Do You Need Both a Robotic Pool Cleaner and Skimmer?

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If you already own a robotic pool cleaner, you might wonder if a robotic leaf skimmer is necessary too. After all, doesn’t the robot clean everything?

Not quite.

While robotic cleaners handle the floor and walls, robotic skimmers specialize in surface debris like leaves, bugs, and pollen — before it sinks.

This guide helps you decide if owning both makes sense for your pool setup, or if one is enough — and whether robotic skimmers pair well with pressure or suction cleaners too.

What Each Robot Does

To understand why both a robotic cleaner and a robotic skimmer might be useful, it’s important to know what roles they each play in your pool.

Robotic Pool Cleaner

  • Cleans pool floor, walls, and waterline

  • Removes sand, algae, and settled dirt

  • Typically runs for 1.5–3 hours

Robotic Leaf Skimmer

  • Floats on surface to remove leaves, pollen, and insects

  • Runs all day on solar or battery power

  • Prevents surface debris from clogging filters or sinking

Together, they cover the entire pool, from top to bottom.

Not sure which robot should come first? Start with our overview: Robotic Leaf Skimmers: What They Do and Do You Really Need One? for a breakdown of surface-only skimmers and how they work.

Why One May Not Be Enough

Problem: Floating Debris

Your robotic cleaner can’t remove leaves floating on the surface — and if they stay there, they’ll eventually sink and clog the floor cleaner or your pool filter.

Problem: Filter Overload

Without a skimmer, your robotic floor cleaner must process more debris — leading to clogged filters and reduced suction.

Problem: Windy or Leafy Areas

If your pool is under trees or in a windy area, leaf buildup on the surface can be relentless. A skimmer clears it while your robot handles the deep clean.

Best Surface + Floor Cleaner Picks for Your Pool

Aiper Premium Bundle: Scuba X1 + Surfer S2

This bundle includes the Scuba X1 robotic pool cleaner for scrubbing floors, walls, and the waterline, alongside the Surfer S2 surface skimmer for continuous, solar-powered debris removal. The Scuba X1 uses 6,600 GPH suction, smart navigation, and a 3μm multi-layer filter system to handle deep cleaning. The Surfer S2 offers extended surface skimming and app-based scheduling to keep leaves, bugs, and pollen under control. Both devices connect to the Aiper App for remote control and status updates, and the Scuba X1 includes a wireless charging dock for added convenience. Together, they offer a practical, hands-free solution for full pool maintenance.

🛠️ Features: Cordless bundle, wall + waterline scrubbing, solar surface cleaning, smart navigation, app controls, wireless dock, fine filtration.

🔌 Dolphin Nautilus CC Robotic Pool Cleaner

The Dolphin Nautilus CC is a corded robotic vacuum designed for pools up to 33 feet in length. It climbs walls effectively and uses an active scrubbing brush to loosen dirt and debris from pool surfaces. A top-load filter basket makes debris removal quick and simple, keeping maintenance low. With a plug-and-play setup and a 2-hour cleaning cycle, it’s an easy solution for regular pool upkeep. Ideal for those who want reliable wall cleaning without waterline scrubbing.

🛠️ Features: Corded, wall-climbing, active brush, top-load filter, 2-hour cleaning cycle.

Betta SE Solar Robotic Pool Surface Skimmer

The Betta SE is a fully solar-powered robotic skimmer designed to remove surface debris like leaves, pollen, pet hair, and dust throughout the day. Its Aqua Dynamics design allows for continuous cleaning for 30+ hours, with quick recharging under direct sunlight and no need for manual charging or cables. Twin Salt Chlorine Tolerant (SCT) motors ensure efficient propulsion in both freshwater and saltwater pools, while a 200μm fine-mesh basket captures floating debris with minimal effort. Obstacle detection is managed via ultrasonic radar and four bumper rods, and the UV-resistant build helps protect the unit from sun exposure over time. With hands-free dock-and-empty convenience and no app setup required, the Betta SE offers a simple, durable solution for daily surface cleaning.

🛠️ Features: Solar-powered only, 30+ hour runtime, SCT motors, 200μm filter tray, obstacle detection, salt/freshwater compatible, UV-protected.
📌 Note: Not suitable for infinity pools. Requires 5″ minimum water depth.

Aiper Surfer S2 Robotic Solar Pool Skimmer

The Aiper Surfer S2 is a solar-powered robotic skimmer designed to keep your pool surface clear of leaves, bugs, and pollen with minimal effort. With 150μm fine mesh filtration and an adjustable chlorine tablet dispenser, it helps maintain water clarity and sanitation between deep cleans. Dual charging modes—solar and DC adapter—ensure continuous operation, even on cloudy days, with up to 35 hours of runtime per charge. Smart app control lets you schedule cleanings, monitor status, steer manually, and receive real-time obstruction alerts. Designed with edge-cleaning support, anti-stuck retractable columns, and weather-resistant construction, the Surfer S2 is a low-maintenance addition for most pool types.

🛠️ Features: Solar + DC charging, app control, surface skimming, edge-cleaning mode, chlorine dispenser, anti-stuck design, UV/weather resistant.
📌 Note: Not suitable for infinity-edge pools.

Should You Really Get Both? 🤔

Some pool owners assume that one robot is enough. But think of your pool in layers:

  • The floor and walls gather sunken dirt, algae, and grime

  • The surface collects floating debris like leaves, bugs, and pollen

Each robot specializes in one layer — and when used together, they automate your full pool care process.

Let’s break it down:

When You Should Combine a Robotic Cleaner with a Skimmer

✅ Yes — Get Both If:

  • Your pool is exposed to leaves, pollen, or bugs

  • You want low-maintenance automation

  • You’re tired of manual skimming

  • You want to reduce filter backwashing

❌ Maybe Not If:

  • You have a pool cover or screened enclosure

  • You skim manually every day already

  • Your pool stays clean between robot runs

What If You Already Use a Suction or Pressure Cleaner?

Robotic Leaf Skimmers can still be a great add-on to suction or pressure-side systems:

  • Suction cleaners handle floor debris, but miss floating leaves — a skimmer complements them well.

  • Pressure-side cleaners collect large debris but often skip surface cleaning.

  • A solar skimmer reduces strain on pumps and filters in both setups.

💡 If you rely on suction or pressure but have surface mess daily — adding a robotic skimmer can balance your setup without upgrading to a robotic floor cleaner.

Still on the fence between older cleaning tech and modern automation? Check out our comparisons:

Combined System Benefits 📊

FeatureRobotic Cleaner OnlyCleaner + Skimmer Combo
Surface Debris Removal❌ No✅ Yes
Floor + Wall Cleaning✅ Yes✅ Yes
Reduces Filter StrainModerateHigh
Works During Daylight HoursNo (timed runs)Yes (solar skimmer runs all day)
Hands-Off ConvenienceMediumHigh

Tips for Running Both Together

  • Set your robotic cleaner to run 2–3x a week

  • Let the skimmer run daily for surface debris

  • Empty both filter trays weekly

  • Store indoors in winter or extreme heat

Why It’s Worth It

Combining a robotic cleaner with a robotic skimmer may seem like overkill — but for many pool owners, it actually saves time, effort, and filter wear.

You’ll enjoy a pool that’s consistently clear, swimmable, and inviting, without having to scoop out bugs or leaves before every dip. It’s always ready for a swim when you are — no prep, no surprises.

A robotic skimmer isn’t just a bonus — it picks up floating debris before it becomes a problem for your floor cleaner or pump system.

And when your robots work together, you cut down on backwashing, manual vacuuming, and daily skimming.

Final Verdict

If you want true set-it-and-forget-it pool care, using both a robotic floor cleaner and robotic surface skimmer is the way to go.

You’ll reduce manual work, protect your filters, and keep your pool clear from top to bottom.

If you’re not sure what type of robotic pool cleaner to start with, explore our guide on Cordless vs Corded Robotic Pool Cleaners to help match power style with pool type.

Explore All Pool Cleaners 🔍

Wondering if a robotic pool cleaner and a robotic surface skimmer are both worth it? Use our feature filters to see when combining them makes sense:

  • Debris zones – floating leaves vs sunken dirt

  • Power types – solar + battery surface units vs rechargeable floor robots

  • Maintenance habits – filter tray capacity, app alerts, auto docking

  • Daily runtime – continuous vs scheduled cleaning cycles

  • Recommended pairings – for large, leafy, or busy pools

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