Finally I’m done with the budget Aquabot options. Don’t get me wrong, they are fine products all, well suited to their niche and worth the money. But there is only so many times I can say “Does not clean walls” before I start to feel sorry for a robot. The Breeze XLS is a wonderful combination of form and function. Aesthetically pleasing and packed full of features. But those traits come at a price, the price. The XLS is more expensive than the Rover series, but when you see what you get for your money, I am sure you will agree it is well worth it.
So let’s dive right in, aha, and see how the Aquabot Breeze XLS stacks up against the competition.
Aquabot Breeze XLS Design and Build Quality
I’ve mentioned before that the look of a pool cleaner robot is not its most important feature, but attention to detail in a product can still give us an insight into the manufacturer. The other cleaners in Aquabot’s line are all quite pleasing to look at, nothing really stands out from the crowd, expect for the Breeze XLS. Look at this thing, the design aesthetic is exquisite. If you were to turn any of their robotic pool cleaners into an RC car it would have to be this one, with the Platinum being turned into a Battle-bot obviously. The build quality on offer here is some of the best in the line too, sturdy plastic all fitting together tight, and the added brush at the bottom increases the utility of the device too. The clear plastic top section gives you a better idea as to how full the Breeze XLS is, a feature that carries over to the more expensive Aquabot cleaners, but the lack of handle can make week to week use a little cumbersome, so ups and downs.
If we are talking purely about how it looks, then this is probably the best on the market, it looks cool. But I must stress that that is not a good enough reason to buy it. I would have liked a handle on this one, but the clear plastic top is nice recompense, overall a great build.
Aquabot Breeze XLS Features and Specs
The Breeze XLS is one of the more versatile products from Aquabot. Which is a little surprising considering its size, 17.5 x 18 x 12 at 25.6 pounds. There are not many bots in its stable that are suited to both in ground pools and above ground pools. The swivel cable, that’s right folks a swivel cable, is 50 feet, longer than the Rover series, but shorter than the Junior and Platinum series. It is rare to see it tangled as it guzzles 5,100 gallons of water and hour. There are two filter bags in this cleaner, so it can go for longer without needing emptied, and has a fixed brush attachment, like the S2 50, allowing it to clean the pool floors more deeply. Bear that in mind if you have an algae problem. Cycle options here are the standard 1 hour and 2 hour. The Breeze has some limited utility when it comes to cleaning walls, but I would still say you’ll likely have to do them yourself.
I am not sure who this product is aimed at. It tries to be a blend between an above ground pool cleaner and an in ground pool cleaner, but I’m fairly certain most of us do not have two pools. regardless, it does well in above ground pools.
Aquabot Breeze XLS Ease of Use
Most robotic pool cleaners are very easy to use, and in fact I will be focusing exclusively o plug and play devices. There are a few options out there that require being connected to an external pump, but their effectiveness these days is matched by the self contained units. The Breeze lives up to its name in terms of ease of use. You plug it in and walk off to enjoy something else for two hours, before coming back to empty the thing. Changing the bag is simple too, probably my favorite design here with its top loading filter chamber, most in the Aquabot range have a bottom loader. If I were to aim one criticism at the Breeze XLS it would be the lack of handle. With robotic pool cleaners a handle makes removing it from a pool so much easier, but it is not a major thing.
For want of a handle really. In all other aspects the Breeze XLS is wonderful, plug it in and let it work the rest out by itself.
Aquabot Breeze XLS Pricing
Here’s the bit where we all pat out jackets and say we left our wallet at home. The price of the device is the real deciding factor for most of us. We want our moneys worth after all. Thankfully the Breeze is well priced, at $489.94. Considering the most expensive options for robotic pool cleaners run up to nearly $4000, this is a steal. The only major issue should be your needs as a consumer. If you need your pool cleaning robot to do more than clean the floor quickly and efficiently, without issue, then you might be better served by a more expensive cleaner. The only other major cost to you would be replacement bags, which run to around $20 and the cost per cycle. Now the manufacturer claim that its 15c per cycle, but the cost of electricity per kilowatt hour is different everywhere, so you’ll have to do the math on it yourself. A single cycle of the Breeze XLS is 150W, so pretty low power consumption. I am impressed with the warranty though, a year long 100% warranty, covers everything, and a further year of limited warranty, which doesn’t cover Acts of God, so roving bands of locusts etc.
Overall a great price and an excellent warranty. Power consumption is low, so running it won’t break the budget.
Aquabot Breeze XLS Conclusion
I was impressed with the Breeze XLS. It may not be heavy on features, though it is still more versatile than the Rover series, but it does what it does well. If you have an above ground, or an in ground pool then you will be well served, just remember that it won’t do walls and you’ll be fine.
Pros:
- Automatic, requires no supervision.
- Wonderfully priced
- Almost Silent
- Has a static brush
- Looks great
- Works in both above ground and in ground pools.
Cons:
- Does not do walls
- Cable could be longer.
- The cable is not tangle resistant
