Most robot cleaners are a long lead from the power supply and must be carefully maintained to avoid kinks. This includes extending the cable in sunlight and rolling it up loosely rather than putting strain on the plug.

However, even the best robotic pool cleaners can encounter issues from time to time. Before calling in a professional, you should try a few troubleshooting steps first.

1. Check the Power

The first thing to check with a robotic cleaner that has stopped moving is whether or not the power cord is still connected. It is easy for the cord to become tangled and pull out of the outlet. Make sure that there is enough slack in the cord to allow for movement and that it is plugged securely into the outlet.

Another possible problem is the leaf bag or filter being full, causing a lack of water flow to the robot. This can limit its ability to climb walls and cover the entire pool. To avoid this, consider investing in a larger capacity debris canister. This will reduce the need to empty it frequently and will help ensure the robotic cleaner can move around your entire pool.

2. Check the Hose

When a robotic cleaner won’t climb your pool walls, it may be that the feed hose is too short. It needs to be long enough to reach from the wall connection to the farthest point in your pool with a few feet left over.

It could also be that the hose is full of debris and is blocking water flow. Ensure that the bag is empty and check the inline strainer at the pool wall for any clogs.

If you find that the hose is too long, try stretching it out in the sun with weights to straighten it. You could also replace the hose completely. This will help prevent it from twisting and tangling while cleaning your pool. This is a relatively inexpensive fix.

3. Check the Battery

Robotic cleaners are electric and plug into a power supply outside the pool. Most are listed for a certain pool size and operate independently from the rest of your pool system.

Some robotic cleaners have a large filter canister that holds all the debris they vacuum up. If your pool often has lots of leaves, choose a model with a larger capacity.

Most robotic cleaners can be used in both in-ground and above-ground pools. Some, however, are better suited for one type of pool than the other. It’s best to read the reviews and understand the pros and cons of each model before making your final purchase. You’ll also want to consider the shape, slope, and material of your pool. This will impact how well your robotic cleaner works and how much wear it may endure over time.

4. Check the Motor

During our testing, we found this robot to be powerful and lightweight enough to maneuver around the pool. It also has handles to help it right itself when it gets stuck, and three filter options to choose from. Lastly, it has an impressive warranty of three years to give you peace of mind.

If your robotic cleaner turns on but doesn’t move, check the motor. There could be an issue with the track drive pulley or other internal components. If this is the case, consult your user manual for troubleshooting tips.

5. Check the Brushes

Many robotic cleaners have brushes that help remove contaminant particles from the floor and walls of the pool. These brushes then direct the debris into an internal filter bag.

The capacity of this bag determines how often you’ll need to empty the debris from your robot. Larger models offer bigger capacities, which means less frequent emptying.

Some models even include a patented vacuum-and-scrub technology that helps your robot reach and scrub the water line of your pool. This feature, combined with advanced navigation and mapping, helps your robot clean more of your pool in the same amount of time.

It’s important to check your robotic cleaner’s wheels, tracks and brushes for debris build-up, which can prevent it from moving or navigating the pool. You should also inspect the cord to ensure it is not tangled or caught up.