Domakihub How to Clean and Maintain Your Robotic Pool Cleaner
Keep your robot running at full power with this quick post-use routine.
Reviewed by Domakihub pool pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
A robotic pool cleaner is one of the most effective tools for keeping a pool pristine — whether you own a private home, a holiday villa, or a hotel in Greece. The video above walks through the full care routine visually; this guide gives you the exact steps to follow after every session so your robot stays efficient, your filter stays clear, and the machine earns its keep season after season.
Why Maintenance After Every Use Matters
Robotic cleaners work by drawing pool water through a fine filter basket or cartridge that traps debris, algae spores, and fine sediment. Each time the robot finishes a cycle and is lifted out of the water, that trapped material sits against the filter mesh and begins to dry out. Dried algae and mineral deposits from Greek tap and well water are far harder to remove than fresh debris, and they gradually clog the mesh, reduce suction, and force the motor to work harder.
A five-minute rinse routine after every use prevents build-up entirely, extends the life of brushes and tracks, and means the robot is always ready for the next cycle at full performance.
What You Need Before You Start
You need very little: a garden hose with decent pressure, a soft brush (an old toothbrush works well for tight spots), and a clean, shaded surface to rest the robot on while you work. Avoid pressure washers — the jets can damage fine filter mesh and degrade the rubber on brushes and tracks. Keep a bucket of clean water nearby if your hose does not reach the storage area.
The 5-Step Post-Use Cleaning Routine
- 1
Lift and Drain the Robot Properly
Always lift the robot out of the pool with its base facing downward so the water drains through the filter chamber rather than being retained inside the body. Hold it over the pool edge for 20-30 seconds until the flow slows. Never grab the power cable to haul the unit out — grip the handle or use the supplied caddy. Pulling by the cable stresses the waterproof cable entry point and is the leading cause of premature electrical faults.
- 2
Remove and Rinse the Filter Basket or Cartridge
Open the filter access panel — usually a top or rear latch — and slide the filter basket or cartridge straight out. Shake out loose debris over a bin, then rinse thoroughly with a garden hose, working from the inside outward so you flush debris out through the mesh rather than deeper into it. Hold the filter up to the light to check for pinhole tears; a torn mesh lets fine particles pass straight back into the pool. Let the filter air-dry in the shade before reinserting — never in direct afternoon sun, which can warp plastic cartridges over a Greek summer.
- 3
Clear the Brushes and Side Scrubbers
Roll the robot onto its back to expose the underside brushes. Pull out any tangled hair, string, or leaf matter by hand, then run the hose across the bristles. If you see a grey film on the brush rollers — common in pools that use copper-based algaecides or have high mineral content — scrub gently with a soft brush and a small amount of diluted white vinegar, then rinse clean. Check that the brushes spin freely by rotating them with your fingers; stiff or locked brushes drag on the pool floor and burn out the drive motor over time.
- 4
Inspect and Rinse the Tracks or Wheels
Flip the robot to inspect the tracks or wheel assemblies. Small stones and coarse sand lodge in the track grooves and act like sandpaper against pool surfaces — particularly important for tiled pools and painted concrete, which are common in Greek properties. Pick out any debris with a thin tool (a skewer or small flathead screwdriver), then hose the tracks down. Check for cracks or uneven wear on the track rubber; a split track causes the robot to veer in circles and miss large areas of the pool floor.
- 5
Store Correctly Out of Direct Sunlight
Coil the cable loosely — no tight loops — and store the robot in a shaded, cool location on its caddy or on a clean flat surface. Direct summer sun degrades the cable sheath and the rubber components significantly faster than use does. If the robot will not be used for more than two weeks (end of season or off-peak periods for holiday rentals), store it indoors, lightly wrapped, with the filter fully dry and the lid slightly ajar to prevent mildew forming inside the housing.
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FAQ
- How often should I do a deep clean of the filter, not just a rinse?
- A thorough soak is recommended every 4-6 weeks during heavy use. Submerge the filter cartridge in a bucket of water mixed with a small amount of filter cleaning solution or diluted white vinegar for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. This removes mineral scale and fine organic residue that a hose rinse alone cannot shift, and it restores flow rates close to new.
- My robotic cleaner is leaving dirty patches on the pool floor. What is causing it?
- Patchy cleaning is almost always caused by a partially blocked filter reducing suction, worn brushes that can no longer agitate debris loose from the surface, or a damaged track causing the robot to travel an incomplete path. Work through the five steps above and pay particular attention to the filter mesh and track condition. If the problem persists after a full clean, check the impeller inside the pump chamber for blockages — a small stone lodged there cuts suction dramatically.
- Can I leave the robotic cleaner in the pool between cleaning sessions?
- It is not recommended, even though the unit is waterproof. Extended submersion accelerates wear on seals and cable entry points, and chlorine degrades rubber components faster than periodic immersion does. More practically, a robot left in the pool interferes with the circulation system and can tangle around ladders or return jets. Remove it after each cleaning cycle, carry out the rinse routine, and store it properly — the machine will last significantly longer.