Robotic pool skimmers are one of those pool accessories where you don’t necessarily think you need one. You can just use a net and get debris out.
But now? I do not want to have a pool without one!
And the Betta Flex makes pool maintenance so much easier. You will never have to think about surface debris again.
Disclosure: This product was provided to me by Bettafor testing. I have not been compensated for this review. All opinions expressed are my own. This post contains affiliate links.
Betta Flex
The Betta Flex is an exceptionally lightweight and efficient solar skimmer that provides continuous, worry-free cleaning with great debris retention.
Pros
Cons
*By buying from these links, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Betta Flex Overview
The Betta Flex is a solar-power robot skimmer that is self-described as a “smarter, sleeker solution for effortless pool cleaning.” It is 100% cordless, which means there is no manual charging at all.
It has a control system with various sensors including a gyroscope to guide itself while moving through the surface.
The Flex runs on two modes:
- Normal Mode for 24/7, continuous cleaning
- Eco Mode for periodic cleaning, pausing every 4 hours to charge (for times with limited sunlight)
Since it has no charging mechanism in the body, it is extremely lightweight at 8.3 pounds. The body itself is very sleek, with a height of 8.5″. This makes it tight spaces and corners more efficiently. It also has a foam casing making it absorb contact of the pool walls so it doesn’t damage the unit itself or the pool wall.
Pricing and Warranty Information
As of this review (May 2026), the Betta Flex retails between $350 – $500. You can also buy a bag on their website for easier carrying and storage.
In terms of the warranty, Betta offers a standard 1-year warranty from the date of purchase, with the option of purchasing extended warranties.
Unboxing and Setup
The Betta Flex comes in a standard cardboard box with foam holders to keep the unit in place during transit.
Inside, besides the unit itself, you’ll receive a manual and a foam pool noodle. The noodle can be used to stick inside the mouth of a skimmer so it doesn’t get sucked in if the pump is running at higher speeds.
I’ve never had an issue with it getting stuck, but it’s a useful accessory to have if it’s an issue.
The first think you will notice is how light the Flex is. It honestly feels almost too light, which is a compliment!
Setup could not be easier. There is no cords, no plugs, no charging. You take it out of the box, slide the switch to “Normal” or “Eco Mode”, and put it in the pool. I’d recommend letting it bake in the sun a little bit to get some additional charge, but the great thing about the Flex is that it can charge while it runs!
Performance of the Betta Flex
The Flex doesn’t win races, but that’s a good thing. Its movement is slow and steady, which prevents it from creating a wake that pushes leaves away. Instead, it glides right over them.
Here is a video of the Flex skimming my pool:
In my opinion, the best part about the Flex is the debris retention. Some surface skimmers lose their “catch” when they reverse or hit a wall, but the Flex keeps everything locked in the basket. Whatever it catches, it holds.
With its slim body, It’s surprisingly nimble in tight spaces. Though its navigation can be completely random (it will occasionally hit the walls with some force), the foam siding does a great job of cushioning those collisions.
Basket and Filter
Everything about the Flex is easy, and emptying the top-loading basket continues that trend. You simply twist a locking mechanism on top, pop the basket out, and dump the debris. Put it back in and it’s ready to go.
The basket itself is large enough that you don’t need to worry about it for a couple days, unless you have a big storm or a bunch of leaves dropping in the fall. With a 200 µm (0.2mm) fine-mesh filter, it picks up (and holds) the finest debris the falls into the pool.
In terms of maintenance, I find myself cleaning the basket every 2 or 3 days, with more room to spare for debris in the basket.
Solar Charging
95% of the time, the Flex is running 24/7 non-stop with no issues. However, since it is completely powered by solar energy, there are times where the unit cannot run.
During a recent stretch of three days with heavy clouds and rain, the Flex struggled to stay operational. When there’s no sun during a period of time, once the battery runs out, the Flex stays parked.
But what I really like is that you can charge while keeping it running on Normal mode. I don’t have to go outside after it’s charging to turn it on. Once it has enough juice, it will run.
When you know there is going to be intermittent clouds during the day, pop it in Eco Mode to preserve some of the battery.
You’ll know if the battery is running low with a blinking red LED light in the front.
Navigation
I do appreciate the Flex’s ability to navigate tight spaces and corners.
The pattern it uses can be a little erratic at times, and I do notice it doubling back in the same “lane” it just created. However, it isn’t too big of a deal since it’s a 24/7 machine. It will eventually get to the entire surface of your pool.
Working Through Shallow Water and Corded Robots
The Flex has a minimum operating water depth of 6 inches. It can get stuck on steps or a Baja shelf / tanning ledge if it is shallow enough.
This can be solved by using its “anti-stranding” bars that you push down into the water. This gives the Flex the ability to hit the obstruction before it gets stuck and back away.
Also, if you have a cordless robot, there is a lever mechanism you can push down to block it from getting stuck in the impeller.
I have used a manual vacuum with an attached hose, and once the flex detects the hose, it will back up and work its way around it no problem.
App And Remote Capabilities
If you are into automation and wanting a controller or app access, the Flex has neither.
Personally I don’t think it’s necessary since it is solar powered, if it is something that you are looking for, you’ll need to find another robot that has the capabilities.
Durability and Seasonal Storage
The Flex is a lightweight tank. The foam padding absorbs any slight contact with walls, and it powers through rain and wind with no issues
Overall, it’s meant to run all year. If you live in a year-round sunny climate, you shouldn’t have many issues.
The manual mentions over the winter months, charging may take longer due to the shorter days and the sun’s lower angle in the atmosphere. This is where Eco Mode can help you save battery and prolong the cleaning during the day.
For the seasonal pool owners, winter storage is fairly simple. All you need to do is rinse and clean the filter basket and skimmer body with a hose and let it completely dry.
As mentioned above, there is a bag to store it, but really any drawstring bag will work. Store it in a dry place at room temperature and wait until next year.
Final Verdict
Overall, the Flex is a must-have item for a pool owner. I do not even have the need for a skimmer net at this point, and it has probably saved me hours of cleaning over the course of a swim season.
If you are in the market for a robotic skimmer, this is one that should be circled on the top of your list.