The Betta SE is a solar-powered surface skimmer. It stays on top of the water collecting floating debris into a removable basket, and it runs entirely on the solar panel built into its lid. There is no AC, DC, or USB charging port on this machine, and there is nothing to plug in.
That one fact explains most of its behavior. If the Betta is not running, the first question is almost always about light and charge, not about a fault.
Setup
- Slide the power switch to ON. This matters more than it sounds: the Betta only accepts solar charge when the switch is ON. A unit switched off in storage will not charge, and will be flat when you next want it.
- The front status lights flash, then the propellers and intake impeller start.
- Place the unit on the water. It begins moving and skimming immediately.
- It runs in Auto Mode by default and steers itself using its onboard sensors. No mapping or setup is required.
- If your pool has shallow steps, a tanning ledge, or similar structures, adjust the anti-stranding bars. Press the upper button on the bar housing and pull the bars down; each has two height positions. Always adjust in pairs — both front or both rear — so the unit stays balanced.
Remote control
The included remote is paired at the factory. Press any button and the unit enters Remote Mode; hold the middle button for two seconds to return to Auto, or simply leave it for two minutes and it returns on its own.
To re-pair a replacement remote: switch the unit OFF, switch it back ON, then press any remote button within five seconds. Test the buttons after those five seconds have passed. If the remote does nothing at all and its own light does not come on when pressed, replace its two AAA batteries first.
Status light guide
The Betta has no error codes. It communicates entirely through the two LED indicators at the front, and this table is the fastest diagnostic tool you have.
| Indicator | Mode | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flashing green | Standard | Sufficient charge; running normally | Nothing |
| Flashing red | Intermittent | Battery low. The unit runs in short bursts, hunting for a sunlit spot to recharge in | Leave it in the pool. You can move it into direct sun to speed recovery |
| All lights off | Sleep | Battery very low or fully discharged | Leave it in the pool. It will resume in intervals after sunrise |
| Steady green | Remote | Under manual remote control | Hold the middle remote button 2 seconds, or wait 2 minutes, to return to Auto |
| Flashing red and green | Strand | Propellers or impeller cannot turn freely, or the unit is caught on a structure | Check the basket is seated and the cover lock secured; check propellers and impeller for dirt, string, or hair. The unit retries every 20 minutes on its own |
Common issues
Not running at night
This is normal. Lights off means Sleep Mode. Leave the unit in the pool and it will restart in intervals after sunrise.
Not running during the day
Read the lights. Flashing red is a low battery hunting for sun — leave it, or move it to a sunlit area. Lights off is a deeper discharge; place it in direct sunlight and wait. Red and green together is Strand Mode, which is a mechanical obstruction rather than a charge problem.
Short run time even in good sun
Two causes, both maintenance. Either the solar panel has a film of mineral residue from the pool water, or a propeller or the impeller is partly fouled. Clean both.
Moving in circles
One propeller is obstructed, so the unit drives unevenly. Check both propellers and the impeller for hair, string, and leaf stems.
Shorter runtime in winter
Expected. Weaker winter light means slower charging and shorter runs, even in consistently sunny states. A full charge simply takes longer.
Maintenance
- Empty the debris basket every 2–3 days. Move the unit to the shallow end using the remote, lift it flat with two hands — one on the front handle, one on the rear grip — and rest it on a flat surface. Switch the power off, unlock the cover, lift the basket out, and empty it.
- Rinse the basket with a hose until clean, refit it, secure the cover lock, and switch the power back on.
- Clean the solar panel at the same time. White residue is pool chemicals and minerals. Rinse with a hose and wipe with a soft dry cloth.
- Never use a pressure washer, and never scrape or brush the panel. Both cause damage that is not covered.
Winter storage
Remove the unit when you close the pool. Rinse with fresh water, let it dry completely, and store it indoors at room temperature, dry and away from heat. Inspect all parts before the first use of the next season.
Manual
Betta SE User Manual (PDF) — 8 pages. The manufacturer publishes at bettabot.com.
Warranty and escalation
Contact us first. Email Support@yardautomationpros.com or call (423) 927-3776, Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm Eastern Time. We rule out the causes that are not hardware, and if the fault is genuine we submit the claim and advocate for you.
Coverage specifics for this model:
- One-year manufacturer warranty from the date of purchase.
- Rated for fresh water and salt water up to 5,000 PPM. Use in sea water pools voids the warranty.
- Extended warranty is honored by the manufacturer only through BettaCare. Extended cover offered by third-party retailers is not serviced by the manufacturer directly — check what you actually bought before assuming you are covered.
- Register your warranty at bettabot.com/pages/warranty-registration.
Do not open or disassemble the unit. Routine cleaning as described above is the full extent of owner-serviceable work on this machine.
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