Robotic pool cleaners are powerful and convenient — but how often should you actually use one? The answer depends on the time of year, pool usage, and surrounding environment.
This guide breaks it down by season so you know when and how often to clean.
Summer – High Use, High Debris ☀️
Use Frequency:
Every 1–2 days
Why:
Summer is peak swim season, which means more swimmers, more sunscreen and body oils, and more floating debris like leaves, pollen, and bugs. Running your robotic pool cleaner frequently ensures the water stays crystal clear and hygienic. Plus, frequent cleaning keeps the pool ready for spontaneous swims any day of the week.
Tips:
Clean the filter basket after every use to avoid clogs and maintain suction. If your pool sees daily activity, consider scheduling overnight runs so the robot doesn’t get in the way of swimmers.
Autumn – Falling Leaves & Debris 🍂
Use Frequency:
Every 2–3 days, or daily if surrounded by trees
Why:
Autumn brings falling leaves and twigs, which can quickly clog your cleaner and stain pool surfaces if left unchecked. Even if you’re swimming less, keeping the pool clean prevents bigger maintenance tasks later and keeps the water system flowing freely.
Tips:
Use a robotic leaf skimmer in tandem with your cleaner to prevent floating leaves from sinking. Check and empty the filter basket more often during this season — even daily if you have trees nearby.
Winter – Low Activity (for Milder Climates) ❄️
Use Frequency:
1–2 times per week, or as needed
Why:
In winter, even if the pool isn’t being used, dust, twigs, and wind-blown debris can settle at the bottom. Running your cleaner weekly prevents grime buildup and makes spring reopening much easier.
Tips:
Never run your cleaner during freezing conditions as water inside the unit can damage internal parts. Always rinse it after use and let it dry completely before storing to prevent mold or cracking.
Spring – Prepping for Swim Season 🌸
Use Frequency:
Every 1–2 days during pollen and cleanup season
Why:
Spring cleanup often includes removing pollen, algae spores, and leftover winter debris. Running your cleaner frequently helps jumpstart swim season with a clear, inviting pool.
Tips:
During reopening, run a full cleaning cycle daily for the first couple of weeks to reset water quality. You may also want to manually brush pool walls to remove any biofilm or algae missed by the robot.
During Off Days – What to Do
Even when you’re not actively running your robotic cleaner, proper storage and care protect its lifespan and performance. Always remove the unit from the pool between uses to avoid unnecessary exposure to chlorine and UV rays.
Remove the cleaner from the pool – Leaving it submerged can degrade the motor and housing over time.
Store in a shaded or dry area – Direct sun and rain can damage electronics and plastic parts.
Rinse and air-dry after every use – This prevents calcium or chemical buildup and protects internal components from corrosion.
If you use your cleaner only once or twice per week, consider covering it with a breathable cloth in storage to keep dust and bugs out. If your unit is corded, avoid coiling the cable too tightly or wrapping it around the cleaner, as this can reduce cable flexibility and lead to tangling or wear. Cordless units don’t have this concern but should still be stored with care to protect sensors and battery life.
Compare Cleaners by Seasonal Use 🔍
Different seasons bring different cleaning demands. Use our filters to find a robotic cleaner that fits your seasonal pool routine:
Runtime and scheduling – long cycles or programmable timers
Filter size and type – easy to clean after heavy use
Debris handling – match to pollen, leaves, or light dust
Corded vs cordless – set-and-forget vs quick deployment
Traction type – choose tracked or wheeled models depending on slope, surface, and coverage needs