Top 5 Pool Cleaner Issues and How to Fix Them

Swimming pool cleaning is a continuous process and one of the best assets to a pool owner is an automatic pool cleaner. Both robotic pool cleaners and suction-side cleaners are convenient since they take most of the work into their own hands. However, like any mechanical device, pool cleaners can develop some issues and these are mostly as a result of worn or damaged pool cleaner parts. Here, we will be outlining the five most common pool cleaner problems, their probable causes, and how to solve them. These are some of the troubleshooting tips that will help you keep your pool cleaner and in the best condition most of the time.

1. Motor Failure

Possible Causes: Motor failure is one of the most frequent problems that pool cleaners face, including robotic ones. They used the motor to enable the motion and suction of the cleaner; therefore, should the motor be spoilt, the cleaner will not function. Some of the causes of motor failure include water damage, blocked impellers, or any electrical problem.

How to Diagnose:

• Inspect for Water Damage: There should also be no signs of water getting into its motor housing. If the seal fails, then there is moisture infiltration, which will ultimately harm the motor.

• Listen for Unusual Noises: If the motor is weak, it may hum or run roughly; this is a sign that the motor has been damaged inside.

• Check the Power Supply: The cleaner is connected to the proper source to check that there are no loose connections and no circuit breakers tripped.

How to Fix It:

If the motor is not working because of water damage, then dry the motor and replace any worn-out seals.

In the case of clogged impellers, it is recommended that the motor housing be cleaned well.

If the motor is completely dead, you may need to replace it, however, this will depend on your cleaner’s warranty and the manufacturer's advice.

Preventive Tips:

The robotic pool cleaner needs to be kept in a dry area when not in use.

Quartermasters shall also check seals and gaskets on ships often to establish if they are deteriorating.

2. Clogged Filters

Possible Causes: Filter obstruction is an issue that could influence both robotic and suction-side pool cleaners. If debris builds up in the filter bags or cartridges, the cleaner’s suction power is likely to be seriously affected.

How to Diagnose:

• Reduced Suction: If your pool cleaner is slow and some areas are not covered, it may be due to a clogged filter.

• Visible Debris: Clean the filter bag or cartridge because it is easy to determine if it has become clogged by looking at it.

How to Fix It:

• Wash the filter with clean water and reduce and clear any debris on it.

• As for suction-side cleaners, it is necessary to look into the filter canister or bag and see if it is blocked.

• When it comes to robotic cleaners, follow the manufacturers’ guidelines on how to clean the filter cartridges or bags.

Preventive Tips:

• Always clean your pool cleaner’s filter after each use to get the best out of your cleaner.

• Always apply the filter type that the manufacturer advises for your particular model.

3. Improper Suction

Possible Causes: If your pool cleaner is not getting enough suction, then there might be blockage in the hoses, damage to the hoses or there might be some problem with the pump or filtration system. Suction-side cleaners are prone to low suction.

How to Diagnose:

• Weak or No Suction: Touch the hose and check if it is suctioning power. If it is weak, then there can be a problem with the cleaner’s suction system.

• Blockages in the Hose: Check the entire length of the hose to ensure there isn’t any blockage, crack or kink.

How to Fix It:

• Check the whole length of the hose to eliminate any hindrances and remove them.

• Conditions to diagnose when inspecting the pump system and the filtration unit include low water flow and dirty filters.

• Subsequently, it is important to confirm that the pump is on and is at the correct pressure.

Preventive Tips:

• Minimally, it is advised to check the hoses and the connections on a routine basis for signs of wear and tear.

• This means that the pool filter and pump system need to be clean so that they maintain the suction power it are supposed to have.

4. Wheel Malfunctions

Possible Causes: Cleaners with wheels can develop mechanical problems that affect their coverage options as well as cleanliness in the pool. Some of the causes of the wheels developing problems include: there could be a lot of dirt accumulating, the wheels could be worn out or even the drive belts could be damaged.

How to Diagnose:

• Unusual Movement: If your pool cleaner is moving side to side or not much at all, the wheels may be the issue.

• Obstructions: Look for the foreign object entrapment in the wheels or the drive system.

How to Fix It:

• Wash and clean all the dust and dirt on wheels or components of the drive system acquired from driving.

• Look for damage of the wheel and if the wheel is worn out, it may have to be replaced.

• Check up the drive belt, as well as check whether it requires replacement or has been damaged.

Preventive Tips:

This means that you should wash the wheels often to get rid of the grime.

Usually, check the wheels and replace them when they get worn out or changed because of some other reasons.

5. Electrical Issues

Possible Causes: Sometimes electrical problems can lead to the complete malfunctioning of your pool cleaner or just cause it to behave abnormally. These problems may include damaged cords, faulty circuit boards, or bad connections in power circuits.

How to Diagnose:

• No Power: If you find your pool cleaner is not powering up, you should first look at the power supply and the cable.

• Erratic Behavior: It would seem that if the cleaner is used sporadically or erratically, then there could be a problem with the circuit board.

How to Fix It:

• Ensure that there are no signs of wear and tear on the power cord. If it is damaged, it should be replaced by a professional.

• For robotic cleaners, examine the control board, and then check if the connections they are tight or not.

• If needed, refer to a professional to repair faulty equipment by replacing them with counterparts.

Preventive Tips:

• Switch off the cleaner from the source to prevent short circuits or overloading with current.

• The cord and connections should also be checked now and then for signs of wear.

Regular care and repair of the cleaner will help to increase the useful life a great deal. To ensure that your pool cleaner is running efficiently throughout the year, you should consider the following problems: Motor failure, clogged filters, improper suction, wheel malfunctions, and electrical problems. This entails cleaning and carrying out our periodic checkups on the hardware to prevent expensive repair bills.