It’s important to keep your pool clean and welcoming, and for the modern pool owner, few tools are as useful as a robot pool cleaner. One question pool owners ask, though, is whether pool robots clean steps. While floors and walls are easy for many models to handle, the same can’t be said for steps.
In this guide … we’re going to explain how robotic pool cleaners perform when it comes to steps, what’s worthwhile to consider, and which models are particularly good at establishing full pool coverage (including steps, waterlines and tight corners).
Does A Swimming Pool Robot Cleaner Work On Steps?
The targets of most robot pool cleaners are just as flat, from the floor to the walls. Yet not all models are created equal in terms of steps or odd shapes.
Although most base models have difficulty with curved or narrow stairs, the best pool cleaners such as wall climbing pool cleaners tend to perform better. Their sophisticated sensors and adaptive navigation further enable better traction and step coverage there are still mixed performance.
If step cleaning is desirable, then a pool vacuum robot with high traction wheels or rubber tracks and a powerful motorized brush system is mandatory.
Best Robotic Pool Cleaners for Steps
You want to be the leader of the pack for a good all-surface coverage? Beatbot, in particular the newest models:
Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra
Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro
Beatbot AquaSense 2
These models aren’t just flat surface cleaners, they have smart path planning, step-friendly design, and powerful suction that make them easy to use for pool steps, corners, and everything in between.
This also makes them a great vacuum for pool owners dealing with debris or build-up.
Manual Tools vs. Alternatives
There may still be some stubborn spots you couldn’t reach with the best robotic pool cleaner for your pool. Here are a few chores where you still might need a little elbow grease or a helping of chemicals:
How to acid wash a pool – stains to robots won’t clean.
How To Drain an Inground Pool Without A Pump – Useful trick for full deep cleaning.
Also, if it’s algae you’re worried about, not all robots will help. Do pool robots pick up algae? Only the units with powerful brushes and better suction, like the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra, can manage light algae. More so, a pool vacuum do for algae with extra filtration and scrubbing power is the best for extreme or stubborn cases.
What About Other Hard-to-Reach Areas?
In addition to steps, your robot should also take care of:
Waterline cleaning
Skimmer zone debris
Corners and wall junctions
This is where you need a wall climbing pool cleaner or a smart-mapping robot pool. These robots are not just the ones the can navigate with the basic algorithm to cover the surface.
Are Pool Booster Pumps Needed for Robot Cleaners?
Most robotic pool cleaners do not need a pool booster pump. Unlike pressure cleaners, robots are self-contained and use little electricity. This in turn facilitates installation and makes it perfect for easily using the same.
Conclusion: Are Pool Robots Good at Cleaning Steps?
If you want one that can tackle every nook and cranny — steps included — then you’ll want to go for a higher-end model, such as the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra or a Maytronics pool cleaner. Most standard units tend to have a hard time with steps, however, these higher end options provide superior surface area and step-cleaning.
