Robotic cleaner owners - how often?

[west1745]

I have a Dolphin Diagnostic pro and I run it every couple weeks - it does a great job. We do have trees that overhang so we have experienced a lot of leaves/dirt in the pool. Sometimes I can brush stuff to the deep end but otherwise I have to put in the Dolphin. Try to use it "judiciously" after reading that they can wear out from Carl D's saga.

So far so good with us.

One thing I have done is to put a panty hose liner on the skimmer - that seems to help keep the little leaves and debris out of the main paper filter cartridge - which is a huge pain to hose off when it gets full of stuff.

Am interested to hear from Carl D and others how they like their pool buster - that seems to make a lot of sense.

[CarlD]

I've been a BIG fan of the PoolBuster, having used it for 3 seasons.

I first bought it as an expensive toy, and thought it over-priced but cool. It worked well but battery life wasn't what I hoped or they claim and suction was only good.

THIS WAS MY MISTAKE! I didn't realize I had a bad battery and should have had them replace it under warranty. But when I finally contacted them, the warranty was far too long expired and I had to buy a new battery/motor unit. WOW! What a difference! It was well-worth it. I never use up the battery, it doesn't go dead if I leave it for a couple of weeks and it has better suction than ever. As I said, I should have contacted the P/B people ASAP. Now it performs EXACTLY as claimed.

When I got the new battery, I also ordered the finer net filter--they have an even finer disposable but I haven't needed that. I haven't had the manual suction-side vacuum out in 2 years.

For your skimmer: There's a product called SkimmerSocks, that is a filter that goes in the skimmer, like the pantyhose, but I think it filters better. They are like 3 for $5 or 4 for $8, whatever, and I usually get a month out of each, rinsing them out. There are also competing brands and they work just as well. You use it like a coffee filter in a Mr. Coffee, only it hooks over the edge of the skimmer basket.

[SUNNYDAYS]

I got the poolbuster after reading how much Carld like his. I picked up the pro model from Ebay and have been very happy with the purchase.