If you own a pool, you know how much debris can accumulate at the bottom. Most pool filters suck water in towards the middle of the pool, which is good for collecting debris which has not reached the bottom yet. Without proper cleaning, this debris can clog or decrease the inefficiency of your filters. That’s where iRobot’s new Mirra comes in.
Mirra, which was announced a few days before CES, uses iRobot’s new iAdapt Nautiq technology to determine the dimensions of the pool and figure out the best way to clean it. It has a self-contained vacuum, pump and filter system, so it does not need to connect to existing pool systems.
I asked how the robot stays stable while cleaning side walls; the answer was pretty interesting. It stays on the walls by combining the suction from the vacuum as well as the force from the outlet pump, which pushes the robot against the wall at a rate of 70 gallons per minute. All the water being pushed out from the pump has been filtered, clearing oils, bacteria, dirt, algae and more from the water. iRobot also said the built-in pump “reduces heated hot spots and keeps chlorinated water evenly distributed.”
On top, you’ll find two top-load canisters, which hold the junk from the pool and the pump outlet. The 60-foot power cord connects here and a handle is located in the back.
The device doesn’t rely on suction alone; it has a PVC brush on the bottom aiding removal of various materials.
The Mirra will be available in Spring 2013 for $1,299.
