How Long Do Robotic Pool Cleaners Last?

As any pool owner knows, keeping a clean tool is a lot of hard work. However, thanks to advancements in technology, cleaning pools has become easier. Robotic pool cleaners are one example of how much easier keeping your pool clean has become over the past 20 years or so. Automated cleaners are well-known for their ability to act with minimal supervision or human interaction (see How do Robotic Pool Cleaners Work for more). However, as these are not cheap tools, many often wonder how long a robotic pool cleaner will last.

How Long Do They Last?

Overall, you can expect the average robot pool cleaners to last for approximately 3-5 years, depending on a myriad of factors. As is the case with most products, low-end or cheap models will be on the lower end of that range while higher quality cleaners (often more expensive), can be expected to last for significantly longer. If you own a high-quality model and keep it well-maintained, you can expect one of these units to last up to 8 good years.

Most models come with a warranty of some kind, with higher quality models (see Best Rated Automatic Pool Cleaners for Inground Pools for more) almost always offering better warranties that last longer (approximately 3 years). It is crucial to regularly maintain your robotic pool cleaner to enhance its longevity and effectiveness. Furthermore, regular maintenance will ensure that you are not paying for unnecessary repairs and the cleaner is operating at maximum capacity.

Below are some tips that can help you to prolong the life of the cleaner.

How Can I Extend the Life of My Pool Cleaner?

Monitor for Wear and Tear

It would help if you frequently examined your machine, whether it is in good shape or not since some parts may deteriorate over time. Common components that you can expect to replace are the filter and tires. These parts are often made of materials that are prone to wear out. Fortunately, they are easily replaced and relatively cheap compared to other parts of the robot. A quick examination shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes and is an integral step in keeping your cleaner working efficiently.

Wipe Down After Use

The fact that these tools work in your swimming pool does not mean that they do not need to be cleaned. Pool chemicals, sediment, and debris can collect on the robot that could impact the lifespan. Therefore, each time you remove it from your pool, ensure that you rinse it off with clean water and wipe it down with a clean cloth rag. This minimizes chlorine build-up, which could eventually impact how well the robot works. Additionally, once the robot has completed its cleaning cycle, store it in a dry and cool place while not in use. Sitting it in the sun next to the pool is commonly one of the primary causes of robot cleaners wearing out sooner than necessary.

Consider an Extended Warranty

There’s no way around it; good robotic pool cleaners are expensive. As such, it is often a good idea to protect a large investment with a strong warranty. Constantly being placed in and out of the water can be hard on any device. A strong warranty can help to protect you from costly repairs once the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. Moreover, it is cheaper compared to what you would pay to replace your robotic pool cleaner (see How Much Do Robot Pool Cleaners Cost?).

Know Your Robot

Although robot cleaners share similar characteristics, each model has its own unique features and quirks. One of the most important activities you can do is to familiarize yourself with your model. Look through the manual or other documentation to learn the shortcomings, usage, specifications, warnings, and warranties. Learning the ins and outs of your device will ensure that you are using it to its full capabilities and are aware of any activities that should not be undertaken.

Conclusion

Robotic pool cleaners come in many shapes and sizes. The various features and capabilities can greatly reduce the amount of work you need to do to your pool on a consistent basis. Furthermore, these machines are durable if proper maintenance procedures are followed. The instruction manual is a goldmine of information to help you effectively use these tools. Following the procedures outlined in the manual can go a long way toward enhancing the durability of your robot.

As these can be expensive pieces of equipment, it is often advisable to purchase an extended warranty to cover any problems that may arise outside of the regular manufacturer’s warranty period. So, while most robot pool cleaners are capable of lasting from three to five years, there are certain things you can do to greatly extend the life of your investment.