Are robots worth it?

[MA5177]

Bought a pentair SI from Marina in 2021, it's already dead! Watched all the videos took it all apart twice and still not working I think the board is fried as there was some moisture inside the motor box. Not much but the absorbing pad in there was wet.

Anyways the cord is worn out and the tracks etc it is not worth fixing....also I let it live in the pool which now seems to be a bad idea.

Should I get another one or just go back to vacuuming it once a week or so? $1100 for a new one now and they just don't seem worth it if they only last 3 years.

 

[reggiehammond]

It's up to you; my robot lives in pool year around and does a lot of very-valuable-to-me work for ~$650.

Marina is selling the EVO line now that @Jimrahbe posted initial positive thoughts about... Definitely not $1100.

New EVO 614i Robot Pool Cleaner Review

About a month ago I needed a new robot pool cleaner and I contacted Margaret at Marina Pool and Spa. My initial goal was to buy another S200 "style" robot as I have been happy with them so far. Margaret suggested that I might want to look at a new line of robot cleaners that Marina is now...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[MA5177]

It's up to you; my robot lives in pool year around and does a lot of very-valuable-to-me work for ~$650.

Marina is selling the EVO line now that @Jimrahbe posted initial positive thoughts about... Definitely not $1100.

New EVO 614i Robot Pool Cleaner Review

About a month ago I needed a new robot pool cleaner and I contacted Margaret at Marina Pool and Spa. My initial goal was to buy another S200 "style" robot as I have been happy with them so far. Margaret suggested that I might want to look at a new line of robot cleaners that Marina is now...

www.troublefreepool.com

Thanks for the information I read through some of this review, they have a 520 model on sale for $499 is that a good unit?

 

[reggiehammond]

I view robots as a basic commodity. All of the Maytronics-style robots appear to work very similarly, some with more bells and whistles. But the general performance seems consistent, the price just rising if you want a caddy, or wifi, etc.

Some of the cheapest options do not come with the fine pleated filters, which I think are a necessity. If Marina is selling without, they'll usually add them if asked. Marina Pool and Spa has a great reputation on TFP for encouraging people to spend less to get the right robot for their setup. I'd trust their opinion.

 

[Newdude]

Marina Pool and Spa has a great reputation on TFP for encouraging people to spend less to get the right robot for their setup. I'd trust their opinion.

They did with me and also an IRL buddy. I've seen too many similar posts to count.

They may not have what I need, or somebody else may have a blowout sale at the time, but they've earned my first call when thinking about something they sell.

 

[Homebrewale]

I have a Pentair Warrior SI that's one year older than your robot. It's still working fine. Is it worth it? I don't know. Since I'm retired, I have time to vacuum manually. My robot does not stay in the pool. It would drive me crazy if it was. I only vacuum when the pool bottom looks dirty which is only about once per week. Therefore, it's not an issue to put in and take out.

 

[MA5177]

I have a Pentair Warrior SI that's one year older than your robot. It's still working fine. Is it worth it? I don't know. Since I'm retired, I have time to vacuum manually. My robot does not stay in the pool. It would drive me crazy if it was. I only vacuum when the pool bottom looks dirty which is only about once per week. Therefore, it's not an issue to put in and take out.

Yes leaving in the pool is no good, eventually moisture gets in there no matter how well it's sealed

Mine has lived in the pool for nearly 4 years and it's done. Plus I had it set to run every day or two ... another mistake. In Arizona we get a lot of fine dust. I have popups but i need to repair the gear head. I make try that first

 

[AUSpool]

I’m new to robots but so far so good. But I don’t have much debris to deal with and it’s in, clean, out, clean the basket and pack it away till next month. In 8 months it’s probably been in the water maybe once a month.

I kind of think that a device with a bunch of fancy electronics in an aquatic environment protected by a couple of cheap seals will always be a gamble. If it has to stay in 24/7 and there’s a lot of debris to deal with then maybe a suction side cleaner like a rebel 2 might be a better choice. You have to get the robot out to clean out the basket, cleaning out the skimmer basket is easier and a sand or cartridge filter will out perform a robot basket.

 

[PoolStored]

Without a robot, I’d fill in my pool. Wouldn’t live without one, even if it only lasts 3 years.

Got 8 years from the first on (came with the house, have a receipt. Second one going on three hears without trouble. Not stay in pool 24/7.

YMMV.

 

[Katodude]

I have 4 robots. 2 surface skimmers, and 2 bottom cleaners. I am still looking for a 5th to join the family.

If there are 3 grains of sand in the pool, a robot goes in to get them.

 

[CreedenceTapes]

I have 4 robots. 2 surface skimmers, and 2 bottom cleaners. I am still looking for a 5th to join the family.

If there are 3 grains of sand in the pool, a robot goes in to get them.

We are cut from the same cloth.

 

[Texaspops]

Thanks for the information I read through some of this review, they have a 520 model on sale for $499 is that a good unit?

After reading all the posts in the EVO thread, I decided to buy the 502. Compared to the 604, I didn't need a 60 ft cord, wasn't bothered about having the two modes (floor-only mode seemed unnecessary to me) and the anti-tangle device doesn't seem to help much. The other difference is it has just the two brushes at the front, instead of the extra two at the rear. So far it is doing a good job, cleans well, and goes over almost the entire (odd-shaped) pool and I am pleased with it, and especially saving $270!

 

[TopJimmy]

I’ll say I don’t think a robot is necessary, for me, since I have an auto cover. I view it as a luxury item. If mine were to become inop, I might replace it (eventually, when I get around to it). I use mine probably twice per mo.

 

[Lake Placid]

I manually vac pools all day. Not my favorite part of the job, but it keeps my business growing. At home I would never give up my robot and would just as soon fill in the pool than live without it. I’ve intentionally setup my pool so I don’t have to interact with it much….Since I deal with them all day, when I get home I don't want or NEED to. It’s setup to take care of itself for the most part (thankfully)…I would also never let a robot live in the pool 24/7. It goes in and comes out when called on. Mine is 7 years old and going strong…needs a track replacement but that will be next year.

 

[CreedenceTapes]

I manually vac pools all day. Not my favorite part of the job, but it keeps my business growing. At home I would never give up my robot and would just as soon fill in the pool than live without it. I’ve intentionally setup my pool so I don’t have to interact with it much….Since I deal with them all day, when I get home I don't want or NEED to. It’s setup to take care of itself for the most part (thankfully)…I would also never let a robot live in the pool 24/7. It goes in and comes out when called on. Mine is 7 years old and going strong…needs a track replacement but that will be next year.

Being willing to do what another person will pay to have done is a time-tested path to profit. You learn the ins and outs, the tricks of the trade, and one day you're paying the bills.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

My opinion would be “no, they’re not worth it to me” simply because I have another automated vacuuming method, a dedicated suction port and suction side cleaner, that works just fine. So while robots do have a place in pool care, for me they are an unnecessary expense. I can get along in my pool care routine just fine with a hydraulic driven cleaner.

Now, if you tried to take away my SWG, that’ll land you a trip to local urgent care …

 

[Katodude]

Hey the 70’s called. They want your suction side cleaner back!!!

They are no match for my robot army.

 

[CreedenceTapes]

My opinion would be “no, they’re not worth it to me” simply because I have another automated vacuuming method, a dedicated suction port and suction side cleaner, that works just fine. So while robots do have a place in pool care, for me they are an unnecessary expense. I can get along in my pool care routine just fine with a hydraulic driven cleaner.

Now, if you tried to take away my SWG, that’ll land you a trip to local urgent care …

I've had both, but in total fairness, my suction-powered cleaner was inherited from a previous owner. I maybe didn't see its best days.

That said, when the vacuum-port cleaner died, I bought an Evo 614iq. When it dies, I'm going for another electronic cleaner.

 

[Buggs]

Hey the 70’s called. They want your suction side cleaner back!!!

They are no match for my robot army.

Perhaps. But now that the wind is blowing and the leaves are falling, the performance of my Dolphin Explorer E70 can't touch my 1999 Letro Legend for keeping the pool clear of debris.

Sometimes Old School is badass.

 

[Katodude]

Perhaps. But now that the wind is blowing and the leaves are falling, the performance of my Dolphin Explorer E70 can't touch my 1999 Letro Legend for keeping the pool clear of debris.

Pfffft. I have two Betta surface skimmer for that!!!!