Cleaning and rinsing a pool robot before storage

Rinse the filter first, and do it straight away. Maytronics says to "rinse the filter as soon as you take the robot out of the water", because that stops debris drying onto it.¹

Don't let it sit.

Before you start

Switch the robot off and unplug it. Check that nobody is in the pool. If your manual says to do anything else first, do that.

Step by step

1. The filter

Take the filter basket or panels out and clean them. Maytronics says to "give the filter basket a good cleaning to get rid of any debris or gunk".²

A garden hose is enough for most dirt. Maytronics says to clean the filter and place it back in the unit.³ iGarden says to dry with the filter out. Follow your manual on which to do; see "Put the filter back" below.

2. The body

Next, wash the robot with fresh water. The maker says to "rinse the robot with fresh water to remove chlorine", and calls this extra important in a saltwater pool.¹

3. The impeller

The impeller is the small propeller that pulls water through the robot. Maytronics suggests cleaning it every two weeks in season, and says to "disconnect the power supply before handling the impeller".¹ For a cordless model, switch it off and connect it to the charger first, as the same page says. Look for hair or twine wrapped round it.

4. Drain it

Water left inside is the enemy of winter storage. Maytronics' rule is "make sure that no water is left in the robotic pool cleaner".¹

How you drain depends on the model. The maker says to "check your manual for specific instructions on how to properly drain the water".² Another maker's guide says to tilt the cleaner to drain every outlet, and notes that some models have a specific drain port.⁴

5. The cable

Corded models need the cable coiled with no kinks. Maytronics says to "roll up the cable without any kinks".² Think of coiling a garden hose.

Saltwater pools

If your pool uses salt, don't skip the body rinse. Maytronics says the fresh-water rinse matters even more in a saltwater pool.¹

Cordless robots

A cordless model has a battery, so it needs more care around water and power. Maytronics says to make sure a cordless robot is off and connected to the charger when you clean its impeller.¹ For battery storage, follow the maker's instructions for your model.²

Put the filter back

Maytronics' winter advice is to clean the filter bags or cartridges thoroughly and then place them back in the unit.³ iGarden gives a different order: dry it with the basket out, or leave a fully dry basket inside.⁴ Follow your own manual for your model. The drying page covers drying.

Look it over while it's clean

A clean robot shows its wear. Check the brushes, tracks and cable for cracks or flat spots. If something is worn, add it to your spring jobs.

What not to use

Stick to fresh water, which is what the maker above recommends. If you want to use anything else, check your manual first.

Next, how long it should dry is on the drying page.