Most manufacturers are working to make robotic cleaner repair as simple as possible, especially for pool and spa professionals. To that end, they provide instructional materials and videos aimed at consumers explaining very minor repairs.

For example, one issue that may cause a robot cleaner to stop moving is grit getting caught in the wheels or drive pulleys. The solution is easy:

Check the Filter

Robotic pool cleaners use a self-contained filter system to collect and hold debris. This saves you from backwashing your pool after cleaning. However, they are more costly than suction or pressure side cleaners and require regular maintenance.

If your robotic cleaner is getting stuck in one spot or refuses to climb walls, it might be clogged with hair or lint. You can easily remove the impeller and rinse it to resolve this issue. It is also important to clean your robotic cleaner after each use and have it serviced seasonally so wear parts can be evaluated.

Another problem may be that your robot is having trouble moving around your pool. This can be due to low PSI, a tangled hose, or blockages in its wheels, belts, or power-train. If this is the case, you can check the hose length and if necessary add hose weights to keep it from getting tangled. Also, make sure that the pins on the end of its wheel tubes and bushings in the side plates are not dislodged.

Check the Brushes and Scrubbers

As much as a robotic pool cleaner saves you time by eliminating the need to vacuum and brush your pool, it still requires some maintenance. Luckily, most minor issues can be addressed by a little troubleshooting and some basic tools.

Most robots have long cables that connect to a power source, and those cords often get twisted or caught up on obstacles during the cleaning process. This can make your robot lose its ability to navigate the pool. This is why it is important to check the cable for any rips or tears, which may cause the device to break down.

Most manuals for robotic cleaners include a troubleshooting section to help you figure out what might be wrong with your device. In addition, Zodiac, a manufacturer of robotic cleaners and other products, provides training to its dealers to ensure that they can fix their customers' units in the quickest amount of time. For example, the company uses snap-off covers and eliminates screws to streamline the repair process.

Check the Motor

If your robotic cleaner is moving but still won’t climb walls or get up to the top of the pool, check the motor. Look for water being pushed out the top of the unit, a sign that it's running correctly. Also, be sure to look at the pins on the wheel tubes and the bushings in the side plates. If these are damaged, it will dramatically affect the movement of your robot.

These repairs are all fairly easy to make for most homeowners. It's important to remember that even though robotic cleaners are more advanced than suction-side or pressure-side models, they require a little upkeep to keep them working properly. Manufacturers know that, and they design their robots with maintenance in mind so owners can easily fix minor issues before they become serious. For more complex fixes, though, you'll need to visit a professional servicing center for help. They'll be able to take a closer look at the equipment and make any necessary repairs.

Check the Handle

Many robotic cleaners use a long cord that must be connected to an outlet. A malfunctioning robot could be pulling the cord and putting a strain on it. To prevent this, make sure the cord is not tangled and that there is enough slack to allow the robot to move across the pool.

If the handle is in an unusable position or has become tangled, it may need to be replaced. A tangled hose can also cause the robotic cleaner to lose track and become stuck on steps or walls. Make sure the hose is positioned properly and not coiled on the cleaner, and try adding hose weights to keep it from getting tangled.

Manufacturers know that a malfunctioning robot can mean lost revenue, so they design them for low maintenance. For example, Zodiac’s Polaris cleaners have a cleanout door on the filter canister to allow for quick emptying and cleaning. Similarly, a clogged fan or impeller can be easily cleaned with a garden hose and water pressure. To make things easier for customers, manufacturers offer a lot of repair instruction through webinars, videos and online learning systems.