Friday, September 22, 2017

Aquabot Pool Rover Review (S2-40i & Hybrid)

Aquabot has a comprehensive range of robotic pool cleaners. There is a suitable Aquabot for almost every customer.

There are several models that bear the Aquabot Pool Rover moniker. In this review, we will look at the Aquabot Pool Rover S2-40i and the Aquabot Pool Rover Hybrid. The Aquabot Pool Rover Junior will be discussed at length in another article.

Aquabot Pool Rover S2-40i

This robotic pool cleaner has a sleek frame to facilitate easy maneuverability for above ground pools of various shapes such as rectangular, kidney, L-shape, round, oval and so on. Let us check out some its defining features.

[See image gallery at roboticpoolcleaner.org]

Aquabot Pool Rover S2-40i Features:

  1. The S2-40i is equipped with a premium filtration system that can filter dirt and other particles as fine as two microns. A manual clean simply cannot match this level of filtration. To put things into perspective, a single grain of salt is approximately 100 microns while a human white blood cell is 25 microns. Such is the phenomenal ability of this cleaning bot! It cleans the pool not just on a superficial, but on almost a microscopic level!
  2. Hydro-robotic Technology delivers maximum coverage without compromising on efficiency.
  3. There are two cleaning cycles depending upon how much time you have and how dirty the pool is. Choose between a 1 hour and 2 hour cycle.
  4. The bot can easily go over raised drains and it cleans all types of surfaces such as vinyl, concrete, tile etc. The S2-40i does all this thanks to its sophisticated NeverStuck system, which ensures that the robot does not get stuck easily and can operate without the need for human supervision.
  5. Even though the bot only weights about 22 pounds, the pump is quite powerful and can filter up to 4800 gallons of water in an hour.

Aquabot S2-40i Pros

  1. Excellent build quality and 1 year 100% warranty.
  2. The filter is accessible from the top. This is convenient as you don’t need to raise or flip the both.
  3. Treads are of a good quality and provide adequate traction. Moreover, they do not leave any markings on the surfaces that they go over.
  4. The entire assembly is very straightforward. The S2-40i is easy to live with. It is also very quiet.
  5. Durable 40 foot floating cable.

Aquabot S2-40i Cons

  1. Can only do walls partially and that too only if the transition is curved (minimum radius should be 6 inches). This is a big minus as you might have to scrub part of the walls yourself.
  2. Only suitable for above-ground pools. Also, had the cable been longer, the bot would been usable in bigger pools too.

The bottom line: The Aquabot Pool rover S2-40i is a cool niche product – it is most suitable for small and shallow pools.

Aquabot Pool Rover Hybrid

The Aquabot Pool Rover Hybrid is a fully automatic robotic cleaner for above ground pools. It is a highly popular Aquabot model as it’s well built, lightweight, easy to use and provides terrific value for money. The Hybrid does not feature any fancy gadgetry – it is an honest to goodness pool cleaner and it’s very good at its job.

Aquabot Pool Rover Hybrid: Features:

  1. The bot can filter everything from big leaves to dirt and algae as fine as 2 microns. The 34 quart filter bag is easy to clean. This is a bottom loading pool cleaner. Still, it weighs only a little over 10 pounds so accessing the filter is not much of a problem.
  2. It has large wheels provide good traction and almost never get stuck. Also, they do not leave tread marks on pool surfaces.
  3. The bot has a direction guidance-locking pin – this enables it to navigate pools of various shapes without any difficulty. The bot can easily go up 60 degree inclines.
  4. This tiny machine packs quite a punch. Powerful motor can filter up to 4500 gallons of water in an hour.
  5. 40 foot cable.

Aquabot Hybrid Pros:

  1. Cleans floors as well as walls of above-ground pools.
  2. Highly efficient motor and thorough cleaning help you to save money on electricity and chemicals.
  3. Can clean a 36’ pool in an hour!
  4. 1 year warranty
  5. Very easy to operate. Just drop it in the shallow end of your pool (the right side up) and power it on.
  6. Cleans tiles, vinyl, fiberglass, concrete, and gunite. Does not get stuck easily thanks to hydraulic engineering.

Aquabot Hybrid Cons:

  1. Only works in pools that have a smooth or curved transition from bottom to walls.
  2. Does not come with a swivel and hence the cable can get entangled. This is easily fixable by purchasing a swivel separately.

Final Verdict: The Aquabot Pool rover Hybrid is one of the best cleaners for small above ground pools that feature a curved bottom.

Saturday, September 2, 2017

Zodiac Mx8 Review

Hey Folks, Jeff L here and thanks for stopping by to check out my Zodiac MX8 Review!  For those that don’t already know, Zodiac has an amazing range of robotic pool cleaners that cater to almost everybody’s budget and requirements.

In this review, we’re going to look at the Zodiac MX8, a fully automatic, low to mid-range suction-side bot that offers aggressive cleaning in all types of in-ground pools. It does all this without compromising on energy efficiency. Thus, the pool remains pristine while the operating costs remain low.

Zodiac MX8 Review Zodiac MX8 Review

Zodiac Mx8 Features:

1) The MX8 is the most efficient pool cleaner in its class. It’s intelligent design enables it to deliver unmatched performance while requiring 30% less flow than other models. This makes it a great match for solar pumps and also for variable and two-speed pumps. If power saving is a priority for you, then the Zodiac MX will not disappoint. In the long term, the MX8 costs just a few cents per day to use. Surely, that’s way cheaper than hiring somebody to clean the pool for you. It is also way more convenient, since this is a fully automatic device.

2) Do not mistake efficiency for subpar cleaning though! The MX8 features dual cyclonic suction and it is ready to take on the most unrelenting and stubborn dirt and debris in your pool. The cyclonic action stirs up a storm within your pool and gets rid of sediment, algae, dust and dirt. This MX8 has a larger cleaning head than most other models in its range. Hence, it can tackle bigger sized debris.

3) Excellent Navigation Ability: The Zodiac MX8 has been equipped with MAX-Drive Navigation technology. This means that it can operate in pools of various shapes and sizes. It doesn’t lose its composure in tight corners. The bot has high torque and hence it can climb up steep slopes, including pool walls and waterline. Many pool cleaners can do a decent job with the pool bottom but face difficulty cleaning walls. Hence, you have to scrub the walls manually or use another bot. This is labor intensive and involves a lot of hassle. It makes much more sense to invest in a pool cleaner that has ability to clean the entire pool and not just the bottom!

4) The secret to Zodiac MX8’s performance and efficiency is its Flex-Power turbine. This turbine ensures peak power and top performance even with low flow. Car engines are becoming more efficient and the same trend can be observed in robotic pool cleaners too. Earlier, even family cars had 3 liter V6 motors. However, today they are being powered by tiny 1 liter Eco-Boost motors. These motors are pack quite a bit of grunt and yet they drink much lesser fuel. The Flex-Power turbine of the MX8 is similar – it performs well without consuming much energy. This truly makes the Zodiac MX8 stand apart from the competition.

Zodiac MX8 Pros

  1. This is a fully automatic robotic pool cleaner. It can handle walls and all types of pool surfaces. Cleans all the way up to the waterline.
  2. Low costs of ownership and operation.
  3. Can perform well with solar, variable and low-speed pumps as well. Guarantees high energy savings.
  4. Operates are very low flow – even 20 GPM.
  5. Powerful Cyclonic Action can get rid of stubborn dirt and debris. The cleaning path is wide. This means that the pool gets cleaned much faster.
  6. The pool cleaner comes with a 39 feet long hose. Twist lock elbows and twist lock hose sections.
  7. Tank-like conveyor belt has very good traction.

Zodiac MX8 Cons

  1. Please ensure that the hoses are either spread out on the ground or hung from a hose-hanger. When you coil the hoses up, they develop memory and can cause the device to malfunction (move around in circles or loop in a certain path).
  2. The MX8 does require some basic maintenance, especially if the pool has a high amount of debris. You must empty the pump basket regularly. This is very important for normal functioning of the device. If the pump basket is full, the cleaner will NOT work properly.
  3. If your pool has lots of leaves and other solid debris, then you should opt for the Zodiac in-line leaf canister. This will trap leaves and other objects and prevent them from entering the pump basket.
  4. Disconnect the Zodiac MX8 BEFORE you proceed to clean or backwash the pool filter. Once you’re done, let the filtering system operate for a few minutes to flush out the suction lines.

Video Reviews from Around the Web

Final Verdict & Review: 

The Zodiac MX8 is powerful and efficient. It comes with a one year warranty and can operate over a variety of pool surfaces such as vinyl, fiberglass, tiles etc.

If you follow the basic maintenance instructions and get a Zodiac leaf canister, the MX8 will serve you faithfully for several years.

Friday, September 1, 2017

Zodiac Baracuda G3 Review

Thanks for stopping by for my Zodiac Baracuda G3 Review.  In it, i’ll go into details on the features, as well as the pros and cons of the Zodiac G3 Robotic Pool Cleaner.

The Zodiac G3 is an automatic pool cleaner that is best described by these two words:- Efficient and Affordable.

This in-ground pool cleaner is deceptively easy to set-up and operate. It goes about its business in a no-nonsense, no frills manner. The G3 is quiet yet powerful. It does a commendable job of cleaning the bottom, sides, steps as well as lights and other fixtures that may be present in the pool.

[See image gallery at roboticpoolcleaner.org]

The suction-side cleaner G3 has been equipped with a patented ‘Flowkeeper’ valve. The automatic variable flow control valve has the ability to increase or decrease water-flow in order to ensure peak performance at all times. This delivers a superb clean and maintains optimal efficiency even with low speed pumps.

Zodiac Baracuda G3 Features:

  1. The Zodiac G3 gobbles up small to medium sized debris. It scrubs and vacuums simultaneously to ensure a thorough cleaning.
  2. Easy maneuverability: A smart wheel-deflector ensures that the robot does not get stuck in tight corners.
  3. The G3 comes with highly durable cables that are resistant to scuffing. This also prevents scuffs and scratches on the pool surfaces.
  4. The disc has 36 fins. This ensures good traction and prevents the bot from getting caught-up in and around lights, bars, drain-covers or other pool fixtures. The 36-fin disc is the business end of the cleaner. It is the contact-surface that actually does the cleaning. The Zodiac G3’s disc has been built to last for a long time and can be replaced easily if it gets worn out.
  5. The cassette can be opened through a patented quick-release mechanism. This allows easy access to the diaphragm. The diaphragm itself is highly durable, owing to the fact that the cleaner uses just one moving part.
  6. This robotic pool cleaner may not be as intelligent as some of the other premium models on the market. However, it does the job without much fuss and comes with an unbeatable price-tag. Overall, the Zodiac G3 offers phenomenal value for money.

The G3 certainly is not perfect, but we truly feel it’s one of the best robotic pool cleaners in it’s price range. 

Like everything else, it defintiely comes with it’s own set of pros and cons, which we’ll cover below.

Zodiac G3 Pros:

  1. Very popular robotic pool cleaner. Bought, used and recommended by thousands of happy customers.
  2. Not difficult to fix if something goes wrong. Widespread popularity ensures easy availability of spare parts.
  3. Reliable and inexpensive. The Zodiac G3 costs less than a third of the entry level pool cleaners of the premium segment. The quality of construction is really good and even though this model is slightly heavier than the G2, it is still quite light-weight at only 19 pounds.
  4. Literally costs just a few cents per day to keep your pool in excellent shape. Also, the G3 is very easy to set-up and use. A quick glance at the user manual should do the trick. Plenty of how-to videos are also available online. Make sure that the disc is placed perpendicular to the pool surface. If it is placed at an angle, the area of contact will be inadequate and the bot will have to work much harder to achieve the same degree of cleanliness.
  5. Suitable for pools of varied sizes and shapes, including baby and wading pools to large sized residential pools. Probably not ideal for community or Olympic sized pools as they require very heavy-duty pool cleaners.
  6. The cleaner is quiet, it does not create too much noise. You can set it to work and then lounge by the pool or even doze off to sleep.

Zodiac G3 Cons:

  1. It is important to take into account that unlike other advanced pool cleaners that have state-of-the-art sensors, the G3 is a rugged device with just a wheel-deflector. It tends to get stuck once in a while, especially if it is not positioned properly. Please follow manual instructions carefully to avoid any problems. You might need to adjust hose weight and length a bit. However, it is easy once you get the idea. Remember, ease-of-use is one of the major unique selling points of this device. So you don’t have to be technically inclined to use this pool cleaner. Even if the G3 does get stuck, simply give the hose a soft nudge and it will begin to move again.
  2. You have to take proper care of hoses. Remember that this is not a garden hose. You have to either spread them out on the ground or hang them from a hose-hook. If the hose gets bent, it can cause the cleaner to move around in circles and obstruct normal function.
  3. The Zodiac G3 works only for in-ground swimming pools. It is not suitable for other types of pools.

Zodiac G3 Videos

Here’s a great video showing the G3 in Action.

Here’s a fun Time Lapse Video from a customer, showing the G3 “doing it’s thing!”

Zodiac G3 Review – My Final Verdict

The Bottom Line: The Zodiac G3 is a great fit for residential swimming pools. It does not have all the bells and whistles of a premium robotic pool cleaner but when you see the end result, it doesn’t really matter! This is the top choice for the practical, budget conscious buyer.  

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Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Aquabot Turbo Review

In this Article, we Review the Aquabot Turbo Pool Cleaner (Classic) By Aquabot and provide a list of features, PROS & CONS, and finally real user reviews from multiple customers.

Let’s get started.  The Aquabot Turbo was been designed keeping in mind the needs of modern families. It offers a convenient one-touch in-ground pool filtration solution. The bot is totally independent and cleans the pool bottom, side walls (waterline) and slopes.

[See image gallery at roboticpoolcleaner.org]

Aquabot Turbo’s Features

1) Aqualogic Technology: No human involvement is required. You do not have to keep monitoring the cleaning process continuously. Unlike some low-end cleaners, the Aquabot Turbo is intelligent and the chances of it getting stuck are minimal. The fully automatic, one-touch feature is not a mere marketing gimmick by Aquabot – the machine truly delivers what it promises.

2) The Aquabot Turbo is powered by an independent driving and pumping motor. This motor functions operates separately from the main filter of the pool. Not only is this Aquabot powerful, but it is also incredibly efficient; especially when you consider the quality of cleaning.

3) The device has an adjustable timer with a range of one to seven hours. You can choose the desired time duration and let the robot do its job. The pool will be sparkling clean when you are ready to take a dip!

4) This Aquabot employs the highest capacity extra-fine filter bag that is available on the US market. This bag comes as standard with the product and is not an optional extra. It can capture debris that is as tiny as 2 microns in size. The end result is an extremely thorough clean. The filter bag does NOT require any special kind of maintenance. It is very easy to remove and install. A simple rinse is all that’s required to get rid of all the garbage that is trapped in the micro-filter.

5) Heavy duty, long lasting dual front and rear scrubbing brushes can get rid of even the most stubborn dirt particles. The loosened debris is then sucked in by the bot and trapped in the filter bag. The device has a powerful vacuuming mechanism and can easily filter small to medium sized debris including leaves, twigs, sand silt, dirt, algae and so on.

6) The machine comes with extra-long cables (60 feet) and this makes it very suitable for larger residential pools as well.

7) The device is programmable for an external timer. However, the external timer is not part of the deal. You will have to procure it separately.

8) Excellent quality of construction. The Aquabot Turbo is manufactured using corrosion-proof materials. The total assembly consists of fewer than ten moving parts – this prevents wear and tear and ensures a long life.

Aquabot Turbo Pros

1) Very low cost of operation. The cleaner costs just 10 cents to run per day.

2) Saves time, money and offers a hassle-free pool cleaning experience. High quality cleaning saves you money – you need to fill up the pool less often. Thus, you save on water bills as well as electricity (that would’ve been spent on pumping the water).

3) You do not need to use high amounts of chlorine. This is beneficial for you as well as for the environment.

4) Very easy to assemble and operate. Simply drop the Aquabot Turbo into your swimming pool, connect it to the low voltage transformer and then push start. That’s all there is to it! The device comes with an easy-to-understand instruction manual.

5) Very low maintenance. Replacement parts are easily available. The two year warranty provides complete peace of mind. (First year full and second year limited warranty).

6) 100% Safe and Efficient: The Aquabot Turbo has been manufactured in accordance with international safety standards. It is totally safe to use for all in-ground residential pools of various sizes.

7) This is a best-selling robotic pool cleaner. A tried and tested product with rave reviews.

8) The powerful pump encourages circulation of water within the pool. Not only does this reduce the costs of heating, but it also creates a uniform distribution of chemicals (cleaning agents) within the water. In normal cases, these chemicals settle to the bottom on the pool.

Aquabot Turbo Cons

1) Initial cost of ownership is relatively high. However, long term cost is very low. You can reduce the effective cost even further by filing a rebate.

2) Suitable only for in-ground swimming pools. Some larger residences may have more than one pool of different types. The Aquabot Turbo is not a good fit for such properties. If you need a robotic pool cleaner that can handle above-ground as well as small inground pools, you might want to consider other Aquabot models such as the PURA 4XT.

3) While many people DO love it (for the most part), there are quite a few negative reviews for it on amazon.  You can read those here and decide for yourself. 

Aquabot Turbo Videos

Aquabot Turbo Review

The Bottom-line: Aquabot Turbo is NOT perfect, but it’s ideal for small, medium and even moderately large in-ground residential swimming pools.

It’s safe, convenient and provides high quality cleaning MOST of the time. This robotic pool cleaner more than justifies its price tag and accounts for substantial savings in the long run.

Overall, based on the customers we’ve spoken with, and the reviews on sites like amazon.com and others, we give this cleaner 3.5 stars

Basically, it’s not horrible, but it’s not amazing.  It’s well worth the price provided you take care of it and perform the proper maintenance as needed. 

The post Aquabot Turbo Review appeared first on RoboticPoolCleaner.org (HomePage).



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