# Betta SE review

Solar surface skimmer that runs all day with no charging

- Our score: 9.1 out of 10
- Price: $370 (checked Nov 4, 2026)
- Status: on sale
- Best for: pools with leaves and bugs on the surface
- Skip if: you want app control or floor cleaning
- HTML version: https://robotsforthat.com/robot/betta-se/

## Verdict

A simple, low cost way to keep leaves and bugs off the surface before they sink. Two independent testers rated it a top pick, praising its speed, easy basket and true set and forget solar charging. It only skims the surface, has no app, and one tester's propellers failed after about a year.

## Pros

- Solar only, never needs a plug
- Big, easy to empty top load basket
- Fast and rarely gets stuck in testing
- Salt and chlorine tolerant motors

## Cons

- Skims the surface only
- No app, remote only
- Bob Vila's unit lost rear propellers after about 12 months
- Can miss tight corners

## Specs

- pool types: Above-ground and in-ground; Betta says its SCT motors work in saltwater and chlorine pools
- cleans: Water surface only (skimmer); does not clean floor or walls
- power: Cordless, solar charged built in lithium battery; no plug in charging (Betta)
- runtime: 30+ h on a charge, including cloudy days (Betta); The Pool Nerd ran it daily for weeks with no stops
- charge time: 5 to 6 h of direct sunlight (Betta)
- filter: Top load fine mesh basket, 200 micron (Betta)
- max pool size: Up to 40 x 60 ft, about 2,400 sq ft (Betta)
- app: No app; wireless remote for mode changes, auto mode only (Betta)
- warranty: 1 year, plus 30 day home trial (Betta)

## Safety

- recalls: Not checked
- fcc: Not checked
- company status: Active
- warranty: 1 year (Betta store)

## Questions buyers ask

### Does it need to be plugged in?

No. The SE charges from its built in solar panel only. Betta says 5 to 6 hours of sun gives 30+ hours of running. The SE Plus adds plug in charging.

### Does it clean the pool floor?

No. It is a surface skimmer. You still need a floor cleaner for dirt that sinks.

### Does it work in a saltwater pool?

Betta says its salt and chlorine tolerant motors work in saltwater and chlorine pools.

## Sources

1. [Betta store: Betta SE](https://bettabot.com/products/betta-se)
2. [Bob Vila: best robotic pool skimmers, tested](https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-robotic-pool-skimmer/)
3. [The Pool Nerd: Betta SE review](https://www.thepoolnerd.com/betta-se-review)
4. [The Pool Nerd: best pool skimmers](https://www.thepoolnerd.com/best-pool-skimmers)