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 The front bumper wheels have been replaced by sensors located at the front of the unit that help the unit detect when it is approaching the edge of the pool or any other obstruction.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.
If I had a choice between Ariel or skimbot whitch would I chose
That’s up to you! Skimbot is at a slightly higher price point because of her IoT capabilities. Ariel can capture finer debris than Skimbot. Depends on what is most important to you!
We bought the first solar breeze when I seen it in a magazine. It work good for 2 yrs and then it wouldn’t work anymore. Was disappointed for the money we payed . We live in PA and only have 3 months of summer. My husband always took care of it and made sure it was handled carefully and was emptied daily. It did a good job of keeping the surface of our pool clean.
If you’re having any troubles with the NX2, please email customerservice@solar-breeze.com. Thank you!
Was thinking of upgrading but disappointed the Ariel doesn’t have a chlorine dispenser. Any thoughts of bringing that back. Love my NX2 especially since the cover has been upgraded from the original and no longer disintegrates from UV rays.
Thanks for the comment! You’re right, Ariel doesn’t have a chlorine basket but if we hear lots of customer requests to bring it back it may be considered in future models.
I have my 2nd NX, and have pre-ordered my Ariel. Why have I never heard of the Skimbot? Did I miss something?
Skimbot was recently acquired by Pivot-Solar Breeze to join the #SolarBreezeBots family. Skimbot’s differentiator is her IoT capabilities!
I have a NX2 which I purchased directly from Solar Breeze and I would like to upgrade and purchase the Ariel . Are you offering any kind of trade-in towards purchase of an Ariel? I really do not know what I would do with the NX2 I would not want to just junk the NX2.
Hi Lori! Sometimes we offer special discounts for Legacy Owners. Please email customerservice@solar-breeze.com and our customer support team will let you know if there are any current promotional offers available for you.
I have a Solar-Breeze NX2 that I love…I call him Sunny JR. My robot pool vacuum is Sunny! They do a great job at keeping my pool clean with minimal work on my part. The hardest thing I have to do is take my water to the pool store to be tested! :-).
I do have a question my Solar-Breeze NX2 mesh basket is rusting. Is there a way I can treat it or buy another mesh replacement basket?
Glad to hear that you’re still enjoying your NX2! Please email customerservice@solar-breeze.com to request a basket replacement.
When might be a time to discuss our pool cleaning bots and a possible replacement?
Please email customerservice@solar-breeze.com. Thank you!
I have been using a solar breeze unit for over 6 years. I have an NX2 for my home in the northeast and my home in the southwest. I love the way they keep the pool. The northesat one is only used 3 months a year but makes fall closing so much easier as it captures the leaves before they sink. The southwest version runs 12 months a year and the sun does take a toll on it. These bots are both great additions to make pool upkeep bearable. Thank you
Thank you for the awesome feedback!
I have a salt pool. My Solar Breeze NX rapidly desintegrates with salt. Is Ariel is a better choice for me? Less mechanical?
The Solar-Breeze NX was constructed from a polypropylene polymer blended with fiberglass, with UV inhibitors added. Ariel is construction from an ASA polymer which is more resistant to both deterioration from UV light and corrosion from minerals such as salt.
We owned the Solar Breeze NX for 6 years and it was fantastic.
The BIGGEST concern that most solar skimmers MISS is how important the debris tray mesh is!!
With the fine mesh of the Solar Breeze or NX your pool water will be crystal clear!
I’ll never order a skimmer that doesn’t have the fine mesh filter.
Oh, My Gosh! Ariel arrives today, and I’m so excited!
I’ve had a NZ2 for a couple of years, and it works all day, as much of the night, sometimes all the night in the sunny time of the year!
But what’s this, another robot to consider? Skimbot can be programmed so run off and on, to optimize the available sunlight in the day! And it can do the one thing, that NX2 can’t do well, wash the side of the pool? What’s a techie guy going to do now, buy a third robot?
We have been unable to even pre-order Ariel in Europe (France). The Skimbot has recently appeared on your European distributor website with availability promised for this week. Will this stock be shipping? Will we also be getting the Ariel?
I read the differences above, but am unclear what IoT technology is as there is no explanation on your site! I also see there is a lot of manual intervention options, but can I assume you can simply run it without intervention once it is set up? Does it use Bluetooth or is live internet required?
Hi Kris! Thanks for your comment! We have plenty of Skimbot in stock for immediate shipment. To learn more about Skimbot’s IoT abilities, you might find this site helpful: https://skimbot.com/app/
Will there be another skimbot generation? A bigger tray sounds like the way to go vs Ariel
Also for the Ariel which I am on the fence with sounds like it would benefit from the chlorine tray that was removed.
The IOT/bigger tray and chemical tray in one unit would be a win win
We’ve had Arial since last Spring 2021. My only complaints are that when she stops and begins to back up, she sometime spits out some of what she already ate, and it seems like when she approaches some debris her forward movement actually pushes the debris off to the side. Perhaps some sort of angled extensions up front would channel that debris into her filter. Other than that, she’s a working cutie and has even given some of the house bears a ride across the pool.
I love my NX2, probally my best pool purchase. Starting to act up and want to upgrade, but can’t stand the color choices used for Ariel. Do you have an updated version of Ariel with plain colors? Maybe even a new skimmer with a larger basket?