Robot Pool Cleaner Guide: What Material Are Pool Steps?
To keep your pool dirt-free, you must fully understand every aspect of it — including the pool steps. Knowing what material your steps are made from can improve your pool safety and cleanliness if you use a robot pool cleaner to maintain your swimming pool.
Materials Commonly Used for Swimming Pool Steps
Pool steps can be constructed from a range of different materials, each with their advantages and disadvantages:
Fiberglass Steps
Fiberglass is a popular material for an impermeable, smooth surface. It is resistant to algae growth and easily cleaned using a robotic pool vacuum cleaner. But it can tarnish over time, so it’s worth remembering that it does fade under UV.
Vinyl Over Steel or Polymer
Vinyl liners are typically stretched over steel or polymer frames. They feel soft but also need regular grooming. However, be careful with any pool vacuum cleaner on vinyl steps, as too hard scrubbing may hurt the liner.
Concrete Steps
Concrete steps are hard-wearing and lasting, can be built to order, and are often tiled. Algae can grow on these surfaces, particularly on textured surfaces. They can easily be cleaned using an algae pool vacuum or a wall-climbing swimming pool robot cleaner.
Acrylic or Plastic Steps
Typically used for above-ground or smaller pools, these steps are lightweight and cost-effective. These are best used with a pool vacuum robot or skimmer to remove debris quickly.
How a Robotic Pool Cleaner Works With Steps in Your Pool
Quality robot pool cleaners adapt to varied surfaces and navigate up steps in your pool like a pro. With precision, advanced models like the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra, Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro, and Beatbot AquaSense 2 can climb steps, walls and tight corners.
Homeowners frequently ask, “Does a pool robot pick up algae?” Yes, most modern pool cleaning robots can clean algae off step surfaces, particularly those with wall climbing and fine-filter capabilities.
Additional Tools for Maintaining Pool Steps
Once your robot pool cleaner does the bulk of the work, the following tools can help:
Skimmer: Removing leaves or bugs before they get to the steps is ideal.
Manual Pool Cleaner: Great for crevices or deep dirt.
Booster Pump: Find out what a pool booster pump is to ensure your pressure-side cleaner works its best.
Maytronics (another well-known name in the robotic industry with good step-climbing ability)+
Diving into Algae, Acid Wash, Drain & Pro Tips!
If your steps have stubborn algae, try the following:
Fine mesh filters with a pool vacuum are good for algae.
How to Acid Wash Pool — Wondering? Acid washing should only be done on concrete pools; a pro usually does it.
Are you wondering how to drain your inground pool without a pump? Consider using the siphon hose method, or consult with your neighborhood pool service for help.
Also Read: How Many Horsepower Pump for Inground Pool?
Conclusion
The material covering your pool steps will significantly affect how you clean and maintain it. Whether you have fiberglass, vinyl, or concrete steps, a wise robot pool cleaner can navigate and scrub them. Brands like Beatbot are innovating with models such as the AquaSense 2 Ultra and AquaSense 2 for a more innovative approach to pool cleanliness. Used with other tools, such as a pool vacuum, skimmer, or booster pump, your steps remain as appealing and safe as the rest of your pool.
