Robot Cleaners: All Pools
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. A transformer is plugged
into a wall outlet, and a long (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 advantages to 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.
Troubleshooting
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.
Warning!
Do not pull or lift the
unit 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 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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