Solar skimmers are not very popular pool equipment, mainly because pool owners do not know their benefits and capabilities. Most pool owners understand that they need to clean and maintain the pool regularly to have safe swimming there. For that, you need to have at least a pool filter with a pump and a pool cleaner (automatic or manual) to clean the floor, walls and waterline. You also do not need to add several times per month chemicals to kill organics. Depending on your budget and the type of swimming pool, the maintenance process could be autonomous or not. Solar skimmers are a type of equipment used by advanced users to collect floating debris from the surface. Solar skimmers work from the sun’s energy and are very convenient to use.
Instapark, Betta, Smonet, and Aiper produce the most popular solar skimmers. In this article, we will compare the latest models from Betta, the leader in solar skimmers, with Betta SE vs. Betta SE Plus. We will discover all the pros and cons of these models and the benefits you receive using them.
Betta SE vs. Betta SE Plus – Comparison Table
Main differences between models
Betta SE and SE Plus solar cleaners are from one series. They have similar appearances and characteristics but have some differences that also determine the price. The main differences are:
- Betta SE Plus can be charged not only from the sun but also using an adapter from the electricity.
- Betta SE Plus comes with shallow water bumpers to protect the device in low water from damage. Betta SE does not have them.
- Betta SE Plus is a more advanced model than Betta SE. But let’s check further for more differences (if any) and investigate all the capabilities of these solar skimmers.
Detailed product review
Solar skimmers can also be referenced as solar-powered pool cleaners, robotic pool skimmers, floating pool cleaners, pool skimmer robots, and many other options. In their detailed descriptions, we will call these two models Betta SE vs. Betta SE Plus solar skimmers.
Betta SE Solar Powered Automatic Robotic Pool Skimmer Cleaner
Betta SE solar skimmer was recently reengineered to obtain enhanced core durability and Twin SCT (salt chlorine tolerance) motors to work up to thirty hours from one single charge from solar energy. The construction is simple, allowing easy maintenance and durability of all types of water (fresh, chlorine, and salt) in the swimming pool. Betta solar robot is charged only when it is switched on. The full charge required 5-6 hours in direct sunlight. The UV Resistance body protects the skimmer from UV rays during cleaning and charging. However, it is still recommended to keep it in the shade while it is not used.
This skimmer has a smart auto-clean function, ensuring it travels the whole pool surface and collects all floating debris and particles. All garbage is collected into a large removable filter basket with top access. The debris intake impeller helps to guide all debris into the basket. To extract the basket, you need to open the lid and pull it out using the grey plastic handle. All collected debris should be put into the bin; the residue should be cleaned using a garden hose. No chemicals are required. During normal usage, cleaning is required only once every 3-4 days. The skimmer should be extracted flat by holding it from both sides.
The control is executed with one switch on/off button (power switch). When you push it into one position, it starts the propellers, and the skimmer starts to clean in self-driving auto mode after you put it into the water. The anti-stranding bar protects the propellers from damage in shallow water; you can adjust their height according to your swimming pool. The radar ultrasonic sensors and a gyroscope help the solar skimmer clean up to walls and turn safely. During turning, the robot uses the guide wheels located on the front side (left and right). If you need to clean the specific areas, you can use the cordless remote control with five buttons (directions and start/stop). The remote works from two AAA batteries; by default, the controller from the package is paired with the skimmers. However, new remote controllers should be paired separately.
- Charging on the sun during cleaning
- Distance measuring sensors to prevent crashes
- Cordless design
- Auto and manual working modes
- Adjustable anti-stranding bar
- Cover is protected with a cover lock
- LED status indicators
- Aqua dynamics design
- Easy maintenance and cleaning
- Large debris basket
- Skimmer should not be in use with other cleaning tools in the pool
- No optional ports (AC/DC/USB) for charging with electricity
- Charging only while it is switched on
- Collects debris only from the surface
- No smart features
Betta SE Plus Solar Powered Robotic Pool Skimmer with Dual Charging Options
The main advantage of Betta SE Plus is that it can be charged from direct sunlight while it is turned on, and in the turned-off position, it can be charged from the charging adapter using electricity. The full charge from the sunlight requires 5-6 hours, while from the adapter – 3.5 hours. The charging from electricity is a backup solution for rainy and cloudy days; on sunny days, the solar radiation is enough. You can keep the skimmer for the whole day cleaning to prevent all debris from falling to the bottom, as from a single charge, it works up to 30 hours. The power port is located under the cover lid and is protected with a cover.
All technologies for navigation in the pool are the same—gyroscope and various sensors. The radar ultrasonic sensors detect all objects automatically and collect them. The skimmer collects only floating debris of all sizes from the pool surface. The updated adjustable-height water depth bumper rods (four pieces from each side) protect the red propellers from damage.
The control is executed with a magnetic main switch on the back of the solar skimmer. To pool the skimmer out of the water, you may use the remote control to guide it to the nearest wall, and then you need to grab it using the grey handle. You also need to clean the filter basket every 3-4 days for large and small debris using a garden hose. The filter has top access; you need to unlatch the cover and open it to access the handle of the filter basket. The operation principle is the same: the solar skimmer is moving around the pool surface and collects all debris using a filter impeller in the basket.
- Dual charging options – electricity and sun
- Ultralight weight and aqua design
- No hoses or cords
- Extra-large debris basket
- Dual control – manual and auto
- Ultrasonic radar sensors
- Suitable for shallow pools
- UV-resistant body
- LED status indicators
- Special design for shallow water operation
- Cleans only floating debris
- No smart features
- Can’t be used with other robotic pool equipment
Buyer’s Guide
We have to admit that even the best solar skimmer can’t replace other pool equipment, like robotic pool cleaners, pool filters and pumps. It collects pollen, bugs, leaves, dust, sand and other debris only from the water’s surface; it doesn’t sink into the water to collect from the bottom. But if you keep your solar skimmer all the time long, it will prevent most of the debris from sinking to the bottom and collect it in advance, reducing the load on the robotic cleaner or other types of walls, floor and waterline cleaners. It is an additional tool to maintain your pool better in autonomous mode.
Betta solar skimmers can be compared with other types of skimmers. The most popular type is an inground built-in skimmer located on the wall of the waterline with a flap to trap the collected debris from floating back into the pool. Normally, in ground skimmers are located on the inlet of the pool filter and pool pump line. The cheaper solution is an above-ground skimmer mounted on the wall with a plastic arm or floating. If you prefer manual work, there are pool skimmer nets to scoop the pool surface. Robotic pool skimmers are automatic skimmers, battery or solar-powered, gliding the pool surface. Solar skimmers are a preferable option as this cost-effective solution does not require electricity expenses.
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Design
Betta SE Plus has a slim design (22 x 19 x 8 inches and 15 lbs) to travel around the pool surface using two propellers. It is equipped with twin motors and a large filter basket that is removable for cleaning from the top. It is available only in grey color. The skimmer is equipped with plastic wheels on two sides of the front for turning in the pool. To prevent clashes and damage, it has radar sensors and a gyroscope.
The robot has an enhanced body at the back to avoid trapping on the stairs and shallow pools and protect the body better. The LED lights tell the robot the status. For charging, the solar panels on the top are used, and a charging port is under the cover.
verdictIn this part of the comparison, Betta SE vs. Betta SE Plus, the Plus model wins first place, as it has an additional safeguard design for navigating in shallow water. However, while the appearance of both models is similar, the dimensions are the same, and the SE Plus is slightly heavier.
Charge
Betta SE has black solar panels on the cover that allow it to charge only from direct sunlight. However, it can’t be charged on cloudy or rainy days or in full in winter.
Betta SE Plus can be fully charged using direct sunlight and electricity. Under the cover is located the charging port, where you need to insert the charging adapter from the package. The port is protected with a plastic plug. It has a solar panel on the cover for charging from the sun. You can charge the Betta all year long.
verdictBetta SE Plus is the winner again, as it offers two charging options and can be used all year long.
LED indicators
Betta SE Plus has several LED indicators: the same status indicators for the remote controller and the solar skimmer as Betta SE and an additional indicator on the power adapter. All statuses – red, green, off, red and green are the same for the Betta SE Plus and Betta SE.
In addition, when you connect the power adapter, the LED indicator automatically turns on. If the indicator is red on the adapter, it shows that the skimmer is charging, and if it is green, the battery is fully charged.
verdictThe winner is again the Betta SE Plus, as it has more indicators because of the additional charger.
How to choose the best pool solar skimmers?
A pool skimmer is an important part of pool maintenance equipment. It collects pool contaminants and reduces the load on filters. We hope that you agree that solar skimmers are effective helpers for pool maintenance. If you are still wondering how to choose the correct solar skimmer and whether Betta SE or SE Plus are suitable for your swimming pool, please go through our questionnaire.
We hope that this questionnaire has helped you choose the right solar skimmer and that you have already defined which one to choose from the comparison Betta SE vs Betta SE Plus.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I charge Betta skimmer in winter?
In winter, the Betta Solar skimmers (SE and SE Plus) are not charged as fast as in summer, as the sunlight is not as strong. So, in winter, a skimmer will work less than 30 hours on a single charge. But please be informed that this is applicable only to hot states like CA, FL, and AZ. In other places, it is not recommended to use Betta solar skimmers because of low temperatures. 2. What is the size of the filter mesh in Betta SE? Do I need to clean the basket after each cycle?
3.Can I use the Betta SE or SE Plus for infinity pools?
4. Can I control Betta SE Plus from my smartphone?
5.How do you start auto mode on Betta SE or Betta SE Plus?
Conclusion
Betta solar skimmers significantly reduce the load on all your pool equipment. You need to start the pool robotic cleaner, for example, less frequently, as all debris is collected from the surface. In such a way, you reduce your bills significantly, as Betta skimmers can work most of the time of the year only from solar energy. There are only two main differences between these models – Betta SE Plus has an additional option for charging from the electricity and an enhanced safeguard design to clean and prevent traps in shallow water. But if you do not need to use the swimming pool the whole year, only in the hot sunny season, and your pool does not have shallow ends, you do not need to pay more; Betta SE is a perfect solution for you. Unfortunately, these solar skimmers have no smart features, only auto smart cleaning; you can’t schedule, delay, or control from any apps. But they are both reliable and execute the collecting job of floating debris perfectly.
Hi! I’m Markus Robertson, and water is my passion.
Five years ago, I graduated from the University of California-Los Angeles and was going to become a professional marine biologist. However, my fate had other plans for me, and due to family problems, I had to find a more stable and well-paid job. I had only one wish for my job to be connected with water.
During this period of my life, I worked as a sales manager at Olympic Pool & Spa Supplies. The job helped me learn everything about swimming pools and related pool equipment, as well as how to choose the best option and what to pay attention to.
