Automatic cleaners are a great time saving tool that can help reduce manual labor for pool owners. However, they are not an all encompassing solution for pool maintenance and should be used as a compliment to weekly water testing and regular hand cleaning. They do a fantastic job at reducing the amount of time spent cleaning the pool, removing floating debris, and preventing filter media wear by capturing small particles before they make it into the filter. With that being said, there are some common problems that can occur with your robotic or automatic cleaner.

1. Not climbing walls or getting stuck

If your robot or suction side cleaner is not climbing walls or getting stuck it may be due to a dirty brush, improper floatation, or low suction power. To correct this, remove the cleaner from the water and inspect the brushes, hoses, floats, and wheels for any damage or blockages. Once the unit is clean you can re-insert it into the pool and ensure that all of these items are properly secured.

2. Slow or no movement

If a robot or suction side cleaner is moving slowly it may be due to a full skimmer basket, clogged filter, or other debris obstructions. The skimmer basket should be regularly emptied to prevent this from happening. Clogged filters can also slow a pool cleaner down, so cleaning and emptying the skimmer basket on a regular basis is a good idea.

3. Uneven movements

If the cleaner moves in short jerky motions it may be due to a worn drive belt that needs replacing. This is a relatively easy repair and can be done at home by removing the cleaner from the water and checking the belt for cracking or wear and tear. If the belt is worn or broken it should be replaced immediately as this can cause the robot to move in an uneven or erratic manner.

4. Not spraying water

If you notice that the cleaner is not spraying water out of its thrust jet, sweeper tail, or debris bag it can be due to a lack of water pressure or a mechanical issue with the robot. When the cleaner is removed from the water hold it up to the light and check for a visible flow of water out of the nozzle. You can also increase the pressure by adding hose weights or adjust the thrust jets to change the cleaning pattern.

If your cleaner is having trouble with stairs or handrails you can install ladder guard kits to block the path of the cleaner. You can also adjust the hose floats and hose weights (depending on your model) to change the direction or climbing pattern of the cleaner. You can also shorten the hose for entry step handrails to avoid them wrapping around the cleaner. If you still are not seeing a positive outcome, contact your local dealer for more advice.