Robot or Automatic Cleaner for 16x32 Intex AGP?

[oimamlion]

Good afternoon! Hoping for some input on robots vs automatic pool cleaner (suction type). We have an Intex 16x32 Intex AGP - rectangular. If we went with a robot, it would need to be on the lower end ($300 or less). What are the advantages to the robot for the extra $$? Our pump is .6 hp, so that does limit us some on the suction type. I do love the idea of the robot, but I'm trying to justify 3-6X the cost. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Texas Splash]

What are the advantages to the robot for the extra $$?

You're going to see a bit of debate on this one and there are plenty of robot and legacy (suction/pressure) vacuum cleaner owners in the forum. Cost is certainly a big driver, but many the convenience of dropping a robot in the water without having to manipulate water pressure (or in some cases a seperate pump) for a cleaner. Robots tend to be self-sufficient in that they operate and collect the materials seperately from the pool's main filter. Some suction/pressure cleaners do that, while others simply suck the debris-up into your filter whihc could require more cleaning. But it's a balancing act between everything - cost, quality, convenience, etc.

 

[oimamlion]

You're going to see a bit of debate on this one and there are plenty of robot and legacy (suction/pressure) vacuum cleaner owners in the forum. Cost is certainly a big driver, but many the convenience of dropping a robot in the water without having to manipulate water pressure (or in some cases a seperate pump) for a cleaner. Robots tend to be self-sufficient in that they operate and collect the materials seperately from the pool's main filter. Some suction/pressure cleaners do that, while others simply suck the debris-up into your filter whihc could require more cleaning. But it's a balancing act between everything - cost, quality, convenience, etc.

We ended up with the Dolphin E10. We have both a suction type that hooks to our intake and also a stand alone vaccuum that was given to us. I REALLY didn't want to spend the $$ on the robot, but am SO glad I did. We are still SLAM'ing from our creek water fill and had pretty much stopped getting clearer until we got it. I'm sure it was because we were doing a crappy job of vacuuming and brushing. I also sprung for the extra fine filter and she's (Rosie) getting the fine silt out of the water and off the bottom for us and we've been getting clearer every day. WOOT!