Premature motor burnout
There can be several different reasons as to the cause for an automatic/robotic pool cleaner’s motor to burnout.
For instance, when using an automatic/robotic cleaner in a beach-entry pool, the pump motor should be equipped with a sensor that detects a zero-depth water level to prevent it from exiting the water. Without this feature, the cleaner can simply travel out of the pool and down the deck or street for that matter. If this happens, the motor will overheat and fail, as it needs the pool water to keep it cool.
Some units feature air sensors which may tend to fail because they use additional wiring that can corrode from moisture exposure, or the mechanical parts can get clogged and stuck. Instead, using a cleaner with a motor that senses voltage draw from the pump is beneficial. Should the voltage draw drop, the drive motor assumes the machine is out of the water and automatically reverses its direction. This way, there is no way the cleaner will leave the water, preventing the motor from burning out.
Using an automatic cleaner with an onboard guidance system is another way to minimize wear and tear on the cleaner’s motor (and other components), as the unit will complete each pool cleaning session faster and more efficiently.
Further, most automatic cleaners need to be serviced after every season; however, units that use a guidance system typically only need tune-ups every two years. Regular cleaner maintenance is also important to ensure a longer motor life.
Cleaner means faster
One of the best practices to ensure an automatic/robotic cleaner operates at peak performance is to clean it after every use. The chemicals in the pool can take a toll on pool cleaner parts, especially the belts and brushes; therefore, it is important to remove chemical residue from the unit. As belts and brushes begin to deteriorate, the automatic/robotic cleaner will start to operate at a slower speed, which negates some of the benefits of using these cleaners.
Reap the benefits
Automatic/robotic pool cleaners are here to stay as they benefit service professionals and pool owners alike. Integrating an automatic/robotic cleaner into a service call helps maintenance technicians clean more pools per hour, while at the same allowing them to perform more profitable service and repair work. For retailers, selling automatic pool cleaners to homeowners is a great way to ensure their clients are spending more time enjoying their pools rather than cleaning them.
Guy Erlich is the founder and president of Water Tech Corp., a manufacturer of swimming pool and hot tub cleaners in East Brunswick, N.J. He can be reached via e-mail at guy@watertechcorp.com.
