Suction pump with booster vs electric pump

[Michellef]

We are putting in a new pool (18K gallon, natural form, gunnite with pebbletech, SWG) and trying to decide if we want the pool company to put in the polaris with a pump or to buy our own electric robotic cleaner.
We live in North texas, with 1 tree in the backyard, small leaves and young plants - so not a lot of leaves to worry about.

Long term, what will be the most effective cleaner using the least amount of energy (cost savings) and taking into acount repairs that will be needed?

 

[JasonLion]

There is no one choice that is right for everyone. A robotic cleaner will use far less electricity, but it will probably end up costing more in the long run anyway because of the large up front costs and shorter average lifespan. As a general rule the robotic cleaner will also do a better job at cleaning, though people seem to be more consistent about using a polaris and less consistent about using a robot, which possibly cancels out that advantage.

 

[Michellef]

do people not use the robot as much because of the weight? Are there a lot more mechanical problems with the robot cleaners?

 

[JasonLion]

Robotic cleaners tends to break less often, but be far more difficult/expensive to repair. A booster pump based cleaner often needs minor tuneups/part replacements every couple of years, lasting for a very long time given those regular minor repairs, while a robotic cleaner typically works for 3 to 5 years and then fails such that it needs to be replaced.

The larger difference is that robotic cleaners are designed to be used once a week and must be removed from the pool between uses, while booster pump driven cleaners are typically run daily and left in the pool all of the time (except when you are swimming).

 

[Michellef]

Good information, thank you