I have a new small (8'x15' rectangular uniformly 5' deep) gunite s-pool (just filled for first time this week). Trying to decide what I need for cleaning. At this point, I'm planning to get a semi-automated cleaner. I have never owned a property with a pool (my wife grew up in one) and readily admit my pool knowledge base is extremely limited (but hopefully growing rapidly).
As I see it, first branch in decision tree is - suction powered vs battery.
For suction, I'm leaning toward either the Zodiac MX6 or Hayward PoolCleaner
For battery I'm considering the Dolphin Nautilus CC
Questions:
1. Seems like a suction cleaner is much simpler mechanically, probably more robust - fewer things to break or fail. And half the cost.
They also seem to have much better suction and cleaning performance. Understandable given they're using hp motor with unlimited line electricity. They also benefit from all the safety steps that separate your pool equipment from an electrical pulse hitting the pool water.
What are the suction cleaners missing that would make you choose a battery driven (robot) Dolphin?
2. The AI/battery driven pool cleaners do take advantage of a bunch of rapidly emerging robotic tech. They do seem to be lighter and some aren't limited in their mobility by a tether. Those don't seem to be compelling benefits in my case. Am I missing anything about the benefits of battery models?
The need to charge, replace limited life batteries and haul them around on a "not included" caddy - along with more than double the price feel like pretty big barriers.
Similarities:
Both suction and battery powered options have a little "truck" that somewhat randomly rolls around your pool sucking up debris. Both types seem to do it pretty well. A pool-powered suction machine can keep going indefinitely. Battery powered units limited by battery capacity.
Differences?
Cleaning filters emptying debris - assume filter cleaning btw types is essentially the same? Am I missing something?
Operating them - assume you just place them in the water and they go to work.
There is a difference btw tethered and untethered. Tethered units (incl the electric Dolphin Nautilus) trade off hauling cable/hoses to from storage to poolside vs charging batteries. My bias is to go tethered so power/time isn't limited and you don't face the burden of battery charging or the inevitable failure of battery cells over time.
As I see it, first branch in decision tree is - suction powered vs battery.
For suction, I'm leaning toward either the Zodiac MX6 or Hayward PoolCleaner
For battery I'm considering the Dolphin Nautilus CC
Questions:
1. Seems like a suction cleaner is much simpler mechanically, probably more robust - fewer things to break or fail. And half the cost.
They also seem to have much better suction and cleaning performance. Understandable given they're using hp motor with unlimited line electricity. They also benefit from all the safety steps that separate your pool equipment from an electrical pulse hitting the pool water.
What are the suction cleaners missing that would make you choose a battery driven (robot) Dolphin?
2. The AI/battery driven pool cleaners do take advantage of a bunch of rapidly emerging robotic tech. They do seem to be lighter and some aren't limited in their mobility by a tether. Those don't seem to be compelling benefits in my case. Am I missing anything about the benefits of battery models?
The need to charge, replace limited life batteries and haul them around on a "not included" caddy - along with more than double the price feel like pretty big barriers.
Similarities:
Both suction and battery powered options have a little "truck" that somewhat randomly rolls around your pool sucking up debris. Both types seem to do it pretty well. A pool-powered suction machine can keep going indefinitely. Battery powered units limited by battery capacity.
Differences?
Cleaning filters emptying debris - assume filter cleaning btw types is essentially the same? Am I missing something?
Operating them - assume you just place them in the water and they go to work.
There is a difference btw tethered and untethered. Tethered units (incl the electric Dolphin Nautilus) trade off hauling cable/hoses to from storage to poolside vs charging batteries. My bias is to go tethered so power/time isn't limited and you don't face the burden of battery charging or the inevitable failure of battery cells over time.
