Hydraulic pool cleaners

Hydraulic robotic pool cleaners are popular pieces of equipment used for efficient pool cleaning of the bottom, walls, and waterline.

A hydraulic robot operates using the water pressure supplied by your pool's filtration pump to power the robot. Unlike electric robots, hydraulic robots do not require an external power supply. They function thanks to the water circulating through your pool's pipes, which makes them both economical and practical.

If your filtration pump isn't powerful enough for a hydraulic robot to operate, installing a booster pump may be necessary.

How does a hydraulic pool robot work?

A hydraulic pool robot works on a simple but effective principle: suction. These robots connect to your pool's filtration system, usually via a suction port on the skimmer or a dedicated connection. Pool water passes through the circulation pipes, which drives the pool pump and generates pressure. This pressure powers the robot, allowing it to move autonomously around the pool while vacuuming up dirt and debris to ensure clear water.

At Poolplanet, we offer a range of hydraulic robots from the Pentair brand, available for sale at the fairest price.

The hydraulic pool robot moves thanks to a combination of water pressure and the design of its wheels and motors. Some models are equipped with arms or brushes that clean the walls and waterline, while others focus solely on the bottom. As water circulates through the robot, it also creates a current that allows it to move while cleaning thoroughly.

Hydraulic robots are often equipped with filters that retain debris and dirt they vacuum up. These filters must be emptied regularly to ensure optimal robot operation.

What types of pools are suitable for hydraulic robots?

Hydraulic robots are suitable for a wide variety of pools, but their effectiveness can vary depending on the type of your pool. In general, they are designed for use in in-ground pools to clean the pool bottom. This type of robot performs well on flat or slightly sloped bottoms. It is a particularly effective solution for pools with rigid bottoms like concrete or liner pools. However, their effectiveness can be reduced in irregularly shaped pools, such as those with sharp angles or complex stairs, although some models have been specially designed for these types of pools.

These robots are also compatible with medium to large-sized pools. For smaller pools like above-ground pools, a hydraulic robot may be ineffective since the filtration system will naturally be less powerful.

In terms of liner type, hydraulic robots are suitable for pools with a liner, concrete, tile, or fiberglass shell. However, some models are better suited to certain coatings than others. It is therefore important to check the compatibility of the robot type with your pool type before making a purchase.

What are the advantages of a hydraulic robotic vacuum cleaner?

Hydraulic robots offer many advantages, which explains their popularity with pool owners. Here are the main benefits of using a hydraulic robot:

Energy savings: Unlike electric robots, which require electricity, hydraulic robots operate using your pool's water. This reduces energy consumption and allows you to save on your electricity bills.

Easy installation: One of the main assets of hydraulic robots is their ease of installation. They connect directly to the pool's filtration system via a hose, usually without requiring complex intervention. Once the robot is plugged in, it immediately starts working as an automatic cleaner, making it very practical.

Minimal maintenance: Hydraulic robots are often very simple to maintain. It is enough to regularly clean the filters and check the good condition of the hoses. They do not require complex maintenance, unlike other more sophisticated cleaning systems.

Durability: These robots are designed to last. Most models are built with robust materials that can withstand harsh pool conditions. In addition, being powered by water pressure, they do not suffer from electrical problems that can affect electric robots.

Autonomous cleaning: Hydraulic robots clean autonomously, allowing you to enjoy your pool without having to clean it manually. You can let your robot run for several hours, and it will return to its starting point once the cleaning is complete.

How to choose a hydraulic pool robot?

The choice of a hydraulic pool robot depends on several criteria. It is important to consider different elements before making your selection. Here are the criteria to consider:

Pool type: Make sure the chosen robot is compatible with your pool type, especially its coating and shape. Some robots are better suited for pools with irregular shapes or stairs, while others are specifically designed for pools with a flat bottom.

Hose length and configuration: The connection hose is essential for a hydraulic robot. The length of the hose must be sufficient for the robot to cover the entire surface of your pool. Also check the flexibility of the hose, as it must allow for fluid movement of the robot.

Pump power: The power of the robot's pump is a key factor influencing its effectiveness. A pump that is too weak can limit the robot's performance, while a pump that is too powerful can lead to excessive water consumption. It is therefore important to choose a robot adapted to your pump's capacity.

Additional features and accessories: Some hydraulic robots are equipped with brushes, articulated arms, or advanced filtration systems that increase their effectiveness. If you have specific needs, such as deeper cleaning of walls or cleaning pool corners, it may be useful to choose a more sophisticated model.

To ensure you find the best cleaning solution for your pool, find all our blog articles, guides, and comparisons in our Advice section.

How to maintain a hydraulic pool robot?

Maintaining a hydraulic pool robot is relatively simple. It is essential to follow a few steps to ensure a long lifespan for your device and that it always performs at its best:

Clean the filters: After each use, empty and clean the filters to prevent debris from accumulating. This helps maintain the robot's efficiency and extend its lifespan.

Check hoses and connections: Make sure the hoses are in good condition and properly connected to the filtration system. Any damage or leaks can reduce the robot's performance.

Inspect wheels and brushes: Regularly examine the wheels and brushes for any signs of wear or blockage. These elements are essential to ensure the robot moves correctly and cleans the pool effectively.

Perform deep cleaning: From time to time, it is advisable to disassemble certain parts of the robot for deep cleaning, including the motors and suction systems. This will ensure that the robot operates at its maximum performance.

Which pool robot to choose, electric or hydraulic?

The choice between an electric pool robot and a hydraulic robot depends on your specific needs. A hydraulic robot is generally more economical in terms of price and energy consumption, as it uses water circulation to operate. It is also easier to install and maintain. However, an electric robot can offer greater cleaning precision depending on the range, particularly for irregularly shaped pools, but is also often more expensive.

Ultimately, choosing the ideal robot between electric or hydraulic depends on factors such as the size of your pool, its lining, the shape of your basin, and your preferences in terms of energy consumption and maintenance. A hydraulic robot is often preferred for medium to large pools with a flat bottom, while an electric robot may be better suited for more complete and faster cleaning.