Pool robot: is it worth it? How it works, benefits and how to choose (Zodiac)

Do you have a pool in Marrakech, Agadir, Casablanca or at a villa in the North, and spend hours with the pool brush? A pool robot promises clean water with no effort. But is a robotic pool cleaner really worth its price in Morocco? In this guide, Brico MIM explains how it works, its benefits, its limitations and how to choose between the Zodiac models available in store.

How does a robotic pool cleaner work?

A pool robot moves around the pool on its own, brushes the surfaces and vacuums up dirt: sand, dust, small leaves, hair, insects. There are three main families.

The hydraulic (suction) robot

It connects to the vacuum point or the skimmer and uses the suction power of the filtration pump. It is simple and inexpensive, but it depends entirely on your pump, sends debris to the main filter and mainly cleans the floor.

The pressure robot

It runs on the return flow of the filtration system, often with a dedicated booster pump, and collects debris in a bag. It requires a suitable hydraulic setup and is less common on family pools.

The electric (stand-alone) robot

This is the most widespread solution today. It has its own motors and its own filter: just connect it to its power supply unit placed out of the water, drop it into the pool and start the cycle. Independent of the filtration system, it takes the load off your pump and filter. The Zodiac robots in our pool and accessories department are electric robots.

Benefits and limitations of a pool robot

The benefits

• Time saved: no more manual brushing several times a week.
• Regular cleaning: frequent runs limit the build-up of deposits, especially in summer when the wind brings dust and sand.
• Less strain on filtration: the electric robot traps dirt in its own filter, so the main filter clogs up less quickly.
• Walls and waterline: depending on the model, it also cleans the walls and the waterline, where marks form.

The limitations

• Initial investment: expect from 6 299 DH for a Zodiac electric robot at Brico MIM.
• It replaces neither filtration nor water treatment: pump, filter, pH and chlorine remain essential.
• A little maintenance: filter to rinse after each cycle, cable to untangle, storage out of the sun.
• Large amounts of leaves: a skimmer net is still useful before starting the robot.

Pool robot: is it worth it in Morocco?

It all depends on the size of your pool, the time you spend on it and the length of the swimming season. For a small inflatable pool used for a few weeks, a manual brush is enough. For an in-ground pool, a family villa or a holiday rental, a robot quickly becomes a real comfort.

For smaller budgets, the aluminium AstralPool Alum 45 cm vacuum head remains a solid basic option, and it complements a robot very well for touch-ups.

Zodiac RT3200 or RA 6700 iQ: which one to choose?

Zodiac is a brand specialising in pool equipment. Brico MIM offers two electric robots from the brand, designed for different needs.

Zodiac TornaX RT3200: simple, light and affordable

The Zodiac RT3200 electric robot cleans the floor and walls thanks to a smart movement system and a brush that loosens dirt before vacuuming. It weighs about 5.5 kg, which makes it easier to lift out of the water. Its 3-litre top-access filter traps particles down to 100 microns. It suits pools up to 9 × 4 m, in-ground or above-ground, of any shape. Available from 6 299 DH.

Zodiac Alpha RA 6700 iQ: connected and complete

The Zodiac RA 6700 iQ cleans the floor, walls and waterline. Its Sensor Nav System smart navigation analyses the shape of the pool to choose the best route. With built-in Wi-Fi, it can be controlled from the iAquaLink app: start, stop, programme selection. It features cyclonic suction, 3 motors, a large-capacity top-access filter, an 18 m cable and an included transport caddy. Weighing about 10 kg, it is designed for private in-ground and rigid above-ground pools, especially large residential pools. Available from 14 499 DH.

In short: the RT3200 is the right choice for a small to medium family pool and a controlled budget. The RA 6700 iQ is aimed at large pools and at those who want complete cleaning right up to the waterline, controlled from their phone.

How to choose a pool robot: 6 criteria

1. Pool dimensions: measure the length and width, check the maximum size stated for the robot and make sure the cable reaches every corner from the socket.
2. Areas to clean: floor only, floor + walls, or the waterline too, where sunscreen and limescale build up.
3. Type of pool: in-ground, rigid above-ground, frame pool… Inflatable or soft-sided pools are not always compatible: check the product page or ask us for advice.
4. Filter: a fine filter traps dust, and top access keeps your hands clean.
5. Weight and handling: a light robot is easier to lift out, and a caddy helps with heavier models.
6. Features and budget: smartphone control, programmes, advanced navigation… to be weighed against your actual use.

For overall pool care (filtration, pH, chlorine), also read our guide Pools in Morocco: maintenance, filtration, pH and equipment. And if you are also thinking about a robot for the house, see our comparison canister vacuum, cordless stick vacuum or robot.

Using and maintaining your robot properly (safety)

• Place the power supply unit in a sheltered spot, well away from the pool edge, and plug it into a socket protected by a 30 mA residual current device (see our article circuit breaker and residual current switch).
• Never swim while the robot is running and never run it out of the water.
• Lift it out by its handle, never by pulling the cable, and let the water drain before lifting it.
• Rinse the filter with clean water after each cycle.
• Untangle the cable regularly and store the robot in the shade: sunlight damages plastics and cables.
• Keep the water well balanced: the robot cleans, but it does not disinfect.

The robot complements filtration, it doesn't replace it. For a complete setup, Brico MIM also offers the Astral Victoria Plus 0.75 HP 11 m³/h pump (from 3 999 DH) and the AstralPool X-pert-8 400 mm filtration monobloc (from 3 699 DH).

Frequently asked questions

Does a pool robot replace the filtration pump?

No. The robot cleans the floor, the walls and, depending on the model, the waterline, but filtration remains essential to circulate and filter all the water in the pool, as does water treatment (pH, chlorine).

How much does a pool robot cost in Morocco?

At Brico MIM, the Zodiac RT3200 electric robot is available from 6 299 DH and the connected Zodiac RA 6700 iQ from 14 499 DH.

Does the Zodiac robot work in an above-ground pool?

The RT3200 suits in-ground or above-ground pools up to 9 × 4 m, and the RA 6700 iQ suits in-ground and rigid above-ground pools. For an inflatable or soft-sided pool, ask us for advice before buying.

How often should you run the robot?

In peak season, run it as soon as deposits appear: after a gust of wind, a day of heavy swimming or falling leaves. Many owners run it several times a week in summer.

Do you deliver everywhere in Morocco?

Yes, Brico MIM delivers to every city in Morocco, with cash on delivery.