Readour articles

Swimming pool cleaning - Skimmers vs. Robots

When you own a swimming pool, we think it’s very similar to owning a boat. You enjoy it immensely, you need to keep it clean all the time, water damage is always a factor, and it’s the envy of all of your friends. But all of this is worth it when you’re able to take a cold dip during a hot summer day, host a pool party, or just relax by the water with a good book. For those, who don’t own retractable pool enclosure that protects the pool and water from debris, leaves and other dirt, there is affordable cleaning alternative – Skimdevil Pure – skimming robot!

Despite the obvious benefits of a swimming pool, keeping your pool clean and ready to swim can also be a chore. A well maintained pool is often a full time job and if you’re a first time pool owner, it can sometimes be confusing to figure out what to do.

If you don’t have a pool enclosure, the first step to cleaning your pool – skimming. Unfortunately for those in the surface pool skimming business, there are two names for pool skimming tools. In many in-ground pools there is a built-in skimmer that works in tandem with the filter to suck in water from your pool and push it through to the filter. Additionally, there are also surface skimmers – either manually operated or robotic pool skimmers, like the Skimdevil Pure, that are used primarily to grab debris from the top of your pool before it sinks to the bottom. Both should be used to keep your pool in optimal shape if you don’t own the retractable pool cover.

As Skimdevil’s robotic pool skimming business focus on the surface of your pool, we thought it would be helpful to break down the primary differences between both skimmers. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive list of how to maintain your pool, we got your covered too. Check out Skimdevil’s blog post that’s full of helpful tips and tricks.

Ok, so pool skimmers—what’s the deal?

As mentioned, there are two types of skimmers for your pool. One is usually built into in-ground pools and works as a filtration system as well as cleaner for your pool. The other is usually a manual hand skimmer, or, a robotic pool skimmer, that takes care of the debris floating all over the top of your pool.

The type of pool skimmer referenced most often is usually a rectangular opening integrated into your pool. It constantly is pulling water in and pushing it towards the filter. This is the place where you find frogs or other little animals that have somehow found their way into the water. It runs continuously and does a fair job of pulling in dirty pool water and cleaning out the larger pieces of debris before it heads to your pool filter. Unlike the Skimdevil, this type of pool skimmer also helps with water circulation. Above ground pools often have a round, circular skimmer that floats around your pool, doing the same type of filtration and circulation. Additionally, these types of skimmers also work in tandem with a pool vacuum that works to clean the gunk off the bottom and sides of your pool. While this type of pool skimmer does an admirable job of cleaning your pool water, you still need to either hand skim or use a robotic skimmer to get the majority of debris it leaves behind.

When we think “pool skimmer” we think of a tool that only cleans the debris, bugs, and other detritus off the top of your pool. A skimmer like this is vital, as it is the first guard against a dirty pool. Whatever this skimmer misses, that dirt sinks to the bottom, clogs up your filter, or turns into a job for your pool vacuum. While a hand skimmer does work, a solar powered robotic pool skimmer, like Skimdevil, is able to work around the clock instead of only when you have time, constantly recharging and cleaning, as is needed for your pool. It helps your other pool tools, and your pool company, work more efficiently, as it is able to quickly and easily clean up the majority of the mess

If you don’t have the retractable pool enclosure, prevention on the front end—with skimmers, vacuums, filters, chemicals, etc.—means less money spent overall on your pool. It also means that your pool should last longer and have fewer repairs. Sounds like a win-win. So do you need both a filtration and a skimmer? Or you got the advantage of having your pool enclosed with a retractable pool enclosure?

Either or, we highly recommend the amazing Skimdevil Pure that will help you clean the surface of your pool when having the pool open.

More articles

Why Should Canada Embrace the European Trend of Pool Enclosures

Why Should Canada Embrace the European Trend of Pool Enclosures

April 11, 2023

If you’ve ever travelled to Europe, you may have noticed the prevalence of retractable pool enclosures. Europeans realize that it is a game changer as it allows to protect your swimming pool from the elements and prolong your swim season.

Learn more
Start Pool Season Early with a Retractable Pool Enclosure

Start Pool Season Early with a Retractable Pool Enclosure

March 14, 2023

Winter is a long season, and if you're a swimming enthusiast, you're probably anxiously waiting for the day when you can jump back into the water. The good news is that you can start your swim season early with the help of a retractable pool enclosure. Here’s how.

Learn more
Why should pool owners invest in a retractable pool enclosure?

Why should pool owners invest in a retractable pool enclosure?

January 23, 2023

There are several reasons why swimming pool owners might want to consider investing in a retractable pool enclosure..

Learn more
How to protect pets and wildlife from your swimming pool?

How to protect pets and wildlife from your swimming pool?

December 15, 2022

The Pool Safety Network estimates that 5000 family pets drown in backyard pools each year. How to protect pets as well as wildlife from the dangers of a swimming pool?

Learn more
Swimming pool safety - best practices and recommandations

Swimming pool safety - best practices and recommandations

June 2, 2022

What are the best practices for enhancing swimming pool safety? From basic enclosures to layers of protection..

Learn more
Canadian pool enclosure suppliers - who can you trust?

Canadian pool enclosure suppliers - who can you trust?

April 24, 2022

Not all pool enclosure companies offer the same quality of products and services. Unfortunately, a number of clients have reached out to us to replace pool enclosures and retractable covers that did not meet compliance nor their expectations. Ensure you choose the right supplier the first time!

Learn more
What materials are used for Albixon pool enclosures?

What materials are used for Albixon pool enclosures?

April 2, 2022

Albixon retractable pool enclosures are constructed using a variety of high-quality materials to ensure durability, safety, and functionality.

 

Learn more
Swimming pool cleaning - Skimmers vs. Robots

Swimming pool cleaning - Skimmers vs. Robots

June 16, 2020

If you have a pool without retractable pool enclosure, cleaning becomes every day routine. Several options that will help you with skimming and cleaning your swimming pool...

Learn more
Retractable pool enclosures, unique sun-rooms and more

Retractable pool enclosures, unique sun-rooms and more

August 30, 2018

Discover the full range of retractable safety pool enclosures that brings you longer pool season and enhanced pool safety, as well as lot of saved time from cleaning the pool...

Learn more
NSF certification for retractable safety pool enclosures

NSF certification for retractable safety pool enclosures

August 2, 2018

ALBIXON is the only manufacturer of retractable pool enclosures in the world to receive a NSF safety certification for their telescopic pool covers.

Learn more
ALBIXON Canada Retractable Enclosures at Canadian Pool & Spa show 2016

ALBIXON Canada Retractable Enclosures at Canadian Pool & Spa show 2016

December 6, 2016

ALBIXON Canada Retractable Enclosures will participate at 2016 Canadian Pool & Spa Conference & Expo in Niagara Falls....

Learn more
Albixon pool enclosures at 2016 Landscape Show in Toronto

Albixon pool enclosures at 2016 Landscape Show in Toronto

January 4, 2016

ALBIXON CANADA will be presenting its products and new wholesale program at upcoming Landscape Ontario’s Congress from 12th to 14th of January, 2016. This event is one of the top 10 Canada’s expo events and the largest green industry trade show and conference in Canada...

Learn more
Thank you for stopping by! Happy Holidays from Albixon Canada

Thank you for stopping by! Happy Holidays from Albixon Canada

December 21, 2015

On December 2nd and 3rd Albixon Canada presented at the Canadian Pool and Spa Expo in Niagara Falls. Thank you so much to everyone who came to the exhibition and stopped by our booth to meet our team and learn more about Albixon’s products and services.

Learn more
Albixon Canada pool enclosures at Canadian Pool & Spa Expo 2015

Albixon Canada pool enclosures at Canadian Pool & Spa Expo 2015

November 16, 2015

Albixon Canada at the annual Canadian Pool & Spa Conference & Expo in Niagara Falls on December 2nd and 3rd.....

Learn more
ALBIXON Canada Retractable Enclosures

ALBIXON Canada Retractable Enclosures

September 1, 2015

ALBIXON is broadening portfolio of its products and services provided in Canada. New dealers of Albixon retractable pool enclosures are now available across Canada. Meanwhile, wider selection of certified safety pool enclosures and retractable pool covers is now available on the market.

Learn more
Klasik Strong pool enclosure – certified in compliance wtih the Building Code

Klasik Strong pool enclosure – certified in compliance wtih the Building Code

August 12, 2014

Albixon retractable pool enclosure Klasik Strong was newly certified for the hardest weather conditions by the MTE...

Learn more