Skip to main content

This new robot might be the best way to keep your pool clean

Beatbot iSkim Ultra in a pool.
Beatbot

Beatbot is no stranger to swimming pools, as the company already has several aquatic robots in its catalog. But the upcoming Beatbot iSkim Ultra might be its most exciting, as it brings heaps of cool innovations to the table that should keep your pool in pristine condition all summer long.

As its name suggests, the Beatbot iSkim Ultra is a robotic pool skimmer that removes leaves, cottonwood seeds, flowers, grass, pollen, and other debris from the water’s surface. BeatBot says it can filter debris as small as 380 micrometers — so almost nothing can escape its grasp.

Recommended Videos

Along with skimming, the iSkim Ultra uses Beatbot’s ClearWater Clarification System to enhance the overall quality of your pool. This is done by dispensing an eco-friendly clarifier as it motors through the water, helping to remove dirt, oils, and other residues that lead to the buildup of scum. All told, its 300mL reservoir can clean up to 99,000 gallons.

Beatbot iSkim Ultra in a pool.
Beatbot

Other notable features of the robot include a gigantic 265mm roller brush to handle debris, dual side brushes that pull water toward its main roller, and a 9-liter filter that ensures no debris leaks back into the pool. The robot is equipped with seven motors, 20 sensors, and obstacle-navigating skills that help it better cover every inch of the water’s surface.

The coolest feature of the iSkim Ultra might be its 24W solar panel, which is paired with a 10,000mAh battery so you can run the robot day or night. The kit even comes with a wireless charger — so if sunlight isn’t enough for your pool, you can get it fully charged in just five hours. Beatbot says you’ll get nonstop runtime with sunlight or around 24 hours without sunlight.

Beatbot designed the iSkim Ultra to run automatically, though you can take remote control of the device via the mobile app. So if the robot has trouble getting a particularly evasive piece of debris, you can take manual control to scoop it up.

The Beatbot iSkim Ultra costs $1,499 and is now available for preorder. A select number of units are available for the early-bird special price of $999, though inventory is quickly running out. An official release date is yet to be announced.

Jon Bitner
Jon Bitner is a writer covering consumer electronics, technology, and gaming. His work has been published on various websites…
Are robotic pool cleaners worth it?
The Airper Seagull SE robotic pool cleaner at the bottom of a swimming pool.

The worst part of owning a swimming pool is taking care of it From filter maintenance and skimming debris from the surface to managing chemicals and more, you'll likely find yourself hanging out around the water more often than you're actually in the water. Robotic pool cleaners are designed to alleviate this pinch point of pool ownership by giving you back your time and automating most of your tasks.

But are robotic pool cleaners worth it, or are they a gimmick that still require heaps of manual input? Here's a closer look to help you decide if one would be a good addition to your backyard.
Budget-friendly devices are often a hassle

Read more
This new robot vacuum competes with rivals nearly twice its price
The Yeedi C12 Pro Plus in its dock.

Ecovacs is a popular name in the world of robot vacuums, but its lineup is often remarkably expensive. The X2 Combo, for example, costs $1,600. However, the company has a sub-brand named Yeedi that offers more affordable products, and its new Yeedi C12 Pro Plus looks like a great alternative for frugal shoppers.

The Yeedi C12 Pro Plus is currently available for just $350 ahead of its June 1 launch, though its regular $600 price tag is leagues better than the $1,600 X2 Combo or $1,900 Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra. But despite the lower price tag, Yeedi packed the C12 Pro Plus with impressive features. The robot produces up to 8,000Pa of suction, uses dual comb teeth and an updated roller brush to limit tangles, and runs for up to 300 minutes before needing to recharge at its docking station. Once vacuuming is done, it'll automatically empty its dustbin.

Read more
Dreame X40 Ultra vs. Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra: Which is the best premium robot vacuum?
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra connected to plumbing.

Robot vacuums don't have the most creative names. The vast majority of products available today largely carry names comprised of a random assortment of numbers and words, and it can be hard to discern how one product compares to another unless you do some serious digging. That's especially true of the Dreame X40 Ultra and Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, which both carry a hodgepodge of characters followed by the "Ultra" moniker. But naming quirks aside, there's no denying these are two of the best robot vacuums money can buy.

That begs the question -- should you purchase the Dreame X40 Ultra or Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra for your smart home? You truly can't go wrong with either, but here's a closer look at both to ensure you're getting the right robot for your needs.
Pricing and availability

Read more