Outpace Your Current Robot

Pool robots have come a long way in the last few years. Newer models often offer advanced features that could save you time or effort; it may be worth the upgrade. Many customers now opt for a model with a smartphone app. The ease of scheduling cleaning cycles or receiving notifications is a big plus for them. And the latest cleaners are cordless – battery operated – so no more messy or tangled cables. Check out our pool robot cleaners reviews for the latest and greatest!

How to Extend the Life of Your Pool Robot

Regular maintenance and proper usage can help extend your robotic pool cleaners lifespan. For instance, removing the cleaner from the pool and cleaning the robot’s filter regularly improves waterflow so it can work at its best and ensuring it’s not overloaded with debris can go a long way. Trust me, I’ve seen what happens when these simple things are overlooked, and it’s not pretty! Robotic pool cleaners nowadays cost more than my first car and have a few more bells and whistles so they’re worth looking after.

In a Nutshell

Deciding whether to repair or replace your pool robot is an important decision. And, like most important decisions, it depends on various factors: the age of the cleaner, the extent of wear and tear, the cost of repairs, and the benefits of newer models. Just remember, if you’re ever in doubt, call a trusted robotic pool cleaner repairer – that’s us, Pool Robots Australia. We’re here to help with all your pool robot repair needs! Or, if your pool robot has come to the end of it’s life, we can give you professional advice on which robotic pool cleaner is best to suit your pool.

Need More Help? Visit our website for FAQs, Expert Tips, and Video reviews for more information. Alternatively, feel free to call and consult our seasoned experts. We’re always keen to help.