Does it make sense to buy a robot for a small pool?

[Browneyesdmb34]

Hi. So we are totally clueless when it comes to pools but reading through this forum has certainly helped. I hired a pool guy and he immediately said i need to purchase a vacuum. I constantly see people here talk about their robots. I like the idea of it, but my partner is on my Rear about spending money. I’m trying to justify it, but things I’ve read say robots benefit bigger pools. My pool is very small and is only 5ft deep. Any recommendations on what to purchase?

 

[kimkats]

Your pool is VERY pretty!

Okay you say it is small..........how many gallons does it hold? Wait lets do one better..........can you please fill out your signature with your pool info..........kind of pool, size in gallons, kind of filter, how you add chlorine, what test kit you use.

I have an above ground pool (see my siggy for size) and have a robot (Lil' Kim) and will get another one if she ever dies!


Kim

 

[Browneyesdmb34]

Your pool is VERY pretty!

Okay you say it is small..........how many gallons does it hold? Wait lets do one better..........can you please fill out your signature with your pool info..........kind of pool, size in gallons, kind of filter, how you add chlorine, what test kit you use.

I have an above ground pool (see my siggy for size) and have a robot (Lil' Kim) and will get another one if she ever dies!


Kim:kim;

Omg i love your robots name ?? I’m embarrassed to say this, but i have no clue about the answer to any of those questions. We did a full backyard remodel and in order to save money our contractor hired the pool company for us and worked out all the details. We just picked out things when asked. I realize that probably wasn’t the best plan, but we both travel a ton for work and are gone most days during the week and just wanted it to get done. I’ll shoot him a message and see if he knows those answers and will add it. Now it’s not an above ground pool if that makes any difference at all? We just liked the idea of raised edges to extra seating etc.... Do you mind me asking how much you paid for Ms. Lil Kim?

 

[Browneyesdmb34]

Your pool is VERY pretty!

Okay you say it is small..........how many gallons does it hold? Wait lets do one better..........can you please fill out your signature with your pool info..........kind of pool, size in gallons, kind of filter, how you add chlorine, what test kit you use.

I have an above ground pool (see my siggy for size) and have a robot (Lil' Kim) and will get another one if she ever dies!


Kim:kim;

oh it is a salt water pool. I do know that because we paid extra for it.

 

[Divin Dave]

Looking at the pic, I gotta figure those chairs are 2 1/2 to 3 feet wide. The pool doesnt look very wide because the chairs are much closer to the camera. But if i can imagine that chair at the edge of the pool, it would give me a better since of scale... so Im figuring the pool is about 12 feet wide. Or maybe even 15. Its obviously longer than wide by
a factor of 2. So my guess is, its either 12 x 24 or 15 x 30.

let me know how close I guessed.

And by the way, If Im anywhere close to right, I wouldn't consider it to be exactly small. and certainly large enough to consider getting a robot for it.

 

[JodieM]

My neighbors have a small pool, I think 10x20 or something. Anyway, I love robotic pool cleaners, but their pool can be manually vac’d in no time! I have my guy “Pistol Pete” on a timer and he cleans every morning. I only manually vacuum after large parties where children are involved.

 

[kimkats]

We can help you figure out all of those answers. Are you at home right now?

Take a tape measure out to the pool. Measure from inside the tile from side to side and end to end. The measure from the bottom of the pool to the top of the WATER. Give us those figures and we will work it out.

Equipment-take a pic of it. You can also just write down the main words on the stuff and we can help you learn about your equipment.

Here is a link to my write up on Lil' Kim (she was named by another member here and it stuck) She is under $300 depending on where you buy her from: Pool Rover Junior review-aka Lil Kim

Kim

 

[carnivalday]

My pool is 12 x 24, 5 feet deep at the deep end, and I cant even imagine NOT having a robot. So....get one, just get it. You wont be sorry.

 

[Browneyesdmb34]

You guys are good and awesome for helping us! Sorry for the delay i was traveling back home all day yesterday. Thankfully I’ll be home for awhile.

We just measured and took pics.

pool measures 15 x 20 length and width and 5ft from bottom of the pool to the water line. I’ve attached pictures of the equipment. Thank you again for the help as well as the recommendations.

 

[kimkats]

Your pool holds 11200 gallons! "How do you know that?" I have a tool for you! It does ALL of the math for you! Here is a link to it:
PoolMath You can also go to the bottom of every page to find it.

Now here is something that LOTS of people like................pool math app!! If you are an app person this is for you:

PoolMath

www.troublefreepool.com

So lets start filling out your signature:
In ground plaster pool 11200 gals, Cartridge filter, SWG,

Lets talk about what is missing: any special features like waterfall or deck jets (things that squirt water). We also need to know if/how you are testing the water.

Kim

 

[Browneyesdmb34]

Your pool holds 11200 gallons! "How do you know that?" I have a tool for you! It does ALL of the math for you! Here is a link to it:
PoolMath You can also go to the bottom of every page to find it.

Now here is something that LOTS of people like................pool math app!! If you are an app person this is for you:

PoolMath

www.troublefreepool.com

So lets start filling out your signature:
In ground plaster pool 11200 gals, Cartridge filter, SWG,

Lets talk about what is missing: any special features like waterfall or deck jets (things that squirt water). We also need to know if/how you are testing the water.

Kim

wow, i can’t thank you enough! Pool has 2 water spills that are below the fire pots And there are 3 water “jets” on each side of the pool. Here is a picture of it on. We aren’t testing the water ourselves. My pool guy does that i presume? I have an app that came with the equipment i bought (ScreenLogic Pentair). I’ve included a screenshot of what it shows me.

 

[kimkats]

Sighhh...........so pretty!! Fire bowls??? AND a fire pit?????? SO PRETTY!!!

Okay lets add the deck jets and water spill to your signature.

That app is for your equipment. The app I linked to is to Pool Math to help you take care of your pool. Read the following to understand where I am coming from.

Now lets talk about your pool's long term life..........Have you ever seen your pool guy while he was there? Did you see what he did?

Let me fill you in on what most pool guys do................the throw and dash..............this is where they run to the pool, throw in a BUNCH of chemicals, then dash to the next pool. What they do is add enough stuff so it might last until they are there the next week. This is VERY hard on your plaster and your body if you happen to get in it right after he has been there.

Now I did read you travel a lot for your job and I understand that. That is why I am very glad you have a SWG. That will make your pool care even easier to care for the proper way.

I plead with you to get your own test kit. Here is a link to the kits we endorse as they have all of the tests you need to take proper care of your pool. Test Kits Compared Me? I think the TF-100 is the best band for the buck as it has more of the regents we use most often. Look in my siggy for where to buy it from. I bet it will save your money over the long term. If you get your own test kit you will be able to fire the pool guy!

It is NOT hard to do the tests. In fact they are easy AND fun! For your pool with the swg you will want to test just about every day as you learn your pool. After a while you get to know your pool and be able to average what it needs depending on the season and the weather. shhhhhhh but I don't do a full test on my pool but once a week or so shhhhhhhhhh

I will also guess you will not believe how GREAT you pool looks once you take over the care of it. You will need sun glasses to look at it as it will SPARKLE so much!

Chemicals-you can buy them at Target or Walmart........how neat is that??? Here is the link to what we use in our pool if it is needed Recommended Pool Chemicals - Trouble Free Pool The pool math will tell you what it needs and how much. EASY!!

Take a look at what I said and let me know how you are feeling with all of this info. I WAS where you are today and UNDERSTAND what you might be feeling right now

Kim

 

[Browneyesdmb34]

Sighhh...........so pretty!! Fire bowls??? AND a fire pit?????? SO PRETTY!!!

Okay lets add the deck jets and water spill to your signature.

That app is for your equipment. The app I linked to is to Pool Math to help you take care of your pool. Read the following to understand where I am coming from.

Now lets talk about your pool's long term life..........Have you ever seen your pool guy while he was there? Did you see what he did?

Let me fill you in on what most pool guys do................the throw and dash..............this is where they run to the pool, throw in a BUNCH of chemicals, then dash to the next pool. What they do is add enough stuff so it might last until they are there the next week. This is VERY hard on your plaster and your body if you happen to get in it right after he has been there.

Now I did read you travel a lot for your job and I understand that. That is why I am very glad you have a SWG. That will make your pool care even easier to care for the proper way.

I plead with you to get your own test kit. Here is a link to the kits we endorse as they have all of the tests you need to take proper care of your pool. Test Kits Compared Me? I think the TF-100 is the best band for the buck as it has more of the regents we use most often. Look in my siggy for where to buy it from. I bet it will save your money over the long term. If you get your own test kit you will be able to fire the pool guy!

It is NOT hard to do the tests. In fact they are easy AND fun! For your pool with the swg you will want to test just about every day as you learn your pool. After a while you get to know your pool and be able to average what it needs depending on the season and the weather. shhhhhhh but I don't do a full test on my pool but once a week or so shhhhhhhhhh

I will also guess you will not believe how GREAT you pool looks once you take over the care of it. You will need sun glasses to look at it as it will SPARKLE so much!

Chemicals-you can buy them at Target or Walmart........how neat is that??? Here is the link to what we use in our pool if it is needed Recommended Pool Chemicals - Trouble Free Pool The pool math will tell you what it needs and how much. EASY!!

Take a look at what I said and let me know how you are feeling with all of this info. I WAS where you are today and UNDERSTAND what you might be feeling right now

Kim

I honestly can’t say enough thank you’s. I have literally been reading for hours. I’m starting to feel more confident and like we can actually probably handle this ourselves. Maybe i can save the 150 a month and handle the pool myself. I will add the additional info to my signature. You’re the best!

 

[kimkats]

Lets do the math on the pool guy............$150 a month=4 visits at 10 mins or so a visit so that is $37.50 a visit! OUCH!!! The test kit is $100 (doing easy math) and lasts for 12+ months so that is only $8.33 a month LOL

Yeah we will get you taking care of your own pool and looking wonderful! We even have videos on how to do the tests!

We got ya!

Kim

 

[wireform]

You also need the Taylor K-1766 since you have a SWCG which is for the salt part of the equation. This test kit will tell you the salt content of the pool water which at some point you'll need.

 

[carnivalday]

I honestly can’t say enough thank you’s. I have literally been reading for hours. I’m starting to feel more confident and like we can actually probably handle this ourselves. Maybe i can save the 150 a month and handle the pool myself. I will add the additional info to my signature. You’re the best!

I know for a fact you can handle it yourself. Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, was dumber than I was. I built my pool and just figured Id hand it over to a pool maintenance company and be done with it. That didnt work out, so I was forced to take care of it myself, or ruin a new $50,000 pool. My brain kept saying "I just cant do this", and all the gurus here kept saying "You CAN do this". Of course, I was wrong and they were right! Once you learn your pool, you'll be astonished how easy and cheap this will be, and how much more enjoyable it will be for you.

 

[Browneyesdmb34]

Thank you all for the encouragement and confidence. I’m going to do it! I’ll order the test kits tomorrow. I just now need to pick a vacuum and I’ll be set. Thank you thank you thank you

 

[kimkats]

With your flat bottom pool you could get your own Lil' Kim or get one of the others out there. The one thing I would change on Lil' Kim is a top mounted filter basket. That would make it even easier than it is now which is VERY easy!

Kim

 

[thefloatqueen]

Hi. So we are totally clueless when it comes to pools but reading through this forum has certainly helped. I hired a pool guy and he immediately said i need to purchase a vacuum. I constantly see people here talk about their robots. I like the idea of it, but my partner is on my Rear about spending money. I’m trying to justify it, but things I’ve read say robots benefit bigger pools. My pool is very small and is only 5ft deep. Any recommendations on what to purchase?

Gorgeous pool!! ? I bought a robot for my small 7000 gallon above ground pool and it’s totally worth it! Granted, mine isn’t one of the $1,000+ ones many have for their in-ground pools, I still love it and wish I got one sooner. It seems there is a robot for every budget, so I would price them out, read reviews, etc. to find one that fits your needs and budget. Good luck!

 

[thefloatqueen]

With your flat bottom pool you could get your own Lil' Kim or get one of the others out there. The one thing I would change on Lil' Kim is a top mounted filter basket. That would make it even easier than it is now which is VERY easy!

Kim

Yesssss!! +1 for the Aquabot Pool Rover aka LIL KIM! ??