Maintenance & Care
Keep your Robot Pool Cleaner running like new with these simple maintenance tips.
Why it matters: A clogged filter restricts water flow, which reduces suction power and puts strain on the motor. It's the #1 cause of poor performance.
- Frequency: After every cleaning cycle. Do not let debris dry in the filters.
- How to do it:
- Remove the filter basket or cartridges from the robot.
- Open the bottom latch to dump large leaves and debris.
- Use a garden hose with a spray nozzle to rinse the mesh panels thoroughly.
- Deep Clean: Once a month, if you notice a grey film, soak the panels in a dedicated filter cleaner solution or a mixture of water and dishwasher detergent to remove oils and sunscreen buildup.
Why it matters: The brushes provide the traction needed to climb walls. As they wear down, the robot will start slipping and failing to reach the waterline.
- Inspection: Check the rubber blades or foam rollers once a month.
- Signs of Wear:
- Rubber Brushes: Look for missing blades or blades that are worn down to the wear indicator line.
- Foam Brushes: Look for crumbling, tearing, or flattening.
- Replacement: Most brushes last 1-2 seasons depending on pool surface roughness. Replacing them is a cheap way to restore "like-new" climbing ability.
Why it matters: A twisted cable restricts the robot's movement, causing it to miss spots or get stuck. Severe tangling can damage the internal wires.
- Prevention:
- Uncoil Fully: Before every use, walk the cable out along the pool deck to remove any kinks.
- Don't Over-Tether: Only put enough cable in the pool to reach the furthest corner. Leave the excess on the deck.
- Switch Directions: If your robot doesn't have a swivel, manually flip the handle to the opposite side after each use (if applicable) to counteract natural coiling.
- Storage: When coiling the cable for storage, use large, loose loops (over-under method). Never wrap it tightly around the power supply or your elbow.
Why it matters: UV rays and heat are the enemies of plastic and rubber. Leaving your robot in the sun will make the plastic brittle and the tracks gummy.
- Daily Storage: Store the robot in a shaded area or under a cover. A caddy is highly recommended as it keeps the brushes off the ground (preventing flat spots) and organizes the cable.
- Winter Storage:
- Clean and dry the unit thoroughly.
- Store in a frost-free environment (garage or shed). Freezing temperatures can damage the motor seals and residual water can crack the plastic.
- Coil the cable neatly to prevent permanent kinks.
Why it matters: Debris wrapped around moving parts creates drag and can burn out drive motors.
- Impeller: Look down into the top exhaust vent. Use a flashlight to check for hair, string, or twigs wrapped around the fan blade. Use long tweezers or needle-nose pliers to remove obstructions.
- Tracks: Inspect the space between the tracks and the robot body. Small rocks or acorns can get wedged here, causing the robot to track in circles or stop moving entirely.