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The downside to this type of skimmer is that like the self-propelled units that can allow oils to remain on the surface, and like suction style skimmers, some brands will not work with your style of pool. These devices spin the water as it returns to the pool so that it creates a whirlpool that attracts debris that gets trapped in a net.
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POOL SKIMMER FULL
This skimmer works with the water returning to your pool from the filter, so the pump does not need to work harder no matter how full the skimmer gets. The return jet style of automatic pool skimmer looks very similar to the suction style, but it works a little bit differently. Another downside is that it puts a strain on the pump if the skimmer gets too clogged with debris. Most are, but there are cases where they will not be compatible. The downside to these filters is that, unlike self-propelled models, you have to check that the model you have in mind is compatible with your pool. Because the contaminants go directly to your filter, this type of skimmer works much better to remove oils from the water than the other kinds. These devices usually create a whirlpool that draws-in and captures debris off the surface and sends it directly to the filter. When working with a self-propelled pool vacuum, these devices are dragged around the pool and clean a much larger area faster than a stationary skimmer. This device can work alone, or along with a self-propelled pool vacuum. Suction type automatic pool skimmers connect to your pool’s output jet or skimmer. These devices also tend to have flimsy paddles that become stiff and brittle in chlorinated water in a short time. We found battery compartment corrosion to be the number one cause of failure in these skimmers. Battery-powered devices need to keep the water out of the compartment, or it quickly corrodes and damages the unit irreparably. The downside to self-propelled skimmers is that they usually can’t get rid of the oil film that can sometimes get in the water from suntan lotion and make up. You can use a self-propelled automatic pool skimmer in any type of pool, and they don’t put any strain on your pool filter system or pump. These devices don’t require any hoses and could move around freely in your pool. Self-propelled automatic pool skimmers are floating devices that use batteries or solar power to move across the surface, and collect debris in a net or canister. There are three types of vacuums, self-propelled, connected to the output jet, and connected to the return jet. Water can also get into the battery compartment and cause it to rust and corrode. The remote feels like a toy, and one of the propellers stopped working on our model in just a few days, causing it to spin in circles. Unfortunately, it’s also very cheaply made, and the plastic feels very flimsy.
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Running too low on charge can also cause the device to become stuck. We noticed a few other problems, too, like the battery charge doesn’t last that long, and it takes much longer to charge. We found that it will collect golf balls, but it often moves out of range, so you need to be careful or find a way to tether it so you can pull it back. We enjoyed using this machine and driving it around our pool, many people like to use it to collect floating golf balls, so we tried it out in a small pond by our house. It’s a battery-powered skimmer, and each charge will last up to five hours. All debris is captured in a net as the device moves over the surface of the water. You can operate it from up to 100 feet away, and it will work well in any type of pool or even a small pond.
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The Dunnrite Hydro-Net Automatic pool skimmer is the only brand on this list operated by remote control.
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