Automatic cleaners are a lifesaver when it comes to keeping your pool pristine and debris-free. But as with anything, it's important to give your robotic cleaner routine maintenance to keep it working at peak efficiency. We spoke to the pros at Kreepy Krauly, a top manufacturer of pool cleaners and accessories, to get their 411 on how to keep your pool cleaner running smoothly.

1. The Cleaner Is Stuck

If your cleaner keeps getting stuck on your pool ladder or underneath the main drain, you can use a pool ladder guard kit to ensure the cleaner has plenty of room to maneuver. Or, you can simply adjust the hose floats or hose weights on your cleaner to change its cleaning pattern, so it doesn't get stuck.

2. The Cleaner Doesn't Climb Walls

If you notice your robotic cleaner doesn't climb walls, this is usually caused by a lack of traction or suction. To remedy this, adjust the cleaner pattern or speed to see if the changes have any effect. If not, then the cleaner may have a leak in its hose or pump. If this is the case, then you will need to check for air leaks at the joining points of the hose or any splits and tears in the hose itself.

3. The Cleaner isn't Covering the Entire Pool

If your pool cleaner is struggling to reach all corners of your pool, it could be a simple matter of the hose being too short. This can be easily fixed by extending the length of the hose.

4. The Cleaner Has a Poor Cleaning Performance

A clean and well-maintained filter is key for optimal performance. If your cleaner's filter is clogged with debris, it can affect its ability to vacuum and scrub the floor and walls of your pool. To avoid this, regularly clean your pool filter and rinse it off under running water to keep it free of dirt and grit.

5. The Cleaner is Flipping Over

A few factors can cause your cleaner to flip over. One of the most common is a power cord that's not properly connected to the cleaner or the transformer plug. The other factor is the device being impacted by uneven or rough pool bottoms that can cause it to shift its weight distribution and cause it to flip over. To address this, you can try adjusting the cleaner's handle position or moving it to a different part of the pool.

The best thing to do when you suspect your robot is acting up is to consult the owner's manual. It should have a troubleshooting section that describes the most common issues and provides step-by-step instructions for resolving them. If you can't solve the problem on your own, we recommend bringing your cleaner into your local Leslie's store for a professional opinion. We'll even diagnose the problem for free, and only charge you for the parts needed to repair it.