Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, June 27, 1995 TAG: 9506270027
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DAVID BUTLER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: Anyone who owns a swimming pool knows what a chore it can be to keep it clean. Some of the worst offenders include sand, dirt, hair, twigs, grass clippings, insects and leaves. If those weren't enough, algae, bacteria and other organic matter left unchecked will quickly build up on underwater surfaces.
Fortunately, the pool's filtration system does the lion's share of the work. A good pool design includes a central drain as well as surface skimmers. However, new pool owners quickly discover there's more to a clean pool than simply running the pump. Ongoing chores include vacuuming all surfaces, emptying skimmer baskets and cleaning the pump filter.
A robot cleaner is a sure way to relieve the drudgery. Robots come in three varieties (based on power source): suction-side, pressure-side, and self-contained electrical. Most are extremely easy to install and use, dramatically reducing the hassle factor of owning a pool. Even if you pay someone to clean your pool, a robot cleaner will cut the work load, presumably saving you money.
Pool robots can save money in other ways. Owners of heated pools often crank up the temperature to compensate for water's natural tendency to stratify. A robot, by design, keeps the water stirred up. By minimizing the top-to-bottom temperature variance, the heater can be turned down without sacrificing comfort. Furthermore, a well-mixed pool requires less chemical treatment.
"Suction-side" robots literally vacuum the pool as they traverse the bottom on wheels, treads or a flexible skirt. Some models can actually climb the walls - right up to the water line! Suction robots act as an extension of your pool's built-in filtration system, relying on one of the skimmer inlets for suction power. Debris is siphoned through a flexible hose into the skimmer basket and pump filter.
"Pressure-side" robots, referred to as sweepers, are powered by your pool's clean-water return. Rather than vacuuming debris, sweepers direct jets of water toward submerged surfaces through "whips." This action greatly increases the performance of your pool's built-in filtration system by dislodging scum and stirring up debris. Some sweepers create internal suction (using a venturi valve), drawing debris into a removable collection bag.
Unlike suction-side robots, sweepers do not impair the performance of surface skimmers. Since most bacteria live near the surface, skimmers perform a critical function in keeping your pool clean and healthy. However, some sweepers require a professionally installed booster pump.
Finally, self-contained electrical robots have an on-board pump and filter, much like a household vacuum cleaner. This means they can operate even when your pool's pump is off. A long electrical cord connects to a GFI outlet or special 24-volt transformer. (Don't worry, it's just as safe as an underwater pool light.) Some models even include computerized steering and wireless remotes!
When choosing a cleaner, keep in mind that many models are specific to particular types of pools (above ground, in-ground vinyl, gunite, etc.). Some models can even be used under a solar cover. If your pool has outdated plumbing, you should give serious consideration to an electrical robot.
To receive a list of companies that manufacture swimming pool robots, please send $1.50 (please don't send cash) and a self-addressed envelope to David Butler F-518, Department TWN, 14713 Pleasant Hill Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28278-7927. The list includes toll-free phone numbers and a summary of each company's products.
TechTip: Although indoor units on many central air conditioners are designed to operate at more than one speed, they lack the controls to change speeds automatically. If your home gets too humid during the summer, a qualified contractor may be able to slow down the fan by changing a wire inside the air handler. As long as your system is adequately sized, this will lower indoor humidity, while increasing comfort and saving energy.
by CNB