How To Keep Pool Vacuum From Getting Stuck On Ladder? Trust The Answer

The Kreepy Krauly pool cleaner was invented in 1974 by Ferdinand Chauvier, a hydraulic engineer from South Africa. The product caught fire in Florida in the early 1980s when Kreepy Krauly won the 1984 24 Hours of Daytona. In 1999, Kreepy Krauly was purchased by Pac-Fab and then Pentair Pool Products, expanding the product line beyond the traditional Kreepy Krauly suction pool cleaner.

But enough story, today’s post is a FAQ style troubleshooting guide for Kreepy Krauly suction pool cleaner. Hopefully I can answer your question below.

One of the best features of a Kreepy Krauly pool cleaner is its simple design with only one moving part. Put aside all fears of fixing a Kreepy cleaner, they are easy to understand and you will be an expert very soon!

HOW DOES A KREEPY KRAULY WORK?

A Kreepy Krauly vacuum vacuums the pool floor the same way you would vacuum it manually, using a suction hose and a suction head on a pole. It sucks up dirt from the bottom and puts it in your pump basket or alternatively in the skimmer basket if you are using a Vac Plate or in an in-line strainer if it is connected to the other end of the first hose that connects to the skimmer. The movement of the cleaner is created by the flapper, a triangular piece of plastic that alternately closes one of the two suction tubes, creating a small “bounce” when the suction is released for a brief moment. When hopping, the seal (large flat disc in contact with the ground) moves a very short distance before being pulled back to the surface by suction. With sufficient suction from the pump, Kreepy cleaners can climb sloped pool walls, but typically will not clean steps, pools, or shallow areas less than 36″ deep.

HOW DO I INSTALL OR CONNECT A KREEPY KRAULY?

With the hose sections attached to the Kreepy cleaner, dip your head in the water and “fill the hose” by sliding it hand-to-hand directly into the water or holding the end of the hose over a vigorous wall return. Once the hose is completely filled with water, you can connect it to the skimmer’s suction port by first removing the skimmer basket. The Kreepy hose may come off if you don’t connect it to the automatic regulator, although you can use a hose adapter, but the regulator will make sure the flow rate isn’t too high for Kreepy to work properly. A locking bar is available to keep the Kreepy tube stable in the skimmer if you are having trouble getting it loose.

For pools with large debris and lots of it, you can use the Kreepy Vac Plus II Panel or another Skim Vac panel over your skimmer basket (which in most cases is larger and easier to clean than the pump basket). And if even your skimmer basket is too small, you can connect an in-line strainer between the first and second sections of hose to catch very large amounts of leaves and debris.

After the cleaner has been primed and connected to the skimmer (or other vacuum suction line), you may need to restrict the suction of the other lines entering the pump (other skimmer and/or main drain lines) by closing a valve so that the pump draws less water from other lines and more water from the skimmer that Kreepy is connected to. Too much current and Kreepy can “fly” around the pool without touching the bottom, and too little current and Kreepy will just sit there. With some experimentation, you can find the best valve settings to get Kreepy working well.

Generally, a 3/4 HP pump is a minimum requirement, with better performance being obtained from higher powered inground pool pumps. The automatic control valve helps divert water automatically on larger pumps, while Kreepy maintains some skimmer action while cleaning.

HOW LONG SHOULD A KREEPY KRAULY RUN?

Only as long as necessary, which usually takes around 2-4 hours depending on the size of the pool and the amount of debris. It is best to remove Kreepy from the pool after you are happy with the results. If Kreepy is operated regularly for an extended period of time, longer than necessary, you may notice increased wear on the seal and footpad. Additionally, your pool circulation is at its best when operating with a drain and skimmer feature, and water quality can suffer if you leave large portions of the day in “cleaning mode”.

HOW DO I ADJUST KREEPY KRAULY’S SPEED?

If the Kreepy Krauly is running too slowly, close other suction lines (skimmer, main drain, hot tub) to pull more water through the skimmer or vacuum line that Kreepy is attached to. A clean filter and pump basket (and impeller) is also important for Kreepy speed. If the Kreepy is working too fast, so fast that it lifts off the surface and missing dirt, or is spending too much time on the walls, fully open the other suction line valves and throttle the valve for the line Kreepy is attached to. The automatic control valve and compression adapter are used with Kreepy to draw excess pump suction through a small bypass flapper that also retains some skimmer suction while Kreepy is running.

HOW DO I SET THE DIRECTION OF KREEPY KRAULY?

Kreepy cleaners have a completely random cleaning pattern, but generally prefer one direction or the other, clockwise or counterclockwise, with some variation across the pool. The two things that can be done to affect the direction of the cleaning patterns are to change the direction of your return eyeball fittings on the pool wall (if you have them), and the second thing is to increase the hose weights a few inches on the hose move (see below).

KREEPY KRAULY HOSE WEIGHT PLACEMENT?

Kreepy Krauly comes with 40 feet of hose and 2 hose weights. The hose should be long enough to reach the furthest part of the pool, plus one length of hose. Using a Kreepy hose longer than necessary will cause problems, and if it’s too short, it won’t clean the entire pool. The placement of the tube weight depends on the depth of the pool. For pools 4 feet deep or less, use 1 hose weight 4″ to 12″ from the cleaner. For pools 4-7 feet deep use 2 weights, one 4″ to 12″ from the cleaner and one 6″ from the cleaner. For pools 8 feet to 12 feet deep, use a third weight placed 10 feet from the pivot end of the cleaner.

Balancing the Kreepy hose is the term for adjusting the Kreepy weights to balance the hose and cleaner in the water. Turn off the pump and note Kreepy’s position in the water. Proper hose balance is when the Kreepy seal is lying flat on the bottom and the body of the Kreepy drive tube is at a 45 degree angle with the bottom of the pool. If the cleaner is tilted more than 45° (leaning forward) the hose is too light, move the weights closer to the cleaner. If the cleaner is less than 45° (tilted backwards), the hose is too heavy, move the weights further away from the cleaner. Make small adjustments as little as 1-3″ and retest hose balance, traction and performance.

KREEPY KRAULY STUCK?

If Kreepy gets stuck behind a ladder or handrail, you can install the Kreepy K12330 Ladder Guard or the Polaris G-21 Ladder Guard Kit. Changing the direction of the cleaning pattern, shortening the hose, or reducing the creepy speed can also help. To prevent Kreepy from climbing the wall too much, remove the Dive Float Limiter and replace it with the Wall Climb Adjuster.

If Kreepy gets stuck on bumps in the pool floor, such as B. Concave sections on the bottom of the pool, try slowing down, changing direction, or slightly adjusting the tube weights to avoid the area or hit at a different angle. For Kreepy cleaners that get stuck on the main drain cover, try a raised anti-swirl drain cover or the Polaris Unicover as a solution.

If Kreepy gets stuck in any part of the pool, check the direction of the return jets on the wall. For high volume returns, pointing the jets at the ground or using the Kreepy Eyeball Diverter can solve the problem. Low flow or suction can also be the cause, especially when Kreepy isn’t climbing out of the deep end.

KREEPY KRAULY IS CONSOLED?

Not an uncommon scenario, the flapper can get stuck with large leaves, twigs, or acorns. Gently pull the cleaner to the surface and turn it over to expose the clog. Reach in with your fingers to pull out the clogging material. Holding the cleaner under water when removing the clog eliminates the need to unplug the cleaner. However, if you lift it above water, air will be sucked into the hose. If your Kreepy Krauly tends to get clogged often, you may want to consider a leaf net over the pool in the spring and fall with heavy debris. Either that or give a thorough trimming of trees and bushes around the pool.

KREEPY KRAULY NOT MOVING?

If Kreepy doesn’t move at all but is plugged in properly, check the flapper isn’t clogged by turning it upside down and looking down the drive tube. Second, make sure your pool filter and pump basket aren’t clogged, which will slow flow rates. Make sure the pump is operating at “full head pressure” and is not restricted by an air leak around the pump, back pressure from closed check valves, or a dirty filter. Third, verify that all hoses are securely connected and examine each hose for a faint hiss, which may indicate a hole in a section of Kreepy hose.

WHICH KREEPY KRAULY TO BUY?

For inground pools, the Kreepy Krauly pool cleaner pictured here is still the flagship pool cleaner and perhaps the best Kreepy pool cleaner. As previously mentioned, Pentair has expanded the Kreepy product line by introducing other Sta-Rite and Letro cleaners under the Kreepy name. In-ground pools can also use the respected Kreepy Warrior and Kreepy Sand Shark suction cleaners, or the powerful Kreepy Legend or Kreepy Racer booster pump pressure side cleaners.

For above ground pools, the Kreepy EZ Vac is the Kreepy Krauly’s little cousin, with the same great design and performance, with less hose and built to work on flat bottom pools under 5 feet deep, or take a look the Kreepy Lil Shark cleanser, a Sta-Rite cleanser for over 20 years until the name changed.

In The Swim is a longtime dealer of Kreepy Krauly cleaners and you will find some of the lowest prices and most knowledgeable service on Kreepy cleaners and Kreepy replacement parts.

Rob Cox

In the swim blog editor

Does your pool cleaner stay on one end?

Your Kreepy Krauly has become a member of the family who actually goes about his daily tasks without complaint.

However, after a while, he may pick up a bad habit like a “real” family member and want to stay at one end of the pool, usually near the skimmer box.

Before you start scolding him, there is an EASY solution and root cause to your problem.

My Kreepy Krauly pool cleaner gets stuck

Just when you find a brand of pool cleaner that doesn’t stick, you’ll end up dealing with a sticking problem again. Right?

Well, with Kreepy Kraulies, you’ll be happy to know that there’s only one problem you need to take care of before you’re back to hassle-free, mindless pool cleaning without end.

So if you search Google for “My Kreepy Krauly stays at one end of the pool” please read on!

While most would agree that our Kreepy Krauly pool cleaners are very effective and very non-stick… There are a few reasons why you might have these problems with the Kreepy Krauly Pool Cleaner.

The main cause: A rolled up hose

Your original Ultraflex hose has started to curl up.

This can have various reasons, for example:

You have taken your hose out of the pool and stored it. It rolled up.

Over time, the top layer of your pool water has slowly reset your hose’s memory.

Don’t worry, there is a very simple fix that doesn’t require buying a new hose:

How to stop a creepy Krauly from getting stuck

Option 1: The easiest method

Take the hose out of the pool and lay it flat next to the pool for a few hours on a hot day (over 28°C).

Option 2: Cooler weather method

When the weather is cooler, lay the hose straight and fill with warm (50-60°C), not boiling, water.

Roll the water side aside until the hose warms up and unwinds.

Drain the warm water and then pour cold water through the hose – either manually or by attaching one end to the pump.

When you reattach your hose you will find that the cleaner now wants to travel to the furthest points of your pool and its behavior would have improved.

The most common ways a pool cleaner gets stuck:

Gets stuck in a corner

Sticks to one end (for something other than getting stuck in a corner)

Gets stuck on a ladder

Get stuck on the stairs

hanging on a wall

Get stuck at the main drain

Bottom Line: Let your Kreepy Krauly roam happily forever…

Whether you’re having trouble with Kreepy Krauly pool cleaners or your other brand pool cleaner keeps getting stuck, if your new or old pool cleaner keeps getting stuck, these few solutions will come down to it.

If you are looking for pool cleaners that don’t get stuck, our 4 models in this range have all proven worthy. Now that you know what your Krauly is getting stuck on, you can now avoid it 100% and enjoy endless cleaning pleasure with your Kreepy Krauly pool cleaner.

Thanks for visiting the Pool Professor’s blog!

Click here to view our 4 Australian made Kreepy Krauly pool cleaners.

Next post: Now that your pool cleaner is humming, let’s whip up the grilling skills! How to cook meat to perfection, by the pool.

Well, there are really two questions here. Should a pool cleaner climb walls? That is up to the user. If the user finds it necessary (for whatever reason) for the cleaner to climb the walls, then by all means let them do so.

But is it necessary for the cleaner to climb the walls? No not true. If the cleaner’s design or programming (or lack thereof) doesn’t allow it to climb up the walls and still cover the entire pool, then it really shouldn’t be necessary. The only reason cleaners actually had to scale the walls at all was not to clean the walls, it was to navigate the pool. The old Aquabots and Dolphins in the 80’s and 90’s had no other method of navigating sideways in the pool than climbing up the wall, then scurrying along the wall and coming down somewhere else in the pool. Most modern aquabots still work this way. However, dolphins have either directional water jets or dual propulsion motors to allow them to make real turns. Because of this, modern day dolphins are only programmed to climb all 4 “bumps” of a wall, or they can be set to not climb walls at all. This cuts down on runtime drastically as it doesn’t spend a full 1-2 minutes on a wall when it comes to one.

Commercial pool cleaners like the Gemini actually have infrared sensors that tell it when it’s approaching a wall so it turns around. If you have 6 hours to clean an Olympic size pool, you need all the bottom time you can get. Dirt is usually not on the walls but on the floor.

We work with HomeAdvisor to match you with the best pool builders in your area. Whether you need a remodel, a new pool, or just maintenance help, HomeAdvisor will find the best professional for the job.

Pool cleaners perform vacuuming duties at the bottom of a pool, removing debris that is not processed by the pool’s pump filtration system. Some pool vacuums are manually operated, while automatic cleaners like various Polaris models power themselves using the water pressure from the pool’s filtration pump system. When the vacuum unit is connected to the pool’s pumping system with a hose, water flows through the Polaris’ inner body and is expelled through a thrust jet nozzle on the back of the vacuum body. Adjusting the direction the thrusters point affects how the Polaris moves along the bottom of the tank.

When the vacuum isn’t moving properly, fixing the problem is often just a matter of adjusting the thrust jet. For example, if the vacuum is not rising from the deep end to the shallow end of the pool, the thrust jet can be adjusted to give it more lift; or if he tries to climb up the sides of the pool, the jet can be adjusted in the other direction to keep him on the ground.

Can you leave the robotic pool cleaner in the pool?

You’ve just bought one of the best automatic pool cleaners and let it work its magic. Now that the cycle is complete, should you leave it in the pool or take it out?

The short answer is you can leave it in the pool, but you shouldn’t. Read on to find out why not.

Increases wear

You can swim while your bot is cleaning the pool, but it’s better not to. Swimming stirs up the water. If the machine is in the water at this time, the current will shake it, which will make it difficult for it to finish its work. It has to work harder to cover the same ground.

If you leave the machine in the water while adding chlorine, the pH change can attack the plastic. Repeated contact could cause the plastic to wear out faster than normal.

You may only need to do the cycle 2-3 times a week. Leaving the machine in the water during this time will unnecessarily expose it to the elements. This exposure could cause the seals to deteriorate faster, which can lead to leaks and damage to the electronic components.

The power supply

The power supply of most robotic pool cleaners is waterproof, but that’s not enough to protect it when it’s raining cats and dogs outside. Leaving the power adapter in standing water may damage it. It is best to keep the device and power adapter in a covered place when not in use.

A clogged filter can damage the machine

The most important reason to save the cleaner after use is a practical one. You need to clean the filter compartment. A clogged filter makes it difficult for water to flow through the machine as intended.

Clogging means your bot is working harder to clean the same area. It will work for a while but will be far less energy efficient. Operating your machine with a severe clog increases the risk of motor burnout.

Even if you have a top-loading filter tray, you still need to bring the cleaner to the surface to remove the filter. Once you’ve made that effort, you might as well fish it out of the pool.

end off

Take your bot out of the water and rinse well after use. This allows you to inspect it for damage, clean the filters, and increase overall life expectancy. Considering the machines weigh less than 10kg, it’s an easy task that pays off.

When my Polaris had this problem, it was because a couple of teeth on one of the drive wheels broke off. This made it spin a lot more than it should, so it kept coming back to the deep end. Since yours is new, this shouldn’t be a problem.

As for the powerplant, I’ve had the best results with it pointing straight back. Also make sure that all 3 wheels stay down. If the float is too far back, it tends to lift the rear wheel off the ground, causing a left turn. Mine works best when the leading edge of the float is about 1/2 inch from the incoming water line.

Automatic pool cleaners are an essential part of pool maintenance. Disasters strike and time stands still when your pool cleaner stops working. Whether you have a suction, pressure, or robotic pool cleaner, at some point you will face pool cleaner issues like the ones discussed below.

There are three main types of pool cleaners: suction, pressure and robotic. Suction cleaners attach to a suction line such as the wall skimmer or a special cleaning line that draws water into the filter pump. Pressure washers work on the pressure side of the filter pump – meaning they are powered by water being pushed to the cleaner, usually by a separate booster pump. Robot cleaners are independent of the filter pump; They work under their own power and are not dependent on the suction power or the pressure of your filter pump.

This blog post on the most common pool cleaner problems covers all three types of automatic pool cleaners.

Suction Cup Cleaner does not move

Siphon cleaners are powered by the water flow from your pump when the pump is running; They cover the entire pool in a random pattern, but only while the pool circulation system is on.

To troubleshoot a non-working pool vacuum, first check the cleaning hose to make sure it is securely connected to the suction line in the skimmer or to the dedicated cleaning line if your pool is equipped with one.

The second step is to inspect the sections of tubing to ensure there are no air leaks, either where the sections of tubing meet, or through tears or holes in the tubing.

You may need to close or restrict other suction lines such as the main drain or another skimmer to increase suction on the line the cleaner is connected to.

Issues to check:

When suction pressure is low, improve suction by closing off drain and other suction lines. Dirty pump basket or skimmer basket or in-line strainer basket. Cleaner adhered to an elevated point in the pool floor. Cleaner that sticks onto floor drains or pop-up floor cleaner heads. Air escapes in the cleaner hose or on the pipes in front of the filter pump. Clogging of the cleaning head or hose; check for disability. Low or high pool filter pressure readings indicating flow problems. Bad connection to the skimmer, no tight seal of the hose to the skimmer. Problems with automatic bypass valves or skimmer connection devices. Defective or stuck membrane or flapper in the cleaning head.

Siphon cleaner is slow

Usually the main reason for this type of malfunction is a clogged pool filter or clogged inlet hole at the bottom of your pool cleaner. To clean the suction hole, simply turn the cleaner upside down under water and look into the suction hole. You should also ensure that there are no obstructions in the hose and that all hose connections are tight and secure.

The next step is to clean your skimmer basket, pump basket and pool filter. If leaves or rocks become trapped in it, it will reduce the flow of water from your pump, which in turn slows down a suction pool cleaner.

When a vacuum cleaner is sluggish or slow, the most common cause is a clogged pump basket or a dirty filter. Other problems are holes in the cleaner hose, air being sucked into the hose, or the filter pump could be sucking in air, reducing the water flow rate. A worn foot pad or seal can also reduce the speed of the cleaner and cause it to stick to the bottom of the pool. Finally, verify that the suction valves are open to deliver all suction pressure to the skimmer attached to the cleaner.

Suction cleaner is too fast

Suction pool cleaners work based on the water flow from your pool pump. If you have a particularly powerful pool pump or your water flow is exceptionally fast, your pool cleaners may be moving faster than usual. This can cause your cleaner to skip over some debris as it “flies” around the pool.

Most vacuums have a device in the skimmer that allows you to control the flow, or if you have other suction lines like a main drain or secondary skimmer. Opening these lines further will reduce flow from the line the purifier is connected to.

The suction cleaner does not cover the entire pool

The solution to this problem can be as simple as checking the hose length. In order for the pool cleaner to reach all areas of your pool, the hose should be long enough to reach from the skimmer or dedicated suction line to the furthest point in the pool, leaving 3 feet. If the suction hose is not long enough, consider adding additional lengths of hose.

Adjustments to the direction of the return jets in your pool can affect the coverage of the cleaner. Your backflowing water can push your cleaner away from certain areas.

If hose length or backflow is not the problem, consult your owner’s manual for minor adjustments to the hose or purifier that will produce a different cleaning pattern.

Air bubbles are entering the pool at the return line

This problem can be caused by air leaks in the hose or fittings. If the vacuum fittings are not tightly fitted or the hose is punctured, air will enter the system and cause bubbles at the return wall fitting.

Check hose and vacuum connections for air leaks; The vacuum fittings can be tightened and secured with O-rings, and hose leaks can be easily fixed with silicone or rubber cement (which looks better than duct tape!).

Vacuum cleaner gets stuck on steps/ladders

Most vacuum cleaners have a device that snaps onto the vacuum cleaner’s neck to prevent it from getting stuck on steps. This is an aftermarket item for some cleaners.

If your cleaner gets stuck on or under your pool ladder, you may consider installing a ladder protection kit. If it’s stuck on a raised main drain cover, check out the UniCover, which creates a smooth transition from floor to drain.

You can also make adjustments to the hose floats or hose weights (depending on the model) to change the cleaning pattern. As a last resort, placing a small, properly sized boulder in the area or shortening the pool cleaner’s hose may help.

If your pool cleaner is snagging on the main drain cover because it’s raised off the ground, Polaris makes a product called Unibridge to prevent your cleaner from snagging on raised bottom fittings.

For vacuum cleaners that get caught in convex or concave areas on the pool floor, it can help to reduce the speed of the vacuum cleaner. For gunite pools, a more drastic method would be to scrape off the plaster or fill in that area with more plaster to smooth it out.

Visit our pool cleaner parts section for the replacement parts you need or for more ideas to keep your pool cleaner from getting stuck. This article on poolcleanerhub can help.

Pressure tank cleaner does not move

Pool pressure washers require around 30 PSI to operate (17 PSI for low pressure washers like the Polaris 360 or Letro Legend II). Check that the booster pump is running and the filter pump should be running at the same time.

Pressure washers have an in-line screen (some have two) that needs to be cleaned regularly. This can be located in the connection of the wall fitting or in the inlet hose.

Rocks or sand can get lodged in the wheels of a pressure washer and prevent movement. Likewise, tiny grains of sand or gypsum can sneak around in-line strainers (especially if you’ve lost yours!) and clog small openings inside the purifier.

Pressure washers can be shaft driven, belt driven or chain driven. Any of these powertrains can have problems. Generally these work well when you spin one wheel and the other wheels spin at the same time and at the same speed.

Pressure tank cleaner is slow

Check the built-in strainer(s) for debris slowing water flow to the purifier. Also check the hose to make sure there isn’t a loss of pressure anywhere along the line. Slight water loss around the hose swivels is normal.

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

High-pressure cleaners are operated with water. So if they are sluggish or moving slowly, the problem is usually flow related. Check the filter screens located on the wall mount and in the hose on some newer models. If a booster pump is used, make sure both the filter pump and the booster pump are running and not leaking or making strange noises.

With the booster pump running, kneel by the pool, grasp the pool cleaner hose and slowly pull the cleaner towards you. While doing this, check the hose for leaks as you pull it out of the water (some leaks at swivel joints are normal). When you reach the cleaning head, keep it just above water and inspect it for water flowing through three areas: out the rear thrust nozzle, out the sweeper tail, and up into the debris bag. The thrust jet and rear of the sweeper should shoot water 15-20 feet. Likewise, when you remove the dirt bag, water should spurt up 15-20 feet in the air. If the water is spouting properly from all three outlets, you probably don’t have a water pressure problem, but rather a problem with a slipping drive belt, a broken axle, or worn (rounded) tires — or something stuck between the wheels and the cleaner body.

The pressure washer does not cover the entire pool

For this problem you just have to adjust the thruster, which is located in the center back where the water squirts out. The default setting is 11 o’clock, but setting it to 1 o’clock will give the cleaner an opposite cleaning pattern.

The inlet hose must of course be long enough to reach the farthest point from the wall outlet plus 3 feet. Make sure the inlet hose is floating; Old style tube floats can be filled with water and not keep the tube on the surface.

Skidding wheels can cause a pressure washer to become stuck in the deep end and not have the strength to pull itself back into the shallow end. Check the belt tension or axle settings on newer models, or the front wheel “teeth” on older Polaris and Letro models. Ray Vac models can circle the deep end when the dirt bag or strainer is full.

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

Pressure washer does not move

Possible causes for this problem are:

Boost pump is off or filter pump is off.

The booster pump has an air lock or a defective shaft seal.

Drive belt or wheel axles are broken or loose.

WMS (Water Management System) has disconnected or broken hoses.

The inlet hose or the end piece of the sweeper has cracks or holes.

Pool toys or sticks are wedged between wheels and body.

String or wire is wrapped around the axle.

The safety valve is not working properly and keeps releasing water.

In-line screens are clogged.

Small pieces of sand or grit have worked their way into the WMS and blocked tiny openings.

Pressure washer gets stuck on steps/ladders

If your pressure washer gets stuck on the stairs, try adjusting the thrust jet to create a new cleaning pattern. If your cleaner wraps around a handrail or gets stuck behind a ladder, install ladder guards to block the path around those railings.

If the cleaner goes behind ladders or handrails and gets stuck, you can use ladder guards made by Polaris, Pentair, and others. Several designs are used, the best being that of your pool cleaner manufacturer. Another option is to remove the ladder if it is rarely used, or shorten the cleaning hose for boarding step handrails only slightly. Vacuum cleaners often have a large conductor guard, usually a large ring that can be fitted around the vacuum cleaner.

For pool cleaners that get stuck in a corner of the pool or hit a step and drag away, try changing the direction or cleaning pattern of the cleaner, which can be accomplished by adjusting the thrust nozzle, adjusting the hose float, or adding a hose float or hose weights .

As a last resort, placing a small, properly sized boulder in the area or shortening the pool cleaner’s hose may help. Note that most pool pressure washers have reversing mechanisms or safety valves to reverse the cleaning direction every few minutes to prevent blocked operation. If you have one, check that your backup valve is working.

Pressure washer inlet hose is tangled

Measure the hose to ensure it is set to the correct length for the pool size – too much hose will cause tangling. Also make sure that the inlet hose is floating. Soaked hose floats should be replaced. The hose swivels should rotate freely. Another possibility is that not all wheels are driven. When the cleaner is in OFF mode, spin one of the wheels and make sure all the wheels spin in unison.

Too much power for a pressure washer can cause it to fly around the pool and become tangled. Release excess pressure at the wall fitting. If the exhaust nozzle is at a 9 or 3 o’clock position, it creates a circular pattern that can cause tangling. Visit our pool cleaner parts section for all the parts mentioned.

If your pool cleaner hose has been hanging on a hook or stored tightly coiled all winter, it can develop a memory that causes the hose to twist and tangle. One solution is to stretch the hose straight along the pool deck in the hot sun, using weights if necessary to help it straighten. A last resort may be to swap out some sections of tubing.

Robot pool cleaner not moving

Robot pool cleaners are electric and do not rely on the suction or pressure of your pump to move around the pool. Your pool cleaner’s floating power cord should be securely connected to the power supply transformer, which in turn is plugged into an electrical outlet. The power supply should have an indicator light to show that power is being received.

If the PSU has power but the cleaner doesn’t move, we need to trace the problem back to the cleaner. The problem is where the current dies. Often the power cord itself can short out where the wires in the rubber casing are broken. This usually occurs at a point near the cleaner where the stress on the cable is greatest. If you have a dog chasing the robot, look for bite marks in the string!

If the cable is intact, you can test the cable’s resistance with a meter (set to ohms) to make sure the cable wires aren’t a problem. At this point you should check the drive motor itself to make sure the connections are tight and use your test meter to verify that the power is reaching the motor. If this is the case and the motor is not responding to power, it may indicate the need for a new drive motor.

Is the transformer operating indicator lit? Check that the outlet switches are on.

Inspect the cleaner’s power cord and plug for animal damage or kinks, knots, or cuts.

Check the power cord attachments on the pool cleaner and the connection to the motor or terminal block.

Check drive tracks, drive belts and pulleys for alignment, tightness and wear.

If the drive belts were recently replaced, make sure they are following the correct pattern.

Dirty internal filters or an incorrectly fitted bottom plate can stop a cleaning robot.

Foreign objects such as hair, string, or small sticks may be wrapped around the propeller or wheel assembly.

Robot pool cleaner is slow

This is usually a problem with loose drive chains, loose drive belts, or missing hardware holding tension on the belts and chains. You may notice it moving but not climbing the walls anymore. This could indicate worn drive chains or wheel tube brushes.

Since cleaning robots are not hydraulically powered, slow operation is less of an issue. However, if it does, the cause may be a full dirt bag or filter, or the drive rails or wheels are worn or rounded, or are loose or misaligned. Check all belts and pulleys for proper position and tension and wheels for proper alignment and movement.

Robot cleaner gets stuck

If your floor surface is not that smooth, the cleaner may get stuck on high spots. Some newer models have adjustments that raise the vacuum slightly, but this can affect its suction ability. Robotic cleaners can also get stuck behind ladders and handrails and like our other pool cleaners above you can solve this problem with a product called the Ladder Guard or use the Unibridge when it’s “high centered” on the main drain.

More troubleshooting

If all else fails and your pool cleaner is stubborn and refusing to cooperate, it may be time to call one of our pool specialists/consultants who can assist you with further troubleshooting or repairs. Of course, our specialists can also help you choose a new pool cleaner if you’d rather just start from scratch.

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

POOL CLEANER DOES NOT CLEAN

If your pool cleaner is moving normally in the pool but is not picking up debris, the normal solution is to unclog the suction port or empty the debris bag or basket. Vacuum cleaners also need a clean pool filter to move and vacuum well.

If your pool cleaner isn’t cleaning the entire pool but is leaving some areas untouched, there is often an adjustment that can be made to the cleaning pattern or cleaning speed. With high-pressure cleaners, it is possible to increase the pool cleaner speed by closing the vent valve on the wall connection. For vacuums, closing other valves while using the vacuum and keeping the basket clean can improve speed. If your pool cleaner seems to be running slower than normal, investigate the cause of the loss of pressure (or loss of suction).

Changing the pool cleaner pattern on pressure washers is accomplished by adjusting the thrust jet on the back of the cleaner. If it is set at 11 o’clock, move it to 1 o’clock or vice versa to change the rotation or direction of most turns. On vacuum cleaners, adjusting the hose floats and hose weights can change the vacuum pattern. Also, strong wall jets can push a cleaner away from certain areas, in such cases it is often necessary to use 90 degree hose adapters and point them straight down. If your cleaner hose or power cord is not long enough to reach all areas of the pool, extend the hose to reach all areas or move the robotic cleaner’s power supply to a more central location.

POOL CLEANER DOES NOT CLIMB WALLS

Just like above, if a pool cleaner isn’t scaling the walls (and they used to be), there’s a problem with the cleaning pattern or cleaning speed. Adjustments to the cleaning pattern as described above can produce different results, allowing the cleaner to get closer to the wall. Adjusting the cleaning speed is another way to overcome problems climbing the pool walls. It takes a lot of traction and suction to climb up a pool wall without falling off. If it’s not climbing walls like it used to be, it’s probably slower too. Make sure the hose that connects to the cleaner has no pressure leaks or suction leaks and that the hose is out of the way. Tangled pool cleaner hoses are usually the result of waterlogged hose floats, insufficient hose floats, or incorrect hose float placement.

Pool cleaners require timely replacement of pool cleaner parts to operate at their full potential and prevent further catastrophic failures. 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!

Happy troubleshooting!

Ayesha Aslam

InTheSwim Staff Blogger

SHOP RELATED PRODUCTS

Creepy Krauly help

Due to the unique characteristics of your pool, some additional adjustments may be required to get the best performance from your Kreepy Krauly pool cleaner.

If there seems to be a problem, check out these common causes of pool cleaner problems. If you still need assistance, contact your pool professional or Pentair’s toll-free Customer Service Line at 1-800-831-7611. You can also call us at 800-288-7946 and speak to an In The Swim pool technician about your cleaner.