For many Australian households, a backyard pool is almost part of everyday life. When summer temperatures climb past 30°C, the pool quickly becomes the most popular spot in the yard. Kids jump in after school, friends come around on weekends, and a quick swim in the evening feels like the perfect way to cool down. Of course, pools don’t stay clean on their own. Leaves, dust, insects, pollen, and even small bits of sand constantly find their way into the water.
It is why many pool owners now rely on a robotic pool cleaner. Instead of manually vacuuming the pool floor and brushing the walls, the robot can handle most of the work automatically. You simply place it in the water, press a button, and it starts moving around the pool collecting debris.
However, a robotic pool cleaner is still a machine with motors, filters, and moving parts. Like any equipment, it will last much longer if it’s used properly and maintained regularly. With a few simple habits, you can keep your cleaner running efficiently and avoid unnecessary repairs.
Below are ten practical tips that can help extend the lifespan of your robotic pool cleaner.
1. Clean the Filter After Every Cleaning Cycle
The filter basket or cartridge inside the cleaner is responsible for collecting debris during operation. As the cleaner moves around the pool, water is pulled through the filtration system, trapping dirt, leaves, and small particles.
If the filter becomes clogged, water flow through the cleaner is restricted. When this happens, the pump motor has to work harder to maintain suction, which can slowly increase wear on internal components.
For this reason, it’s a good idea to clean the filter after every cleaning cycle. In most cases, a quick rinse with a garden hose is enough to remove the debris. Regular cleaning helps maintain proper water flow and keeps the cleaner working efficiently.
2. Don’t Leave the Cleaner in the Pool All the Time
Many pool owners leave their robotic cleaner sitting in the water between cleaning sessions. While this might seem convenient, constant exposure to pool chemicals can shorten the life of the machine. Chlorine, salt, and other chemicals in the water can slowly affect plastic parts, rubber tracks, and internal seals. Over time, these materials may become brittle or start to wear down.
Strong Australian sunlight can also contribute to this problem. UV radiation can damage plastic components if they remain in the water for long periods. After the cleaning cycle finishes, it’s generally better to remove the cleaner from the pool, allow the water to drain out, and store it in a shaded place.
3. Store the Cleaner in a Cool, Shaded Area
Proper storage can make a noticeable difference in the lifespan of pool equipment. Leaving the cleaner on the pool deck in direct sunlight all day may slowly damage its external components.
Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world. Constant exposure to sunlight can weaken plastic housings and reduce the flexibility of the floating cable. A better option is to store the cleaner in a garage, pool shed, or covered patio area. Even placing it under a simple shade cover can help protect it from sun and weather.
4. Check Brushes and Tracks Regularly
Robotic pool cleaners move using a small drive motor connected to brushes or rubber tracks. These parts help the cleaner grip the pool surface and climb the walls during operation.
Because they are always in contact with the pool floor and walls, brushes and tracks naturally wear down over time. When they become too smooth or loose, the cleaner may lose traction and struggle to move properly.
Every few weeks, it’s worth taking a quick look at these components. If they appear worn, replacing them early can help maintain proper movement and reduce stress on the drive system.
5. Untangle the Cable Before Each Use
The floating cable that connects the cleaner to the power supply can sometimes twist during cleaning cycles. Over time, these twists can create tangles that limit how freely the cleaner moves around the pool.
Before placing the cleaner in the water, it helps to stretch the cable out along the pool deck for a moment. This allows the cable to relax and removes any major twists. Keeping the cable straight ensures the cleaner can reach all areas of the pool without unnecessary resistance.
6. Always Lift the Cleaner by the Handle
One common mistake pool owners make is pulling the cleaner out of the pool by the cable. Although the cable looks strong, it is not designed to carry the full weight of the machine.
Repeatedly lifting the cleaner this way can damage the internal wiring or connectors inside the cable. Instead, guide the cleaner toward the edge of the pool and use the built-in handle to lift it out. Let the water drain for a few seconds before carrying it away.
7. Remove Large Debris Before Running the Cleaner
Robotic pool cleaners are designed to collect small and medium debris. However, very large leaves or sticks can sometimes clog the intake.
It is particularly common in Australian backyards where eucalyptus trees drop long gum leaves. These leaves can quickly fill the filter basket if too many enter the cleaner at once. A quick skim of the pool surface with a leaf net before running the cleaner can make the job easier and reduce strain on the robotic pool cleaner filtration system.
8. Be Careful After Stormy Weather
Summer storms are fairly common in many parts of Australia. After strong winds or heavy rain, pools may be filled with leaves, dust, and small branches.
Although robotic cleaners are powerful, asking them to handle a large amount of debris all at once can overload the filter and slow the machine down. If the pool looks particularly messy after a storm, it’s better to remove the largest debris first. Once the water is partly cleared, the cleaner can handle the remaining dirt much more effectively.
9. Keep the Power Supply Unit Dry
Most robotic pool cleaners include an external power supply or control box that sits outside the pool. This unit controls the cleaning cycle and provides power to the cleaner.
It’s important to keep this component in a dry, well-ventilated area. Placing it directly on wet ground or near sprinklers can expose the electronics to moisture. Ideally, the power supply should be placed on a stable surface in a shaded location near the pool.
10. Run the Cleaner on a Regular Schedule
Running the cleaner regularly can actually help extend its lifespan. If debris builds up for several weeks, the cleaner must deal with a much heavier load during the next cleaning cycle.
Frequent cleaning cycles reduce the amount of dirt entering the filtration system each time and allow the cleaner to work more efficiently.
| Cleaning Frequency | Pool Condition |
|---|---|
| 2–3 times per week | Typical summer use |
| Once a week | Cooler months |
| Extra runs | After windy days |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a robotic pool cleaner last?
Most good-quality robotic pool cleaners can last between 5 and 8 years with proper maintenance. Regular filter cleaning and proper storage can significantly extend their lifespan.
Should you leave a robotic pool cleaner in the pool?
In general, it’s better not to leave the cleaner in the pool all the time. Long exposure to chlorine, saltwater, and UV sunlight may shorten the lifespan of certain components.
How often should you run a robotic pool cleaner?
For most backyard pools, running the cleaner two to three times per week is usually enough. Pools surrounded by trees may require more frequent cleaning.
Why does my robotic pool cleaner lose suction?
Reduced suction is often caused by a clogged filter, blocked intake, or debris stuck inside the cleaner. Cleaning the filter and checking for blockages usually solves the problem.
Final Thoughts
A robotic pool cleaner can make pool maintenance much easier. Instead of spending hours vacuuming the pool floor, you can let the machine handle most of the work automatically.
Still, like any piece of equipment, it performs best when it receives a little attention. Cleaning the filter, storing the cleaner in the shade, checking the cable, and removing large debris before use can all help extend its lifespan.
These small maintenance steps only take a few minutes, but they can make a big difference over time. With proper care, your robotic pool cleaner should continue keeping your pool clean and ready for a swim for many summers to come.