When pool season ends, don't just toss your robotic pool cleaner in the garage and forget about it. How you store your robotic pool cleaner during winter can mean the difference between a machine that works perfectly next spring and one needing expensive repairs. Most pool owners spend $800-$2,500 on quality cleaners, so protecting that investment matters. Proper winter storage isn't complicated – just follow key steps most people skip. This guide covers everything about robotic pool cleaner winter storage to keep your equipment in perfect condition.
What Happens If You Don't Store Your Robotic Pool Cleaner Right?
Getting to know the risks of improper storage helps explain why taking the right steps matters so much for your robotic pool cleaner's longevity and performance.
Freeze Damage Will Crack Your Cleaner
Even a tiny bit of water left inside your pool cleaner can cause big problems. When that water freezes, it expands and can crack the plastic housing or break the motor completely. Repairs usually cost $200-$500, if the damage can even be fixed. For expensive models like the iGarden Pool Cleaner K Pro 150 with its 15-hour runtime and automotive-grade finish, you might have to replace the whole unit for over $2,900 if freeze damage destroys it.
Moisture and Humidity Will Cause Mold and Rust
Storing your pool cleaner in a damp garage or humid basement creates a different set of problems. Moisture gets into the electrical parts and causes mold to grow and metal parts to rust. Your cleaner might stop working completely or start acting weird - turning on and off randomly or not moving properly. The electronic parts in these machines don't handle moisture well, and replacing circuit boards and motors costs hundreds of dollars.
Poor Cable Storage Will Break Internal Wires
Most people just stuff their pool cleaner wherever they can fit it, wrapping the power cable tightly around the unit or letting it get twisted and kinked. The wires inside the cable are delicate, and bending them too much causes breaks that you can't see from the outside. When the cable fails, you'll need professional repair or a complete cable replacement, which often costs $150 or more.
How to Clean Your Robotic Pool Cleaner Before Winter Storage
Getting your pool cleaner ready for winter storage takes more than just emptying the debris basket. Follow these steps to clean it properly.
Step 1: Empty Everything Out
Start by removing all the debris from your pool cleaner. Take out leaves, sticks, dirt, and anything else that got picked up during the last cleaning cycle. Don't leave anything behind - even small pieces of debris can cause problems during storage.
Step 2: Clean the Filters Thoroughly
Remove all the filters from your pool cleaner. Rinse them under a garden hose to wash out all the dirt and debris. For stubborn algae or calcium buildup, scrub gently with a soft brush. Make sure you get every bit of debris out - leftover particles can grow mold or attract bugs while your cleaner is stored. Some people clean their filters in the dishwasher, but check your manual first to make sure this won't void your warranty.
Step 3: Wash the Outside of Your Cleaner
Wipe down the entire outside of your pool cleaner with a damp cloth. Pay extra attention to areas around seals and moving parts where pool chemicals might have built up. Use a little dish soap if needed, but rinse everything off completely afterward. Pool chemicals like chlorine can damage rubber seals if left on during storage.
Step 4: Check for Problems While You Clean
While you're cleaning, look for any issues that need fixing:
- Check the brushes for worn or missing bristles
- Look at the wheels or tracks for cracks or dirt buildup
- Press gently on all seals and O-rings - they should feel soft and flexible, not hard or cracked
- Make sure moving parts like wheels and brush motors turn smoothly without sticking
- Write down any problems you find so you remember to fix them before next pool season
Step 5: Make Sure Everything Is Completely Dry
This is the most important step. Turn your pool cleaner upside down and shake out any water you can hear inside. Let it sit in the sun or a well-ventilated area for at least 24 hours. Some people use a leaf blower to force air through the unit and dry it faster.
Don't skip this step or rush it. Even a little bit of water left inside can freeze and crack your cleaner or cause mold to grow. Taking the time to get everything bone dry will save you from expensive repairs in the spring.
Where to Store Robotic Pool Cleaner Safely
You need to find a good spot to store your pool cleaner where it won't get damaged. Here are the best places, from easiest to more complicated.
Inside Your House - Bedroom Closet
The best place to store your pool cleaner is in a spare bedroom closet. It's warm, dry, and out of the way. You don't need to heat the room to 70 degrees, but it should stay warmer than 40 degrees and cooler than 85 degrees all winter. This doesn't cost you anything extra and keeps your cleaner in great shape.
Finished Basement
Your basement can work if it's finished and stays dry. The important thing is that it doesn't feel damp or smell musty. If you see water stains on the walls or it feels humid down there, don't use it. Only use basements that are heated and have good air flow. Raw, unfinished basements are usually too wet and cold.
Laundry Room or Utility Room
These rooms work well because they're usually heated and dry. Just make sure you have enough space and that your pool cleaner won't get in your way when you need to do laundry. Check that the temperature doesn't change too much - some utility rooms get hot if they have water heaters or furnaces.
Heated Garage (Only if Warm Enough)
Most garages don't work because they get too cold in winter and too hot in summer. Only use your garage if you heat it and keep it between 40-80 degrees all winter. If your garage feels like it's the same temperature as outside, don't store your cleaner there.
How to Store Your Robotic Pool Cleaner: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Choose Your Storage Spot
Pick an indoor location where the temperature stays between 40-80 degrees all winter. A spare bedroom closet, finished basement, or utility room works best. Avoid unheated garages, sheds, or anywhere that gets too hot or cold.
Step 2: Set Up the Storage Area
Don't put your pool cleaner directly on a concrete floor where it can pick up moisture. Instead, place it on:
- A shelf or storage rack
- Wooden pallets
- A plastic tarp or old blanket
- Inside the original box if you still have it (this is the best option)
Step 3: Handle the Power Cable Properly
The power cable needs special care to avoid breaking the wires inside:
- Never wrap the cable tightly around the cleaner
- Make loose loops about two feet wide
- Secure the loops gently with zip ties or velcro straps
- You can hang the cable on hooks to prevent kinks
- Keep the cable off the ground so it doesn't get stepped on or pick up moisture
- Remember - replacing a damaged cable costs $150 or more
Step 4: Store All the Small Parts
Organize your accessories so nothing gets lost:
- Put clean filters in labeled plastic bags
- Keep spare brushes, screws, and tools in one container
- Store the instruction manual with everything else
- Group everything together so it's easy to find in spring
Step 5: Cover Your Pool Cleaner
Protect your cleaner from dust while allowing air to circulate:
- Use an old sheet, towel, or the original box
- Don't use plastic bags or tarps that don't breathe
- Make sure air can still get to the cleaner to prevent condensation
- The cover should keep dust out but not trap moisture inside
5 Big Mistakes When Storing Your Robotic Pool Cleaner
Avoiding these storage mistakes will save you money and keep your pool cleaner working properly next season.
Mistake #1: Not Drying Your Pool Cleaner Completely
Many pool owners rush the end-of-season cleanup and put their robotic pool cleaner away while it's still wet. This is the most expensive mistake you can make. Any leftover water inside the unit can freeze during winter, cracking the housing or damaging the motor. Even in warmer climates, trapped moisture leads to mold and rust that can ruin electrical parts. Take the time to dry everything thoroughly before storage.
Mistake #2: Storing in Places That Get Too Hot or Cold
Your pool cleaner needs to stay in a place where temperatures don't swing too much. Many people stick their cleaner in the garage or shed, but these spaces often get too cold in winter or too hot in summer. Freezing temperatures crack plastic parts and damage seals. Extreme heat warps components and can fry the electronics. Find a spot indoors where the temperature stays between 40-80°F all winter.
Mistake #3: Wrapping the Power Cable Too Tightly
Most people wrap the power cable around the cleaner or coil it up in tight loops to save space. This bends and twists the wires inside the cable, which can break them. When the cable breaks, you're looking at $150 or more for a replacement. Instead, make loose loops about two feet wide and secure them gently. Treat the cable like you would expensive Christmas lights.
Mistake #4: Leaving Dirty Filters Inside the Unit
Some owners think leaving the filters in place protects the inside of the cleaner from dust. Actually, dirty filters cause more problems during storage. Leftover debris and algae can grow mold, smell bad, and attract bugs. The filters can also get damaged if they freeze. Always remove the filters, clean them well, and store them separately in a dry place.
Mistake #5: Not Writing Down What Needs Fixing
During your end-of-season cleaning, you might notice worn brushes, cracked seals, or other small problems. Most people think they'll remember to fix these issues in spring, but they don't. By the time you open your pool, you've forgotten what needed attention. Write down any problems you find and keep the note with your stored cleaner. This way, you can order parts early and have everything ready for pool season.
Getting Your Robotic Pool Cleaner Ready for Next Season
Spring preparation ensures your properly stored robotic pool cleaner delivers another season of reliable performance with minimal issues.
Spring Startup and Inspection Process
When spring arrives and it's time to open your pool, don't just grab your robotic pool cleaner from storage and toss it in the water. Take a few minutes to inspect everything and make sure it's ready for another season of service.
Start by checking the condition of all the parts. Look over the body for any cracks or damage that might have occurred during storage. Examine the power cable for kinks, cuts, or other damage. Test the flexibility of seals and O-rings – they should still feel soft and pliable.
If you noted any needed repairs during your fall inspection, now's the time to address them:
- Order replacement parts early in the season when they're readily available and before you need your cleaner working.
- Replace worn brushes, damaged seals, or any other components that showed wear during your pre-storage inspection.
- Check with your manufacturer about warranty coverage for any parts that failed during proper storage.
Testing and Final Preparation
Before the first full cleaning cycle, do a test run in shallow water. This lets you make sure everything is working properly without risking your cleaner in deep water if there's a problem. Check that the motor runs smoothly, the brushes rotate properly, and there are no leaks.
Replace filters if they're showing wear, even if they still look usable. Fresh filters ensure your robotic pool cleaner operates at peak efficiency right from the start of the season. It's also a good time to clean or replace brushes if they're worn down.
Protect Your Pool Cleaning Investment
Properly storing your robotic pool cleaner during winter protects a significant investment and ensures years of reliable service. The few hours spent preparing your cleaner for storage can save hundreds in repairs and extend equipment life substantially. Clean thoroughly, dry completely, choose appropriate storage conditions, and handle everything carefully. When spring arrives, you'll have a robotic pool cleaner that starts immediately and keeps your pool spotless. Don't wait – start your winter storage preparation today.
