Beatbot · Review

Beatbot iSkim Ultra Review: A Robotic Surface Skimmer, Not a Floor Vacuum

Beatbot iSkim Ultra pool vacuum

Heads up: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I'd actually use. Full disclosure.

Where to buy

Prices update at the retailer. Affiliate disclosure.

Beatbot iSkim Ultra — video review

The Beatbot iSkim Ultra is a surface skimmer, not a floor vacuum. It runs on its own across the top of the water to collect leaves, pollen, and bugs before they sink.

Who it’s for

If your main battle is floating debris, a self-running skimmer means far less skimming by hand. It is solar-assisted, so it can keep working through the day.

What it does not do

It is important to be clear: the iSkim Ultra skims the surface only. It does not clean the floor or walls. For that, you want a vacuum like the Beatbot AquaSense 2. Many owners run both — a skimmer up top and a robot below.

How it compares

For another solar surface skimmer, see the Betta SE Solar overview. The full Pool Vacuums roundup shows how skimmers, robots, and handhelds each fit.

Bottom line

As a hands-off surface skimmer the iSkim Ultra does its job well — just pair it with a vacuum if you also need the floor and walls done.

What I like

  • Runs on its own to clear floating leaves, pollen, and bugs
  • Solar-assisted, so it can keep working through the day
  • Cuts down on manual surface skimming

What to know

  • Surface only — it does not vacuum the floor or walls
  • Heavy surface debris or storms can still need a hand

Where to buy

Prices update at the retailer. Affiliate disclosure.

Frequently asked questions

Does the iSkim Ultra clean the pool floor and walls?

No. It is a surface skimmer — it collects floating debris from the top of the water. For the floor and walls you need a vacuum like the Beatbot AquaSense 2.

Can a skimmer replace a pool vacuum?

No. A skimmer and a vacuum do different jobs. Many owners use a skimmer for the surface and a robot vacuum for the floor and walls.