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Betta Flex
The Betta Flex skims floating debris into a removable basket and charges its battery from the sun. Betta emphasizes its soft casing and low-profile body, along with a choice between continuous cleaning and periodic sweeps. The ECO setting gives you a way to conserve energy when sunshine is limited.
- Pool size
- 2400 sq ft
- Filter
- 200 μm
- Weight
- 8.3 lbs
- Warranty
- 1 year
Who It's For
The Flex suits you if wind keeps bringing debris onto the water and you want surface skimming between visits with a hand net. Betta rates it for pools up to 2,400 square feet. Your pool gets plenty of direct sunlight, and you already have a way to clean the submerged surfaces while the Flex collects material that is still floating.
Look Elsewhere If
You may want a different robot if you need dirt removed from the floor or walls, because the Flex works on the surface. A pool that stays shaded is another reason to look elsewhere. Betta's online manual says it relies entirely on solar energy and has no charging ports for an adapter. If you want to steer from your phone or choose cleaning times in an app, the Flex has neither phone connectivity nor scheduling.
Where To Buy
On sale: $399.90 at Betta, regular $519.90 (save $120, 23%), checked Nov 13, 2026. See today’s deals
Key Features
Solar Battery Charging. The manual says the solar panel charges the built-in battery with the power switch either on or off. You can stop the motors while leaving the panel exposed to direct sunlight. During normal use, charging happens while the skimmer floats, so you do not have to take it out each time its battery needs replenishing.
Normal And ECO Modes. Betta says Normal mode provides continuous surface skimming in good sunshine throughout the day. ECO is the setting for seasons with less sun, with pauses between periods of cleaning. The length of each pause changes with the battery level. You can switch to ECO when you do not need it skimming all day.
Soft Casing And Body Shape. Betta describes the soft casing as protection for both the skimmer and the pool surfaces it meets as it moves. Its low-profile body is intended to help it navigate tighter spaces around pool edges and into narrow corners. The body also has a UV-resistant coating.
Sensors And Sunlight. The manual describes obstacle-detection sensors and a gyroscope that guide the Flex across the water. Its navigation also responds to a low battery. When charge runs short, it can move at intervals to find sunlight for recharging. You can move it into a sunny spot yourself if it has stopped with a depleted battery.
Basket And Filter Access. The filter basket is rated at 200 microns and can be reached from above. A window in the center of the solar panel lets you check how full the basket is. Unlocking the cover exposes the basket's own handle, so you can lift the collected material out separately rather than tipping the skimmer to empty it.
RoboRating 2.5 of 5
Based on the maker's published specs, compared with 5 other skimmers. Not a hands-on test. How we score
1st of 2 skimmers from $500 to $1,000
Specifications
| Type | Skimmer |
|---|---|
| Power source | Solar |
| Budget tier | Premium |
| Pool size class | N/A |
| Rated pool size | 2400 sq ft, 60 ft |
| Cable length | N/A |
| Weight | 8.3 lbs |
| Battery capacity | Not stated by the maker |
| Charging time | N/A |
| Solar charging time | 6 hours |
| Runtime or cycle | Not stated by the maker |
| Cleaning areas | N/A |
| Cleaning type | N/A |
| Brushes | No |
| Navigation | Patterned Path |
| Mapping | Smart Mapping |
| Scheduling | No |
| App connectivity | No |
| Flow rate | N/A |
| Main filter | 200 μm |
| Fine filter | Not stated by the maker |
| Filter access | Top |
| Traction | N/A |
| Rated incline | N/A |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Pool Compatibility
Maker lists it Not listed
| Inground | Yes |
|---|---|
| Above-ground | Yes |
| Onground | Yes |
| Vinyl | N/A |
|---|---|
| Gunite | N/A |
| Fiberglass | N/A |
| Tile | N/A |
| Pebble | N/A |
| Natural stone and other exotic finishes | N/A |
| Chlorine | Yes |
|---|---|
| Saltwater | Yes |
| Mineral | Yes |
| Ozone or UV | Yes |
| Rectangular | Yes |
|---|---|
| Round | Yes |
| Free-form | Yes |
| Steps | N/A |
| Slopes | N/A |
| Leaves and large debris | Yes |
|---|---|
| Medium debris | Yes |
| Fine debris | Yes |
| Microscopic particles | Not stated by the maker |
Specs last verified 2026-10-24. Based on the manufacturer's specifications and manual.
Specs provided for informational use only. Data may be incomplete or outdated. Read full disclaimer.
How It Compares
Betta Neo Get the deal at Betta
Betta Neo adds app scheduling and adapter charging, so choose it if you want surface cleaning to start at set times or want to recharge away from the pool. It covers the same pool area as the Flex and weighs 9 pounds, so you get the phone controls and extra charging option in a skimmer that is slightly heavier to lift out of the water.
Betta SE Plus Check Price at Betta
Betta SE Plus adds adapter charging and has no app, so choose it if you want to plug the skimmer in during cloudy spells and do not need phone controls. It weighs 15 pounds, so you lift less weight with the Flex when you take it out for swimming or carry it away to clean the basket.
Aiper Surfer S2 Check Price at Aiper
Aiper Surfer S2 combines dual charging with app scheduling, so choose it if you want surface cleaning to follow set times and have an outlet available for recharging. Its quoted runtime is 35 hours, and adapter charging lets you replenish its battery when sunshine is limited or you want to charge it outside the pool.
Worth Knowing
The manual describes an anti-tangle bar that keeps an underwater cleaner's wire from being drawn into the Flex's debris basket. Rotate that bar downward toward the back of the basket when a wired cleaner is operating, and raise it when that cleaner is out of the water. A floating cleaner hose can still interfere with the skimmer, and the manual recommends hose weights to keep it submerged. If the Flex starts circling, check its propellers and intake impeller for trapped string, hair or dirt.
Care And Maintenance
From the Betta manual:
- Lift it out flat with both hands on the rear handle and front grip. Set it on a flat surface and switch it off.
- Unlock the cover, remove and empty the basket, then hose it clean. Refit it, secure the cover and restart.
- Rinse the solar panel and wipe it with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid pressure washers, scraping and brushing.
- For winter storage, switch it off, rinse and dry completely. Store it indoors in a bag at room temperature, in a dry place away from excessive heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large a pool can it skim?
Up to 60 feet long. Its coverage rating is 2,400 square feet, so check both the length and surface area of your pool against those limits.
How much does it weigh?
8.3 pounds. The manual tells you to wait until it approaches the shallow end before retrieval, so you can collect it where you have a safe reach.
Can it work in saltwater?
Yes, and it also supports chlorine pools. The manual excludes seawater use from warranty coverage, so avoid using it in a pool filled with seawater.
Can it stay in while we swim?
No. The manual says to remove it when the pool is in use and keep it in cool shade. Put it back when swimming has finished.
How long does solar charging take?
6 hours. The manual warns that shorter days and lower sunlight angles in fall and winter can reduce charging efficiency, even when the weather looks sunny.
Can it handle shallow steps?
Yes, with its anti-stranding bars adjusted for your pool. Adjust the front or rear bars in pairs to keep the skimmer balanced.
What warranty comes with it?
One year. The manual says coverage starts on the purchase date, and Betta handles its own extended coverage through Betta Care rather than servicing extensions sold by other retailers.
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