Can a Robotic Pool Cleaner Help Remove Algae?

Yes, robotic pool cleaners can remove algae from pool surfaces by brushing and collecting loose algae. However, they cannot kill algae or replace pool chemicals.

For the best results, treat the algae first, brush stubborn growth from the pool surfaces, and then use a robotic cleaner to collect the loosened algae and debris. Regular cleaning, proper filtration and balanced water chemistry also help keep algae under control.

Here is how robotic pool cleaners help with algae removal and what to look for when choosing one.

Why Does Algae Grow in Swimming Pools?

Algae is one of the main reasons swimming pool water turns green or becomes cloudy. It can grow quickly in warm, sunny conditions, which makes regular pool maintenance particularly important during the Australian summer.

Several things can contribute to algae growth:

• Low chlorine levels: When there is not enough chlorine or other suitable sanitiser in the water, algae can grow more easily.

• Poor water circulation: Areas with limited water movement, such as corners, steps and behind ladders, can become places where algae builds up.

• Warm weather: High temperatures and plenty of sunlight create favourable conditions for algae growth.

• Leaves and organic debris: Leaves, dirt and other organic material can add nutrients to the water and make pool maintenance harder.

• Inconsistent cleaning: When pool floors and walls are not cleaned regularly, algae can attach to surfaces and gradually spread.

Once algae starts growing, it can make pool walls and floors slippery, affect water clarity and increase the amount of work needed to restore the pool.

Keeping chlorine levels balanced, maintaining water circulation and regularly cleaning pool surfaces are all important parts of algae prevention.

Can Robotic Pool Cleaners Remove Algae?

Yes. A robotic pool cleaner can help remove algae that has attached to the pool floor, walls and waterline.

It works through three main cleaning functions.

1. Brushing Removes Algae From Pool Surfaces

Algae often forms a thin layer on pool floors and walls. A robotic pool cleaner uses rotating brushes or roller brushes to scrub these surfaces and loosen attached algae.

This helps remove surface buildup that may otherwise require regular manual brushing.

Wall and waterline cleaning are particularly useful because algae can accumulate in areas that are easy to overlook during everyday pool maintenance.

2. Suction Collects Loose Algae and Debris

Once the brushes loosen algae, the cleaner's suction system draws the material into its filter basket.

Strong suction helps collect loosened algae along with leaves, dirt, sand and other debris.

This is particularly useful after algae treatment, when dead or loosened material needs to be removed from the pool.

3. Filtration Captures Algae Particles

The filter basket collects the debris drawn into the robot.

Different filtration systems capture different particle sizes. Standard filters handle everyday debris, while finer filtration can collect smaller particles, including fine algae debris.

For example, some Beatbot Sora models support an optional 3 µm Ultra-Fine Dual Filter Basket for finer debris collection.

However, filtration does not kill algae or prevent new algae from growing. Water treatment and regular pool maintenance are still necessary.

Can a Robotic Pool Cleaner Remove All Types of Algae?

Not all algae behave in the same way. Some are easier to remove with regular brushing and suction, while others need additional treatment.

Green algae

Green algae is one of the most common types found in swimming pools. It can make the water look green and form a slippery layer on pool walls and floors.

A robotic pool cleaner can help remove loose green algae from pool surfaces. However, if the water has already turned green, chemical treatment is needed to control the algae before relying on the robot to clean up the remaining debris.

Black spot algae

Black spot algae is more difficult to remove because it can grow into small pits and textured areas on pool surfaces.

A robotic pool cleaner can help collect loose material, but it may not remove deeply attached black spot algae completely.

In this situation, specific algae treatment and suitable manual brushing may be necessary. Always use a brush appropriate for your pool surface.

How to Use a Robotic Pool Cleaner to Help Remove Algae

A robotic pool cleaner works best as part of a wider algae removal process. If your pool is already showing signs of algae, follow these steps.

Step 1. Test and Treat the Pool Water

Start by testing the pool water, particularly the free chlorine, pH and total alkalinity levels.

If algae is already growing, use a suitable pool algae treatment or chlorine treatment according to the product instructions.

The treatment helps deactivate the algae, making it easier to remove the remaining material from the pool.

A robotic cleaner should not be used as a replacement for this chemical treatment.

Step 2. Brush the Pool Walls and Floor

Use a suitable pool brush to loosen algae attached to the pool surfaces.

Pay attention to:

• Pool corners and edges.

• Areas around steps and ladders.

• The waterline.

• Shaded areas with limited circulation.

Brushing helps loosen algae so it can be removed more easily.

Step 3. Remove Dead Algae From the Pool

After treatment, dead algae may settle on the pool floor.

Depending on the amount of algae and the treatment used, you may need to vacuum the settled material out of the pool. For heavy algae buildup, a manual vacuum to waste may be more suitable than relying on the pool filter or robotic cleaner alone.

Once the heavy buildup has been removed, a robotic pool cleaner can help collect remaining loose algae and debris from the pool surfaces.

Step 4. Run Your Robotic Pool Cleaner

After treating the water and removing heavy algae buildup, run your robotic pool cleaner to clean the remaining debris.

Choose a cleaning mode that covers the areas where algae has collected.

A cleaner that handles the floor, walls and waterline provides more complete coverage than a floor only model.

Step 5. Empty and Clean the Filter Basket

Algae and other fine debris can quickly collect inside the filter basket.

After each cleaning cycle, remove the basket, empty the collected material and rinse it thoroughly.

If you are using an ultra-fine filter, check it regularly because fine particles can cause it to clog more quickly.

Step 6. Keep Your Pool Water Balanced

Once the algae has been removed, continue checking the water chemistry.

Maintain suitable chlorine levels, balanced pH and good water circulation. Remove leaves and other organic debris regularly to reduce the conditions that encourage algae growth.

Consistent pool maintenance is much easier than dealing with a full algae outbreak.

What to Look for in a Robotic Pool Cleaner for Algae Removal

If algae is a regular problem in your pool, consider these features when choosing a robotic pool cleaner.

Effective Brushing System

Look for a cleaner with rotating brushes or roller brushes that can scrub the pool floor and walls.

Good brushing helps loosen algae attached to pool surfaces, making it easier for the suction system to collect it.

Strong Suction Power

Suction power affects how effectively a robotic cleaner collects loosened algae, leaves, sand and other debris.

A powerful suction system helps move debris into the filter basket during cleaning.

Fine Filtration

A standard filter is suitable for everyday debris, but smaller particles may require finer filtration.

Some robotic pool cleaners support optional ultra-fine filters that can capture particles down to 3 µm. These are particularly useful when dealing with fine debris and algae left after treatment.

Full Pool Cleaning Coverage

Algae does not only grow on the pool floor. It can also attach to walls, steps and the waterline.

A cleaner that supports floor, wall and waterline cleaning helps cover more areas during each cycle.

Smart Navigation

Good navigation helps the robot follow an organised cleaning path and reach different areas of the pool.

Obstacle detection and route planning are useful for pools with steps, shallow platforms and more complex layouts.

Best Beatbot Robotic Pool Cleaners for Algae Removal

Beatbot offers several robotic pool cleaners with brushing, suction and filtration systems to help remove algae and everyday pool debris.

Here are three models worth considering for different pool cleaning needs.

Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro – Algae Cleaning and Water Clarification

The Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro is a suitable choice for pool owners who want comprehensive cleaning and additional water clarification.

Its 5-in-1 cleaning system covers the pool floor, walls, waterline and surface, along with water clarification.

Its main features include:

• Dual layer filtration: A 150 µm and 250 µm filter system captures everyday pool debris.

• 5-in-1 cleaning: Covers the floor, walls, waterline, water surface and water clarification.

• 22 sensors: Support navigation and obstacle detection.

• ClearWater technology: Helps clarify pool water by binding fine particles for easier filtration.

AquaSense 2 Pro can remove loose algae and debris. However, some algae can be slippery and strongly attached to pool surfaces, making them harder to remove directly.

For these situations, Beatbot recommends applying a suitable algae removal treatment first. Once the algae has been deactivated, the cleaner can help remove the remaining material together with the pool circulation system.

Beatbot Sora 70 – Strong Suction and Fine Filtration

The Beatbot Sora 70 is a good option if you want comprehensive cleaning from the pool floor to the water surface.

Its JetPulse system uses two converging water jets to draw floating leaves and debris towards the suction inlet.

For algae removal, its main features include:

• 6,800 GPH suction power: Helps collect loosened algae and other pool debris.

• Dual group roller brushes: Scrub the pool floor and walls.

• 6L filter basket: Provides plenty of capacity for everyday debris.

• Floor, wall and waterline cleaning: Covers the main areas where algae can accumulate.

• Shallow platform cleaning: Reaches suitable shallow areas down to 20 cm (8 inches).

For finer debris, the Sora 70 also supports an optional Ultra-Fine Dual Filter Basket.

Its inner non woven fabric filter provides filtration down to 3 µm and is suitable for fine dust, algae and other ultra-fine debris.

For heavily contaminated pools, start with the standard filter basket to collect larger debris before switching to the ultra-fine filter.

Beatbot Sora 30 – Everyday Algae and Debris Cleaning

The Beatbot Sora 30 is another practical option for regular pool cleaning.

It combines strong suction with roller brushes to clean the floor, walls, waterline and shallow platforms.

Its main features include:

• 6,800 GPH suction power: Collects loosened algae, dirt and other debris.

• Dual group roller brushes: Help scrub pool surfaces.

• 5.2L filter basket: Holds everyday leaves, sand and dirt.

• Ultrasonic obstacle detection: Helps the robot navigate pool steps, ledges and different layouts.

• Shallow platform cleaning: Reaches suitable areas as shallow as 20 cm (8 inches).

The Sora 30 also supports an optional Ultra-Fine Dual Filter Basket.

Its 3 µm inner filter is designed to capture fine dust, algae and other ultra-fine debris that may pass through standard filtration.

This makes it a useful additional filtration option when cleaning up fine material after algae treatment.

Final Thoughts

Robotic pool cleaners can make algae removal easier by brushing pool surfaces, collecting loose algae and filtering debris.

However, they work best alongside proper water treatment, regular brushing and good pool circulation.

For pools with recurring algae problems, choose a cleaner with effective brushing, strong suction, suitable filtration and coverage across the floor, walls and waterline.

Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro, Sora 70 and Sora 30 offer different cleaning and filtration options to help keep your pool cleaner throughout the swimming season.

FAQs

Can a robotic pool cleaner remove green algae from a swimming pool?

Yes. A robotic pool cleaner can brush and collect loose green algae from pool floors and walls. However, chemical treatment is needed to kill the algae and restore water quality if the pool has already turned green.

Does a robotic pool cleaner kill algae?

No. A robotic pool cleaner removes algae from pool surfaces and collects loose material through its filtration system. It does not kill algae in the water. Chlorine or a suitable algae treatment is needed to control algae growth.

Can a robotic pool cleaner remove black spot algae?

Black spot algae can be difficult to remove because it grows into small pits and textured areas on pool surfaces. A robotic cleaner can collect loose debris, but stubborn black spot algae usually needs additional treatment and suitable brushing.

What filter is best for collecting algae from a swimming pool?

A standard filter is suitable for everyday pool debris. For finer algae particles, an optional 3 µm ultra-fine filter can provide additional filtration. Beatbot Sora 70 and Sora 30 both support compatible ultra-fine filter baskets.

Should I use a robotic pool cleaner before or after algae treatment?

It is generally better to treat the algae first, then use the robotic cleaner to collect loosened material. If large amounts of dead algae settle on the pool floor, vacuuming may be needed before running the robot.

Can a robotic pool cleaner prevent algae from growing?

Regular robotic cleaning helps remove dirt and algae buildup from pool surfaces, reducing the amount of material left behind. However, algae prevention also depends on maintaining suitable chlorine levels, balanced water chemistry and good water circulation.