Robot Pool Cleaner Basket Micron Ratings Explained

The micron rating tells you how fine the debris is that your robot’s basket or canister can catch. The lower the number, the finer the particles it traps. A 200 micron basket catches visible debris like sand and leaf bits, while a 60 micron basket catches fine dust, pollen and dead algae.

It is one of the most common questions we get when people come into our Claremont store to buy a replacement filter canister or basket for their robotic cleaner. Here is a practical breakdown of what those numbers mean for your pool.

What does a 200 micron basket catch?

A 200 micron basket provides coarse filtration. It picks up the larger debris you can easily see in your pool:

• Grains of sand.
• Small bits of leaf, grass clippings and broken-up gum blossom.
• Bugs and insect parts on the pool floor.
• Grit and small gravel near the steps and in the corners.

What does a 100 micron basket catch?

A 100 micron basket is standard fine filtration and suits most everyday pool debris. As well as catching everything a coarse basket collects, it traps:

• Very fine beach sand.
• Thick strands of hair.
• Fine dirt that settles after a windy Perth day.
• Crushed leaf particles that are starting to break down.

What does a 60 micron basket catch?

A 60 micron basket is ultra-fine filtration. It is ideal for pools that deal with heavy dust, algae blooms or seasonal pollen, picking up:

• Fine dust and silt.
• Pollen clumps, including the yellow film you see on the water surface.
• Dead algae settled on the floor after shocking or flocculating.
• Fine hair, thinner than an average human hair (which is around 70 micron).

Is a finer filter basket always better?

Not always. A finer basket clogs up faster, which means your robot needs emptying more frequently and can lose suction power sooner.

That is why many modern robotic pool cleaners come with both a coarse and a fine filter basket. You can swap between them depending on the time of year and the specific debris causing trouble in your pool.

Robot basket vs pool filter: who does what?

Your main pool filter catches finer particles than any robot basket. A sand filter catches about 20 to 40 microns, while a cartridge filter traps down to 10 to 20 microns.

Your robot handles the heavy lifting on the floor and walls, while your primary filter takes care of the microscopic particles suspended in the water. The two systems work together to keep the water clear.

Need a replacement basket or canister?

Bring your old filter basket or canister into our Claremont store, or tell us your robot’s brand and model, and we will match you with the right replacement part.

We deliver across Perth and WA. You can also browse our full range of robotic pool cleaners and spare parts online.