Just a few months after raising more than $408,000 in a Kickstarter campaign, Scottsdale-based Solar Pool Technologies Inc. (SPT) announced that the container carrying the first shipments of the Solar-Breeze NX has arrived in the Valley just in time for the summer swim season.

The first container’s arrival marks a major milestone for the company as, without the Kickstarter campaign, the company would not have been able to build the next generation devices.

“Our customers have been anxiously waiting to get their hands on a Solar-Breexe NX, and that day has finally arrived,” said Paul Sim, Solar Pool Technologies CEO. “None of this would have been possible without all the people who believed in our product enough to pledge their support on Kickstarter so we could keep improving this revolutionary device.”

The Solar-Breeze uses power from the sun instead of grid electricity to effortlessly remove dirt, debris, pollen and even suntan oils from the pool’s surface. During the day, Solar-Breeze uses the sun’s power to run the motors that drive the cleaner across the water. Surplus power is stored in its rechargeable battery, enabling it to continue operating practically around the clock. The Solar-Breeze is the only intelligent pool skimmer on the market. Advanced software controls the unit’s overall functions, which include directing it to sunny areas of the pool if the battery charge is low, and sensing when the unit is stuck on an obstruction so it can reverse and move in a different direction.

While the Solar-Breeze NX appears visually the same as the original model, it features several enhancements including:

  • New software with an upgraded power management system to enhance battery power management, leading to increased time of operation and improved battery life.
  • The improved power management system also puts less stress on the motors that drive the Solar-Breeze NX, improving the efficiency of operation and extending motor life.
  • A new plastic polymer blend is being used for the top housing of the Solar-Breeze NX to improve its resistance to ultraviolet rays and slow the deterioration of the plastics, leading to longer life for the product.
  • The gear mechanisms at the front of the unit that transfer power from the front motor to the front paddlewheel and bumper wheels are re-engineered to improve efficiency, reduce drag and extend the life of the drive system.
  • The system for detecting when a unit is stuck on an obstacle has been improved to result in better overall operation in the pool.
  • Attachments for the Solar-Breeze NX will be available that allow it to adapt more effectively to pools with rock outcroppings, beach entries and other complex features.