One of the best-kept secrets about robotic cleaners is how little they cost to operate.
The Numbers
Most robotic pool cleaners draw around 150 to 200 watts — comparable to a couple of bright light bulbs. Run one for a 2 to 3 hour cycle and you are using roughly 0.4 to 0.6 kWh. At average U.S. electricity rates, that works out to just a few cents per cleaning cycle, or only a few dollars a month even with frequent use.
Why They Beat the Alternative
A robot cleans independently of your main pool pump. Vacuuming with a suction- or pressure-side cleaner means running your large, energy-hungry pump for hours. A self-contained robot on low voltage sidesteps that entirely — often saving far more electricity than it uses. It is a big reason robots are considered energy efficient; see how do pool robots work.
Keeping Costs Low
Run the robot only as often as your pool needs — see how often to run your pool robot — and keep the filter clean so the motor is not straining. Modern models like the Dolphin Sigma are engineered for efficiency. For the frugal-minded, this efficiency is part of why a robot pays off over pool service.
