Bublue BuVortex V5 Pool Skimmer Review: Impractical but Fun

The Bublue BuVortex V5, marketed as the world's first active absorption skimmer, creates a tiny whirlpool to trap debris in an underwater basket instead of using a traditional mouth-like chamber. The 11.5-pound device consists of five pieces, requires 1.5 feet of water depth, and lacks solar charging—a standard feature on competitors. Its 7800 mAh battery takes four hours to charge and runs for three to four hours. In testing, the robot collected about 70% of test leaves, sank 20%, and left 10% on the surface. A corner boost mode directed it to edges, but leaves tended to hover mid-pool. The mobile app offers two modes and an exit function, though Bluetooth pairing initially failed. Cleanup involves disassembling five pieces, with a stubborn mesh filter. Priced at $260 on sale, the BuVortex is quiet and entertaining but impractical for large pools or heavy debris, requiring constant retrieval and recharging.