Why is the Aquabot Pool Rover Hybrid robotic pool cleaner called a hybrid? Does it refer to its ability to clean both above ground and inground swimming pools? I answer a few questions about this robotic pool cleaner.
Aquabot Pool Rover Hybrid: Overview
The biggest benefit of the Aquabot Pool Rover Hybrid is that it does not need the pool pump or filter. It has its own power supply, internal pump motor and reusable filter bag. Moreover, it requires neither hoses nor booster pumps. It requires no assembly: it is basically plug and play.
The Aquabot Pool Rover Hybrid is probably not better than a Dolphin above ground pool robot (such as the Dolphin Escape). However, the Aquabot is the more affordable choice with a few small problems.
For example, the floating power cable does not have an anti-tangle swivel device. As a result, the power cable can get hopelessly tangled up during operation. The way to reduce this problem is explained in the product manual. Briefly, the rear axle of the pool robot is fixed, but the front axle is moveable. The front axle can be turned either left or right and set into that position with a locking pin. It is very important to alternate the angle of the axle with the locking pin before every cleaning cycle. This can reduce cord tangling issues.
The Aquabot Pool Rover Hybrid still uses a filter bag instead of a cartridge or basket, which might require more cleaning with the garden hose, in a bucket of water or in a washing machine (do not use detergent or bleach). The filter bag provides really fine filtration, therefore the bag might actually be dirtier than it looks. Wash it thoroughly after every use.
It might sound as if the Aquabot Pool Rover Hybrid has a lot of problems. For the most part, it is quite simple to use. Plug in the power supply, put the robot into the swimming pool and turn on the switch. It collects dirt and debris quite quickly. The biggest concern is that the floating power cable gets twisted and tangled.
Aquabot Pool Rover Hybrid: Q&A
The product descriptions and manufacturer’s features are not always consistent about this issue. For the most part, the Aquabot Pool Rover Hybrid is recommended for above ground swimming pools. In spite of this, it is sometimes recommended for both above ground and inground pool types. Even so, it definitely performs much better in an above ground pool.
Its input electrical requirements are 110-120 volt at 60 Hz. Its power consumption is only 180 watts. The power supply should only be plugged into an outdoor outlet with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) or residual current device (RCD) to prevent electric shocks. If a properly protected outlet is too far away, then you may use a properly grounded outdoor rated extension cord.
The Aquabot Pool Rover Hybrid has a 40-foot floating power cable. The power supply has to be at least 12 feet away from the pool because it is not waterproof. Therefore, the robot has roughly 28 feet of cable length to cover the pool. For this reason, it might not perform well in above ground pools that are more than 28 feet in diameter. Of course, the product information says that the maximum pool length is up to 40 feet. I am not sure if that is true or not.
The Aquabot Pool Rover Hybrid shuts off automatically after two hours. You should leave the robotic pool cleaner in the water for a few minutes so that its internal motor can cool down. Remember to turn off the power supply before removing the pool cleaner from the swimming pool.
Turn off the power supply and unplug the floating power cable from its receptacle. Pull the robotic pool cleaner to the water surface with the floating power cable. Grab it by the handle to pull it out of the water. Never pull it out of the water with the power cable or the axles!
Aquabot Pool Rover Hybrid vs. Junior
These two Aquabot Pool Rovers have the same basic features in terms of cable length, filtration rate and overall weight. However, the Pool Rover Junior is recommended for a flat-bottomed above ground pool, while the Hybrid might also clean inground pool types. Neither of these models have an anti-tangle swivel device for untangling the cable.
It seems like the Junior is a few dollars cheaper than the Hybrid model. Aquabot’s Pool Rovers are some of the cheapest above ground robotic pool cleaners on the market.
Verdict
As discussed, the Aquabot Pool Rover Hybrid might work in an inground pool, but unfortunately not very well. It is probably better for above ground swimming pools. In essence, it is a lightweight robotic pool cleaner that is cheap and easy to use (shop now on Amazon).
You might also be interested in other Aquabot pool cleaners, such as the Spirit, and the Junior ABJR pool cleaning robots.