Can You Leave a Pool Vacuum in the Pool Overnight?


Not at all. It is not a wise idea to leave your pool cleaners in the pool overnight. Pools’ robots are made to run in water, not to stay there. 

Robotic cleaners are revolutionizing the way of pool maintenance with minimal effort. They are quite an investment and can be expensive to repair. Equipped with advanced technology, these robotic cleaners are not immune to the damaging effects due to prolonged immersion.

Some pool owners have the habit of leaving their robotic cleaners in the pool all night. That could lead to potential hazards. 

Should the pool cleaner stay in the pool or not? Let’s find out the key risks of leaving your cleaner and how to properly store it.

A man sits poolside while a robotic surface skimmer cleans the pool, illustrating another type of automated cleaner that should be properly stored.

Key Risks of Leaving Your Cleaner in the Pool

This section will highlight the key risks to understand why the removal is so important.

The Chemical Assault on Seals and Gaskets

Just because the water looks clean doesn’t mean that it is safe for the cleaner to swim. If your pool cleaner stays in the pool overnight, it will be exposed to chemicals for a longer time.

Harsh chemicals and abnormal pH levels are not good for automatic cleaners. They can cause chemical degradation of the cleaner’s wheels, gaskets and metal components. Rubber seals protecting the motor are also deteriorated by chlorine, especially during “pool shock”. This can lead to leaks and decreased machine efficiency overtime. 

Tip: Never ever run the cleaner during shock or superchlorination. 

Water Ingress and Motor Failure

A robotic pool cleaner sits on the floor of a pool, an electronic device that can be damaged by prolonged exposure to water and chemicals.

Here is the climax. Water ingress and motor failure are the most common and expensive disasters. The motor and PCB of the robotic cleaner are housed in a seal that got compromised by the chemicals. As the seals are chemically weakened, the water ingression begins and corrodes the motor components. Thus, the motor failure results in destroying the robot’s functioning. The worst scenario is that substituting a motor might be up to half the cost of a whole new unit.

UV Degradation and a Neglected Filter

The cleaner floating under the direct sunlight is another major risk. UV rays break down the plastic housing of the cleaner. They crack the power cord in the traditional models by making it sticky. Having a filthy filter allows the organic matter within the filter to be recirculated to the pool on another rotation. This increases the chances of algae bloom with stubborn stains.

Some of the latest cordless cleaners, like the Dreame Z1 Pro, eliminate the tension of the damaged cords. Learn more about the advantages in our cordless vs. corded pool cleaners guide.

How to Properly Store Your Robotic Cleaner

It is crucial to take good care of your robotic cleaner as the repair costs a lot of money. 

Remove Correctly

Remove your robotic cleaner after every cycle and store it properly. To withdraw it correctly, always lift it by the handle, not the power cords, as this could damage the connection point.

Empty & Rinse the Filter

A split photo showing a person removing the filter basket from a robotic cleaner and then rinsing it with a hose as part of proper maintenance.

The next step is non-negotiable if you want the optimal performance. Advanced technology with durable designs has made the cleaning effortless. For instance, you can rinse the Dreame Z1 Pro’s entry-level filter basket easily within seconds. 

Rinse the Unit

Wash the filter with clean fresh water from a hose to shed the corrosive chemical residues.

Store in Shade

A split image showing a robotic cleaner working in the pool on the left, and stored safely in a garage on the right, demonstrating the correct post-use routine.

No need to leave the cleaner in the hot, sunny pool. You can store them in a shaded, dry place when not in use. Use a pool cover to avoid direct UV exposure. Usually, pool owners store their robots in a garage, shed, or covered patio area. 

To make things easier, we recommend that you to go with a cordless model. You wouldn’t have to worry about managing heavy, wet power cables. See our complete Pool Robot Cleaner Daily Maintenance Guide for more such details.

A Critical Warning on Swimmer Safety

Strictly speaking, no automatic cleaner should be in the pool with swimmers. Swimming with the robot pool cleaners, hoses, and cords in water can create entanglement hazards. Their high-suction power can entrap objects like swimwear or hair, leading to injury or panic. In the family pools, kids can mistake them for toys. 

Tip: Have a predefined cleaning cycle during non-swimming times. 

How Does This Advice Compare to Other Cleaner Types?

So far, we have discussed the robotic cleaners that should be removed after every use. Now let’s compare to other cleaner types with old technologies.

  • For Pressure-Side Cleaners: These cleaners are usually left in the pool for the whole swim season. Only the debris bag is removed periodically, as the cleaner itself is durable. Even so, continuous running can increase energy consumption and accelerate wear on the costly booster pump. Thus, limit the run time. 
  • For Suction-Side Cleaners: Such cleaners demand a remover after use. Leaving them connected can strain your pool’s main pump. Most importantly, it disables the skimming efficiency and disrupts the water quality. 

To learn more, read our analysis of suction vs. pressure pool cleaners.

Conclusion

Regardless of the type, remove the cleaners before chemical shocking and before backwashing the filter. Use them as a tool and store properly in a dry, shady area. Inspect the robotic cleaner for signs of chemical wear and adopt the post-cleaning routine as per the manufacturer’s advice. Your small efforts can save you from hefty repairs. When you invest in worthy robotic cleaners, you take proper care and make it a valuable asset for life.