If you’re a pool owner, you know that keeping the surface clean can be a daily chore. Leaves, pollen, bugs, and other debris can quickly build up, taking the shine off your sparkling oasis. That’s where the Betta SE Solar Powered Automatic Robotic Pool Surface Skimmer Cleaner comes in. This little blue machine promises hands-free, eco-friendly surface cleaning — and honestly, it delivers in a lot of ways. After spending some time testing it, I’m excited to share a full review covering its advantages, disadvantages, and some answers to common questions you might have.
First Impressions
Straight out of the box, the Betta SE looks sleek and well-designed. The bright blue color makes it easy to spot in the water, and its compact, streamlined build suggests efficiency. It’s lightweight enough to handle easily but feels sturdy and durable — a nice balance. Setup couldn’t be simpler: charge it under sunlight if needed, place it in the pool, and let it do its thing. No wires, no complex installation, no apps to sync. A refreshing change!
How It Works
The Betta SE is powered entirely by solar energy, supported by a 30-hour rechargeable battery. That means it can continue cleaning even on cloudy days or after sunset. It moves autonomously across the pool’s surface, scooping up debris into a large onboard basket. The twin motors, which have been re-engineered for the SE version, are built to withstand saltwater and chlorine-heavy pools, making it versatile for different pool types.
Its navigation is relatively smart for a surface cleaner: it changes direction when it encounters obstacles like pool walls or ladders, ensuring it covers most of the pool surface over time.
Advantages
1. True Solar Power Freedom
One of the standout features is the solar-powered autonomy. No plugging in, no scheduling timers, no stress about finding a nearby outlet. As long as it has access to sunlight, it can recharge and run continuously. Even after a day of clouds, the onboard battery often has enough juice to keep going.
2. Excellent Debris Collection
The Betta SE excels at collecting floating debris — leaves, petals, bugs, small twigs, and even fine particles like pollen. The basket is roomy enough that you won’t have to empty it every few hours, and it’s easy to remove and clean with a quick rinse.
3. Quiet Operation
The skimmer glides around almost silently, which is a huge plus if you want to enjoy your pool area without the annoying buzz or hum of traditional equipment.
4. Salt and Chlorine Pool Compatibility
The improved motors in the SE version are salt-chlorine tolerant, meaning you can use this in both traditional chlorine pools and saltwater systems without worrying about corrosion or motor failure.
5. Saves Time and Effort
This device significantly cuts down the time you’d otherwise spend manually skimming the pool. Even if you have an in-wall skimmer system, the Betta SE will keep your surface sparkling clean with much less effort.
6. Eco-Friendly
Because it uses solar energy, it reduces reliance on electricity and cuts down on energy costs. A small change that feels like a win for the environment.
Disadvantages
1. Limited to Surface Debris
It's important to remember that the Betta SE only cleans the surface. It doesn’t replace your pool’s vacuum or robotic cleaner that handles the pool floor and walls. It’s complementary, not a complete replacement.
2. Obstacles and Pool Shape Challenges
While it navigates fairly well, it can sometimes get stuck on ladders, tight corners, or irregularly shaped pools. It usually corrects itself, but a heavily cluttered or oddly shaped pool might require occasional manual nudging.
3. Requires Adequate Sunlight
While the battery backup helps, in areas with consistently poor sunlight (think very rainy or shaded pool locations), you might not get as long of a cleaning cycle. This might not be the best choice for heavily shaded pools unless you're okay with limited operation on cloudy days.
4. Initial Investment
Compared to a manual skimmer (under $30), the Betta SE is a pricier upfront investment. However, many users feel the time saved and pool cleanliness justify the cost over time.
Common Questions
Does the Betta SE work in both above-ground and in-ground pools?
Yes! It’s designed for both above-ground and in-ground pools. As long as the pool is big enough to accommodate its free movement (and has enough surface sunlight), it will perform well.
How big is the debris basket, and how often do you need to empty it?
The basket is surprisingly spacious — enough for a full day’s worth of average leaf litter and bugs in a backyard pool. During heavy shedding seasons (like fall), you might need to empty it once or twice a day, but usually once a day or even every few days is fine.
Can it handle larger leaves and sticks?
It handles small to medium leaves and sticks well. Very large or heavy branches might not fit easily into the skimmer, but for typical backyard debris, it’s highly effective.
How do you maintain the Betta SE?
Maintenance is easy:
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Rinse the basket and filter screen every few days.
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Occasionally wipe the solar panels to ensure optimal charging.
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Inspect the propellers for tangled debris once a month or so.
Is it safe around kids and pets?
Yes, it’s very safe. It moves gently and slowly around the surface and stops or redirects itself when bumped. Of course, as with any pool device, supervision is always wise when small children are swimming.
Final Verdict
The Betta SE Solar Powered Robotic Skimmer is an impressive device that delivers reliable, quiet, eco-friendly surface cleaning with minimal fuss. Its biggest strengths are its autonomy, effectiveness on typical surface debris, and ease of use. The few drawbacks — like occasional obstacle hiccups and the upfront cost — are pretty minor when you consider the convenience and cleaner pool you get.
If you’re looking to spend more time enjoying your pool rather than maintaining it, the Betta SE is a fantastic addition. For those with lots of trees around their pool or who constantly battle floating debris, it can feel like a game-changer.
⭐ My Rating: 4.7/5 stars ⭐
(Only slightly marked down for its occasional obstacle issues and higher price.)
