If you are tired of trying to keep pool cleaner hoses from coiling like a snake, then it might be time to simplify your automatic pool cleaning system. This is where the Aquabot Junior robotic pool cleaners come into the picture.
Introduction
The Aquabot Junior ABJR and Junior NXT robotic pool cleaners do not have any vacuum hoses to worry about. Their cleaning power is not dependent on the pool pump or filter basket. They have their own internal pump motor, drive motor and filter bag system.
These robotic pool cleaners have floating power cables that plug into their own power supply units. The power supply is then connected to an electrical outlet that has an GFCI or RCD installed for extra protection.
I decided to stick to answering questions about the Aquabot Junior ABJR because the ABJR and NXT models have similar specifications. Most of the answers might also apply to the Junior NXT as well.
Can the Aquabot Junior be used for above ground pools?
No, the Aquabot Junior ABJR is made for cleaning inground swimming pools only. It will not work in above ground pools.
If you want an Aquabot pool cleaner for your above ground pool, then go read my review of the Pool Rover S2-40.
Which pool shapes can it clean?
According to the manufacturer, it can do the following pool shapes: kidney, L-shape, lap, oval, rectangle and round.
Which pool surfaces does it clean?
The Aquabot Junior is good at cleaning the floor of the swimming pool, but it does not perform well when it comes to cleaning the pool walls, stairs or coves. It does not clean the waterline of the swimming pool.
It cleans the following pool surface types without a problem: concrete, gunite, fiberglass and vinyl. However, it is not recommended for use on tiled pool surfaces.
Does the Aquabot Junior scrub the pool surfaces?
Yes, it has two scrubbing brushes on the front and rear for scrubbing pool surfaces. The brushes clean most types of pool surfaces, including vinyl liners.
The Aquabot Junior NXT has a PVA brush with a spongy texture which is good at scrubbing the floor.
How well does it climb pool walls?
The Aquabot Junior is not a good wall climber. It might climb a short distance up the pool wall, but it won’t climb any further. It does not clean the waterline of a swimming pool.
Does it have filter bags or cartridges?
The ABJR comes with a filter bag that can catch particles that are many times smaller than what the naked eye can see. It can filter out the fine particles of algae and bacteria that the pool pump filter cannot trap. The brushes scrub loose the particles, which are then caught by the fine filter bag.
Cleaning the filter bag after every use is probably the most important maintenance task. Neglecting this necessary chore will lead to a dirty filter bag, restricted water flow through the bag, reduced suction power and poor cleaning performance.
What are its electrical requirements?
It runs on 115VAC / 60Hz power from a GFCI / RCD electric outlet. Its power supply should be placed at least 12 feet from the edge of the pool. The Aquabot Junior ABJR is connected to the power supply with a 50-foot-long floating power cable that does not have an anti-tangle swivel device.
The Aquabot NXT has a 50-foot cable with an anti-tangle swivel. The swivel device reduces the chance of the cable coiling up and causing problems.
Does the Aquabot Junior have a programmable timer?
No, it does not have a power supply with a timer that is capable of being programmed. It only has a 4-hour cleaning cycle or continuous run mode. The NXT model seems to have a 2-hour cleaning cycle.
What is the warranty on the Aquabot Junior?
The manufacturer, Aqua Products, says it has a one-year warranty. If you have a problem that you cannot fix with the help of its troubleshooting guide, then you should contact Aqua Products. Do not return the robotic pool cleaner to the retailer. You will have to send it to the manufacturer to get it repaired.
Aquabot Junior Troubleshooting
If your Aquabot Junior refuses to do its job, then it is time to take it out of the pool and turn it upside down where it won’t get scratched. You can remove the bottom lid, filter system, and the drive track. This should give you a good view of the drive system, so that you can remove any debris that might be caught in the drive belt or tracks.
A loose, or broken, drive belt is one of the most common problems that you might encounter. Check if the drive belt is still in a good condition. A loose belt might also be the result of worn out parts such as wheels, rollers and drive gear bushings.
Another part to inspect is the floating power cord. It is possible that either a wire or a plug end is broken. If the problem is inside the power supply box, then it is going to be difficult to repair on your own. There could be an issue with either the power switch or the timer system. In that case, it might be time to either replace the power supply or get a new Aquabot robotic pool cleaner, such as the Breeze XLS.
Aquabot Junior Replacement Parts
You might be able to get parts for the Aquabot Junior robotic pool cleaner at a place such as Aquabots.com, which is an official Aquaproducts dealer site. You can look online for the parts that you need. However, some parts might be out of stock.
Aquabot Junior ABJR vs. NXT
The Aquabot Junior NXT is the newest version. These two pool cleaners might look different, but they are actually much the same. However, there are a few small differences when it comes to features. The differences might come to light when we compare the two robotic pool cleaners.
| FEATURE | JUNIOR ABJR | JUNIOR NXT |
| Pool Type | Inground | Inground |
| Dimensions | 22″ x 20″x 19″ | 20″ x 18″ x 21″ |
| Cable Length | 50 feet | 50 feet |
| No Tangle Swivel | No | Yes |
| Scrubbing | Standard Brushes | PVA Brush |
| Cleaning Cycle | 4-hour/Continuous | 2-hour cycle |
| Filter Type | 2-micron bag | 2-micron basket |
| Filter Loading | Bottom access | Bottom access |
Conclusion
In brief, the Aquabot Junior robotic pool cleaner is made for cleaning residential inground swimming pools of all sizes, shapes, and surfaces, including vinyl liner pools. It has dual scrubbing brushes for scrubbing the pool floor and lower walls, but it cannot clean the waterline. The pool robot has its own ultra fine filtration bags for capturing debris and dirt such as algae, leaves, pollen, sand and silt. You may choose either a 4-hour cleaning cycle or set the robot to run continuously.
Should you buy the Aquabot Junior ABJR robotic pool cleaner? Should you buy the Junior NXT?
I conclude that the Aquabot Junior NXT might be slightly better than the older model, although the classic Aquabot Junior ABJR is a few dollars cheaper (view offers on Amazon).