When shopping for a robotic pool cleaner for your onground pool, one of the features you’ll run into is the brush system. Some cleaners include active scrubbing brushes, while others rely on passive rollers, or have no brushing system at all.
So—do you need active brushing power, or is a simpler setup just fine for your onground pool?
This guide breaks down what active and passive brushes do, why your pool type and maintenance habits matter, and how to choose the brush style that matches your routine.
🔄 What’s the Difference Between Active and Passive Brushes?
Active Brushes
Mechanically powered and rotate independently from wheels
Help break down sticky debris like algae, sunscreen, and film
Scrub floors, walls, and waterlines to loosen grime before suction kicks in
Common in premium models designed for deeper cleaning cycles
Passive Brushes or None
Drag behind or rotate with the cleaner’s movement
Offer light agitation as the robot rolls across the surface
Less effective at tackling buildup or stubborn grime
Typical in cordless and entry-level models, especially for smooth pools
🟦 Recommended Reading: How Robotic Pool Cleaners Actually Work
🏊 Typical Surface Types in Onground Pools
Most onground pools feature vinyl liners or smooth composite wall panels. These surfaces are:
Less porous than concrete or pebble
Easier to clean with suction alone
Less prone to algae growth when maintained regularly
If your pool has a flat vinyl bottom and consistent chemical care, you may not need aggressive brushing action.
🟦 Recommended Reading: Do Robotic Cleaners Work with Soft Walled Pools?
🍂 When Active Brushes Make Sense
There are times when adding brushing power pays off. Choose a cleaner with active brushes if:
🌲 You have trees nearby, dropping leaves that release sticky sap or oils
🦠 You occasionally get algae patches, especially in corners or seams
💤 You clean less frequently and want a deep clean after long gaps
☀️ You use the pool often and apply lots of sunscreen or tanning oils
In these cases, the extra scrubbing helps your cleaner grab residue that suction alone might miss.
🟦 Recommended Reading: Robotic Pool Cleaners for Leaves, Sand, and Fine Dust
✅ When Passive or No Brushes Work Just Fine
You may not need an active scrubber if:
✅ Your pool is cleaned 3–5x per week with regular cycles
✅ You’ve got a vinyl liner or slick composite wall
✅ You run a robotic leaf skimmer to keep the surface clear
✅ You’re using a cordless unit with fewer moving parts and simple maintenance
✅ Water chemistry is stable and you rarely get algae
In these conditions, suction, navigation, and filter quality matter more than scrubbing power.
⚖️ Brush Type vs Other Features
While active brushes can boost performance, they’re just one part of the equation. Consider these other features:
Suction flow rate (GPH): higher rates clear more debris per pass
Filter size and access: a fine mesh and top-load tray improve efficiency
Cycle duration and coverage: shorter cycles may skip stubborn spots
Weight and portability: active brush models tend to be heavier
A cleaner with passive brushes and smart navigation may outperform a basic scrubber on a simple pool layout.
🟦 Recommended Reading: Flow Rate for Onground Pools
🧠 Exploring Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: Light Leaf Debris & Frequent Cleaning
You run your cleaner daily
You have a round 20 ft vinyl-lined pool
Passive brush or brushless models will do the job well
Scenario 2: Skipped Weekly Maintenance
You’re gone for 2–3 weeks at a time
The pool is near pine trees and collects grime
Go for active brushes that can break down buildup fast
Scenario 3: Low Effort Setup
You want cordless, quick operation, and no cords
Passive brush, lightweight cleaners reduce complexity
Pair with a surface skimmer for a complete clean
✅ Final Advice
Active brushes aren’t always necessary for onground pools—but they can be game changers in certain cases. If your pool collects oil, algae, or sticky grime, go for a model with scrubbing action.
For simpler setups, passive or no-brush models can still deliver great results—especially when paired with proper water care and frequent cycles.
Think about your routine, surface type, and how much hands-off power you really want.
🟦 Recommended Reading: What Makes a Robotic Pool Cleaner “Smart”?
🔍 Compare Onground Cleaners by Brush Type
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Corded and cordless pool cleaner models
Wheeled or Tracked models
Runtime, flow rate, and filter capacity