A robot pool cleaner may seem like the ideal pool maintenance solution, and in many respects, it is. But as with any piece of technology, it has its downsides. It’s more convenient and efficient than a manual pool vacuum or skimmer, but there are some caveats to know about before browsing the models available.

This post will take a look at the general disadvantages of using a pool robotic pool cleaner versus other common tools, such as the vacuum cleaner for pool, pool booster pump, and other robotic pool cleaner models.

Robot Pool Cleaner Cost Considerations

Upfront Cost is one of the main issues with any swimming pool robot cleaner Wall-climbing, smart robot pool units with mapping, for example, are high quality, but have a high price tag that starts at $700 and can jump over the $2,000 mark, depending on the model.

That said, the investment usually does pay off in the long run. The Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra, Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro, Beatbot AquaSense 2 all tout premium cleaning options with long-lasting option — but they may not be the most cost-effective options for every homeowner.

Pool Vacuum Robot Maintenance and Repairs

While robot pool cleaners are designed for minimal intervention, they’re machines (machines can break). Some common maintenance problems:

Clogged Filters: Especially if your pool has leaves, fine debris or algae.

Worn Brushes or Tracks – These examples require replacement after prolonged use.

Software Glitches: Some smart-cleaning devices have crashed or need firmware updates.

Regular pool vacuum cleaners deal with algae like a pro, but robotic pool cleaners take a little longer to troubleshoot. We’ve put together a handy robotic pool cleaner troubleshooting guide to help you navigate repairs, thankfully.

What You’ve Collected About Navigation Challenges in Pool Layouts

The best robot pool cleaners are equipped with mapping tech to help them make their way around a pool. However, not all models are made equal. Lower-end units may:

Miss corners or steps

Having difficulty in strangely shaped pools

Go over the same areas/places multiple times

Even sophisticated brands such as Maytronics pool cleaner or others still may have blind spots based on the architecture of that pool.

Will a Pool Robot Collect Algae and Small Particles?

Although most pool vacuum robots do a great job of sucking up common debris, not all are great at cleaning algae. And, when it comes to pool robots, if your pool suffers from a major algae problem, then you may find a robot struggling before first being supported by:

Manual brushing

Algae specific pool vacuum

Periodic acid washing (find out how to acid wash pool surfaces)

And you also said here that it is No Substitute for Pool Chemistry or Drainage Tasks.

A robot pool cleaner does not eliminate your pool’s need for chemical balance or big maintenance jobs. You’ll still need to, for instance:

Test and adjust pH and chlorine

Clean filters and pumps

Learn how to drain an inground pool without a pump (for more about doing a deep cleaning, click: here)

Are robot pool cleaners worth it in spite of this?

Yes—and no. It depends on your needs. It appears the pros massively out weigh the cons when it comes to convenience, saving time and cleaning regularly. If you don’t mind doing some work yourself and your pool is relatively uncomplicated, traditional choices are likely adequate.

For more insights, check out our comparison of robotic vs manual pool cleaning, as well as our guide to the best robotic pool cleaner.

Conclusion: The Good and Bad of a Robot Pool Cleaner

And though a robot pool cleaner isn’t without drawbacks, it’s still the most effective tool you can have to keep your pool clean and sparkling. Knowing the downsides—cost, upkeep and infrequent limitations—will enable you to select the right model for your way of life.