Why store a pool robot for winter

Take it out. That's what the makers' own guides say once swimming is over, and their reasons are practical ones.¹²

You can read this page as the short version. The pages after it cover each step in turn.

What happens if it stays out

Maytronics, a maker of robotic cleaners, says that neglecting winter storage "can lead to issues such as mold and mildew growth, damage to electronic components, and reduced efficiency".¹

That's one maker talking about its own robots. Still, the pieces are easy to picture. A robot is a pump, a motor and some electronics sealed inside a plastic body. Damp and dirt don't help any of them.

Chemicals and sun

Pool water is the first culprit. The same maker says that "certain chemicals, such as chlorine, can wear out the plastic parts".³

Sun is the second. Intense exposure "can damage some of your robot" and its seals, and it can fade the color too.³

A robot parked at the waterline gets both, all day, for months. Taking it out ends that.

Muck in the filter

The maker's advice is to rinse the filter as soon as the robot is out of the water, before debris dries on.³ Do that at the end of the season and the filter is clean when you put the robot away.

Pests

Rodents and insects like a quiet, sheltered gadget. Maytronics says a caddy made for your robot is "a good way to prevent pests like rodents and insects from making a home in your cleaner".¹ A caddy is the wheeled stand or bin that holds the robot and its cable.

A chance to look it over

Winter is also a good time for the work you'd rather not do in a rush. Maytronics lists a tune-up that includes "replacing tracks and climbing rings" and "testing the power supply, motor, and cable".⁴

If a part is worn, you'd rather find out in January than on the first warm weekend.

What storing it properly involves

Not much. Here's the order:

• Pick the day to stop. See when to stop using your robot.
• Clean it. See cleaning and rinsing before storage.
• Dry it. Maytronics says it should be dry to avoid damage to the motor and the internal parts.⁴ Details are in the drying page.
• Choose the spot. The storage-spot page weighs up garages, sheds and basements.

Can it stay in the pool?

Some owners keep their pools open all winter. Aiper, another maker, says makers advise against leaving a robot in the water for good.² The page on leaving a pool robot in the pool over winter goes through it.

Your own manual has the last word. If it gives storage steps for your model, follow those over anything written here.