I’ve had the Active 30i with Wi Fi little over a month now. Pretty impressed with the performance. After running it about 4 times for 2 hour run times the dirt that came out of the filters was pretty impressive. The pool is looking good does look cleaner. The bot climbs the walls travels usually left along the tile for about 3 feet then sinks back down and goes about its business. I have seen up on the steps a couple times so I’m guessing I miss about 90% of its actions. One thing I really like is the ease of cleaning the filter elements especially once I realized the popped out of the frame, the leaf basket just lifts right out very easy to clean. The active 30i comes with the caddy That is one thing I really wanted and it is convenient, I did buy the cover to protect it from the sun fit’s great.
Like anything I think there’s a few negatives IMO. 1: The weight of it when you lift it out of the pool is quite a bit until all the water drains out (if I recall the dry weight is 16lbs) I can lift it out no problem just something to think about. 2: To retrieve the bot to remove it you pull it buy the cord what I noticed it can tip up so the body of the bot drags on the pool bottom so it can get scratched up pretty easily think a couple bumpers on the body would be a god to add to the design. I found a very slow retrieve works best. 3: The WiFi not sure if it’s worth money It’s nice to have the controls on your smart device/phone. As for maneuvering it kind of works at best, fun for about 5 minutes. 4: They say the bot maps your pool and determine the best method to clean it……I think it just does just random patterns I would question the mapping thing.
After all that has been said I think the bot is going to be much better than the old cleaner and energy cost has to be less. I can’t comment on the reliability I’ve only had it a month but it seems built well and thought out well. You will still have to brush the pool it’s not a pool boy. I think this is the future of pool cleaners and the old style will get phased out in time. If you considering getting a bot I hope this helps and if you decide to buy best advice Call “Marina, Pool, Spa and Patio” the website has great information on choosing a bot and no one will beat their price.
Like anything I think there’s a few negatives IMO. 1: The weight of it when you lift it out of the pool is quite a bit until all the water drains out (if I recall the dry weight is 16lbs) I can lift it out no problem just something to think about. 2: To retrieve the bot to remove it you pull it buy the cord what I noticed it can tip up so the body of the bot drags on the pool bottom so it can get scratched up pretty easily think a couple bumpers on the body would be a god to add to the design. I found a very slow retrieve works best. 3: The WiFi not sure if it’s worth money It’s nice to have the controls on your smart device/phone. As for maneuvering it kind of works at best, fun for about 5 minutes. 4: They say the bot maps your pool and determine the best method to clean it……I think it just does just random patterns I would question the mapping thing.
After all that has been said I think the bot is going to be much better than the old cleaner and energy cost has to be less. I can’t comment on the reliability I’ve only had it a month but it seems built well and thought out well. You will still have to brush the pool it’s not a pool boy. I think this is the future of pool cleaners and the old style will get phased out in time. If you considering getting a bot I hope this helps and if you decide to buy best advice Call “Marina, Pool, Spa and Patio” the website has great information on choosing a bot and no one will beat their price.