Robotic Pool Cleaners Explained
Why the WYBOT S1 (with App Control) is getting attention
A clean pool looks effortless. In reality, it’s the result of three things working together: good circulation, balanced water chemistry, and consistent physical cleaning (removing the stuff the filter and sanitiser can’t magically “wish away”).
Robotic pool cleaners have become the go-to solution for that third piece of the puzzle. They handle day-to-day debris, fine sediment and surface build-up on floors and walls, so your pool stays inviting between deeper maintenance visits.
In this post we’ll look at why cleanliness matters, what a robot cleaner actually does, and why the WYBOT S1 with app control is proving popular for owners who want a smarter, lower-effort routine.
Why keeping your pool clean matters
1) Water quality and swimmer comfort
Debris and fine particles don’t just look unpleasant, they feed the conditions that lead to cloudy water and unwanted growth on surfaces. Regular physical removal helps your filtration and sanitiser do their job more effectively.
And in commercial environments, poor maintenance is more than an aesthetic issue. Public health guidance is clear that poor pool maintenance can increase the risk of illness if disinfectant levels and water balance aren’t properly controlled.
2) Your pool surfaces and finishes
Over time, dirt and organic material can contribute to staining and scale on tiles, liners and pool finishes, particularly around the waterline where oils and residue collect. Regular cleaning helps keep finishes looking “newer for longer”.
3) Plant room efficiency and running costs
When a pool is consistently clean, the filtration system can operate under less strain (and you’re less likely to be firefighting problems like persistent cloudiness or blocked baskets). Clean water, good circulation and correct filtration are all part of the same system.
What a robotic pool cleaner actually does (and what it doesn’t)
A good robotic cleaner typically covers three jobs:
Vacuuming debris and fine sediment into an internal filter basket
Brushing/scrubbing floors, walls and the waterline
Systematic coverage using sensors and programmed path planning
What it doesn’t do: replace water testing, sanitiser control, filtration maintenance, backwashing, or professional inspection. Think of a robot as an excellent “daily/weekly cleaner” that supports the bigger maintenance picture.
Spotlight: WYBOT S1 with App Control
The WYBOT S1 is a cordless robotic pool cleaner designed to make regular cleaning simple, without cables trailing across the pool or needing a separate booster pump.
Here’s what stands out.
Cordless convenience (with quick turnaround)
Because it’s cordless, you can drop it in, let it run, then lift it out when finished. Many UK sellers list around 2.5 hours charging and roughly 3 hours cleaning time, depending on conditions and the mode selected.
That matters in the real world because it’s the difference between “I’ll do it later” and “I’ll just run it now”.
App control that’s actually useful
The WYBOT app is designed to connect to the robot so you can:
choose cleaning modes
manually control movement (useful for spot cleaning)
schedule or “appoint” cleaning sessions
This is one of the key reasons people move from basic robots to smarter models: you’re not just pressing a single button and hoping for the best.
Multiple cleaning modes for different needs
The S1 is commonly marketed with six cleaning modes and custom scheduling, which is ideal if you want a quick floor refresh midweek and a deeper full clean at the weekend.
Coverage: floors, walls, and that annoying waterline
The waterline is where pools often look “dirty” first, even when the water is chemically perfect. The S1 is listed by multiple retailers as cleaning floor and walls, and many also highlight waterline cleaning (and, in some descriptions, steps depending on pool design).
Intelligent navigation (less randomness, more coverage)
Entry-level robots can be a bit… optimistic. They bounce around and eventually cover most areas.
The S1 is typically described as using intelligent path planning supported by sensors (often referenced as infrared and gyroscope-based navigation), aiming for more systematic coverage and fewer missed patches.
Easy retrieval: automatic parking
A small feature that makes a big difference: the S1 is commonly described as using automatic parking at the end of a cycle, so you’re not fishing around blind at the deep end.
The bigger win: what consistent cleaning does for your pool
Even the best-designed pool can become high-maintenance if it’s allowed to drift. A robot cleaner helps you stay ahead of problems, because it makes “little and often” realistic.
That means:
clearer water day-to-day
fewer heavy clean-ups
less build-up on tiles and waterlines
better swimmer experience (especially important for hotels, health clubs and facilities where first impressions matter)
A simple weekly routine we recommend
If you’re aiming for “always looks ready”:
Run the robot 1–2 times per week (more in heavy-use periods or after bad weather)
Empty and rinse the robot filter basket after each cycle
Skim the surface as needed (robots focus below the surface)
Test and balance water chemistry routinely (pH and sanitiser levels)
Keep filtration in good order (including backwashing/cleaning as required)
Robots are brilliant, but they work best as part of a joined-up approach.
When to call in the professionals
If you’re seeing persistent issues like recurring cloudiness, algae returning quickly, rapid chemical demand, scale build-up, or circulation/filtration problems, it’s usually a sign the wider system needs attention.
At Unique Pool, we don’t just build luxury pools and spa facilities, we also maintain them with planned servicing and responsive support for both commercial and residential clients. uniquepool.co.uk
Ready for a lower-effort pool?
Robotic cleaners like the WYBOT S1 can make a noticeable difference to how your pool looks and feels day-to-day, especially if you want consistent cleanliness without constantly brushing and vacuuming by hand.