Automatic Pool Cleaner Troubleshooting Guide

automatic pool cleaner troubleshooting guide

Automatic pool cleaners are an integral part of pool maintenance. Disaster strikes and time comes to a standstill if your pool cleaner stops working. Whether you have a suction side, pressure side, or robotic pool cleaner, you will eventually experience some problems, like the ones discussed below. This post covers common pool cleaner troubleshooting steps to help get your cleaner back into gear!

The Three Types of Automatic Pool Cleaners

suction side pool cleaner

Suction Side Cleaner

pressure side pool cleaner

Pressure Side Cleaner

robotic pool cleaner

Robotic Cleaner

There are three main types of pool cleaners: suction side, pressure side, and robotic. Suction side cleaners connect to a suction line in your pool, like the wall skimmer, or a dedicated cleaner line that sucks water into the filter pump. Pressure side cleaners operate on the pressure side of the filter pump, which pushes water into the cleaner’s booster pump. Robotic cleaners are independent of the filter pump, and get their power from a standard power cord. 

Like any part of your pool equipment arsenal, pool cleaners malfunction from time to time. This post covers the solutions to common suction side, pressure side, and robotic pool cleaner problems. If your automatic cleaner or pool vacuum isn’t working, this is the post for you!

Troubleshooting Suction Side Cleaners

Powered by the suction of the pump’s water flow, suction side pool cleaners clean the whole pool in a random pattern while the pool circulation system is on. Follow the suction side pool cleaner troubleshooting tips below to solve any issues.

Suction Side Cleaner Does Not Move

Verify the cleaner hose is securely attached to the suction line in the skimmer or cleaner line. Then inspect the hose sections for any air leaks. Close other suction lines, such as the main drain or another skimmer, to increase the suction on the line the cleaner is connected into.

Problems to check for:

  1. For low suction pressure, improve draw by closing drain and other suction lines.
  2. Dirty pump basket or skimmer basket, or inline strainer basket.
  3. Cleaner stuck onto high spot in the pool floor.
  4. Cleaner stuck onto floor drains or pop-up in-floor cleaner heads.
  5. Air leaks in cleaner hose, or on pipes in front of filter pump.
  6. Clog in the cleaner head or hose; check for obstruction.
  7. Low or high pool filter pressure gauge readings, indicating flow problems.
  8. Bad connection to skimmer, not making a tight seal of hose to skimmer.
  9. Problems with automatic bypass valve or skimmer connection devices.
  10. Failed or stuck diaphragm or flapper in the cleaner head.

Suction Side Cleaner Is Too Slow

The main reason for this type of issue is typically a congested pool filter or clog at the intake hole at the bottom of your pool cleaner. Clean the intake hole by flipping the cleaner over and clearing out any debris. Also check for obstructions inside the hose and verify all hose connections are secure. 

After clearing the intake hole, clean the skimmer basket, pump strainer basket, and pool filter. Remove any debris and check for damages to the skimmer and strainer baskets. Leaves, rocks, or other rubbish in the baskets will reduce your pump’s water flow and slow down the suction side cleaner.

A clogged basket or dirty filter are the two main causes for a sluggish suction side cleaner. Another potential problem is an air leak in the cleaner hose or the pump. Worn footpads or seals can also reduce cleaner speed and cause it to stick to the pool floor. Finally, check that the suction valves are open to give all suction pressure to the skimmer connected to the cleaner.

Suction Cleaner Is Too Fast

pool cleaner troubleshooting: suction side cleaner is too fast

Suction pool cleaners work based on your pool pump’s water flow. Powerful pool pumps create strong water flow, which can cause your suction side cleaner to move faster than normal. Just because your cleaner is fast doesn’t mean it’s efficient. A speedy suction side cleaner will zip past dirt and debris, leaving behind a dirty pool. 

Most suction side cleaners have a device in the skimmer that allows you to control the water flow. You can also open other suction lines, like the main drain, to reduce the flow of water entering the cleaner. 

Suction Cleaner Does Not Cover Entire Pool

If your suction side cleaner does not cover your entire pool, check the hose length! The hose determines how much room the cleaner has to move in your pool. Ideally, the hose needs to reach from the skimmer to the farthest point of your pool, and still have a few feet to spare. Purchase a new hose if your current one is too short for your pool.

If the cleaner’s hose length isn’t the problem, inspect your pool’s return jets. Adjustments to the direction of the return jets in your pool can affect cleaner coverage. The returning water may be pushing your cleaner away from certain areas.

Air Bubbles at Return Line

Air leaks in the hose or connections often cause air bubbles at the return line. Verify the vacuum connections are securely sealed, and that the hose is not punctured. Air will leak into the system if the connections are loose or if the hose is damaged. Replace damaged O-rings, and seal hose leaks with silicone or rubber cement.

Suction Cleaner Gets Stuck on Steps/Ladders

cleaner gets stuck on ladder or steps

If your cleaner gets stuck on or under your pool ladder, install a ladder guard kit. If it sticks on a raised main drain cover, look at the UniCover, which creates a smooth transition from floor to drain. You can also adjust the hose floats or hose weights (depending on the model), to change the cleaning pattern. As a last resort, place a small boulder in the area, or shorten the pool cleaner hose.

If your pool cleaner gets stuck on the main drain cover because it’s raised above the floor, install a Unibridge to keep your cleaner from getting stuck on raised floor fittings. Reduce the speed of the cleaner if it jams on convex or concaved spots on the pool floor. For gunite pools, a more drastic method would be to shave off the plaster or fill in with more plaster in that area to make it smooth.

Visit our pool cleaner parts department for any spares you need, or for more ideas to keep your pool cleaner from getting stuck.

Troubleshooting Pressure Side Cleaners

Powered by the pressure side of your pool pump system, pressure side pool cleaners don’t use your pool’s filtration system to filter out debris. Follow the pressure side pool cleaner troubleshooting tips below to solve any issues.

Pressure Side Pool Cleaner Does Not Move

Pressure side pool cleaners need about 30 psi to operate. Verify the booster pump is operating, and the filter and pump are turned on and running. Rocks or sand can lodge in the wheels of a pressure side cleaner, preventing movement. Likewise, tiny grains of sand or plaster can make their way around in-line strainers and clog up small openings inside the cleaner.

Pressure side cleaner wheels can be shaft driven, belt driven, or chain driven. Check the tires often for obstructions or damages by slowly turning one wheel at a time. If one wheel turns and the other doesn’t, look for anything blocking the wheel. 

Pressure Pool Cleaner Is Slow

Check the in-line strainer(s) for debris slowing down the water flow to the cleaner. Also check the hose to verify that pressure is not lost somewhere along the line. Slight water loss around the hose swivels is normal.

Pressure Pool Cleaner Is Slow

Loose wheels or loose drive belts can cause your cleaner to behave sluggishly. Worn tires will reduce speed and wall climbing ability. Damaged or missing wheel bearings can cause slow movement. Check your owner’s manual for specific adjustments for your particular pressure pool cleaner.

Since pool water powers pressure side cleaners, a slow moving cleaner is likely caused by inadequate water pressure. Check the filter screens, located at the wall attachment, and in the hose on some newer models. If a booster pump is being used, be sure that both the filter pump and booster pump are operating and not leaking or making funny noises.

With the booster pump running, grab the pool cleaner hose, and slowly pull the cleaner toward you, inspecting the hose for leaks as you pull it out of the water. Hold the cleaner head just above water and inspect it for water moving through the thrust jet, the sweeper tail, or out the debris bag. The thrust jet and sweeper tail should shoot water 15–20 feet. Likewise, if you remove the debris bag, water should spray upward 15–20 feet in the air. If the water is spraying properly out all three exits, you likely do not have a water pressure problem, but a problem with the drive belts slipping, a broken axle, or worn tires.

Pressure Cleaner Does Not Cover Entire Pool

For this problem, all you need to do is adjust the thrust jet, located on the back center, where the water sprays out. The default setting is 11 o’clock, but placing it at 1 o’clock will give the cleaner an opposite cleaning pattern.

The feed hose must be long enough to reach from the wall connection to the farthest point in your pool, with a few feet leftover. Also, make sure the feed hose is floating properly, not sinking or drooping.

Slipping wheels can cause a pressure side cleaner to get stuck in the deep end and not have the strength to pull itself back up into the shallow end. Check belt tension or axle adjustments on newer models, or the front wheel “teeth” on older Polaris and Letro models. 

Strong pressure from wall or floor returns can push a cleaner away from certain areas. In such cases, redirecting the eyeball fittings or nozzle can fix the problem.

Pressure Cleaner Gets Stuck on Steps/Ladders

If the pressure cleaner gets stuck on the stairs, adjust the thrust jet to create a new cleaning pattern. Install ladder guards to block the path around rails to prevent the cleaner from wrapping around the handrail. If the cleaner is going behind ladders or handrails and getting stuck, use a ladder guard. Another option is to remove the ladder if it’s rarely used, or shorten the cleaner hose slightly for entry step handrails.

Change the direction or cleaning pattern of the cleaner if its stuck in a corner of the pool or stuck up against a step. Adjust the thrust jets, hose float, or add weights to the hose to alter the cleaner’s pattern or direction.

As a last resort, place a small boulder in the area, or shorten the pool cleaner hose. Note that most pressure pool cleaners have reverse mechanisms or backup valves to reverse the cleaner direction every few minutes and prevent stalled operation. If equipped, verify your backup valve is working.

Pressure Cleaner Feed Hose Becomes Tangled

how to troubleshoot the cleaner hose getting tangled

Measure the hose to the proper length for the pool size — too much hose will cause tangling. You also need to check that the feed hose is floating properly. Waterlogged hose floats should be replaced, and hose swivels should rotate freely. Another possibility is that not all wheels are being powered. Rotate one of the wheels when the cleaner is in OFF mode, and make sure all wheels turn together.

Too much power to a pressure cleaner can cause it to fly around the pool and tangle itself. Bleed off excess pressure at the wall fitting to slow down the cleaner. If the thrust jet is in a 9 or 3 o’clock position, this will create a circular pattern, which may cause tangling. Visit our pool cleaner parts department for all the parts mentioned above.

If your pool cleaner hose hung on a hook all winter, or the hose was wrapped too tight, it can develop a kink in the hose that causes it to twist and tangle. One solution is to stretch the hose out along the pool deck in the hot sun, using weights if needed, to straighten out. A last resort may be to replace some hose sections.

Troubleshooting Robotic Pool Cleaners

Robotic pool cleaners are electric, and don’t rely on the water flow from your pump’s suction or pressure side to move around the pool. Follow the robotic pool cleaner troubleshooting tips below to solve any issues.

Robotic Pool Cleaner Does Not Move

The floating power cord for your robotic pool cleaner should be firmly plugged into the power supply transformer, which is plugged into an outlet. The power supply should have an indicator light showing that power is being received.

If the cleaner is receiving power, but not moving, faulty or old wiring is likely the cause. Oftentimes, the wires inside the rubber casing will short out or break. Broken or shorted wires are typically located where the power cord meets the cleaner, where the stress on the cord is highest.

If the cord is intact, test the resistance of the wire with a test meter to ensure that the cord wires are not an issue. At this point, check the drive motor itself, to verify connections are tight. Additionally, use the test meter to check that the power is reaching the motor. If it is, and the motor is not responding to the power, you may need a new drive motor.

Robotic Pool Cleaner Is Slow

This is usually a problem of loose drive tracks, loose drive belts, or missing small parts that keep tension on the belts and tracks. You may notice that the cleaner moves, but doesn’t climb the walls. This could indicate worn drive tracks or wheel tube brushes.

When it occurs, however, the cause can be a full debris bag or filter, or the drive tracks or wheels have become worn or rounded, or are loose or out of alignment. Check all the belts and pulleys for proper position and tension, and the wheels for proper alignment and movement.


More Pool Cleaner Troubleshooting Tips

If everything has failed, and your pool cleaner is being stubborn and refuses to cooperate, it may be time to call one of our pool specialists/advisers who can assist further with troubleshooting or repair. Of course, our specialists can also help you select a new pool cleaner if you’d rather just start over.

Most of the time, your pool cleaner just needs a few tweaks here or there, or some pool cleaner parts, and it’s off and running again.

Pool Cleaner is Not Cleaning

If your pool cleaner moves around the pool normally, but does not pick up debris, clear the clog in the suction throat, or empty the debris bag or basket. Suction cleaners also need a clean pool filter to move and vacuum well.

If your pool cleaner does not clean the entire pool, adjust the cleaning pattern or speed. Increasing the pool cleaner speed is possible on pressure cleaners by closing the bleeder valve at the wall connection. For suction cleaners, closing other valves while using the cleaner and keeping the basket clean can improve speed. If your pool cleaner seems slower than normal, look for the cause of the pressure loss (or suction loss).

Pool Cleaner is Not Climbing Walls

When a pool cleaner does not climb the walls, there is a problem with the cleaning pattern or cleaner speed. Making adjustments to the cleaner pattern as described above may produce different results, allowing the cleaner to make a better approach to the wall. Adjusting the cleaner speed is another way to overcome problems climbing the pool walls. It takes a lot of traction and suction to climb a pool wall without falling off. If it’s not climbing the walls like it used to, it’s probably also going slower. Be sure there are no pressure leaks or suction leaks in the hose that connects to the cleaner, and that the hose is not getting in the way. Tangled pool cleaner hoses are usually the result of waterlogged or poorly placed hose floats.


Pool cleaners require timely replacement of pool cleaner parts to operate at their full potential and prevent failure. If your pool cleaner is beyond repair and it’s time for a new one, check out our selection of over 100 pool cleaners, in stock and ready to ship! 

130 thoughts on “Automatic Pool Cleaner Troubleshooting Guide

  1. I have a Polaris 9650iq. It will not climb the walls in the deep end. I cleaned the filter and washed the whole machine down with a garden hose. If I give it a little push up the wall it will start to climb the rest of the way.
    Please advise.

    • Hi Jon, first make sure that the cleaner is in floor/wall mode. Or the filter canister is full, or the tires or brush is worn.

  2. MIKE GRUBBS

    I HAVE A 2 YEAR OLD HAYWARD POOL VAC. IN THE LAST COUPLE MONTHS IT HAS STARTED SUCKING THE TAIL PIECE INTO THE MACHINE. IS THERE SOMETHING I NEED TO DO?

    • Hi Mike, I don’t think you mean “Pool Vac” which is a suction cleaner, but you have a booster pump type of pressure cleaner, I presume? This happens to polaris and letro cleaners too some times, the sweep tail can get sucked up into the throat and into the bag. More pressure flowing to the tail can usually stop this, as well as pointing the rear thrust jet up, 12:00 setting, and pulling the head float out (Polaris type cleaners). As a last resort, the tail can be cut shorter.

  3. Hi, I have the Hayward W3PVS20JST Poolvergnuegen Pool Cleaner. Lately it has been climbing the wall until it makes it above water. This all starting happening after I cleaned my filter. Is it bad for the vacuum to go above the water?

    • Hi Brian, only bad if the (suction) cleaner sucks in air. It also makes the cleaning process less efficient, as there is not much cleaning to be done on the wall or tile line. If you reduce suction power to the cleaner, by closing a valve slightly or by opening the “flow regulator”, if you have such a device connected to the skimmer, it should reduce the behavior and not climb walls so much. You can count RPMs of the wheel, should be between 11-13. If higher, adjust the flow regulator, to open it more, which will reduce the cleaner speed and climbing.

  4. Emily Walthall

    My Polaris 360 wheel turn On their own when i pull it out of the water, but when i put it in the water they do not turn on their own. It seems to be getting adequate pressure and squirting water from all the right place. Any idea on why it moves outside of the pool in the air when lifted up but not when the wheels touch the ground. Please help

    • Hi Emily, I would say you should inspect the drive belts and be sure they are intact and taut, about 1/2″ deflection when you push down on the large belt with your finger, is normal. Also check the inline strainer at the wall.

  5. Hi, the pool vacuum hose separates from the wall when the pump shuts off (there is some back pressure I guess when the pumps aren’t work), and this pushes the hose out of the connection. The wall connector still has the little tab on the lid of the hole cover that grips the hose, but clearly it’s not good enough to keep the hose in place.

    Is there something like a connector I should use to keep the hose attached to the wall?

  6. robert g goodwin

    I have an Inferno 2 XT-6 robotic pool cleaner that is still under warranty. I have not had any problems until now. When I push to turn it on, it usually turns red and starts the cleaning cycle. Now, it is flashing red and will not turn on. I have cleaned it and checked all connections. What is the solution??

  7. Amber Crawshaw

    We got it moving but it will only travel backwards. Is this normal?

    • Ok, when it only goes backwards, that also can be a piston problem. When the piston is in a position blocking off the rear jets and only allowing water in the front jets. You may have grit in there, or need a new piston and cylinder assy.

  8. Amber Crawshaw

    On our Polaris turtle cleaner it won’t turn directions. We put it in and it will go to the other side of the pool on its own but when it get there it just starts. The randomizer isn’t moving. It only moves when you first connect it to the jet.

    • Hi Amber, check the piston to be sure that it moves freely, sometimes some grit gets stuck in there, or the piston gets into a bad angle and won’t slide freely in the chamber. Also check that each of the “arms” is free of any obstuctions, and that the pressure to the cleaner is proper. If the ball is not moving, then there may be pressure loss, perhaps in the hose or internally, some leakage of water, or it may just need more pressure by plugging another return line, cleaning the filter or other means.

  9. regina pinkard

    Why isn’t my robotic cleaner staying on to clean my pool,does that mean my pool is clean,cause I clean it everytime the kids get out.

    • Hi Regina, the cleaner does not know if the pool is clean or not, they aren’t that smart… It could be in the wrong cleaning mode. Or there could be problems with the drive motors, drive belts, or other mechanical issues, with the cleaner or with the power supply.

  10. Michelle Clevenger

    Why isnt my robot cleaner cleaning the algae in my pool i have shocked my pool several ti.es and the stuff falls to the bottom Of my pool but my robot wont pick it up

    • For some robot filters, fine silty dust will pass right through. Other cleaners have too much height between the cleaner and the floor, to suck up algae or dust. Use the pool brush (great exercise), to brush the pool early and late in the day, when it’s not so hot outside.

  11. My Polaris was lifted out of the pool while connected & now is not moving help

    • Hi Jen, go easy on the culprit that did the deed, I don’t think it’s related, probably not. Is the pump on? Check the wall stainer, inside of the wall fitting for cleanliness. If it is missing, there may be obstructions in the cleaner. Check the cleaner for items stuck in the wheels. Check the belts (380 model). You can remove the cleaner from the pool while the pump is on, we often do it to test water flow. If placed gently on the deck, with bag removed and booster pump on, the throat jets should shoot 12-15 ft in the air, and the same for the thrust jet and sweeper tail. If no flow, and the pump is on, check the aforementioned, and also inspect the hose for cracked swivels (they leak a little bit normally, but should not be spraying, just dribbling), adn inspect the backup valve, should not be spraying water all the time, only 30 secs, every 3-4 mins.

  12. Marla Wedgeworth

    I have a compass pool cleaner and I really like it, it does a great job, but I need to change the cams out, but I can not find any information on what cams I should use. My pool is 18×38. Any suggestions?

  13. Hello,

    I Just purchased a Jacuzzi Compass Automatic Pool Cleaner. The wheels turn and it moves around the pool but the front is slightly lifted off the ground which doesn’t allow the vacuum to pick anything up? Any suggestions on a fix?

    • Hi Tommy, so it’s ‘poppin’ wheelies?’ I would suggest adjusting the hose floats, there are two, that are supposed to go 12″ from the cleaner head, at the end of the first short leader hose, and the other one about 9″ past the first one, on the first long section of hose. Secondly, check the flow as the cleaner may need more flow, If you have the Flow Gauge still, you can use to verify that that the flow gauge reads 5 or higher. Also you can check the wheel RPM’s to be sure that it is 11-14 RPM. For flow below 5 or RPMs below 11, you will need more flow. You can do this by adjusting valves at the pump, closing the main drain valve more for instance, or you can increase flow by adjusting the springs on the sides of the Compass Flow Control Valve, which is used at the bottom of the skimmer. It could be bypassing too much water, and setting the springs onto the higher numbers, will reduce bypass and pull more flow from the Compass cleaner head.

  14. We have a Polaris 825 and one of the trac belts keeps coming off. There is no debris in the pool. Any idea why that might be happening?

    Thank you

    • Hi, check the track for wear, on the outer edge and on the ribs on the underside. You can rotate them side to side, or flip them around. Secondly, make sure that the wheels are properly adjusted and not missing teeth or any small parts. Many cleaners allow you to adjust the distance between the wheels, to make adjustments to the tightness of the drive track. See if the wheels have an adjustable axle, which is loosened and after moving the wheel, retightened, to make the track more snug. I would suspect the top wheel on the P825, but not sure.

  15. I have a Dolphin Nautilus that once turned on moves forward about a foot or two then reverses about a foot then stops moving. The brushes and climbing rings were torn and pretty worn from the previous homeowner so we thought that was the issue so I replaced those parts. Put it back in the pool and it’s still doing the same thing. Not sure what to do next.

    • It could be an propeller blockage, or hair or string wound around the top propeller, or the belts or tracks are binding up, perhaps due broken teeth on gears or belts. Rotate the wheel tubes by hand, and should rotate freely with slight resistance. If you hear clicking or popping, there may be something restricting the movement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9zotdJKZss&feature=youtu.be – see this video on how to do the out of water self test. Turn the cleaner upside down on dry land and turn the power supply on. The impeller fan should spin for 10-15 seconds (you’ll hear a soft, high-pitched whine), and the tracks should move forward, then reverse and go backward. Turn the unit off. If it can perform these steps, try it in the pool again.

  16. Elizabeth

    Just bought a new Polaris 280 that replaced an old 280. The hose keeps getting stuck in front of the skimmer. It has been a problem with our old one too but the new one is worse. When I hear the pump getting louder I have to check on it. It is on a booster pump and works on pressure.

    • Well, that’s a new one for me! I’m wondering if moving the hose floats may help, sliding them down the hose. Also, did you cut the hoses to fit the pool, shortening each in equal lengths? If not, that’s an important part of installation. If those things don’t help, I would suggest making some sort of homemade deflector, like maybe a plastic clothes hanger, or brass, something similar that you can wedge in there, and it will stick out of the skimmer by a few inches, but not block leaves coming in, to deflect the hose as it comes by.

  17. Have a Polaris P825, it will track across the pool bottom. Get to the wall, stops, won’t climb and will not go into reverse. When it stops, tracks do not spin, but the impeller is still turning, with water flow coming out of.

    Power Box and Control Motor Box have been tested, good. What about replacing track assemblies?

    • Hi Robert, does the power box led indicator do any flashing, indicating an error? The owner’s manual defines the blinking… It could be a motor issue, or possible a cord issue. The wires inside the cord can short or fail, esp. if you have a chewy dog or wild animals about. the spot where the cable connects to the cleaner is also under stress from being lifted out of the pool by the cord, when it does this problem, lightly move the cable and see if you can get movement, if so, shorten and reattach the cord.

  18. Robert Ward

    I have a Polaris Racer and there’s nothing coming from the thrust jet. Water pressure seems fine. It’s backing up as expected, and covers the entire pool.
    Is there a thrust drive mechanism or hose to check?

    • Hi, you could first try to ream it out, with a long wire or zip-tie, pipe cleaner… If that does not work, open up the unit and see if the hose has become disconnected inside. If not, follow the hose until it meets the lower ring, or manifold, and try to unclog the orifice there.

  19. Dr. Gonzo

    I have an electric, Jacuzzi brand automatic that is only moving one direction?

    • Hi Doc, according to the owner’s manual for the Jacuzzi Comet cleaner, it’s supposed to reverse direction every 20-35 sections, depending on cycle chosen. Adjusting the two vents can also affect the direction of travel.

      • I watched it and it’s running into the wall and staying put, refusing to reverse. I cleaned the filter adjusted the jet direction and restarted the thing a number of times, still no dice.

        • Hi Doc, at this point, I would recommend calling or emailing the manufacturer, for their expert advice, as I am outta ideas! 🙂

  20. Heather Mabry

    I have a robot p825. It suddenly wont climb walls and it seems to only wanna turn 1 direction. Ive cleaned the filter basket and looked at the tracks everything seems to be fine.

    • Hi Heather, robots lose some climbing ability when 1) the debris bag or filters are full, 2) the walls are slick or slightly slimy with bio-films, or 3) the brushes, tracks or wheels are worn down, or 4) the impeller is damaged, or 5) vacuum suction (which helps hold the cleaner on the wall) is lower than normal. For the turning only one direction problem, it can be 1) uneven wear on the brushes or tracks, or 2) the power cable might be coiled or slightly twisted, and/or too much unnecessary cable in the pool, or 3) loose wheel tubes, worn or missing parts, or 4) uneven tab wear on brushes

  21. Ethel Kern

    I have a pool vac. The vac runs when it is on high but the pressure drops and the water in the glass just rolls. When I turn the valve back to the normal position, the vac stops but the pressure is normal and the water in the glass clears up. Works perfectly fine on the skimmer

    • Hi Ethel; it sounds like an air leak, which could be coming from splits or holes in the vac hose, or it may be coming from in front of the pump (pump lid, pipe coming into pump, pump drain plug, or suction valves skim/md). In some situations, the pump runs fine without a cleaner attached, but attaching the cleaner increases the suction pressure, which causes air leaks to appear. It can also happen when a cleaner gets stuck, if suctioned tightly to the pool floor. Inspect your cleaner hose, each section for holes, and be sure they all fit tightly together. And check the pump and pipes coming into the pump for an area that may be sucking air. A good troubleshooter tip to finding air leaks is use shaving cream around suspected leak areas in front of the pump (see above), and see where it sucks in. Another one is when the pump is running full steam, shut off pump, looking closely at suction side and strainer pot, looking for a quick spurt or spray of water, at the instant the pump shuts off. That would be the air leak location.

  22. Laurence

    Hi
    My pool cleaner kreep krauly dominator keeps going up the wall and then sucking air at the top for about 20 seconds before falling down to the floor again.
    Filter then sucks air in and pressure drops
    It is a holiday home
    What is best way to prevent it claiming the walls or not going to the top

    • Hi Laurence, yes a real pain when they climb too much! First check the Dive Float Restrictor (#1) is in place, which locks into the Dive Float (#2), as seen on our Kreepy schematic parts page, if it is, but it still climbs too high, check that the flow is not too much; a slower speed will reduce the climbing ability, and can be accomplished by using the automatic regulator valve (#10) in the skimmer, where it connects, or by adjusting opening other suction lines (skimmer/main drain), to reduce the flow. Third, you can use the Kreepy Krauly Wall Climb Adjuster pn K12065, which will push the Dive Float forward, to reduce climbing ability, but not speed.

  23. Hello – I have a vacuum. I have suction in all of the hoses. I’ve recently backwashed, cleared all baskets of debris, and checked to ensure nothing is stuck in the diaphragm. Tons of suction, but the vacuum just isn’t moving around the pool (or at all). My water bill recently doubled last month, so I’m wondering if perhaps that has something to do with it. Any suggestions?

    • Hi Courtney, If you have disconnected the hose from the head of the cleaner and have good, strong suction at the end of the hose, but nothing when connected to the cleaner head… Look thru the cleaner for any obstruction, Remove the diaphragm and inspect for rips/tears, be sure it is positioned properly and the compression rings have not slipped offinspect the inner extension pipe for cracks. Finally, with the cleaner connected, does the pump bog down, or lose prime, or begin to draw in air? If so, there must be an obstruction or air leak in the hose, or around the pump, like a loose pump lid, or loose pipe coming into pump, or missing pump lid o-ring.

  24. My problem is my vacuum works well for a period of time but then gets slower and slower until it stops. If I lift up the base off the bottom a couple of times it will start to vacuum again but eventually within 15-20 minutes it will stop again. No leaks or clogs.

    • Hi Dan, I would suspect an air leak in the system, either in the vacuum hose, or in the pipe coming into the pump, or around the pump lid. It could also be that the vacuum head is getting stuck on the bottom of the pool, because the vac head is set too close to the ground (lower the wheels if possible), or due to irregular pool surfaces (small divots or bumps in the floor). It could also be a clogged pump basket or filter.

  25. kathy toler

    When I press the start button it wont start. all cords are plugged in..

    • Hi Kathy, Robotic pool cleaner I presume, check that the TEST button on your GFCI outlet is not tripped, and check the circuit breaker too. You can plug something else into the outlet to check that it is live, like a hair dryer, or phone charger. As they say “The problem lies where the power dies”, so if not at the outlet, then we cast suspicion onto the electric plug/cord, the power supply box and FUSE, and the cleaner floating power cord, plug end, and cleaner end attachment. Check the power supply fuse, and inspect floating cord closely – those are the usual suspects. Older cords can break, or if chewed by a dog… 🙂

  26. I have the Aquabot x4 Model 200 and it spends most of its time on the walls or trying to climb the steps. What can I do to make it stay on the floor longer and actually clean the bottom of my pool?

    • Hi Shannon, for your type of cleaner, x4 or the Breeze cleaner by Aquabot, check that there is no trapped air in the unit, and you could flip the switch to change directions, that may help. There are two small foam pieces inserted inside the cleaner, these are on many Aquabots and provide bouyancy. Where a cleaner is spending too much time on the walls, the foam pieces can be removed to encourage more floor time.

  27. i have an aquabot, it only cleans the walls of the pool, it goes up and down, moves across the pool but tends to only clean the walls. I have replaced the belts and always clean the bag. why is this happening? what can i do to get it to clean the rest of my pool.

    • Hi, if you check the handle on top, it should be diagonal across the top, and locked in place. if horizontal across the top, or loose (not locked in place), it will tend to spend more time on the walls.

  28. Suction Pool Cleaner started running slowly after new (stronger, from 1 hp to 1.25 hp) pump motor was installed. It runs slow on filter mode (sand filter) but it runs properly while backwashing or running water to waste. How to remedy?

    • Hi Jason, it may be that the new pump is too powerful for the filter size, and this has raised pressure, and when you add the strain of a suction cleaner on the other side of the pump, it just gives up. Try a sand filter cleaner, to be sure that greasy or scaly deposits are not contributing to the issue. If the pump being too large is the issue, a small bypass can be created, with a 3-way valve, to send some water around the filter, unfiltered, or a larger filter I suppose, would also be a good choice.

  29. angie raef

    hello, i have a “the pool cleaner” x4. works fine the will all of a sudden float to the top and stay there????

    • Hi Angie, check that the hose floats are in the right position, and that the hose sections are all tightly joined. Here’s a manual with more troubleshooting tips for The Pool Cleaner, aka Tracker, aka Poolvergneugen, aka AquaNaut

  30. We buy a new MX8, but it does not clean the side walls of the pool. What can be wrong.

    • Hi Johan, this is from the owner’s manual: The climbing ability of the cleaner is dependent on the pool’s shape and available water flow. If Zodiac MX6/MX8 is not climbing your walls, ensure the flow is correct by counting wheel speed. Also, ensure the pools surface is not covered in algae as this slippery surface will affect the cleaner’s traction.” – may not have enough suction from the pump, can you reduce suction from other lines, such as main drain or other skimmers, to draw more from the MX8 line? Check also that pump basket and impeller are clear, and pool filter is clean.

  31. Hi Davy! I have a Polaris 180. It had not been working well so I did a rebuild kit and also replaced the back-up valve. I now “flies” around the pool (kind of comical) but does not clean the floor. I have read several comments about too much pressure. This Polaris is on a separate pump. How do I adjust the pressure?

    • Hi Glenn, good question, and the adjustment is at the wall fitting. There are available two flow restrictors, one blue and one red, that can be inserted in the wall fitting, where the filter strainer is located. Secondly, the ‘button’ on the wall fitting can be opened with medium channel pliers, to bleed off excess pressure at the wall. Also be sure that both internal jets are spraying strongly, and the tail and thrust jet also spray strongly. If held out of the water while running with the bag removed, throat, tail and thrust jets should all spray 15-20 feet. (in your case, just to be sure that none are clogged).

  32. Kimberly

    Dolphin nautilus plus. Robot will do 1 of 2 things. Either back up 5′ then drive forward start to climb wall treads stop moving falls to floor. If it goes flat on surface will back up 5′ and repeat (if it doesn’t make it flat it will completely stop). 2nd in the deep end it will go up and down the floor never transitioning to climb wall and stop after about 10 minutes. This was a gift with no receipt. Really need help or ideas.

    • Davy Merino

      Hi Kimberly, probably there is some adjustment that can be made, check the owners manual, it could be that the filters need to be cleaned, or the cleaner may be contacting the floor, if very uneven, I’m sure there is something that can be done.

  33. My suction pool cleaner works fine except it runs over some areas a lot more than others and completely ignores one corner. I am looking for advice how to change its pattern, like moving wight on the hose changing hose length by adding or removing one section – what is the best way?

    • Hi Vlad – both ideas you mention can affect the travel pattern of the cleaner, as well as adjusting the suction flow rate (more or less). Another tip is to redirect the return fittings to spray straight down – when returns spray water outwardly, they can push the cleaner hose, directing the cleaner away from areas beneath the wall return. Look at Paramount iJet, or Hayward Hydrosweep eyeball fittings for this. Depending on which cleaner you have, there may be other methods as well, consult your cleaner’s owner’s manual, the troubleshooting section in the final pages…

  34. lloyd smart

    My sharkvac is getting high ventered on the pump water intake drain on the bottom of the pool. I have tried the cover for the drain but it get high centered on it. Is there an adjustment on the wheels to give it a bit more clearence?

    • Hi Lloyd, I’m not sure if the Sharkvac wheels are adjustable, I think not, but unsure. You could try a different drain cover perhaps, a lower profile grate that lays flatter – not sure what would work with your current drain make/model, but you want to be sure not to make the drain unsafe, to prevent any entrapment hazard. Some modification to the drain cover could also be imagined, like an edge or bumpers around the drain, to deflect the cleaner as it comes close, but this may cause dirt and debris to build up around the raised edge – not something I’ve ever heard of doing, just a thought that just entered my head, may not be feasible. 🙂

  35. MICHAEL S HOGUE

    The more i turn my 3 way diverter valve to vac position the more i get air and my pool vac wont move.

    Is it possible that the valve is bad,i have suction but not enough to move the pool sweep anymore?

    Can the inner parts be bad on the valve not allowing it to suck enough?

    • Michael, air is the path of least resistance, your pump will prefer to pump air – rather than water – if it can. When you restrict the intake lines, that causes small air leaks to open up into larger air leaks, with the increase in vacuum pressure. Find the air leak, and solve the problem. It could be the pipe coming into the pump, the pump lid, or the o-rings in the 3-way valve. You can use shaving cream around suspected air leaks, as an aid to help locate an air leak.

  36. Deb Keyes

    My robotic cleaner is 4 years old. It seems to be repeating the same pattern in the pool when cleaning, ignoring the deep end and the shallow end? How can I get it to cover the entire pool?

    • Hi Deb, it depends on what model you have – I would search online for the owners manual, and then go to the troubleshooting section in the last pages, and look for your symptom. I would guess however, that it could be a loose track on one side, loose belts, or loose wheel tube, causing it to turn in one direction more than the other. Other causes of poor coverage include dirty filters, or debris in the propeller, or the top handle not positioned diagonally across the top of the cleaner. It can also be a tangled power cord,

  37. Joseph Politza

    my polaris 360 floats. The backup valve is new., lines and filter are clean. Can I fix this?

    • Hi Joe, generally this means simply trapped air ‘under the hood’ – pull it up near the surface, flip it upside down (under water) and shake it a bit to release the air. It can also happen when the 360 is over-powered, as it ‘flies around the pool’, 17-19 psi is best, if you have a gauge on the line.

  38. Christopher

    Hi Richard,
    I have a pressure (Polaris) cleaner and the hose keeps getting tangled in the front wheel. My floats don’t appear to have water in them but it seems I need to boost the line somehow

    • Hi, likely need a few new floats. One should be placed just after the back-up valve, which should be about 30″ from the cleaner head. Others are spaced out along the line, but 2 or 3 are underwater at all times, to keep the hose more or less vertical. Probably just need to add or replace a few hose floats for this issue. Other polaris hose tangling problems can occur from bad hose swivels, not swiveling well, or from a hose that is too long for the pool – should reach the furthest corner of the pool, plus 3-5 ft. If more than that, remove equal amounts of hose from the 2nd and 3rd hose sections.

  39. Julie B.

    I have an aquabot and it is spitting all the dirt back out of the top of it.

    • Hi Julie, the debris bag might have some holes in it, or it may have lost its elastic that holds it around the frame, or possibly is running without the filter bag installed?

  40. I have a Tiger Shark, 2 year’s old.
    Worked great last year but for some reason it stays in he deep end of my pool? It won’t clean the 3ft section and the stairs…

    • Hi Mitch, that could be dirty filters, weighing down the cleaner, or perhaps the impeller on top is not spinning correctly. Also could be loose rollers or belts, slipping when it needs traction.

  41. Have a Polaris 9350, which I have been using since I opened the pool about 10 days ago. It was working fine, but now when I plug it in, the red light comes on showing direction (floor or floor/wall) and then the cleaner starts working for a few seconds or minutes and then the unit goes dead – no red light, no error code, nothing. It is like it is not plugged in at all. And I have tried this on three different outlets with the same results. I brought it to a local dealer who put the power supply and robot unit on a tester and they both came back fine. Any ideas? Thanks…

    • Hi Jeff, are you using an extension cord? It might be too small, or too long to bring the necessary amperage to the power supply box? Possibly also could be a bad power cord for the power supply? Or a loose connection inside the power supply?

  42. matt jawors

    My automatic regulator keeps cracking any idea why ?I have gone through 3 in the past year or so

    • Davy Merino

      Hi Matt, are you using the compression adapter, the blue threaded adapter to connect the hose to the regulator? That’s all I can think of, unless maybe the cleaner is over-powered? Or if chlorine tablets are used in the skimmer basket – would weaken the plastic over time.

  43. Barry Mills

    installed a new generic Kreepy Krauly. Working ok, but noticed debris being recirculated back into the pool. Any ideas?

    • Davy Merino

      Hi Barry; at first glance I would say it’s not a cleaner problem, but it is related perhaps. Suction cleaners bring debris into the pump basket, which is supposed to trap the big debris, and the dusty stuff passes thru and gets trapped by the filter. Now somebody (either basket or filter) isn’t doing their job! 🙂 Perhaps they are both slacking off! Sand filters are known to pass some dusty debris, really silty fine debris, in the normal course, especially with old sand or small sand filters. Cartridge and DE filters should be trapping the debris, and not passing debris. If you have a sand filter, I would use a sand filter cleaner, or change the sand if it’s been awhile. And if you have a cartridge or DE filter, check the cartridge or the de grids, inspecting closely to look for any tears in the fabric, or misalignment of the cartridge or grids inside of the tank, which can also allow debris to bypass. DE filters can also bypass debris with a missing air bleeder screen or sock. And, sand and De filters can also bypass debris back to the pool from a missing or misaligned o-ring in a push pull slide valve, or spider gasket in the filter multiport valve. whew! lots of things to check, depending on your filter type! Good luck!

  44. Terry Overbey

    Hi My Polaris pool cleaner seems to be running fine except detail on my pool cleaner is not going back-and-forth. It just follows behind my Polaris. I have adjusted the little key screw on the side but still no luck

    • Davy Merino

      Hi Terry, the hose may have lost the orifice tip? Check the end of the tail, there should be a small hole, about 1/8″ diameter or smaller. If missing, that is the problem – and if you can find it, you may be able to re-use it, otherwise you’ll need a new tail assembly. It is also possible that the tail orifice is clogged, if you find it intact and on the tail. Remove it and blow water thru the other way, or ream out with a small instrument.

  45. Leeann Lees

    Hi l have a zodiac robot cleaner that wants to clean the walls not the floor. I have adjusted it down to level 1 but still not working

    • Davy Merino

      Hi – Polaris robotic cleaners (Zodiac) and other robots have internal flotation pieces (foam), that can be removed to produce less wall climbing. For other cleaners, check the owners manual for adjustments that can be made to hose floats and head floats and jets – to produce less wall climbing (usually people want more!)

  46. I have a legend platinum cleaner. Lately it has been spraying outside the pool and even getting stuck on stairs and acting like a fountain shooting water onto the deck. Any type of adjustment to make it behave.

    • Davy Merino

      Hi, good question. An adjustment to the tail sweep screw, tightening the screw, located where the tail attaches, below the head float – will reduce water flow to the tail. A lazy sweeping motion is best, not whipping around like crazy. A Polaris tail sweep attachment can also be used, it won’t spray out of water, only when under water. Secondly, the cleaner could be overpowered. Do an RPM test by holding the cleaner under the water surface and counting wheel revolutions for 15 seconds, then multiply by 4. Make a small mark on the tire, so it’s easy to spot a full revolution, and count with a stop watch. About 9 Revolutions per 15 seconds, or 34-38 RPM (per minute), is considered optimum for Letro Platinum cleaners. If the RPM is much higher, there is too much water flow/pressure going to the cleaner. The wall fitting EW22, has a pressure relief, sometimes automatic, or some allow you to turn it open more with large pliers until the RPM drops. You can also make adjustments to the thrust jets, on the bottom rear of the cleaner, loosening the screws and pushing the jets both to 10 oclock, or both to 2 oclock, or one at 10 and one at 2, will all change course or direction of the cleaner, which can solve step climbing, or getting stuck issues.

  47. Mary Jett

    We have The Pool Cleaner sweeper. It keeps running into the hose which is on the bottom of the pool and getting stuck. The hose is not floating like it should be? Would this be a leak in the hose and how would I check that?

    • Davy Merino

      Hi Mary, the hose floats can fail over time. You may need to just replace a few hose floats, to keep it up. Part number 896584000-280 is the number for the float. Two hose floats are used (2), on the Leader Hose, or the hose connected to the cleaner, placed at 20-25″ from the gray cuff end that connects to the cleaner. Additional hose floats can be placed on the 2nd and 3rd hose section if needed. Probably not a leak in the hose, but that’s easily checked by pulling the hose slowly out of the water, from end to end, with it connected, to see if you hear any hissing or sucking sounds. Also make sure that your hose is not too long, remove a section if there is excess hose. here’s the owner’s manual: http://www.thepoolcleaner.com/PoolCleanerSUCTION.pdf

  48. I have a Kreepy Krauly that is kreeping slowly. There’s a lot of suction when I place my hand on the pipe flowing into the filter however as soon as I connect the kreepy it slows down & looses pressure then after a while gains pressure but has lots of Air bubbles coming out of outlet back into the pool.

    • Davy Merino

      Hi maria, sounds like a puncture or split in the hose, or a loose hose connection sucking air. Or perhaps the hose is not completely full of water before you connect it into the skimmer. To fill the hose, push it straight into the water, hand over hand, or hold it over the pool return line.

  49. Tracie Sayre

    I have a kreepy krauly and I am closing my pool. I cannot get the aorimatic regulator valve connector in the skimmer unscrewed, any suggestions?

    • Davy Merino

      Hi, if the skimmer is empty, pour a little dish soap (just a few drops), to act like a lubricant. Even so, you may need to use tools, like straight pliers or needlenose pliers. Put the pliers thru the opening of the connector, then open the pliers, then turn (CCW) with the pliers. You may find other tools in your shed that are sized just right, to fit inside of the part, grabbing it so you can turn it, perhaps pruning shears or something else of the right size and shape… If that doesn’t work, you may have to end up destroying the part, to remove it. In such a case, pierce it with a long screwdriver, or cut it with a hacksaw blade, to remove it in pieces.

  50. Berry W Tramel

    My Polaris hose suddenly won’t lock into place. It’s been working fine. What should I do?

    • Davy Merino

      Hi, it is likely a broken UWF (universal wall fitting), a threaded 1.5″ fitting with two tabs inside, item 6-500-00. It could also be a damaged wall fitting connector, item D-29, but usually itts the UWF. Pool Lube on the o-ring can also be helpful, sometimes necessary, to get the fitting turned in all the way.

      • Fred Gonzalez

        My sweeper hose keeps coming off my wall mount can my booster pump have to much pressure that it keeps blowing off my hoes.

        • Davy Merino

          Hi Fred, is the o-ring missing or damaged? Older styles also had ball bearings that went missing, or the internal spring may be faulty. Probably not your pumps fault, but something wrong at the wall connection. new o-ring or new wall fitting (esp. Polaris style), or hose connection, something new needed! Some wall connections with o-rings may need lube, to make them lock into place easily

  51. I have a “The Pool Cleaner” (now owned by Hayward), when it is on the floor of the pool it moves extremely slowly often getting stuck in place and lacks the power to go up walls. But when I hold it slightly above the floor the wheels turn the amount of revolutions I would expect. Filter is completely cleaned, (basket, cartridge filter, it’s all cleaned and not clogged). Pressure coming out of the filter back into the pool is solid and is the same whether the cleaner is running or not. There’s no clogs in the cleaner itself it’s been taken apart multiple times and runs fine when it is not touching the floor of the pool. I was at a pool store and multiple people there could not figure it out, as it looks like it should work fine to them. Any ideas?

    • Davy Merino

      Hi Mike, the pump has to work harder to pull from the bottom of the pool, but if the pump flow and filter pressure is the same, it sounds like a suction loss, perhaps a hole in the hose or loose hose connections? Other skimmers and main drain lines closed?

  52. Jody stevens

    My Kreepy Krauly only goes to the left so in just goes in a circle I have just put all new parts in side and new feet and wings. I dont know why it wont go all over the pool

    • Davy Merino

      Hi Jody, first make sure that the kreepy is receiving enough water suction (power), see if you can increase suction (by cleaning filter or pump basket or possibly impeller, or closing other suction lines). Also check that the hoses are firmly connected to each other, and that the swivel is swiveling, where the hose connects to kreepy. Check your return line eyeball fittings, aiming them down towards the floor is usually best. Strong return line flows can push the hose and keep kreepy in only certain areas of the pool. Third, check that the hose is ‘balanced’, and the kreepy is sitting at a 45 degree angle to the floor. Adjusting the hose weights can affect the balance If the pool depth is More than 4 feet, but less than 7 feet use 2 weights: one 4 to 12 inches and one 6 feet from the swivel head. if depth is More than 7 feet, but less than 12 feet, use 3 weights: one 4 to 12 inches, one 6 feet and one 10 feet from the swivel head.

  53. I recently purchased a Kreepy Krauly for my new pool, but upon installation using the dedicated vacuum port, I realized that the bottom of my skimmer does not have a spot to install the automatic regulator valve. after removing the basket from the skimmer, there is a horizontal pipe on the pool side and a horizontal pipe on the deck side, but nothing on the bottom. is the regulator valve essential to operating the kreepy krauly?

    • Hi there – ah you have an old Baker Hydro skimmer, it sounds like. You could make a DIY 90 deg elbow attachment to the skimmer, which will allow you to use the regulator. But you may not even need to use the regulator. They are mainly used if the pump is just way too powerful, and opening other valves (main drain or other skimmers) is still not enough, to keep kreepy from sticking to the pool floor. It has a second purpose of continuing to create some skimmer suction, but without a basket, what’s the point. So, just plug it into the back hole (deck side), and adjust the other valves until it cleans properly. Another option is to use a skim vac plate (made to fit your skimmer) with a 90 elbow on top, so that your skimmer basket catches the debris, not the pump basket. Also makes it easier to connect Kreepy, without having to reach way down there into the skimmer.

  54. My kreepy requires me to almost shut off the valve for the skimmer and the drain to get enough suction for it to work. So it’s sucking up dirt. But the drain and skimmer don’t get to do their job. Do you think I need a stronger pump? Or close some jets? Or a new pool cleaning machine?

    • Davy Merino

      Hi George, what you describe is not uncommon, most people have to do the same. the idea though, is that you only run the cleaner for 3 or 4 hours, and then you disconnect it, and the circulation is returned to normal. If you had a stronger pump that would help, however you can’t just upsize the pump without also upsizing the filter, (unless your filter is already over-sized). Check the design flow rate of the filter, and then check the flow charts of the current pump and other pumps, and you may be able to increase flow by a small amount, without upsetting the filtering processes. It may not need to be a larger pump (in horsepower), because Closing the jets won’t have any effect on the suction, other than maybe make it worse.

  55. I just got a Goplus Automatic Cleaner for my inground pool. I can’t get it to stay on the bottom.

    • Hi, that could be low suction from a not very powerful pump, or other pipes also open like other skimmers or main drain, or loss of suction at hose connections between cleaner and skimmer. It could also be related to the placement of the hose weights and/or hose floats, a weight placed closer to the head may be needed. Check your owners manual for other tips if needed

  56. Hi,
    I’ve been having an issue with my vacuum tangling around the bottom of the a-frame stairs in my above ground pool. I’ve seen pool guards for in ground pools that attach to the sides of the stairs. Is there an option like this for the bottom of my stairs?
    Thanks.

    • Hi Molly, if there was one available for your particular make/model, you would be able to find it on the manufacturers website, or on our website probably too, for the particular step that you own. Another possible option is if your particular pool cleaner has a ladder guard or deflector that can be installed (on the cleaner), to keep it from passing under the step. There isn’t anything universal, but could be available (for your particular product). It could also be possible to fabricate something yourself, using plastic, wood or rope, to block the cleaner, or make it think that it has hit a wall…

  57. I have a Leslie Merlin pool cleaner. The cleaner pumps water but doesnt moves.

    • Hi, the Merlin is essentially a version of an Aquabot, it has a pump motor and a drive motor. the pump motor provides vacuum and suction, the drive motor turns the pulley that pulls the belts and drive tracks around the tubes, and creates the movement. So, either your driver motor is not turning on, or it is turning on but is not engaging something, starting from the small T pin on the motor spindle, to the tightness of the belts, or small missing clips or parts that prevent movement. Start at the motor, holding the unit upside down and look for the T pin on the motor and see if it is moving or turning. If not, there is a problem with the motor or wire connection to motor. If it is turning, there is a problem with engagement between pulleys and belts, not the right amount of tension.

  58. My hose keeps coming out of the dedicated suction line. Not sure how or when, but every day when I go out there it is out of the plug in.

  59. I have an aqua jet electric that worked great for 5 years. Now when I put it in, it starts fine. Then after about 5 or 10 minutes it just stops. The poet supply is still lit and clicking to change directions, but the aqua jet won’t move. This starting the r d of last season and behaved the same first time in the water this year. I love my swisher but none around d here works on them. Help!

    • Hi Tammy, from the Aquabot AquaJet Owner’s Manual: http://www.sparcomanual.com/ManualFiles/Automatic%20Cleaners/Robotic/Aqua%20Products/AG%20AquaProducts%20Manual.pdf “Take a garden hose with high pressure, spray into the Valve Housing at each Valve Port opening. This should free the Jet Valve System of any debris. If this does not solve the problem, there is most likely debris wrapped around the Propeller beneath the Jet Valve or between the Valve Flap and the Valve Housing wall.”

      Now since it works and then stops working, i don’t think anything is clogged or restricted. Inspect the power cord very carefully, moving it through your hands to see if you moving the cord starts the cleaner again. The floating cords can break inside the casing, without any external damage, especially near the cleaner, where it enters the cleaner. Cords can be shortened and reattached, or you can buy a replacement cord if that is the issue. Power can also be tested at the motor, with the cover off, after it stops moving, to determine if it’s the power cord or the motor that is failing.

  60. Randy Morrow

    My Pentair Kreepy Krauly Legend Pool Cleaner is floating, what would cause that.

    • Davy Merino

      The reason that a pressure cleaner like a Polaris or Kreepy (Letro) Legend might float is usually that air is trapped inside of the unit. Holding it underwater, flip it over and shake a bit to let the air escape. They also may kind of ‘float’ around the floor, not contacting all surfaces, when the booster pump water pressure is low, usually from a clogged inline strainer, or sometimes something jammed in between the wheels, or an internal blockage that keeps the wheels from moving.

  61. Rosemary Russell

    We have an index rob vacumn and all hoses are leaking at fittings. What can I do

    • Hi Rosemary, I read thru the manual https://www.intexcorp.com/support/ – and it did not address air suction between hose sections, but I would first make sure all connections are tight (I assume they are threaded, but maybe they are twist lock). If threaded, you could use Teflon tape or other thread sealant on the male threads, to help seal it up. If they are gasketed, with an o-ring, Teflon lubricant can be used (or Silicone, actually better) to help seal up the oring or gasket.

      Now, i should say that if you are using a pump and filter system that is too large for the cleaner (it is meant to work with the 1500gph to 3500 gph Intex filter systems, then that could be the problem. In such a case, you could modify the wall fitting, by drilling holes in it, to relieve some of the vacuum suction on the hose sections. To clarify, the first hose section that connects to the wall fitting – If your pump is too large, you could drill small holes in the solid part of the fitting, to pull water in at that point, to create a bypass or alternate suction intake, however be careful that this does not create a suction entrapment hazard, drilling many small holes all around the fitting, is probably safer than one large hole in the side.

  62. Tim Gillaspie

    the push rod that goes to the turning cog keeps breaking on one side when it turns after hitting the actuater bumper turn bar.

    • Hi TIm, are you talking about an Aquavac robotic cleaner? The sensor bar slide that connects to the push bar and the adjusting arm? Adjustments to the adjustment arm (the one with the spring on it) can provide a bit more room or play between the parts. Changing cleaner direction may also help, as it could be one particular spot on the pool that is at the wrong angle, causing the damage.

  63. Richard Schnittger

    Hello Ayesha,

    I’m a pool cleaner. I have an account where the Shark suction cleaner used to work great, now it’s slow and less efficient. It’s vinyl pool. Backwashing helps, but never as good as it used to go all the time. We bought a new shark. I replaced the pump motor and the impeller, which was severely clogged with grass. I also replaced the pump basket which was cracked. Pool gets lots of grass, but it should be working great with all these adjustments. Played with the skimmer valve, that’s not it. Sand looks normal in the filter. Anything I’m missing?
    Thank you,
    Richard Schnittger
    Pisces Pool Service Oahu

    • Hi Richard, any chance that a line (pipe) could be clogged or restricted (partially collapsed if flex pipe) or something reducing the flow volume from the skimmer? Is there a separate main drain valve or second skimmer that can be throttled? When a cleaner is connected, this created some vacuum pressure, which makes it easier for air leaks to occur around the pump, and the pump would prefer to draw from other lines that are less work to draw from. Another slim possibility is a solar return valve that is open, which is a line connecting the return line to the main drain line, on some pools back in the day.

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