Dolphin robotic pool cleaners are built for convenience—you drop them in, press a button, and let them do the hard work. But like any machine, they can run into problems. If your Dolphin has stopped climbing walls, isn’t moving, or leaves patches of debris behind, don’t panic. Most issues have straightforward solutions, and you can often fix them without calling in a technician.
This guide will walk you through the most common Dolphin cleaner issues, explain why they happen, and give you clear, step-by-step troubleshooting methods. Whether you own a top-of-the-line Dolphin Premier or a smaller residential model, these tips apply to almost every unit in the lineup.
Understanding How Your Dolphin Works
A Dolphin cleaner runs on an internal motor powered by low-voltage electricity. It uses tracks or wheels to navigate the pool floor and walls, and its onboard filters collect dirt, leaves, and algae. Unlike pressure or suction cleaners, a Dolphin is self-contained—meaning it doesn’t rely on your pool’s pump or filtration system to operate.
This independence is a big advantage, but it also means that if something goes wrong, the cause is usually inside the cleaner itself or in its power supply.
Common Dolphin Pool Cleaner Problems and Fixes
1. Dolphin Won’t Turn On
Symptoms: You press the power button and nothing happens—no lights, no movement.
Possible causes and solutions:
- Power supply unplugged or faulty outlet – Check that the power supply is firmly plugged into a grounded outlet. Test the outlet with another device to make sure it’s live.
- Damaged power cord – Look for cuts, frays, or kinks. If the cord is damaged, stop using the cleaner until it’s replaced.
- Internal fuse blown – Many Dolphin power supplies have a fuse inside that can blow during a power surge. Consult the manual to check or replace the fuse.
2. Dolphin Turns On But Doesn’t Move
Symptoms: The cleaner powers up, but the tracks or wheels don’t turn.
Possible causes and solutions:
- Debris jammed in tracks – Turn off the unit, flip it over, and inspect for leaves, twigs, or small stones caught in the tracks.
- Drive belt or motor failure – If the tracks are clear but still don’t move, the drive belt may be broken or the motor might need repair. This usually requires professional service.
3. Dolphin Climbs Poorly or Not at All
Symptoms: The cleaner stays mostly on the floor and struggles to climb walls.
Possible causes and solutions:
- Dirty filter basket or bag – A clogged filter adds weight and reduces water flow, making it harder to climb. Rinse the filter thoroughly after each cycle.
- Worn tracks or brushes – If the rubber treads are smooth or cracked, replace them for better grip.
- Poor water chemistry – High algae or slippery surfaces can reduce traction. Brush walls and balance pool chemistry.
4. Dolphin Moves in Circles or Misses Spots
Symptoms: The cleaner repeats the same path, leaving areas untouched.
Possible causes and solutions:
- Tangled or twisted cable – Stretch the cable out on the deck and let it relax in the sun to remove memory coils.
- Obstructed impeller – Turn off the cleaner and check under the top cover for debris in the impeller housing.
- Software mapping reset – Some models benefit from running a full cleaning cycle in an empty, obstacle-free pool to re-learn coverage.
5. Dolphin Stops Mid-Cycle
Symptoms: The cleaner starts normally but shuts off after a short time.
Possible causes and solutions:
- Clogged filters – Overfilled baskets can trip a safety shutoff. Empty and rinse the filter, then restart.
- Overheating motor – Operating outside of water or in very hot conditions can cause the motor to overheat and shut down. Always keep the cleaner submerged during operation.
- Power supply fault – Swap to a known-good outlet and check the power supply unit for overheating.
6. Water Not Flowing Properly
Symptoms: Weak suction or visible debris left behind.
Possible causes and solutions:
- Blocked intake ports – Check under the cleaner for sticks, leaves, or toys blocking the intake.
- Impeller obstruction – Small debris can jam the impeller blades. Clear with care.
- Clogged filter media – Clean or replace filter cartridges for better water flow.
Maintenance Tips to Prevent Problems
The best troubleshooting is the kind you never have to do—because the problem never starts. Here are some habits to keep your Dolphin running smoothly:
- Rinse after every use – Salt, chlorine, and fine debris can wear parts faster.
- Store in the shade – UV light can make plastic brittle over time.
- Untangle the cable – Lay it out straight to prevent twist buildup.
- Inspect tracks and brushes – Replace worn parts promptly for better performance.
- Keep water chemistry balanced – This reduces algae and improves traction.
Seasonal Care
When closing your pool for the off-season, remove the cleaner, drain all water from inside, and store it indoors. Winter storage prevents freeze damage and extends the life of seals and electronics.
At the start of the season, check for any visible wear, clean the filters, and run a test cycle to make sure everything is working before peak swim months.
When to Call for Service
While many Dolphin problems can be solved at home, some require professional attention:
- Motor replacement
- Severe water intrusion inside the cleaner body
- Electrical issues with the control unit
If your Dolphin is under warranty, always contact an authorized service center before attempting repairs that could void coverage.
Quick Troubleshooting Recap
- No power: Check outlet, cord, and fuse.
- Not moving: Clear tracks and check drive belt.
- Poor climbing: Clean filters, replace worn tracks, balance water chemistry.
- Repeating path: Untangle cable, check impeller, reset mapping.
- Stopping early: Empty filters, avoid overheating, check power supply.
A Dolphin pool cleaner can be one of the most time-saving tools you own, but only if it’s running as designed. By learning to spot early warning signs, you can fix small issues before they turn into bigger, more expensive repairs.