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Senthilmahesh, et al.

1. Introduction or unsafe to use. In addition, pools without proper
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temperature control may make the water either too cold
Swimming is a physical activity with numerous health or too warm, deterring usage and creating potential
benefits. It is an excellent full-body workout that safety risks, especially for young children and the
can improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, elderly. 9
flexibility, and endurance. Swimming is also low- Swimming pool robots, developed to automate pool
impact, making it suitable for people of all ages and maintenance and improve efficiency, have undergone
fitness levels. One of the significant advantages of significant advancements since their inception in the
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swimming is its positive impact on mental health. early 1980s. The first-generation pool robots primarily
Studies have shown that swimming can reduce relied on basic suction technology and required manual
symptoms of anxiety and depression by promoting the control. With the advancements in technology, however,
release of mood-enhancing endorphins Cox et al. In the 1990s saw the introduction of more sophisticated
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addition, the rhythmic nature of swimming can induce a models with enhanced navigation capabilities that
meditative state, helping to reduce stress, Halliwell and enable autonomous cleaning of pool floors and walls.
Grogan. Swimming is also a crucial life skill. According Swimming pool maintenance robots are autonomous
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to the World Health Organization, drowning is one devices Lee that efficiently clean and maintain pool
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of the leading causes of accidental death worldwide, surfaces, reducing the need for manual effort. These
particularly among children. Learning to swim can robots are equipped with motors, wheels or tracks,
significantly reduce the risk of swimming-related and advanced sensors that allow them to navigate the
fatality risk, as it equips individuals with essential skills pool floor and walls while avoiding obstacles. They
to stay safe in and around water. use suction mechanisms to collect debris, which is
If not properly maintained, swimming pools may trapped in filters, and many models also feature rotating
pose health risks to the users. One significant concern brushes that scrub the pool surfaces to loosen dirt and
is the risk of waterborne infections, which can occur algae. These robots feature straightforward operation:
due to pathogens such as Cryptosporidium, Escherichia Users can plug the device in or utilize models with
coli, and Legionella. These pathogens can lead to built-in batteries, place it in the pool, and set automated
gastrointestinal illnesses, skin infections, or respiratory cleaning cycles. Some models even allow for remote or
issues, particularly in poorly disinfected pools. Chlorine app-based control, enabling customization of cleaning
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is a common disinfectant used to reduce microbial modes and schedules. As the robot moves across the
contamination, but its usage necessitates proper pool, it vacuums debris while its filtration system
management as high levels of chlorine and chloramines ensures that only clean water is returned to the pool.
can cause respiratory irritation and eye irritation and After each cycle, the filter can be easily removed,
exacerbate conditions such as asthma. In addition to emptied, and rinsed in a bid to simplify the maintenance
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chemical exposure, swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is a process. These robots are energy-efficient and time-
common issue that results from water trapped in the ear saving and often complete the cleaning task better than
canal, which promotes bacterial growth and infection. traditional methods, making them an ideal solution for
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Another risk is skin irritation or rashes, which can pool owners looking for convenience and enhanced
develop from prolonged exposure to pool chemicals or pool hygiene. In recent years, advancements in sensors,
from certain microbes present in inadequately treated artificial intelligence (AI), and battery technology have
pools. enabled pool robots to become more efficient, energy-
Several functional issues of the swimming pools saving, and user-friendly. Today, features such as Wi-Fi
may occasionally limit their usability and diminish connectivity and app-based controls are incorporated,
users’ satisfaction. Some of these common problems allowing users to remotely operate and monitor their
include ineffective circulation systems, inadequate devices for optimal convenience. 11
water filtration, and poor temperature regulation, all Topouzelis et al. developed an autonomous
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of which can affect pool cleanliness and comfort. transportation robot boat utilizing an unmanned
Inefficient circulation systems can lead to uneven surface vehicle (USV) for autonomous navigation
chemical distribution, resulting in certain areas of the on urban waterways. This invention, designed to
pool becoming a hotspot for bacteria or algae growth, facilitate transportation, features a modified structure
while inadequate filtration allows for the accumulation that enhances portability. Similarly, Compa et al.
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of debris and contaminants, making the pool unpleasant introduced a USV tailored for hydrographic surveys,

Volume 22 Issue 2 (2025) 20 doi: 10.36922/ajwep.6564