Beatbot iSkim vs iSkim Ultra: Which Pool Skimmer Robot Fits Your Pool?

Last updated: November 2026

The Beatbot iSkim is a solar robotic pool skimmer with a 24 W solar panel, a 10,000 mAh battery, a 9 L basket and up to 28 hours of surface cleaning on a full charge without sun, per Beatbot. The iSkim Ultra keeps the 9 L basket and adds planned cleaning paths, dual side brushes, 20 sensors, clarifier dispensing and magnetic wireless charging. Choose the iSkim for simple, long-running surface cleaning; choose the Ultra if you want more coverage logic, edge sweeping and water clarifier in one unit.

"Beatbot iSkim Ultra" is rising in searches this month. Both skimmers come as options in Beatbot's floor robot bundles on our store. Here is the difference.

How do they compare?

All figures are Beatbot's.

Who is the iSkim for?

Owners who want a skimmer that works through the day with little fuss. The large solar panel and battery keep it going, and up to 28 hours on a full charge without sun covers cloudy spells. It has the longer main body warranty of the two: 36 months, per Beatbot.

Who is the iSkim Ultra for?

Owners who want more from the surface robot: planned paths for even coverage, side brushes that sweep debris from edges and corners toward the intake, 20 sensors for navigation, and clarifier dispensing to help the filter catch fine particles. Magnetic wireless charging means no plug to connect.

How do you buy them?

On our store, the iSkim and iSkim Ultra are offered together with a Beatbot floor robot, so the whole pool is covered:

• Beatbot Sora 30 + iSkim: the Sora 30 cleans the floor, walls, waterline and platforms in water as shallow as 8 inches, with 6,800 GPH suction and up to 5 hours on the floor, per Beatbot.
• Beatbot AquaSense 2 + iSkim: the AquaSense 2 cleans the floor, walls and waterline, recommended for pool floors up to 3,230 sq ft, with up to 4 hours of floor cleaning and a wireless dock, per Beatbot.

You choose the iSkim or iSkim Ultra in the options on each bundle.

Why pair a skimmer with a floor robot?

The skimmer catches leaves, pollen and bugs before they sink; the floor robot cleans what reaches the bottom. Together they keep the surface clear all day and cut the load on the floor robot's filter. See do you need a pool skimmer and a pool robot.

How do they compare with other skimmers?

See also Betta SE vs SE Plus vs Flex vs Neo and do solar pool skimmers work.

What upkeep do they need?

Empty the 9 L basket every day or two in leaf season, rinse it, wipe the solar panel or charging contacts, and check brushes on the Ultra. Beatbot covers filter baskets and roller brushes for 3 months. If you use the Ultra's clarifier, follow Beatbot's guidance on which product to use and how often to refill.

What about winter?

Take the skimmer out when you close the pool, clean and dry it, and store it indoors with a partial charge. See how to store a solar pool skimmer for winter.

Which should you choose?

• Lots of leaves, want simple and long-running: iSkim.
• Want even coverage, edge sweeping and clarifier: iSkim Ultra.
• Want the longest main body warranty: iSkim, at 36 months.
• Already own a floor robot: ask us about options for the skimmer on its own.

Browse all Beatbot robots.

How does a skimmer robot move around the pool?

A skimmer floats with its intake at the waterline and drives across the surface, pulling floating debris into its basket. Simple skimmers wander and turn when they meet a wall. Models with planned paths, like the iSkim Ultra, follow a route meant to cover the surface more evenly. Side brushes reach debris that collects along walls and in corners, where wind pushes leaves.

What should you check before choosing?

• Tree cover. Heavy leaf fall fills a basket fast; a 9 L basket, like both iSkims have, helps.
• Sun. A sunny pool suits solar charging; a shaded pool benefits from long battery runtime or easy charging.
• Shape. Pools with many corners and alcoves gain more from side brushes and planned paths.
• Water care. If you already dose clarifier, the Ultra can take over part of that job.

Can a skimmer stay in the pool all season?

Skimmers are designed to live on the water in season. Lift it out for storms with strong winds if the maker advises, when you shock the pool if chemistry is outside its range, and when you close the pool for winter.

Still not sure which fits your property?

Tell us about your pool, trees and how you want to manage it and a Yard Automation Pro will reply by email with a recommendation, or tell you honestly if none of our machines fits. Book a free consultation, or call +1 423-927-3776, 9am to 5pm EST. You can also try the Find Your Robot quiz and cost calculator.