We get this question a lot, and for safety the answer is clear: do not swim while the robot is running.
Why You Should Wait
Even though robotic cleaners run on stepped-down low voltage, they are still powered by an electrical cord running from a wall outlet into the water. Every major manufacturer instructs owners to keep people out of the pool during operation. There is no reason to take the risk when scheduling around it is so easy.
The Practical Downsides Too
Beyond safety, swimming with the robot running is simply inconvenient. The cord becomes a trip-and-tangle hazard, swimmers stir up debris the robot is trying to collect, and bumping the unit can knock it off course or flip it over.
Best Practice
Run the cycle when the pool is empty — early morning or overnight works well — then remove the robot before anyone gets in, as we recommend in should I remove my pool robot after each cycle. Models with a weekly timer, like the Dolphin Sigma, make it easy to schedule cleanings for off-hours. Prefer no cord in the water at all? See whether cordless pool robots are worth it.
