Having a proper maintenance schedule is important if you want to keep your pool attractive and hygienic. However, constantly managing chemicals and cleaners can be a lot of work and something we’re not very eager to do. To make maintenance easier, consider investing in a top rated solar cleaner for pools.
Pool cleaners powered by solar energy are the latest advancement in pool technology. A sun-powered robot that removes debris from your pool sounds great, right? The best solar pool cleaners are very efficient at removing leaves, insects, dust, and other contaminants from the surface of your pool.
Since this is a relatively new cleaner category, we put in extra research work to present a couple of models that actually get the job done, no matter how dirty your pool is. Our guide will give you all the information you need to find the best solar pool cleaner and keep your water crystal clear every day.
OUR TOP PICK
Solar Breeze NX2
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Over 23 hours of runtime on sunny days
- Fine mesh filter removes up to 95% of debris
- No cords or hoses required
- Uses trichlor tablets to disperse chemicals
- Reduces the runtime of the pool pump
Dimensions: 22 x 20 x 7.5 inches
Weight: 12.35 pounds
Charge: Solar
Battery: Li-Ion, included
Battery life: Up to 23.5 hours
Tray capacity: 2 x 3-inch dichlor tablets
EDITORS CHOICE
Skimdevil Robotic
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Bluetooth compatibility with your smartphone
- Cleaning programs are adjustable
- Picks up everything from insects to leaves
- Automated navigation covers every corner
Dimensions: 24 x 21 x 6 inches
Weight: 10.2 pounds
Charge: Solar, AC/DC charger
Battery life: Up to 7 hours
Coverage: up to 4000 square feet (per hour)
How To Choose A Solar Pool Cleaner – Buying Guide
Type of Pool
The type of pool that you have determines which solar pool skimmer model would work best. Most solar powered pool cleaners are suitable for residential swimming pools but the size and shape of your pool will determine how well it cleans.
Typically, larger and deeper pools require more cleaning time. This means that you have to turn on your solar pool skimmer and allow it to run for several hours. On the other hand, smaller swimming pools may be completed in a few hours’ time. If your pool has lots of steps, you should be cautious with your solar powered pool cleaner – it may get stuck in corners and have trouble maneuvering odd pool shapes.
Finally, it’s important to note the differences between in-ground and above ground pools, as these can influence how your automatic pool cleaner works. Above ground pools, like Intex pools, feature a supporting structure that uses above ground pool liners to hold in the water. Inground pools are dug into the ground and are generally made of concrete and tile.
Not all solar powered pool skimmers can be used with both above ground and inground pools. Usually, the model will cater to a specific type of pool, so check the provided information before making a purchase. You wouldn’t want to invest in a solar pool skimmer that doesn’t function with your type of pool.
Use
The best solar cleaner for pool is fully self-sufficient and autonomic. You should be able to simply turn on the device and allow it to run on its own. It can run for a short amount of time or all through the night to ensure you have a clean pool for your next dip.
Solar powered pool cleaners erase the hard work of manual pool cleaners like pool skimmers. Pool maintenance will be easier and less work, which allows you to just check the water quality and enjoy your pool.
Type of Debris
A solar-powered cleaner for swimming pools can clean any type of debris, large or small. Whether you need to remove or get rid of water bugs, it can eliminate it all. You can even get rid of algae this way. The solar pool skimmer will collect all of the debris into a filter, which is easy to empty.
Other Pool Factors
Even with a solar breeze pool skimmer, you should remember that your pool requires other maintenance too. Removing debris is important, but it’s only one part of pool maintenance. You will still need to follow tips for pool maintenance.
For example, other maintenance tools like pool test kits should be used to ensure you have the correct pH level in the water. Pool thermometers can help you monitor and maintain water temperature. Together with all the other accessories, a solar pool skimmer can ensure your water is in tip-top condition.
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Consumption of Energy
Most suction pool cleaners use the pool’s existing pump or a booster pump to run. Because most people don’t run their automatic cleaners 24/7, they won’t use that much energy.
However, if you want to consume the bare minimum of energy, solar power is the way to go. The best solar cleaner for pool won’t use any extra energy because all the energy it needs comes from the sun. It charges during the day so you can let it run all night long. Every solar pool skimmer comes with an internal battery where the solar power is stored.
FAQs
Q: How Do Solar Pool Cleaners Work?
Unlike other automatic cleaners, solar pool skimmers require only sunlight to run. They come with large solar panels that collect energy and charge the internal battery, allowing the device to clean your pool. The solar cleaner will smartly navigate and vacuum up any debris that got in the pool.
While moving on the water, the cleaner’s rotating flaps pick up debris it comes across and store it into a tray inside. On top of this, many of the best solar pool cleaners also have an integrated chemical dispenser. This feature can be used to evenly distribute pool chemicals throughout the water, so you have a double benefit from a single device.
Q: Are Solar Pool Cleaners Effective?
Yes, solar-powered pool skimmers are very effective – they are able to eliminate 90% of debris and contaminants. It will remove large debris like leaves and bugs, as well as smaller debris like dirt or sand.
Solar powered pool cleaners work automatically to ensure your water is clean and clear. You will spend less energy having to manually remove debris from your pool, which makes pool maintenance much easier and less stressful.
If you are worried about the quality or performance of a solar pool skimmer, you can also refer to solar energy pool cleaner reviews. Other pool owners can give you an insight into the particular cleaner model you’re considering.
Q: Will A Solar Pool Cleaner Work In Cloudy Weather?
Yes, but not as efficiently. Solar pool cleaners have extra-large solar panels allowing them to gather energy even if it's slightly cloudy. However, the amount of direct sunlight determines the runtime of the device, so you can expect it to be shorter if it's cloudy. If it’s completely cloudy, cleaners will completely rely on the battery until there is sunshine again.
Q: How Often Should I Empty The Debris Tray?
This depends on the amount of debris that falls into your pool. This being said, both models we featured have debris baskets that are significantly larger than a standard skimmer basket. So, if you usually empty the skimmer basket on a weekly basis, you can empty the solar cleaner every two weeks. In addition, both models allow you to see into the basket, so you’ll know when it’s time to clear it.
Q: Does A Solar Cleaner Reduce The Pump Runtime?
Yes, significantly. By collecting the debris from the surface, it takes a load off the pool skimmer system and pump. This way you can cut the pump runtime from 6+ hours to only a fraction of that. This not only prolongs the life of your pump system but also saves you a lot of money on the electric bill.
Q: How Long Does A Solar Pool Cleaner Battery Last?
If you use the cleaner seasonally, it will last for many years. Both models feature a rechargeable Li-Ion battery, and manufacturer data shows that they can endure more than a thousand charging cycles. This means that the battery will last more than two years if you use it daily, and over five years if only used during the summer.
Q: How Do I Change The Solar Pool Cleaner Battery?
If your solar cleaner battery charge lasts very short even after being in the sun all day, you should replace it. You can do this yourself or contact the manufacturer’s service center to do it for you. Unfortunately, solar cleaners don’t use standard batteries, so you’ll have to ask the manufacturer to send you a battery replacement kit.
Globo Surf Overview
Investing in a top rated solar cleaner for pools can make pool maintenance a breeze – they will clean while you’re away and keep your pool ready for use. Unlike other types of automatic cleaners, a solar powered automatic pool cleaner is fully self-sufficient and only requires plenty of sunshine. We hope that our guide has helped you find the best solar pool cleaner, so you can always have a gorgeous pool where everyone wants to dive in.
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