What is the difference between Ariel, Skimbot, and the Solar-Breeze NX2?

Solar-powered surface skimming is so ingenious that in recent years robots with this capability have carved out a new category for themselves in the pool cleaning industry. Surface cleaning is the key to a sparkling clean pool because it prevents debris from sinking, which reduces algae and bacteria growth, and means that less filtration and sanitization are required.

It’s time to #DitchTheNet forever. In this blog, we take a closer look at the similarities and differences between Ariel, Skimbot, and the former Solar-Breeze NX2 – all from Pivot-Solar Breeze, the leading manufacturer of solar-powered pool skimming robots.

All of Pivot-Solar Breeze’s pool robots are designed to devour debris, and sport these awesome capabilities, features & benefits:

  • Solar panels that produce enough power to run the unit and charge the battery during the day
  • Rechargeable battery that powers the unit after the sun goes down
  • Debris collection chamber that holds a substantial volume of material
  • Easy to empty debris and clean the unit
  • Multidirectional navigation
  • No cords or hoses attached
  • Can withstand severe rain and dust storms
  • Ideal for all pool surfaces
  • Reduces pool pump run time by up to 60%
  • Reduces wear and tear on other pool equipment
  • Spend less on chemicals, treatments and cleaning services
  • Reduces carbon footprint
  • Covers the surface of an average pool every 1.5 hours
  • Functions in temperatures ranging from 40° to 130°F
  • Can withstand water salinity of 6,500 ppm

Ariel & Solar-Breeze NX2

Ariel offers several improvements and upgrades compared to the Solar-Breeze NX2, which it replaces. The front bumper wheels that were used for navigation with the NX series of robots have been eliminated, along with all of the mechanical systems that went with them. The rear paddle wheel has been split so that there are now two independently operating paddle wheels at the rear of the unit, which allow the unit to steer. The front bumper wheels have been replaced by sensors located at the front of the unit that help the unit detect when it is approaching the edge of the pool or any other obstruction. Ariel does not feature a chlorine dispenser like the Solar-Breeze NX2. Ariel has a mesh filter that collects and retains particles down to 200 microns in size and can be easily removed from the pool with a no-slip grip handle. The debris collection area of Ariel has about twice the capacity of a normal skimmer basket at the skimmer inlet of a pool.

Skimbot

Even though Skimbot is smaller in size than Ariel, it still offers the same amazing surface cleaning but with IoT capabilities. Through the Skimbot App, users can integrate the robot with their smart phone and adjust a wide range of operating parameters for the unit from the comfort of their homes to optimize their pool cleaning routines. App features include navigation control, pool temperature monitoring, battery status, adjustments to specific operation time, speed, sensor adjustments, and so much more.  The Skimbot app also has a remote-control feature.

Skimbot also has Debris Washing and Edge Cleaning features. When Skimbot reaches the edge of the pool, the Debris Washing feature first rotates the front paddle wheel in the opposite direction to force water up against the wall and loosen debris from the edge. Once the debris is loosened, the Edge Cleaning feature removes the accumulated debris by spinning the front paddle wheel at a high RPM to create greater suction that pulls debris from the edge into the debris collection chamber.

Skimbot can be easily removed from the pool using a center console opening.

Have any questions about these robots? Leave a message in the comments!