I am extremely happy with my Pentair Prowler 730 robotic cleaner. It does a great job in 90 minutes in my 16 x 38 free form pool. I would think you could take it to any pool store like Leslie's to get it fixed. The parts inside seem pretty accessible to me - if you are a do-it-yourself kind of person.

Do you have a line plumbed into your pool for a cleaner right now? If not, that will limit your options. There are pressure side cleaners and suction side cleaners, but I think for either you need a dedicated line plumbed into your pool.

I have an Aquabot T2 robot and it does a great job cleaning and is fast. On the down side, it cannot go more then 9months without breaking and requiring it being sent away. Right now I think the pump is getting ready to go again, so it'll be going back so long as its still under warranty. If I find out that its not, its into the trash bin and on to something better. Personally, I would avoid Aquabot. Their product is not very durable and it contains lots of flimsy plastic parts.

Thank you for your quick response!

I don't think we have an extra line in our pool. When it was put in back in 1973, there were two lines (plus the main drain). When we reopened the pool recently, the old pipes going into the shallow end were corroded and we had to close that line off. (We didn't want the pool guys to destroy our concrete apron while excavating). So we just have the one in the deep end.

When my husband "manually" vacuums, we run the filter and he sticks the hose right into the skimmer. We were thinking of something that would operate without the filter. If we get a vacuum with a dirt bag attached, would we still need a dedicated line?

Sorry if I'm asking stupid questions! I'm still learning how to maintain our pool (recently reopened) and am still getting familiar with pool jargon.

Thanks!

Mary

Since you don't have a dedicated line plumbed for a cleaner then you can eliminate pressure or suction side cleaners as options. Robotic cleaners plug into an outlet and operate independently of the pool filtration, it sounds like that's what you're looking for. The Pentair Prowler 730 that Landa suggested is a robotic cleaner. Pentair has 3 models (link below). There are other manufacturers as well, but I don't have a clue about robotic cleaners so will leave it to others to make suggestions on the good versus the bad. Unfortunately robotic cleaners are more expensive, they tend to run in the 1000+ range.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pentair robotic cleaners