Hayward Navigator Pool Cleaner Problems

If your Hayward Navigator pool cleaner is acting up, you’re not alone. Whether it’s moving in circles, not climbing walls, or barely moving at all, this in-depth troubleshooting guide will walk you through common issues and how to fix them effectively—no fluff, just solutions.

What Makes the Hayward Navigator Popular

The Hayward Navigator is one of the most widely used suction-side pool cleaners. It operates by connecting to your pool’s skimmer or a dedicated suction port, using the pool’s pump to move and vacuum debris from the pool floor. It’s energy-efficient, requires no separate booster pump, and is known for its thorough cleaning patterns.

But like any mechanical system, it can develop issues over time—usually due to wear and tear, improper installation, or simple clogs. Let’s dive into the most common problems and how to handle them.

Table of Contents

Cleaner Not Moving at All

Answer: If your Hayward Navigator isn’t moving at all, the issue usually lies in suction loss, blockage, or improper hose connection.

  • Check for suction: Put your hand near the hose end or cleaner head to feel for water pull. If none, the issue is with the pump or valves.
  • Hose connection: Make sure the hose is securely attached to the skimmer or suction port.
  • Skimmer basket: Empty it. A full basket restricts flow and reduces cleaner performance.
  • Pump strainer: Clogged pumps will kill suction. Turn off power and check for debris.

Quick test: If the cleaner moves when manually submerged in front of a strong return, the issue is upstream (suction line).

Moving Too Slowly

Answer: A sluggish Navigator often means low water flow, worn shoes, or clogged internal parts.

Here’s how to troubleshoot it:

  • Filter and pump: Clean or backwash your pool filter and check pump strainer.
  • Flow gauge: Use Hayward’s flow gauge to ensure you’re getting 20–25 GPM to the cleaner.
  • Shoes and wings: Worn-down shoes or flaps reduce traction and speed.
  • Debris inside: Disassemble cleaner head and check for leaves, small toys, or pebbles blocking gears.

Maintenance tip: Replace shoes and wings every 12 months for optimal performance.

Stuck in Circles or Pattern Issues

Answer: If your cleaner just spins in one spot or travels in loops, it’s a directional gear or hose balance issue.

What to check:

  • Hose length: Too short or too long hoses can throw off movement patterns.
  • Hose weight: Use Hayward hose weights and position them evenly to balance movement.
  • Turbine kit: Inspect internal turbine gear—replace if it’s stuck or damaged.
  • A-frame kit: Uneven A-frame wear may cause imbalance. Swap both sides if one fails.

Expert tip: Use the Navigator’s movement test by marking positions every few minutes to track patterns.

Not Climbing Walls

Answer: If your Navigator is staying at the bottom, you might have insufficient suction or worn traction parts.

  • Suction level: Verify flow with a vacuum gauge. Add more suction if underpowered.
  • Check shoes: Smooth or worn shoes won’t grip vertical surfaces—replace them.
  • Pool surface: Fiberglass or slippery finishes may limit climbing ability.
  • Hose length: Ensure it’s long enough to reach deep ends or walls.

Best practice: Clean walls with a brush before running the cleaner to reduce slick algae buildup.

Getting Stuck in Corners or Steps

Answer: Navigators are designed to pivot away from obstacles, but obstructions, hose problems, or valve settings can stop that.

Try this:

  • Adjust return fittings: Aim returns slightly down to help steer the cleaner away from traps.
  • Hose swivels: Use swivel joints to give the cleaner more flexibility.
  • Install flow director: Hayward offers a flow director accessory to redirect suction flow and improve navigation.

Fix tip: If it consistently gets stuck in the same spot, you may need to adjust the suction port placement.

Hose Tangles or Kinks

Answer: Tangled hoses reduce movement efficiency and can damage the cleaner over time.

  • Lay hoses flat in the sun: This relaxes the plastic and prevents memory loops.
  • Use swivels: Hayward swivel adapters help reduce hose coiling.
  • Correct hose length: Measure from suction port to furthest pool point, then add one section—no more.
  • Alternate hose storage: Store hose segments flat—not coiled—between uses if you remove them.

Pro tip: Always connect hoses in the correct order—mismatched segments twist easily under suction.

No Suction or Debris Left Behind

Answer: If the Navigator is gliding around but not cleaning, the suction pathway may be blocked or the throat opening damaged.

Steps to check:

  • Vacuum throat: Remove and inspect for stuck leaves or stones.
  • Diaphragm or turbine: Internal parts may be obstructed—open housing to access.
  • Skimmer basket: Clean it and check for signs of collapse or clog.
  • Main drain valve: Ensure proper suction split if using dual intakes—too much drain pull can weaken skimmer suction.

Inspect debris path weekly to prevent buildup that limits cleaning power.

Worn or Broken Gear Components

Answer: Internal moving parts like the A-frame, turbine, or pods wear out over time and affect overall performance.

Signs of gear wear:

  • Jerky movement: Indicates worn A-frame bushings or misaligned pods.
  • Loud clicking sounds: May mean turbine teeth are stripped.
  • Random stops: Suggest broken internal spring or gear jam.

Repair tip: Order Hayward’s tune-up kit—includes A-frames, shoes, wings, and pods—for easy overhauls.

Maintenance and Prevention Tips

Preventing problems is easier than fixing them. Here’s a quick routine to keep your Navigator running like new:

  • Weekly: Clean skimmer and pump baskets; check hose condition.
  • Monthly: Inspect and rinse the cleaner head for stuck debris.
  • Quarterly: Check shoes, wings, and A-frame parts for wear.
  • Annually: Perform a full disassembly and replace worn parts using a tune-up kit.

Storage tip: During off-season, store the cleaner indoors and keep hose sections flat to prevent coiling.

Conclusion and What to Do Next

The Hayward Navigator is a dependable and efficient pool cleaner when properly maintained. Whether it’s a slow crawl, hose tangle, or climbing issue, most problems can be solved with a little inspection and a few replacement parts.

Always start with suction and work backward to the cleaner. Regular checks and preventative maintenance can double your cleaner’s lifespan and keep your pool spotless all season long.

Have a specific issue or need help identifying a part? Leave a comment or subscribe for updates on repair tips, product reviews, and cleaner comparisons to keep your pool in top shape.


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