Robots vs. Manual

[sharknj]

jcarroca, I've been using a Dolphin Dynamic for about a year now. The upfront cost is somewhat high, but I haven't noticed any increase in my electric bill. Obviously it's costing me something to run it once a week, but it doesn't seem to be very significant. As for the unsightly power cord, it has a 65' low voltage cord that runs to a transformer which plugs into a 110V outlet. I don't think this is an issue, since it's only plugged in while it's in the pool. The rest of the week, it's stored away. I haven't used any of the suction-side or pressure side cleaners, but I would imagine the hoses are just as unsightly and even tougher to deal with.

The only downsides I've seen is the upfront cost and the possible need to purchase bottom drain cover(s). Mine kept getting stuck on the drains, so I bought a pair of Polaris drain covers. Pricey yes, but it never gets stuck anymore. You may or may not have this problem, depending on your pool. I can't speak for the other robot cleaners, but from what I've read the Aquabots seems to be very good too.

[VOLDADDY]

The upfront cost is high, but it will actually save money on the electric bill part. I run my pump 24/7, only cutting off to run my Aquabot. It uses a lot less electricity than the pump. Your pool can look great, and when the Aquabot ends its cycle, you'll be amazed at the stuff in the bag. Does a good job of cleaning the walls, too. Hate to say it, but I haven't brushed my pool in a long time now. It still looks great and not a single sign of a speck of algae. They are worth every penny IMO.

[Jeffski]

How many pennies?

[Bleach=Chlorine?]

I was totally sold on an aquabot or dolphin until I asked questions about the useful life. I was told to expect 5 years before the machine needs to be totally replaced which was too short a lifespan for $1000 bucks. With a 3-month pool season that would be INSANE... now if it 5 years of use year-around then I would feel better. Anyone?

[mbar]

My first Aquabot lasted 6 years. I now have an Aquabot Bravo - it has a shorter run time, and is supposed to last longer, Only time will tell. I have to say I used my first Aquabot almost every day - I have a whilte pool. It did a great job, and I never vacuumed except after a heavy storm. Are they expensive? Yes, do they do a great job? Yes. Only you can make the decision of it's worth to you.

[Cleanpool]

I have a Blue Diamond remote cleaner , and a hayward Phantom.I really use the robot only on pool startup to get rid of all the algae , it works fantastic!!. it picks up so much algae , you have to clean the filter bag after 45 minutes in the pool, during start up. After the pool is clean I use the phantom every 3-4 days to maintain the clean pool . I do throw in the robot occasionally if it's real dirty ie. after a pool party or bad rain.I live in Nj so my pool season is probably same like yours in Philly , 4 months tops.I have the robot for 3 years with absolutley no problems , and expect many more years of it working.beats vacumming by hand.i have tried and owned a Polaris 380, hayward viper, polaris 340, baracudda G4, aquabot remote .I love both the Blue Diamond remote and hayward phantom out of all the cleaners out there.

[Bleach=Chlorine?]

Cleanpool,
You have been pretty satisfied with the phantom? I can't remember, is that pressure or sunction side? Does it require a booster pump and also what did it run you (if you don't mind)? Thanks

[Cleanpool]

the Phantom is pressure driven and needs abooster pump to operate .I bought the Phantom at Leslie's online last year in December for $599, it came with a free Hayward booster pump, and $100 mail in rebate .i sold the boosetr pump on Ebay for $145 as I had one from my old Polaris 380 days . so the total cost was $354 delivered.
The Phantom uses hard hoses so it doesn't tangle itself up.and has three modes of operation
1)Bottom only
2) Skims the surface only
3) Auto: 13 minutes on the bottom, comes up and skims the top for 7 minutes , starts cycle over again.