Willie S.
The Betta SE Plus is a solar-powered robotic pool skimmer designed to keep your pool’s surface free of debris without the hassle of manual cleaning. Launched as an upgraded version of the Betta SE, this smart device combines eco-friendly solar power with an AC adapter option, ensuring reliable performance in any weather. Its sleek design and advanced technology make it a standout for pool owners seeking convenience and efficiency. Whether you’re tired of skimming leaves or dealing with pollen, the Betta SE Plus promises to simplify pool maintenance.
This skimmer uses twin Salt Chlorine Tolerant (SCT) motors and ultrasonic radar to navigate pools, automatically collecting debris like leaves, dust, insects, and pet hair. Introduced in early 2024, the SE Plus builds on its predecessor with dual charging capabilities and a shallow water safeguard, addressing common pool skimming challenges. Its cordless, UV-resistant design ensures durability, making it suitable for both freshwater and saltwater pools. The Betta SE Plus is sold by BettaOfficial, a company focused on innovative, sustainable pool cleaning solutions.
Betta, based in Santa Fe Springs, California, is known for its commitment to eco-friendly pool maintenance. Their mission emphasizes sustainable technology, with the SE Plus reflecting customer feedback for improved performance. Since its launch, the product has seen minor refinements, like enhanced motor reliability, to meet user needs. This skimmer is a game-changer for those looking to reduce manual pool upkeep while maintaining a pristine swimming environment.
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Is the Betta SE Plus for You?
The Betta SE Plus addresses the primary need of keeping pool surfaces clean without constant manual effort. It’s ideal for pool owners who deal with frequent debris, such as leaves, pollen, or pet hair, especially in areas with heavy tree cover. This product suits homeowners with in-ground or above-ground pools, provided there’s at least 3.5 inches of water depth. It’s not compatible with infinity pools, so owners of those should look elsewhere.
This skimmer is perfect for busy individuals or elderly users who want a low-maintenance solution. It’s also great for those with saltwater or chlorine pools, thanks to its SCT motors. However, if your pool has complex features like shallow stairs or hoses from bottom-cleaning robots, you may encounter occasional navigation issues. Budget-wise, the Betta SE Plus falls in the middle range—not the cheapest, but far from the most expensive robotic skimmer. It’s beginner-friendly, requiring minimal setup and offering intuitive operation via a wireless remote.
What We Like About the Betta SE Plus
The Betta SE Plus shines in its ability to deliver consistent, hands-free pool cleaning. Its solar-powered design is a major draw, harnessing sunlight to provide over 30 hours of continuous operation on a single charge, even on cloudy days. The addition of an AC adapter is a thoughtful upgrade, ensuring the skimmer remains functional during extended rainy periods or in shaded pools. The twin SCT motors are powerful yet silent, efficiently collecting everything from fine pollen to larger leaves without disturbing the pool’s tranquility. The ultrasonic radar technology impressed me, as it adeptly navigates around obstacles like pool walls or floats, covering the entire surface effectively.
The large fine-mesh debris basket is another highlight, making emptying a breeze without needing to remove the skimmer from the water. Its UV-resistant coating ensures long-term durability under harsh sunlight, a critical feature for outdoor pool equipment. The shallow water safeguard, with adjustable bumper rods, prevents the skimmer from getting stuck in areas like pool steps, which is a common issue with other models. Overall, the Betta SE Plus combines sustainability, ease of use, and robust performance, making pool maintenance feel effortless.
What We Don’t Like About the Betta SE Plus
While the Betta SE Plus is impressive, it’s not without flaws. In pools with hoses from bottom-cleaning robots, the skimmer can occasionally get tangled or stuck, requiring manual intervention. Some users report that strong pool returns or windy conditions can push it toward the pool’s edge, where it may struggle to free itself. The wireless remote, while convenient, has a limited range, often requiring you to be close to the pool for it to work reliably. This can be inconvenient for larger pools or if you’re trying to adjust modes from a distance.
Another minor drawback is the skimmer’s performance in heavily shaded pools. While the AC adapter mitigates this, relying on solar power alone in low-sunlight conditions may reduce runtime. Additionally, the 3.5-inch minimum water depth requirement might limit its use in very shallow pool areas. These issues don’t overshadow the skimmer’s strengths, but they’re worth considering for specific pool setups.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Solar-powered with over 30 hours of runtime | Can get tangled in pool hoses |
| Dual charging options (solar and AC adapter) | Limited remote control range |
| Silent, efficient twin SCT motors | May struggle in strong winds or pool returns |
| Large, easy-to-empty debris basket | Requires 3.5-inch minimum water depth |
| UV-resistant and durable design | Reduced performance in heavily shaded pools |
| Shallow water safeguard prevents sticking |
What’s Included?
- Betta SE Plus robotic pool skimmer
- Wireless remote control
- AC adapter for charging
- Large fine-mesh debris basket (200 um)
- Adjustable water depth bumper rods
- User manual
- 1-year warranty
The package is well-rounded, providing everything needed to get started right out of the box. The inclusion of the AC adapter is a welcome addition, addressing the limitations of solar-only models. The wireless remote is a nice touch for manual control, though its range could be better. I’m satisfied with the contents, as they cover both operation and maintenance needs. However, a storage bag or a pool hook for easy retrieval would have been a practical extra, especially for frequent swimmers who need to remove the skimmer temporarily.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Power Source | Solar panel + AC adapter |
| Battery Life | 30+ hours continuous cleaning |
| Charging Time | 5-6 hours (solar), 3.5 hours (AC adapter) |
| Motors | Twin Salt Chlorine Tolerant (SCT) |
| Debris Basket | 200 um fine-mesh, top-handle design |
| Minimum Water Depth | 3.5 inches |
| Dimensions | 22 x 18.5 x 8 inches |
| Weight | 14.9 lbs (6.78 kg) |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Features
- Solar-Powered Operation: Runs on sunlight, with a high-capacity lithium battery for extended cleaning.
- Dual Charging Options: Solar panel or AC adapter for flexibility in all weather conditions.
- Twin SCT Motors: Salt and chlorine tolerant, ensuring reliable performance in various pool types.
- Ultrasonic Radar: Detects obstacles and reroutes for efficient pool coverage.
- Shallow Water Safeguard: Adjustable bumper rods prevent sticking in shallow areas.
- Large Debris Basket: 200 um fine-mesh with top handle for easy emptying.
- UV-Resistant Coating: Protects against sun damage for long-term durability.
- Wireless Remote Control: Allows mode switching between auto-clean and manual control.
- Cordless Design: Eliminates cables for hassle-free operation.
- Automatic Shut-Off: Prevents clogging and enhances safety.
The features of the Betta SE Plus are a strong blend of practicality and innovation. The dual charging system is a standout, offering unmatched versatility compared to solar-only skimmers. The SCT motors and ultrasonic radar deliver reliable, quiet performance, while the shallow water safeguard addresses a common pain point. The debris basket’s design is user-friendly, though it may need frequent emptying in debris-heavy pools. My only critique is the remote’s limited range, which slightly hampers convenience. Overall, the features make this skimmer a top contender for automated pool cleaning.
Final Breakdown
9/10
The Betta SE Plus earns a strong 9 out of 10 for its blend of eco-friendly design, robust performance, and user-friendly features. Its solar-powered operation, backed by an AC adapter, ensures consistent cleaning even in less-than-ideal conditions, while the twin SCT motors and ultrasonic radar make it a reliable workhorse. Minor issues like occasional tangling with hoses or the remote’s limited range prevent a perfect score, but these are manageable with simple workarounds, like adding hose weights. The skimmer’s ability to keep pools pristine with minimal effort is a game-changer, especially for those with debris-heavy environments.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Betta SE Plus to pool owners seeking a sustainable, low-maintenance cleaning solution. It’s particularly suited for those with busy schedules or pools surrounded by trees, as it eliminates the need for constant manual skimming. While it’s not perfect for every pool type, its versatility and performance make it a worthwhile investment for most. If you’re ready to say goodbye to tedious pool upkeep, the Betta SE Plus is an excellent choice.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Betta SE Plus – Solar Powered Robotic Pool Surface Skimmer with Dual Charging Options and 30-Hour… |
$389.90 |
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