The reviews on Amazon are from real customers who give real honest feedback on the product theyve purchased. The tool wont damage vinyl liners if all its functions stop. Ive personally owned a number of suction cleaners over the years, and a couple of robots, so I thought Id put together some of my thoughts, to help anyone who is tossing up between a suction cleaner and a robotic cleaner. If you are renovating or installing a new PVC lined indoor pool, consider the type of PVC liner you are using. The beige film has no significant effect on the appearance of the print, but means the seams look better and gives the pool a little more depth of colour. Is This True? A standard inground pool liner might work quite adequately in Asia, Europe or the Americas, but bring it to Australia and its a different story alltogether. They make cameras, other companies make pool cleaner robots, its good to stick to specialist brands. To put it simply, this is one of the best pool cleaners on the market. If your pool has a soft finish, the robot makes sense as again it is only used for small amount of time, but you need to make sure the areas of contact with your pool finish are compatible so as not to create wear spots. The result is the same though it means algae and stains cling onto the surface more easily and make the Fibreglass pool surface much harder to keep clean. We have our own chemist with almost 40 years experience, employed to make sure each manufactured batch of Aqualux is carefully monitored and quality tested to meet our strict standards. If you have an automatic dosing system, you should turn it down to around 50%, and monitor your chlorine levels daily, adjusting settings to suit until they have stabilised. Now you may have noticed that our recommendations all come from Maytronics Dolphin range of robotic pool cleaners. However, it carries the price tag to match, you can find the latest price on Amazon here. While I have said a lot about Dolphin in this article, it is worth pointing out the one thing they seem to struggle with is customer service. The one downside to this pool robot is that it is not designed to clean walls. After removing all the large pieces with the dustpan and broom, I vacuumed the entire floor area carefully to pick up smaller slithers. So with that said, which one is best? Thats why the formula is the key and how chemistry makes all the difference to making your pool finish longer lasting. These robots need a power source, so the cable has to stretch far enough to enable complete cleaning. Thats right you need to clean the cleaner! For vinyl pools, you dont need so much power so wed recommend looking at the Dolphin Premier. However, like all objects, robotic pool cleaners are reasonably weightless due to the buoyancy effect while in the water. However, robotic pool cleaners do not have identical specs, and there are various pool surface types. Complete were able to resurface the existing pool shell with an Aqualux Pool Finish, creating a waterproof membrane which covers the entire surface. If the liner fabric begins to absorb water, it eventually expands the PVC, which then causes wrinkles to form in the pool. In some instances, a robotic pool cleaner may get stuck without any obstruction due to some mechanical or electrical failures. One of the considerations for your pool before you purchase a robot if you have a softer finish is to ensure the shape of the surface is free of sharp edges, and that there is enough clearance of the underside of the robot to avoid rubbing and scraping these edges, as the hard plastic of the robot body can cause abrasions. AquaForce liners can be fitted to any pool shape, as the liner is cut and shaped in the pool on site, allowing it to be fitted over steps and benches and down into deep ends of all style of pools. However, the Dolphin robotic pool cleaner price isnt inflated and still offers excellent value. My immediate thought was to vacuum the broken pieces using the pool vac. A pools layout, vinyl liners condition, and variable factors in a given setting can cause problems. Damaged or degraded vinyl liner can deform easier. The other one (much more simple) is cord length. Standard vinyl liners last for about5 to 10 years. As with anything, maybe take the very worst and the very best with a pinch of salt. You want to be proactive to mitigate the risk factors. However, when the home owners approached some pool builders for quotes to repair the pool, one told them resurfacing with pebble would be effective, and add more value than a vinyl liner. Immediately check the colours against the strip on the back of the test strips container your most accurate results will be at 15-20 seconds, as the colours can continue to develop as time goes on. Furthermore, accidentally stepping on robotic pool cleaners and increasing the pressure on the vinyl liner when it is working may cause some damage. Backyard Pool Guy is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Suction cleaners have been the norm for many years in Australia, and they generally do a pretty good job, for a very reasonable price. It leaked, it cracked and then it literally fell off the walls. Advice and hints relating to our products. A couple of other small features of the Dolphin Nautilus CC I want to point out that are favorites of mine, even though they may seem inconsequential, but a lot of thought has gone into making it easier for swimming pool owners. Testing your pool water (chemical balance is important). But it is still one of the easiest surfaces to keep the pool balanced and looking good ready to swim. ABGAL have patterns for many popular fibreglass pool models on file, so often, there is no need for your fibreglass shell to even be measured. Pick the features that are important to you. By the addition of an algaecide or a super dose of chlorine, the algae will die and then it can be brushed off the pool surface and permanently removed. On both occasions, we have been fortunate that no one was near the pool at the time, so all weve had to deal with was replacing panels and cleaning up the broken glass. Working very gently and slowly, I broomed pieces of glass into the pan, just a little at a time, so I could easily lift the dustpan out of the pool (without dropping any pieces) and empty the glass into a large bucket. So there you have it, our recommendations for the best vinyl pool cleaners you can find. In our best robot pool cleaner round up, we recommend 4 above-ground pool cleaners, any of which will do a good job, however, the stand out was the Dolphin E10. While its not common, its certainly not unusual for glass pool fences to suddenly shatter without warning. Garry has been working in the Australian pool industry since 1978. To remove the metals, you need to dilute concentration by using a chelating agent or draining a substantial amount of the pool water and re-filling with fresh water (without metals). While this robotic pool cleaner doesnt feature any wow features, it focuses on what it is built to do, which is clean your pool with minimal effort on your part. The performance is measured by the resistance to the environmental elements like the sun and the chemicals in the pool water (like chlorine and salt). Although these manufacturers models have distinct specifications, their robotic pool cleaners for vinyl liners have similar features that make them effective and safe to use with vinyl. So which is better to use? Robotic or suction? So, do robotic pool cleaners damage vinyl liners? And when you do finally take the vacuum out, no one ever lays the hose out nice and straight, to minimise any effects of hose kinks on the cleaners performance. The best vinyl liners available may lastabout 20 years. You must consider repairing or replacing the vinyl liner before using the cleaner. By brushing and breaking the outer surface, it allows the chemicals to more easily kill the algae so it can be removed. If you find that all of these options are a little out of your price range, you could also consider a suction pool cleaner. DO NOT use these levels on any other pool finish. As a pool owner, its important to keep your water balanced. Is there a special type of liner for an indoor pool? Robot Shop: Will a Robot Pool Cleaner Damage My Vinyl Lining, Do Pool Chemicals Cause Rust? Some people say all liners are the same, with the only difference being thickness, but thats just not true. AquaForce is also recommended for use on Commercial Pools. We have portable water storage bladders enabling your water to be pumped out and stored onsite, ready to be pumped straight back in again when the new Aqualux interior is in! If you want to get the most bang for your buck, its important to consider the features and quality that a particular pool cleaner has to offer. Also, a fixed installation inside the pool may block the robots movement. Glascon pools have a concrete base, and use a rolled fibreglass sheeting for the walls. For more info, see my About Me page. If youre taking it to your pool shop for testing, go straight there dont stop off at the shops on the way there, as your sample can degrade after a period of time even 15 minutes in a hot car can skew your results. From the filtration system to maintenance needs, theres no doubt that there are a wide variety of features that a robotic cleaner can offer. Still, a robotic pool cleaner can get stuck at one place inside your pool. The second type of staining is from metals in the pool water. At least once a month we hear from someone who has a fibreglass walled pool, who has made the mistake of resurfacing it with pebbles. The following levels ensure the best care for both your family and your pool, for a vinyl lined /Aqualux finished swimming pool. However, these cleaners dont use wheels or tracks with sharp threads. It happened to me just last week and this was the second pool fence panel to shatter in three years! The Science Explained, Do All Swimming Pools Need To Be Grounded? A week later, I am very happy to report that my pool fence company has replaced the panel, and my Aqualux pool finish was up to the challenge, and proved tough enough to withstand the glass and has no cuts or leaks! The mesh reinforcing layer stabilises the fabric and stops it from shrinking or expanding. So I changed tactics this time opting for a handheld broom and long-handled dustpan. Traditional PVC liners can be delivered to site fully welded in one piece, but AquaForce reinforced PVC liners are always fabricated on site, as they do not stretch or form to the pool shape. A qualified canvas goods maker with a passion for innovation, he was inspired by the technology behind the sails used in America's Cup racing sails, and adapted and applied it to the pool industry at ABGAL. This is because the chlorine used to keep the pool clean over all the years is also an oxidising agent, and it will speed the aging process as it oxidises the fibreglass gel-coated surface to become bleached and faded looking. If the liner fabric begins to absorb water, it eventually expands the PVC, which then causes wrinkles to form in the pool. The concept of a robot being more compatible with all pool surfaces comes from the fact they are only used for a short period of time BUT you need to make sure you have the correct tracks and rollers for your pool surface finish. Also, the water parameters or poorchemistrycan adversely affect the vinyl. Plus you have to wrestle with the cleaner and hose when you want a quick swim as most pool owners just dont bother to remove the vacuum from the pool. Most liners are made from a PVC film. Typically when this is the case, a company will take advantage of its market position, charge too much, which then leaves the market open to competitors. It also scrubs your pool walls (which is why it could be a good option for above ground), has smart clean technology and scheduling features so you can set and forget. Quite easy really, and only takes about 7 minutes. If your Fibreglass pool is over ten (10) years old it is probably starting to show some signs of surface degradation both above the water level and below the water level. I liked my suction cleaners handling of the dirt and leaves, it just sends it all to the pool filtration system. I placed two skimmer socks inside the skimmer basket to trap any glass fragments and stop them flowing through to the filter. Robotic pool cleaners can go about their task without any supervision or manual intervention. Are you thinking of buying a robotic pool cleaner? This means you can be assured that your Aqualux pool finish has been expertly manufactured to suit Australias harsh climate. resurfacing your fibreglass shell with Aqualux, and see some before and after photos on our main website. Click here to check the latest price of the Dolphin E10 on Amazon. So the first thing you have to consider is size, while a robot that is designed for 50-foot vinyl pools can clean a 20-foot one, you cant take a robotic cleaner designed for a 20-foot pool, let it loose in a larger swimming pool and assume it will take longer, sadly it doesnt work like that. From microscopic dirt particles to algae building on tile and vinyl surfaces, you can rely on these devices to clean your swimming pools. As you do, they trusted their pool builders advice, and decided to go ahead with the pebble coat. In mass-produced products there will be the odd pool cleaner with faults, so be sure that the product has a solid warranty. Or, it could be caused by algae feeding off debris in an area from overhanging foliage or just a basic lack of enough chlorine to maintain the water balance. The rolls of the AquaForce fabric are laid in the pool and overlapped to form seams that are welded on site. With a three layer design, AquaForce has a PVC base ply, a layer of reinforced polyester mesh, then topped with another ply of PVC. He uses his on his vinyl liner pool and I use it on my concrete pool. But generally, with a Dolphin pool cleaner, you can buy with confidence. On the other hand, robotic pool cleaners dont function as intended or expected all the time. Its cleaning cycle and ability to clean up dirt, debris, algae and other impurities is also a necessity too. However, I love the fact that my pool has NO cleaner in the water most of the time and no annoying tick, tick sound or the surface of the water rippled all the time. The problem is, for 8 or more hours a day in summer, the suction cleaner is rubbing over the pool surface. They need to be cleaned every time they do a full pool clean. Regardless of whether it is an above ground pool or an inground pool, the water in a vinyl finish pool all needs to be balanced and stabilised, and regularly checked for imbalances. Its one of the things you hope never happens to you. So that said: If you have a smaller pool, we cant look past the value offered by the Dolphin Nautilus CC. The patented swivel cable means it wont tangle up, so you dont have to worry about that and the top-loading filter basket means you dont have to fiddle under the robot cleaner to empty it, such a simple idea and it works. As of today, all Coral Sand print above ground pool liners will have a change of the base film colour from white to beige. Provided the correct chemical levels and good water circulation are maintained, it will be removed permanently. An automatic pool cleaner sinks as it gets filled with water and the diaphragm inside stabilizes it when submerged. Now putting the robot in the pool and getting it back out requires a bit of strength, especially getting it out when as you have to wait for the water to drain out before lifting it otherwise it is quite heavy. No rough edges or scratches or scuffs to worry about. (Suction cleaners rely on the hose to help control the area they cover and the direction they take). This kind of damage may be cosmetic or structural. The wrinkles usually start on the floor of the pool, but can be all over the whole liner. Its worth noting if you are looking for a great value robotic pool cleaner but have a pool over 35-feet, there is also the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus available which is a similar robot, just beefed up for bigger pools and great value when compared to other cleaners in its size bracket. Continuous abrasion at one place creates friction, and that can damage vinyl liners. If your pool surface is quite abrasive, then the robot will have less wear on its tracks and rollers as it is only used for relative small amounts of time, but the wearing parts need to be compatible otherwise you will need to replace them quite quickly. The Aqualux difference starts with the chemistry. All three layers are homogeneously bonded together during the manufacturing process. Let me highlight a few of these features. The robot takes about 7 minutes each time I clean it and I have to do this at least every week whereas I only backwash my sand filter every 4-6 weeks. The pool was finished and ready to swim within 2 weeks. All three layers are homogeneously bonded together during the manufacturing processto be permanently fused. Safety Tips for Owners, The vinyl liners in residential pools can be. The scrubbing action of this material is effective, but its softness and flexibility prevent scratches, dents, peeling, chipping, or cracking. My pool has an Aqualux vinyl interior as they are so nice to the touch, and I must admit, I was a little worried falling glass may have cut through the surface. While many indoor pools are surfaced with standard PVC liners without any problems, there is always a risk of it occurring in the right (or wrong) conditions, and it is best to avoid the risk completely in indoor pools, by using a reinforced liner. Coral Sand has a real pebblecrete appearance, and gives the pool a pale blue/turquoise hue when filled with water. Some more stubborn types of algae like black spot, need to brushed before the addition of chemicals as their outer surface forms a protective barrier to chemicals. The Hayward SharkVac robotic pool cleaner can be a great value option. Finding the best robotic pool cleaner for vinyl pools, Best robotic pool cleaner for an above ground vinyl liner pool, Best robotic pool cleaners for in-ground vinyl pools, Best robotic pool cleaners for Small to mid-size vinyl pools: up to 30 feet, Best robotic pool cleaners for large vinyl liners: over 30 feet, How to choose the right robotic pool cleaners for vinyl pools. Obviously, the Dolphin E10 as mentioned above, but if you have a smaller pool and want a cheaper option, also check out the Aquabot Pool Rover Hybrid. It really is a matter of opinion. These metals can be introduced by ionic sterilising systems or even from a water source (town water through an old copper pipe or bore water) that contains a higher than normal level of metals when filling or topping up the pool. So if you are looking to install a PVC liner in an indoor pool, we recommend the use of a reinforced PVC such as. AquaForce features an internal reinforcing layer that keeps the fabric stable in indoor pools, and virtually eliminates the risk of wrinkling. Well great news, while you may fear that a robotic cleaner will not be safe to use on a vinyl pool surface; the truth is that the majority of robotic pool cleaners are perfectly safe to use in a vinyl swimming pool. The Aqualux pool finish puts a waterproof skin over the entire pool shell. Robotic pool cleaners are the easiest and most effective way to attain and sustain spotless floors, coves, steps, and walls. This is why testing your pool water frequently to make sure it is balanced is so important! Which we are coming onto in a moment. Sharp parts can cause punctures, too. Some products perform well under certain conditions, and others just dont make the grade and it is all in the chemistry. If this happens, there is no reversing of the process, and the life span of the liner is greatly reduced. This flexible, stretch fabric relies on the structure of the pool, and the weight of the water to maintain its shape. One example would be the Dolphin Nautilus CC. Maybe you were there and heard a loud bang or perhaps, you didnt know it happened until you looked at your pool and noticed a glass fence panel missing. Please see our disclosure page for more information. Trouble Free Pool: Pool Robots Causing Damage To Vinyl Liners? But while it is true that a robotic cleaner can be used in any pool, not every robotic cleaner is suitable for every pool. Look to the middle ground and see what the average review looks like about the pool cleaner you are looking at. Some features to look out for in higher end automatic pool cleaners include: Final thoughts on choosing the best robots for vinyl pools, brushes on a robotic pool cleaner that spin furiously, 15 Best Dolphin Pool Cleaners | Every Budget | Every Pool Type, Proscenic 850T Review | A Great Budget Robot Vacuum, Best Robot Vacuum For Thick Carpet | 7 Great Choices, Top-loading filter cartridges (and different filtering systems, from a micro filter bag to a booster pump filter), Quality filter bags (ranging from the more common debris bags to more high-end bags that can hold all the dirt particles and leaves in its cleaning path through the pool water), Cleaning capabilities on different surfaces (from vinyl pool floors to tiles). If you spend a lot of the summer out of your house, attending kids baseball camps or out a lot for work, maybe one with automatic robotic pool cleaners would be beneficial, so you know it will clean without any input, however, if you are home a lot, this may not be so important. The obvious thing that the Dolphin Nautilus CC robotic pool cleaners are missing is the connectivity of remote control or Bluetooth, which enables manual control should you see a spot that the robot hasnt managed to clean properly. The owners were happy with the price, and couldnt be happier with the result. Naturally that pool builder has since left the Brisbane area, and not covered by insurance, the homeowners were left to sort out the mess themselves. Then I connected the vacuum and proceeded to slowly move across the glass pieces. Only in a situation where a cleaners components have been compromised is damage a valid concern. Lowering the PH just puts the metal into solution, it doesnt remove it from the water and that is why it will re-appear when the PH is balanced it precipitates from solution and plates onto the pool interior surface. Dont just install another pool liner. The Sigma is designed for any type of pool, including granite and pebble, so while there is no doubt you will get a great clean, it may be a little bit of overkill. Garry Long is the Managing Director at ABGAL Liners & Covers. So, you need not worry about a robotic pool cleaners weight on vinyl liners. If you do have a problem, while they are happy to sort it, it seems making that initial contact can sometimes be a bit of a frustration for many people. In fact, you will struggle to find an above ground pool cleaner that does. The brushes on a robotic pool cleaner that spin furiously to lift dirt, debris and algae are usually made of soft rubber, as are the wheels or tracks that drive the robot. If you re-adjust the PH and the stain re-appears, then this confirms it is caused by a high concentration of a metal in the pool water. If you wanted something that offers great value, be sure to take a look at the Paxcess automatic pool cleaner, which we have a full review of here. Taking everything mentioned earlier on about in and above ground pools, you should hopefully have a better idea of which kind of robotic pool cleaner will be most suitable for your needs. My glass pool fence has exploded how do I clean it up? If youre using test strips, take care to follow the instructions from the manufacturer. The pebble finish cracked and fell off after 12 months. Choose the finish thats passed the test of time, and been the choice of thousands of pool owners across Australia since 1976 an Aqualux pool finish. By carefully monitoring the performance of the pool finish, and adjusting the chemistry little by little, Aqualux has become the ultimate flexible pool interior for the Australian environment. The correct chemical balance varies depending on your pool interior finish. But all pools are different, and no cleaner is perfect (there is usually a corner or step, or some other spot in every pool where the suction cleaner always seems to miss!). What about the difference between in-ground and above-ground pools? So if you are looking to install a PVC liner in an indoor pool, we recommend the use of a reinforced PVC such as AquaForce, to reduce the risk of wrinkling. Unlike traditional fibreglass resurfacing methods such as painting, rendering or re-glassing, your new Aqualux interior could have your pool ready for swimming again in just a day and a half and in some cases, you can even recycle your water. If you really want your walls cleaned, an alternative option could be to buy a mid-range in-ground pool cleaner that will also work in above ground pools. So in my opinion, if you are on a budget or dont mind swimming with the hose and cleaner, or removing it every time you swim, a suction cleaner will work for you. I'm a fun-loving husband and father of 3 that enjoys spending pool days with the family! The suction cleaners are often left in the pool all the time as some people choose to swim with them as it is easier. There are three main causes of what appears to be staining or marks on a pool interior surface. Thus, the brushes or scrubbers are unlikely to damage your pools vinyl unless the liner is in dire condition. In 1990 ABGAL were the first company in Australia to use a single ply robotic cutting system to fabricate vinyl products. The first time, it just made a mess over my timber deck, but this time, a lot of glass fell into the pool. Edges are then sealed, to stop water absorption through the fabric itself. A robotic pool cleaner may damage vinyl liners in the following circumstances: If your vinyl liner already has tiny holes, leaks, or damaged patches, a robotic pool cleaner will aggravate the problem. Can I use a robot pool cleaner in my vinyl pool? Most robotic pool cleaners do not damage vinyl liners as their components are made of smooth plastic, rubber scrub brushes, and rubber wheels. If increasing the acidity (lowering PH in the pool) removes the staining temporarily, then it indicates a problem with metals. (Normally into a thousand pieces all over the pool deck and sometimes inside your swimming pool!). I found my sand filter much easier to clean than the cartridges of the robot it was just a matter of switching off the pump, turning the valve, then running the pump until the waste water was clear, selecting rinse for a minute and then back to normal filtration. You can check out the details of it on Amazon here. I Googled how to clean glass from your pool and there were a few articles, but not many relating to an exploding fence panel so I thought I would share my experience to help others. These microbes feed off nutrients in the ground water (like seepage from a septic system or other grey water) and they secrete dyes that will stain the liner from the underneath and can flow through to the inside surface of the pool. Even the best machine can go wrong. If you ever suspect your robot has caused abrasion to your pool finish, just check the tracks and the underside of the unit you will likely see some of the pool surface colour on it and maybe some worn plastic parts. There are simply so many features to take into consideration, but whether you want high suction pool cleaners, quality filtration system, an incredible navigation system or all of the above, youll find that theres something out there for you. As youd expect, the more features you want, the more expensive the robot gets. Remember, no cleaner is perfect, but they sure beat having to set up the vacuum hose, handle and brush and cleaning the pool manually yourself! This works well in most situations, and with high quality options available, its an excellent surface finish for both above ground and inground swimming pools that are outdoor. An Aqualux pool finish is a specialist, flexible pool interior which is designed for Australias harsh climate, to out-perform other similar pool finishes. The smart tools available nowadays can even map the shortest route and deal with a few obstacles. There are plenty of factors to consider, which is why as a pool owner, you need to focus on the important aspects of pool cleaning as well as fun and interesting features. However, if the wheels or tracks continue to run in the same spot, the liner surface may suffer some or significant wear and tear. However, you cannot blame the robot. In such cases, robotic pool cleaners may continue to brush, scrub, and move their wheels or trucks in one place. While we have been manufacturing Aqualux interiors to be fitted into damaged fibreglass shells for many years, in the last 3-5 years, weve really perfected the process. Worn out parts from leaving the cleaner in the pool at all times can lead to breakdowns as well. So excitingly, this means, is you basically have your pick of the bunch. Getting the water balance right in a vinyl lined pool is a little different to a pebble, tiled or other finished pool. Modern robotic pool cleaners with wall climbing features can clean the entirety of your vinyl liner. Vinyl liners are not invincible. And rather than just go ahead and build a whole new pool inside the existing one, he suggested installing a pool liner, and put them in touch with Complete Pool Liners. Of course, look what other people are saying about a pool cleaner before you commit, a fantastic resource for this is Amazon. Hayward is another brand that builds quality products. This Glascon pool in Brisbane is one of them. *The product links in this post are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase after following one, I make a small commission from the sale at no additional cost to you.
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