Do I Have to Brush My Pool if I Have a Robot Cleaner?
Aquatic forests have become one of the simplest methods of cleaning swimming pool. These sophisticated devices can scrub floors, climb walls and even trap fine debris, and are far more capable than traditional pool vacuum equipment or skimmer nets. However, many pool owners still ask themselves: do I still have to brush a pool with either the best pool robotic pool cleaner?
What a Robot Pool Cleaner Will Do — and Won’t
A robot pool cleaner is built to do (mostly) all of the heavy lifting — vacuuming dirt, scrubbing algae, filtering out small particles. Its operation is faster, more thorough, and independent than a manual vacuum cleaner for pool. For example, modern swimming pool robot cleaners, such as the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra use smart mapping and can scrub every inch of your pool surface with two powerful brushes.
However, a few places will still fall through the cracks with a robot pool. Corners, steps and tight spaces can be tricky and rarely accessed by even the best-rated wall climbing swimming pool cleaners. And although the robot is doing the hard work, manual brushing can ensure every hidden nook and cranny is cleaned—particularly if you have textured surfaces where dirt can get stuck.
Does a Pool Robot Eliminate the Need for Weekly Brushing?
A pool cleaner robot minimizes brushing frequency, but it’s no complete replacement. Brushing removes algae, biofilm, and calcium buildup that even the best-equipped pool robotic pool cleaner may leave behind. Brushing walls and corners regularly is key, particularly with pools prone to algae, or if you recently acid washed pool surfaces, or dealt with heavy organic debris from storms.
If your pool vacuum for algae doesn't pick up all the free material, a good brush will loosen it for the automatic robot pool cleaner to collect more efficiently. “The relationship allows for a more automatic pool while playing a manual role to maintain it.”
When You Do Need to Brush, Even With a Robot Pool Cleaner
Adding Chemicals: Brushing distributes treatments such as chlorine and algaecide throughout your pool, allowing them to work evenly and preventing stains.
Post Heavy Storms: Physical scrubbing is needed to remove debris stuck to the walls and steps.
Prior to Operating Your Robotic Swimming Pool Cleaner: When algae proliferate, brushing will unstick clinging algae so the robotic swimming pool cleaner can suck it up faster.
When You See Stains: Some stains need more scrubbing than a maytronics pool cleaner can deliver.
Can an Algae Pool Robot Work by Itself?
This is a frequent question, will a pool robot take up algae without assistance? Light algae, yes. But for blue-green algae stains, brushing and the right chemicals, along with your swimming pool robot cleaner, provides the best outcomes. You may even need to drain that in-ground pool without a pump, or do a deep clean if the algae get bad enough.
Beatbot iSkim Ultra and Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro, for instance, also come with scrubbing brushes that are meant to deal with light algae growth, but they still perform best with manual brushing to clear those tough spots.
What If My Pool Has a Booster Pump?
Many pool owners mistake their robot pool cleaner for a pool booster pump system. Note: A robot operates independently and doesn’t depend on the pool’s filtration system. Most pool vacuums connect to your skimmer or suction line, which may require a booster pump to create power, while robotic cleaners run on an onboard motor, making them a more energy-efficient option.
The Last Word — Still Need To Brush?
Even the best robot pool cleaner, still requires occasional brushing for the parameters of water quality and surface property to maintain the best as possible. Though a pool cleaner robot can do the heavy lifting for you, especially if you use a powerful model like Beatbot AquaSense 2, manual brushing helps to ensure that no corner is left behind. Technology complements traditional care to ensure your pool stays sparkling throughout the entire season.
