Robot Cleaners:  All Pool Types

These are self contained electric cleaners which are put into the pool when there is a need for cleaning.  Common brand names include Aquabot, Dolphin, and AquaVac. Please visit our swimming pool cleaners page for a complete list of robot cleaners. A transformer is plugged into a wall outlet and a long (around {cord length varies by cleaners} 50 ft ) cord from the unit plugs into the transformer receiving low voltage power to operate the cleaner. This power operates two motors; a pump motor which draws debris into the unit's filter, and a drive motor which moves the unit around the pool.

The advantage of owning a robot cleaner include their self contained filter, which is easily cleaned. They also do quite well with their coverage. Some units are computer chip controlled and some even have remote controls so you can steer the unit from a lounge chair! Being that they are the only cleaners not attached in any way to the pool's circulation system, they produce no resistance or back pressure on the filtering. Their cost can be more than suction or pressure side cleaners.

Poolcenter.com is the Washington D.C. area service center for the Aquabot cleaners. Listed below are some common troubleshooting tips from our help file.

Unit does not move?

Is the indicator light glowing on the transformer? If not, be sure that transformer is turned on and that the 3 volt fuse is not blown (the indicator light can be glowing even though the fuse is blown). Check the electrical outlet with another electrical appliance to be sure that power is available. If the power is available, and the fuse is good try wiggling the power cord plug from the unit to the transformer. Older units may begin to short out at the plug; a new plastic female plug is available. Inspect the unit itself while it's partially underwater. Is the pump motor receiving power? Is there water gushing out of the top of the unit? This would indicate that power is reaching the unit. Is the pulley on the drive belt side turning? If the pulley is not moving this could indicate a shorted motor or a corroded drive T, which would also require motor replacement. Are the drive belts tight and in good repair? Drive belts become stretched and weaken over time. If your belts are "skipping" and are not locked into the grooves of either the drive pulley or the wheel tubes they may need to be replaced. Check that the wheel tubes are in proper position with bushings in place on either end. If the tubes are not straight the drive belts will not be tight. Do not pull the unit towards the side of the pool, or lift the unit out of the pool by the power cord. Try to reach into the pool and lift the unit only by the handle.

Unit does not pump?

If the unit moves, but does not pick up any debris, lift the unit up near the surface of the water. Does water gush out of the top? If not, the pump motor may be shorted. Unplug the unit and pull it out of the water. Remove the vent cap on top of the unit and check that the impeller does not have string wound around the base. Turn the impeller by hand to check spin. Plug in the unit and check spin. If there is no spin the pump is probably shorted. Another indication that the pump motor is not working properly is if the unit won't climb the walls very far before falling off. The pump motor provides the suction it needs for climbing.

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