How To Protect Your Robotic Pool Cleaner
Robotic pool cleaners have become one of the most practical upgrades for modern pool owners. They take the hard work out of cleaning while improving water circulation and reducing strain on your filtration system. But like any piece of equipment they perform best when they’re looked after properly. Most issues we see when servicing robotic pool cleaners are not complex faults, but the result of avoidable habits that owners are most likely unaware are damaging their cleaner over time. We’ve put together a list of good practices that will help you maintain your cleaner and get the most out of your investment.
1. Remove It From the Pool After Each Use
One of the most effective ways to extend the life of your robotic pool cleaner is to remove it from the pool once the cleaning cycle is complete. Although these units are designed to operate in water they are not designed to remain submerged continuously where they are exposed to chemicals.
Over time, we see excess exposure begin to discolour and damage plastics, dry out seals & cables and corrode internal components, even when the cleaner is not actively running.
Most manufacturers recommend removing them in between use even if they have a timer option. Giving it a hose off after each use is also helpful as it removes chlorine residual.
- Use the cable to gently pull the cleaner toward you
- Lift the cleaner out of the pool using the handle, not the cable
- Allow excess water to drain out before removing the cleaner from the waters edge
2. Store It Out of Direct Sunlight
Once your cleaner has been removed from the pool, where you store it becomes the next important factor in protecting it. This is an easy area to improve without much effort because like many things, prolonged exposure to the harsh Aussie sunlight will degrade them quickly. Plastics, cables and seals will all deteriorate and shorten the life of the unit. If you don’t have a cover for your cleaner, a shaded & well ventilated storage area helps preserve the condition of your robotic pool cleaner and ensures it is ready to perform when you need it.
3. Keep Your Pool Water Balanced
Water chemistry plays a bigger role in equipment longevity than most people realise. While we often focus on clarity and sanitation, unbalanced water can quietly damage your robotic cleaner over time particularly when chlorine levels are too high or pH drifts outside the recommended range. This can lead to cracking and bleaching of the cable, discolouration and brittleness in plastic components and accelerated wear on seals.
Monitoring chlorine levels become especially important when using pool blankets or during periods of low usage and during winter, where chlorine levels can quickly climb higher than desired without regular monitoring. Low pH is also a concern as the water is more acidic causing many of the same issues as chlorine. Finally, unbalanced Alkalinity and Hardness will contribute to degradation over time therefore, regular testing is important even in winter.
- Keep chlorine and pH levels within recommended ranges
- Test water regularly, both in-store and with strips or a test kit at home
4. Look After the Cable
The cable is often one of the first parts of a robotic pool cleaner to show signs of wear. When cables are left tightly coiled, knotted, twisted or tangled, they develop memory which can affect how the cleaner moves around your pool and place additional strain on internal wiring of the cable often breaking the it so the cleaner works intermittently. Maytronics recommends:
- Straightening the cable after each use
- Avoiding tight coils or knots
- Storing it loosely in a neat coil, ideally hanging or laid flat
Taking a small amount of time to manage the cable properly can make a noticeable difference to both performance and longevity, particularly if you incorporate it into your regular routine rather than leaving it until problems arise.
5. Clean the Catchment Basket/Filters After Each Use
Robotic pool cleaners are designed to remove debris from your pool relying on clean internal filters to operate efficiently. When those filters become blocked with leaves, dirt and fine particles suction is reduced, cleaning performance drops and the motor has to work harder to achieve the same result. Over time, this additional strain can lead to unnecessary wear and reduced lifespan of the impellor motor. So wash your filters with a hose pipe after each use and give your cleaner a hose off at the same time to remove chlorine residual.
Keep it simple and consistent:
- Empty the filter canister or bag after each use
- Rinse thoroughly with a hose
- Check for fine debris buildup
6. Replace Worn Parts Before They Cause Bigger Issues
As with any piece of equipment that has moving parts, robotic pool cleaners are designed with components that will wear over time, including tracks, brushes, rollers and filters. Ignoring worn parts can lead to reduced performance and additional strain. If you notice your robotic pool cleaner is behaving differently, it may be a sign that something simple needs attention rather than a major fault. Addressing these early helps maintain performance and avoid more costly repairs.
Common signs to watch for include:
- Reduced wall climbing ability
- Uneven or erratic movement
- Debris being left behind
Final Thoughts
Protecting your robotic pool cleaner doesn’t require complicated processes or technical expertise, it comes down to understanding how it operates and making a few adjustments to how you use and care for it. When you keep up with routine maintenance, you create the conditions for reliable performance and long-term value.
If you’re unsure about your cleaner’s condition, noticing changes in performance or simply want some guidance, contact our experienced team at My Pool Shop Melbourne for advice, “Because everybody deserves a safe and healthy pool”.
