Top 10 Most Common Pool Cleaner Repair Questions Answered

1. Why is my pool cleaner not moving at all?

If your pool cleaner won’t move, start with the power and water flow. For suction-side cleaners, check that the pump is running, skimmer valves are open, and the filter and pump basket are clean. For pressure-side and robotic cleaners, make sure the booster pump (if present) is on and the cleaner is properly plugged in and powered.

Look for obvious clogs in the cleaner’s intake, wheels, or tracks and inspect the hose or cable for kinks. 🛠️

Call a professional if:

• The motor makes noise but doesn’t turn.
• There’s water inside a robotic cleaner’s sealed motor unit.
• Electrical breakers trip when the cleaner is plugged in.

2. Why is my pool cleaner moving but not picking up debris?

When your cleaner moves but doesn’t collect dirt or leaves, you likely have an obstruction or weak suction. First, shut off the system. Inspect the cleaner’s intake throat and brushes for stuck leaves, stones, or toys. Clean the pool filter and pump basket—low flow often means poor pickup.

On robotic cleaners, empty and rinse the internal filter basket or bag. On suction-side models, check for air leaks in the hose (bubbles in the pump basket can be a clue).

Call a pro if:

• Internal gears are worn and not spinning the turbine.
• The debris bag or canister connections are cracked or won’t seal.
• You’ve cleared all obstructions but suction is still very low.

3. Why does my pool cleaner get stuck in one spot?

A cleaner that constantly hangs up on steps, drains, or corners usually has a mobility or pattern issue. Make sure the hose length is correct (not too long or too short) and that hose sections aren’t warped. Clean or replace worn tracks, wheels, or tires so it can climb.

For suction and pressure cleaners, use the manufacturer’s hose weights and flow adjusters to fine-tune motion. Many robotic cleaners have programmable patterns—try a different mode or reset the unit.

Call a professional if:

• Internal drive belts or gearboxes are slipping or grinding.
• The cleaner cannot reverse direction.
• The swivel joints on hoses or cables are broken.

4. Why is my suction-side pool cleaner not getting enough suction?

Weak suction is usually a circulation system problem, not just the cleaner. Check these in order:

1. Clean skimmer and pump baskets.
2. Backwash or clean the filter (dirty filters kill suction).
3. Make sure the suction valve to the cleaner line is fully open.
4. Inspect hoses for cracks, loose fittings, or air bubbles.
5. Confirm water level is high enough to prevent air getting into the skimmer.

If the pool pump loses prime or sucks air when the cleaner is connected, there may be an underground suction-line leak.

Call a pro if:

• Suction drops suddenly with no visible debris.
• You suspect a cracked underground line.
• The pump will not hold prime even after cleaning everything.

5. Why is my robotic pool cleaner not turning on?

If your robotic cleaner is dead, begin with basic electrical checks:

• Verify the outlet works by plugging in another device.
• Confirm the power supply is firmly connected to the cleaner and outlet.
• Check any fuses or reset buttons on the control box.
• Make sure the cleaner is fully submerged before starting (many models require this).

Inspect the power cable for visible cuts or crushed spots. Never use a damaged cable in water ⚠️.

Call a professional immediately if:

• The breaker trips when you try to start the cleaner.
• There’s any sign of burned plastic, smell of smoke, or water inside the control box.
• The cable or sealed motor assembly appears compromised.

6. Why does my pool cleaner climb the wall and then fall off?

This behavior often points to improper water flow or worn traction parts. Too much suction or pressure can cause cleaners to shoot up walls and then lose grip. Use the manufacturer’s flow gauge or valve to reduce flow slightly.

Inspect:

• Tires/tracks for smoothness or flat spots.
• Rollers and brushes for excessive wear.
• Hose or cable tangles that pull the cleaner away from the wall.

For robotic cleaners, select a mode that reduces aggressive wall climbing if the pool’s shape makes it tricky.

Call a pro if:

• New tires or brushes still don’t fix wall contact.
• The cleaner repeatedly flips over.
• Internal buoyancy or balance weights appear loose or missing.

7. Why is my pressure-side pool cleaner not moving properly?

Pressure-side cleaners rely on a strong, consistent water jet. Confirm the booster pump is running (if your model requires one) and that all valves to the cleaner line are open. Clean the wall strainer, cleaner’s internal screen, and filter—any blockage reduces pressure.

Check the thrust jet (the adjustable nozzle at the back) and aim it according to the manual to balance forward movement and climbing. Inspect the debris bag; an overfull or torn bag can drag and slow the cleaner. 🧺

Call a professional if:

• The booster pump is noisy, leaks, or overheats.
• Water sprays from joints or the cleaner body under pressure.
• Internal gears or turbines don’t spin despite strong flow.

8. Why is my pool cleaner hose or cable tangling constantly?

Persistent tangling usually comes from improper storage, circulation patterns, or worn swivels.

Try these steps:

• Lay the hose or cable straight in the sun for 15–30 minutes to relax coils.
• Make sure hose sections are assembled in the recommended order.
• For robotics, always store the cable loosely coiled on a caddy, not tightly wrapped.
• Check and clean any swivel joints; replace if they don’t rotate freely.

Call a pro if:

• Factory-installed swivels or cable joints need replacement.
• You’ve corrected length and storage but tangling persists every cycle.

9. How do I know if the gears, belts, or internal parts are worn out?

Internal wear shows up as irregular or weak movement, even when flow and power are good. Signs include:

• Cleaner moves in one direction only.
• Clicking, grinding, or skipping noises.
• Wheels or tracks stop momentarily, then jerk forward.
• Brush or turbine isn’t spinning even with strong suction/pressure.

Disassembling many cleaners can void warranties or lead to leaks, so check your manual first. Some brands sell rebuild kits with gears, bearings, and belts.

Call a professional if:

• The cleaner body must be opened to access parts.
• You see stripped gears, cracked housings, or warped axles.
• You’re not comfortable resealing O-rings and gaskets to keep it watertight.

10. When is it better to replace my pool cleaner instead of repairing it?

A repair stops making sense when costs approach 50–70% of a new unit, or when the cleaner is older than its typical service life (often 5–7 years for many models, depending on care). Consider replacement if:

• Multiple major parts fail (motor + cable + drive system).
• The shell or body is cracked and leaks.
• Replacement parts are hard to find or discontinued.
• Energy usage is high compared with modern efficient cleaners.

A professional technician can provide an estimate so you can compare repair vs. upgrade options.

Helpful Tips for Keeping Your Pool Cleaner Running Smoothly

1. Clean filters and baskets regularly. Good water flow is the foundation of cleaner performance—dirty filters are the #1 hidden problem.
2. Rinse the cleaner after use. Hose off debris, sand, and chemicals, especially on robotic units and brushes, to prevent premature wear.
3. Store it correctly. Keep robotic cleaners out of direct sun when not in use, and never leave them in the pool 24/7. Hang hoses straight or on a reel to avoid kinks.
4. Inspect wear parts each month. Check tires, tracks, brushes, and swivels; replacing these inexpensive parts early prevents bigger failures.
5. Follow a regular schedule. Run the cleaner often enough to prevent heavy debris build-up, which can clog and strain the system.
6. Use only manufacturer-approved parts and settings. Proper flow rates, original hoses, and correct nozzles help avoid erratic behavior and extend the life of your pool cleaner.