Robot Pool Cleaner: Do You Run the Filter When Vacuuming a Pool?
One of the most well-known questions regarding pool maintenance is whether the filter should be running while vacuuming. This question applies to both manual and robot pool cleaners. Although, at first glance, it may seem independent of your pool’s filtration system, knowing when and why to use your filter is essential for keeping the water clean and clear when using a robotic pool cleaner.
When Using a Robot to Clean the Pool, Do You Need the Filter on?
With a robot pool cleaner like the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro, you don’t have to run your pool’s filter, which is one of the key advantages of using a swimming pool robot cleaner. These devices function independently with filtration systems to collect debris and propel clean water back into the pool.
This saves energy costs since you don’t need to run the filter while your robot pool does the cleaning. Whether you take a dip and let your pool vacuum robot (or an advanced model like the Beatbot iSkim Ultra) do the dirty work, you can feel comfortable that this cleaning robot is doing the job without straining your pool’s pump.
How Long Should You Run the Pool Filter?
In some instances, you must still use your pool’s filter while vacuuming. Here's when it's necessary:
Manual Pool Vacuum
In the case of a manual vacuum cleaner for the pool, you will, in most cases, need to run the filter. The vacuum will trap debris in the filter. This is particularly the case if you use an algae pool vacuum or have heavy debris to clean up. Just be sure to have the filter in filter mode so as not to push debris directly back into the pool.
When to Use Waste Mode
This will help fight excessive dirt, leaves, or debris. Get the pool pump set to waste mode while you vacuum. This will look past the filter and prevent clogging while also aiding with dirt removal without passing the dirt through the filtration system. That’s especially important for cleaning algae or performing a deep clean. The filter will also typically need to be run for a short while if you’re using the vacuum to clean the floor or walls.
How Pool Skimmers Work While Cleaning the Pool
Just as robot pool cleaners take care of your pool's floor and walls, skimmers cleanse the surface of debris. For a thorough cleaning, pairing your skimmer with either manual vacuuming or a robotic cleaner is best. If your robot includes a wall-climbing pool cleaner feature, it'll also clean the walls while the skimmer removes debris from the surface. This pairing keeps debris from sinking to the pool floor, which will be difficult to remove.
Will a Pool Robot Be Able to Pick up Algae?
Are you wondering if your Maytronics pool cleaner or other swimming pool robot cleaner will pick up algae? Other models, such as the Beatbot AquaSense 2, are particularly good at picking up algae—as long as it hasn’t crusted on the pool’s surface. But if you get severe algae blooms, you'll want to vacuum manually and set the pump to waste mode to avoid clogging the filter.
Certain pool cleaners require a pool booster pump to work correctly. For example, the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro is a robotic pool cleaner that does not require a booster pump. These cleaners are independent and ideal for people who do not want to depend on external equipment to help them clean their pools. But if you have a pressure-side cleaner, a booster pump is required to deliver the extra power needed for efficient cleaning.
Why and When to Acid Wash a Pool
At times, acid washing a pool can be necessary, especially if you prescribe out-of-the-norm methods of removing stains or excessive build-up. Acid washing strips away a thin layer of plaster to expose a clean surface. This is a deep cleaning process but not a routine task for regular maintenance. After the acid wash, running your pool's filter is crucial to removing leftover chemicals from the water.
Draining an Inground Pool Without a Pump
Under some rare circumstances, it can be necessary to drain your pool, and the question of how to drain an inground pool without a pump may arise. Another way is to siphon the liquid out with a hose, though this process is much slower.” A submersible pump is the most efficient option for water that needs to be removed in large quantities. You can also drain your pool via gravity with a drain valve, but that would need a lower point than the pool for the water to flow out of the pool.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that you will not run your pool's filter using something like the robot pool cleaners, the Beatbot AquaSense 2, or Beatbot iSkim Ultra. These autonomous cleaners use filtration while cleaning the pool. However, the filter must run to collect debris effectively when using a manual vacuum. Knowing the chronic uses of your pool’s pump, filter, and vacuum, paired with the appropriate tools — vacuum cleaner for pool, skimmer, or pool vacuum robot — will keep your pool shining bright and your water like glass.
