Automatic Pool Skimmer Runs on Solar Power

Cold weather got ya down? How about a gadget evocative of warm summer days (that brings out the inner sloth in all of us)?

At this year’s virtual Consumer Electronics Show, Pivot-Solar Breeze plans to unveil a solar-powered automatic pool skimmer – think a Roomba for the water.

According to the company, “Ariel” removes 95% of dirt, leaves, pollen, dust, hair, oil and more before the debris decays and sinks to the bottom. With its solar-powered battery, it can operate for up to 10 hours without exposure to the sun, and moving at a rate of 10-20 feet per minute, it can cover an average pool in 1 ½ hours.

Supposedly, this reduces pool pump run times by as much as 60%.

And apparently, this kinda device is already a thing.

“Automated surface cleaning is becoming recognized throughout the pool industry as a critical part of pool maintenance and greatly contributes to having a clean and healthy swimming pool,” said Paul Sim, Vice President of Pivot-Solar Breeze. “Ariel is the culmination of years of engineering and consumer feedback to produce the quintessential, future-focused pool cleaning device…”

Ariel’s mesh filter collects and retains particles down to 200 microns in size, it can function in temperatures from 40° to 130°F, and it’s able to withstand water salinity of 6,500 ppm.

And for those used to the Roomba’s intelligent navigation, Ariel includes sensors that detect the edges of the pool (and other obstructions).

Stay tuned to CES 2020’s virtual event for the Ariel (and countless other consumer widgets).