Robotic pool cleaners are designed to withstand water, chlorine, and general outdoor exposure—but does that mean it’s okay to leave them in your pool for days or weeks at a time?
This guide breaks down what manufacturers actually recommend, when it might be okay to leave the robot submerged, and when it’s better to take it out. We’ll also explore how long-term exposure can affect performance, battery health, and longevity.
🟦 Recommended Reading: Will Leaving a Robotic Leaf Skimmer in the Pool Damage It?
🏭 What Manufacturers Say
Most brands explicitly recommend removing the cleaner after every use
Prolonged submersion can cause premature wear on motors, seals, and plastic components
Chlorinated water and UV rays degrade components over time
Leaving the cleaner in too long may void your warranty
These guidelines exist to ensure product durability and help owners avoid costly repairs.
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🌞 When It’s Okay to Leave It In
There are times when leaving your robotic cleaner in the pool for short stretches makes practical sense:
You’re cleaning the pool every day or every other day
It’s peak summer season and you’re using the pool frequently
Your cleaner has UV-resistant housing and anti-corrosion features
The water chemistry is stable and not overly chlorinated
In these cases, overnight stays or weekend use without removal might be fine—but you should still rinse and inspect regularly.
🟦 Recommended Reading: How to Clean and Maintain Your Robotic Pool Cleaner
⚠️ When You Should Take It Out
There are clear scenarios when removing your robotic cleaner is essential:
You’re not planning to use it again for a few days or longer
A storm, high winds, or heavy rain is forecasted
You’re applying shock treatment or high chlorine levels
It’s the off-season or you’re closing the pool
You own a corded model, and want to avoid cable UV degradation or tangling
Taking the cleaner out during these times preserves internal electronics and extends overall life.
🟦 Recommended Reading: Corded Pool Cleaners: Cable Tangles and Storage
🧪 Risks of Long-Term Submersion
Even if your cleaner seems fine sitting in the water, there are hidden risks to leaving it in too long.
🧴 Chemical Exposure
Prolonged chlorine or salt exposure breaks down plastic parts, seals, and motor components
Chemical absorption can affect electronics, especially in older or non-premium models
☀️ UV Degradation
UV rays can cause fading, cracking, or brittleness of the outer shell and cord
Surface-floating units are especially vulnerable
🌿 Algae Growth and Debris Buildup
Stagnant units attract algae and bugs
Debris left in filters or trays can create smelly buildup and reduce suction power
🔋 Battery Drain (Cordless Units)
If you forget to remove a cordless cleaner after its battery is drained, it may over-discharge, shortening its life
Extended float time between cycles can also degrade battery seals
🧼 Best Practices for Cleaner Longevity
Taking a few small steps can greatly extend your robotic pool cleaner’s lifespan:
Always rinse with fresh water after use—especially if you have a saltwater pool
Dry thoroughly before storing in a shed or bin
Keep cords loosely coiled and never wrap them around the robot
Don’t leave it in the sun unnecessarily
Follow your brand’s storage and usage instructions for maximum protection
🟦 Recommended Reading: Can Robotic Cleaners Handle Saltwater Pools?
✅ Final Advice
A robotic pool cleaner is durable and waterproof—but it isn’t meant to be submerged indefinitely.
Leaving it in the water for occasional overnight use during a busy cleaning schedule is fine. But for anything longer, remove, rinse, and store your cleaner to protect its internals, battery (if cordless), and outer casing.
This simple habit will ensure better suction, longer battery life, and fewer repairs—so your pool is always swim-ready.
🔍 Compare Cleaners Using Our Interactive Table
Use our interactive table to find robotic pool cleaners with features that align with your pool needs:
Corded vs cordless power sources
Tracked or wheeled models
Models that provide automation and mode