In this article we review and discuss the impressive Solar-Breeze NX2 — the best solar powered robot pool cleaner on the market. In all fairness, there are few solar powered pool cleaners on the market so there’s little competition — but you should also consider the Skimdevil. Luckily, the Solar-Breeze NX2 is actually an excellent cleaner that does exactly what you expect it to do.
If you continue reading you’ll learn everything you need to know before making your buying decision. If you want a model for a more thorough pool cleaning then you should read our recommendations for the best non-solar robotic pool cleaners. We have many articles on pool robots on our site, which you may find helpful on your quest for the perfect pool cleaner, for example our review of the Aquabot Elite.
Review | Solar-Breeze NX2
The Solar-Breeze NX2 is the latest version of this versatile 3-in-1 robotic pool cleaner. The 2018 model has been refined and developed to give you more than just comprehensive pool skimming. Few other solar robotic pool cleaners can compete with this model. I can see why so many consider the Solar-Breeze NX2 to the best solar-powered robotic pool skimmer available today. This review is going to uncover the magic behind this little pool cleaning whizz.
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Solar-Breeze NX2.
Features:
- 3-in-one pool cleaner.
- Proprietary intelligent software and AI that learns as it goes.
- Powered by the sun
- Fine mesh filter to remove bugs and dust
- On-board chlorine tray holds two 3-inch trichlor tablets allowing the Solar-Breeze NX2 to sanitize your pool as it goes.
- Continually skims the surface, removing over 90% of the dirt and leaves from the top of the pool BEFORE the debris can sink to the bottom and decay.
- When the sun goes down, our robot switches to battery power and operates most of the night
- Collects 5 times more solar energy than needed to run it
- Cleans your pool with free energy from the sun.
- Allows you to reduce your pool pump run time by up to two thirds.
- No cords or hoses.
Solar power has made a name for itself as an environmentally friendly form of electricity, it’s also free electricity. That’s after you’ve paid extra for the solar technology, but it appears to be worth the investment. As we review the Solar-Breeze NX2, it will become abundantly clear how much you will save on electricity costs, whilst doing your bit to combat the effects of climate change. Though what I find to be extremely beneficial, is the absence of any electrical cords. Not only does this not spoil the look of your pool, but there’s no chance of tangled cords or the inevitable need to replace the cord over time. Maintenance is basically zero and it’s simple enough for a child to operate.
To get going, you simply switch the NX2 on and drop it into the pool. The sophisticated robotics will take care of everything else. Like any high-end robotic pool cleaner, this Solar-Breeze model will calculate the best way to clean your pool. It removes around 90% of all floating debris before it has a chance to settle on the pool floor. This results in a drastic reduction in the amount of time that your pool pump needs to operate. As your pool pump is one of your biggest electricity consumers, this will save you a lot of cash in the long run.
The Solar-Breeze NX2 has a tray that accommodates two 3” Trichlor tablets, so it sanitizes your pool as it goes. Because most of the organic matter in your pool is captured in the fine mesh basket, you’ll be using a fraction of the pool chemicals that you would normally use. Yet another saving and there’s much less chance of algae being able to take hold.
One thing I really like about the Solar-Breeze NX2, is the onboard lithium-ion battery. Unlike most solar-powered robotic pool cleaners, the NX2 doesn’t quit when the sun goes down. The battery may not keep it running all night long, but it will work almost 24-hours a day. I guess on a long summer day, it will keep going through the night. The guys at Solar-Breeze claim that it collects up to five times the solar energy needed to run the pool cleaner. Though this will depend a lot on cloud cover through the day. One can never predict exactly how much solar radiation the panels will receive and this will affect how much power is left over to charge the battery. It also monitors the battery power and will adjust its program as the battery power is reduced.
VIDEO | How it Works : Solar-Breeze NX2
I took a good look at what existing customers have to say about the Solar-Breeze NX2. It’s only after you’ve used pool robot for some time that you can truly say that it works the way that it should. For the most part, it seems that people are more than impressed. The basket appears to big enough to handle a huge amount of debris, so it’s perfect for stormy weather. Though, you will have to empty it periodically – that’s obvious. If you’ve just experienced heavy winds, I’d recommend going out and emptying the debris basket immediately.
One recurring issue that some have found to be a problem is that the NX2 doesn’t negotiate automatic pool cleaner hoses that well. Though having looked at this in more detail, the technical advice you get from Solar-Breeze is exceptional and I’d recommend that you call them with any issue you might have. Regarding the pool cleaner hose issue, this seems quite easy to resolve. You simply need to remove a few of the floats from the hose. This allows the NX2 to easily float over the partially submerged hoses. This is the advice given by the Solar-Breeze technical team and it seems to work. So before you give up hope and decide that the NX2 isn’t quite meeting your expectations, call their help center and get professional advice. They are said to be very patient, thorough, and do all they can to help. That’s good to know.
Tech Specs:
- Dimensions : 22” x 20” x 7.5” inches
- Weight : 11 pounds
- Power Source: Two (2) 6-Watt (combined 12W) photovoltaic solar panels
- Power Storage: One (1) water-proofed 5300 mAh Lithium Ion battery (included)
- Propulsion Method: ABS/Polycarbonate blend paddle wheels
- Propulsion source: Brushless DC low-current electric motors
- Control system: Water-proofed printed circuit board and firmware
- Body and other plastic components: Customize UV protected polypropylene and glass fiber blend
- Filter mesh: High strength polyester
- Lights: Low-current LED
- On/Off Mechanism: Magnetic
Learn more by visiting the manufacturers site for the Solar-Breeze NX2.
Conclusion | Is the Solar-Breeze NX2 Worth the money?
The Solar-Breeze NX2 really seems to be one of the best solar powered robotic pool skimmers on the market. Though, I know opinions will differ. At first, the price may seem a little over the top. Solar-powered devices are quite expensive, though they do save you a lot on your electricity consumption over time.
I’ve seen claims that the Solar-Breeze NX2 can save around 60% of your pool pump running costs. Though this seems to be a best-case scenario, no one can tell for sure what your actual savings will be. The savings are still immense. Take into account the lowered chemical costs and that reducing the run-time of your pool pump will also result in lower maintenance costs and increased lifespan for the pump, and the figures will probably work out in favor of the solar-powered NX2.
I think the biggest advantage is its hassle-free operation. It really just has an on/off switch, so you can’t go wrong. It’s a nimble device, weighing only 11-pounds with dimensions of 22” X 20” X 7.5”. It won’t get in the way and is easy to remove when you want to use your pool. There’s no long cord to contend with like conventional robotic pool cleaners, which makes it extremely convenient.
Above all, people are wholly impressed with the Solar-Breeze NX2. Okay, it has some imperfections. That can be said for just about any product. Nothing is ever perfect and not everyone will be 100% satisfied with any product that they buy. The general consensus is that this is a superb little pool bot and will handle a lot of floating debris with absolute ease. In its current form, the Solar-Breeze NX2 probably utilizes the best technology available. I’m sure the others will catch up as they upgrade their current models. But, at the moment, the NX2 seems to be the best around. The warranty is fairly standard for a period of 1-year.
