The pool sweeper is a device whose function is, as its name indicates, to collect the dirt on the bottom of the pool automatically. As removable pools do not have a slope, we can use inexpensive automatic pool sweepers with a very simple operating mechanism.
Nevertheless, you will have to know how to set it up and if it does not work, you should take note of the advice we give you in this article.
First of all, it is worth mentioning that there are different types of automatic pool sweepers. Here we are going to see what are the main causes that prevent the correct operation of a Suction Hydraulic Automatic Pool Sweepers, that is to say the one that uses as a source of energy and propulsion the suction force exerted by a sand filter (also called with the names of some commercial brands such as Baracuda, Navigator, Zodiac Manta or simply “pool robot”).
The sand purifiers of Gre and Toi removable pools have a single suction inlet through which the pool sweeper is connected: the Skimmer. Some polyester or concrete pools have an intake exclusively for the pool sweeper.
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Signs Of A Non-functioning Automatic Pool Sweeper
- Lack of suction power.
- Does not pick up particles deposited on the bottom of the pool.
- It does not make a complete run or does not advance.
10 Possible Causes Of A Malfunctioning Automatic Pool Cleaner
1. Insufficient Power Of The Sweeper
The suction force of the pool sweeper is determined by the power of the filter pump. If the sweeper motor is not powerful enough, the pool sweeper will not be able to operate. The power required depends on each model of cleaner and is specified in the instruction manual.
Remark: Gre and Toi above ground pools use sand purifiers with a flow rate and power according to the size of each pool. So, it is totally logical to think that a circular pool of 350×120 cm (about 10,500 liters) does not include the same sand purifier as another pool of 1200×457 cm (55,000 liters).
Therefore, we cannot expect that a small above ground pool cleaner (with very little flow and power) has the capacity to move an Automatic Hydraulic Suction Pool Cleaner. For these cases, we can use a manual pool sweeper.
2. Dirty Filter
The filter of a sand scrubber refers to the plastic tank (usually made of high-strength polyethylene) that is responsible for filtering the water and retaining the smallest particles that are dissolved in the water.
The dirt is retained thanks to the silica sand inside. When the filter has accumulated a lot of dirt, it loses power and absorption capacity. It is then necessary to wash it and then rinse it.
After this operation, the particles retained by the filter are removed and the pool sweeper will return to normal operation.
Some models of filter cleaners have a pressure gauge that indicates when the pressure in the filter is high (it is usually reflected with a yellow or red stripe) and when the pressure is low. We must always avoid high pressure (indicative of dirt).
3. Clogged pipe
It can happen that the hose, the skimmer basket or the pool sweeper itself is clogged by an object that has been sucked in. Check it out.
4. Hose with a larger diameter than necessary
We must always use a hose whose diameter corresponds to the diameter of the inlet/outlet of the purifier. The standard diameters used by the main manufacturers of above ground pools are 32 and 38 mm.
If you have a filter with a 32 mm outlet and you use a 38 mm hose, the filter will lose absorption power and the automatic pool cleaner will not work properly. In other words, the larger the hose section, the lower the water speed.
5. Excessive hose length:
The length of the hose has to be 1 meter longer than the pool. If you place an excessively long hose, it will reduce the power of the filter motor and the pool sweeper will lose absorption power.
6. The base of the irregular liner:
The pool floor should be smooth. A crease or wrinkle in the liner could hinder the pool sweeper.
7. Connections are not sealed properly:
Check all connections and make sure to tighten the threads with Teflon tape and then tighten the hose well with a metal clamp. This will prevent water leaks or air ingress when the motor is started.
If the motor of your scrubber has a pre-filter, make sure it is clean (if there are accumulated leaves and hairs it can reduce the absorption capacity of the motor).
Check the O-ring on the pre filter cover and make sure it is in good condition (the O-ring is a black rubber ring-shaped piece that serves to ensure the seal). We recommend lubricating the O-ring with oil or petroleum jelly to prevent it from becoming hard. If the O-ring is in bad condition, replace it with a new one (it is a very inexpensive part).
Before handling the pre-filter cover, remember to close the skimmer hose and the discharge valve or the water will leak out of the pool.
8. The hose is leaking:
Check that all hoses are in perfect condition and are not leaking. A leak from a hose that is outside the pool is easily detectable because you would see a puddle of water.
On the other hand, detecting a leak in the section of hose that is inside the pool may go more unnoticed.
If you suspect that your pool sweeper hose is leaking, here’s a trick to see if it really is leaking. Get into the pool with the filter running and the cleaner running.
Observe the hose on the surface (pull it out a little with your hand so that it is not submerged) and listen if you hear a small hissing sound as a result of the air coming through the small hole.
9. Check the hose for air:
Before starting the pool sweeper, submerge the hose inside the pool until it is completely filled with water. If the sweeper motor picks up air, it will not work.
10. Placing the filter in the wrong place:
The sand scrubber must be placed at the same level as the bottom of the pool, otherwise the scrubber would have to be forced, and therefore the cleaner would lose absorption capacity. Likewise, if we place the scrubber too far away, its power would be reduced.
Read : 10 Best Robotic Pool Cleaners Review
Final Thoughts
We must remember that the pool sweepers go over the bottom of the pool randomly, so there may be areas where there is dirt and where it does not pass. In these cases it is inevitable to resort to a manual cleaner with which you can direct exactly where we want to suck the dirt.
There is another case in which the use of a pool sweeper is indispensable: after the application of flocculant (a chemical product that makes the dirt suspended in the water settle to the bottom of the pool).
In these cases, we want the sweeper to pick up the dirt exactly where it is and that this water is expelled directly out of the pool. This action must be done quickly, otherwise the waste of water would be very high.
We hope that with these tips you will be able to detect and solve the problems why your pool sweeper is not working properly.
