Thinking about going robotic, any recommendations for a pool that sits under an oak tree, other than kill the oak tree (it has crossed my mind). I am looking for something that has a good capacity for leaves. Thanks.
Any robots better than others for leafy environments?
- Thread starter censored
- Start date
- Jul 16, 2012
- 7,206
- Pool Size
- 27000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
From what I know, the robots with the biggest baskets for debris are the Doheny's Discover Powered by Dolphin and it's twins the Dolphin Triton (and Triton Plus) and Dolphin S200 (and S300 & S300i). See this thread for links...Post 267. https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/120447-First-Robotic-Cleaner-Doheny-s-Discovery?p=1190121&viewfull=1#post1190121
Don't cut down that tree, they might send you down the street to the pokey.
Don't cut down that tree, they might send you down the street to the pokey.
The Nautilus uses cartridges, which have lower capacity than the top-load baskets. The basket also has a larger single opening at the bottom as opposed to 2 narrower openings for the cartridge models.
Basket:
http://www.zavattishop.it/WebRoot/ce_it/Shops/990298364/5595/43FF/AD2A/908E/3D16/C0A8/1910/31DC/filtro-fine-per-dolphin-s200-s300-dettaglio.JPG
Cartridge:
https://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server2600/2481b/products/4665/images/3488/DL9991412ASSY__27817.1487974912.200.200.jpg?c=2
I would recommend going robotic, but none of them are going to have the capacity needed for oak leaves in the Fall Season. I have an oak too, and when the leaves fall in Oct/Nov, there is nothing other than a big net that will clean them out.
All other times of the year though, a robot will be fine with oaks in your yard.
All other times of the year though, a robot will be fine with oaks in your yard.
Yep, get a good leaf rake for the big leaf days and a robot for the rest. We have lots of trees, there are pics of my robot full of leaves in my pool thread, link in sig.
My smartpool cleaner gets the big leaves in my pool very well. Huge bag is a plus too
We bought a Dolphin s300i last year. It was pricy but it has made life much easier. Our pool has one oak tree over it and others nearby. The large intake area of the s300i helps a ton. As long as you don't wait too long in between runs, it gets pretty much everything; even large leaves. If there is an accumulation of a bunch of stuff at the bottom in one spot it will not pick it up.
I do not have anything to compare it to, but we love our lil robot. The s200, s300, and s300i all I believe have the same intake and body. The differences are mainly in functions/features (i.e. cleaning cycles and smartphone compatibility).
I do not have anything to compare it to, but we love our lil robot. The s200, s300, and s300i all I believe have the same intake and body. The differences are mainly in functions/features (i.e. cleaning cycles and smartphone compatibility).
They will handle a good number of leaves depending on the size. We have a lot of Live Oak in Texas and those are small. Mine are quite large leaves by mid summer, but if there aren't too many my Robot will handle a surprising number with the right screens running.
Overall though, Robots are just superior to all other types on cleaners no question. The good ones are simply amazing.
Overall though, Robots are just superior to all other types on cleaners no question. The good ones are simply amazing.
Censored, I have a huge maple overhead and a forest of nearby oak leaves 
I have the older Dolphin M4 with the cartridges and it does gobble up a surprising amount...when this one wears out, I'd likely move to basket type.
But what I wanted to share that really helps in leaf management is a contraption you fit to a return jet called Pool Skim...it gets a LOT of leaves before they even sink: Amazon.com : PoolSkim Pool Skimmer and Pool Cleaner : Swimming Pool Maintenance Kits : Patio, Lawn Garden
Then again, in the 3rd week of Oct., NOTHING stops this from happening: lol. Which is in part why I got a dome this year for winter use...(this year the dome will be going up well before my typical oct 23rd "drop day")
I have the older Dolphin M4 with the cartridges and it does gobble up a surprising amount...when this one wears out, I'd likely move to basket type.
But what I wanted to share that really helps in leaf management is a contraption you fit to a return jet called Pool Skim...it gets a LOT of leaves before they even sink: Amazon.com : PoolSkim Pool Skimmer and Pool Cleaner : Swimming Pool Maintenance Kits : Patio, Lawn Garden
Then again, in the 3rd week of Oct., NOTHING stops this from happening: lol. Which is in part why I got a dome this year for winter use...(this year the dome will be going up well before my typical oct 23rd "drop day")
Okay, I will never complain about my leaf problem again. You, Ma'am, are the winner!