Robotic Pool Cleaner Repairs: Common Issues, Fixes & How to Avoid Costly Repairs
Robotic pool cleaners are a timesaving innovation for pool maintenance, taking the hassle out of keeping your pool clean. But like any piece of equipment, they require proper care and occasional repairs. Many of the most common issues we see at Pool Robots Australia come down to end-user misuse and general wear and tear—things that can be avoided with the right maintenance routine.
📌 Pro Tip: Always check your robotic pool cleaner’s owner’s manual for specific care instructions. Different models may have unique maintenance needs, and following the manufacturer’s guidelines can help extend the life of your cleaner and reduce all robotic pool cleaner repairs.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most frequent robotic pool cleaner repair, troubleshooting tips, and best practices to extend the life of your investment.
Common Robotic Pool Cleaner Issues & Repairs
1. Leaving the Robot in the Pool for Too Long
One of the biggest mistakes pool owners make is leaving their robotic cleaner in the water for weeks at a time—often until their pool technician returns to service their pool. This can cause serious damage and requiring robot vacuum repair, including:
- Water ingression in the motor, leading to failure
- Swivel and cable deterioration, causing connectivity issues
- Breakdown of drive train components, like wheels, tracks, and bearings
🚨 Repair Example: We have experience with Astral and Zodiac pool cleaner repairs and frequently see Astral QG50 and Zodiac TX30 cleaners with flashing error lights that won't start—often due to water in the motor, requiring a complete chassis replacement (includes a new motor and cable).
2. Drive Train Wear and Tear
The drive train is responsible for your pool robot's movement, and over time, components like tyres, tracks, wheels, brushes, bushings, and bearings wear out. If you notice your cleaner struggling to move, not brushing up leaves, or failing to climb walls, these parts likely need inspection and replacement.
🚨 Repair Example: A Dolphin s300i ran intermittently and for varying lengths of time before stopping. No blockages were found; the impeller motor and drive motors started up normally but on further inspection, we found wear of the bushings and wheels causing the drive train to rub on the chassis and side panels. The rubber of the tracks was heavily damaged by excess chlorine making it very sticky and jamming. This required a drive train tune-up kit. Looking for Dolphin pool cleaner repairs? We can help with that.
3. Motor Failure
As part of their initial self-check phase, pool robots will start each of the impeller and drive motors. If they fail to start, or detect any resistance, the cleaner will shut down. Zodiac cleaners may display Error 2, Error 3, or Error 8, which typically indicates a critical issue with a motor.
🚨 Repair Example: A Maytronics Active X6 that started and then stopped shortly after. No blockages were found, but on further inspection, we found water in the motor, leading to a costly repair. So we have experience with Maytronics pool cleaner repairs too.
4. Cable & Electrical Failures
Most robotic pool cleaners rely on a power cable that connects to the control unit. Over time, cables can develop internal breaks from improper handling, preventing power from reaching the cleaner.
🚨 Repair Example: A Zodiac VX55 that worked intermittently and then displayed Error 10. The root cause? A break in the internal wires of the cable where it enters the cleaner, often from customers lifting it out of the pool by the cable instead of the handle.
🚨 Repair Example: A Maytronics M700 that stopped when the swivel rotated. The issue? Water had entered the swivel, causing corrosion and leading to the cleaner working intermittently.
Troubleshooting Tips Before Calling for Repairs
Before bringing your pool cleaner in for repair, try these common troubleshooting steps:
1. Power Issues
- Check if the power supply is turned on and plugged into a working power point.
- Inspect the cable for any visible damage or disconnections.
2. Loss of Suction or Poor Cleaning Performance
- Empty and rinse the filter basket—a clogged filter restricts water flow, reducing suction.
- Check for blockages in the impeller, wheels, or tracks (refer to your owner's manual or check out our YouTube videos for a step-by-step guide).
3. Stops Shortly After Starting
- Inspect for debris caught in the tracks, impeller, or wheels.
- If your cleaner has an error code or flashing indicator, refer to the owner’s manual or app alerts to diagnose the problem.
For more troubleshooting tips, check out our guide: Top 7 Problems & Troubleshooting Tips for Zodiac Pool Cleaners.
How to Extend the Life of Your Pool Robot
Regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs and keep your robotic pool cleaner running efficiently for years. Here’s what you should do:
After Each Use
✔ Empty & rinse the filter basket – prevents clogging and maintains suction power.
✔ Check for debris in the wheels or tracks – remove any leaves, twigs, or obstructions.
✔ Rinse with fresh water – prevents chemical buildup that can degrade plastic components.
Long-Term Care Tips
✔ Limit use to 3 cleaning sessions per week – overuse leads to faster wear and tear.
✔ Store it properly – keep your robot out of direct sunlight and extreme weather.
✔ Inspect cables & moving parts regularly – early detection of wear can prevent expensive failures.
📺 Watch our expert tips on extending the life of your pool robot: #Expert Tips to Extend the Life of Your Pool Robot
By following these steps, your robotic pool cleaner will stay in top condition and provide years of hassle-free cleaning instead of costly pool robot cleaner repairs.
When to Call the Experts
If your robotic pool cleaner is still not working properly after troubleshooting, it’s time to call in the experts at Pool Robots Australia. We service and repair Astral, BWT, Dolphin, Zodiac, and Maytronics cleaners, including those rebranded as Waterco or Henden.
🚨 Aiper Pool Cleaner Repairs & BeatBot Pool Cleaner Repairs: we do NOT repair Aiper or BeatBot cleaners, as parts are not readily available for these models.
Why Choose Pool Robots Australia?
✔ Expert repairs by experienced technicians – we specialise in robotic pool cleaner repairs.
✔ Honest, upfront advice – no hidden costs, just clear explanations.
✔ Fast turnaround times – get back to enjoying your pool sooner.
✔ Reliable servicing & maintenance – extend the life of your investment with regular check-ups.
Don’t wait until your pool robot breaks down completely!
Contact us today for all robotic pool cleaner repairs, servicing, or advice on purchasing a new pool robot cleaner.👌
