My Pool Cleaner Isn't Moving: Common Causes and Fixes

Your automatic pool cleaner should be your tireless assistant, cleaning the pool floor spotless so you don't have to. But it could be irritating to see it lying still in the water when you look out.

Before you grab the manual brush, know that most cleaner problems are simple to fix. Here is a quick list of what could be wrong with your robotic helper and how to fix it.

Knowing Your Automatic Pool Cleaner Type

Before fixing a pool cleaner that's not moving, it helps to know which type you have. Each type—suction, pressure, or robotic—has its own set of common issues.

Suction Pool Cleaners

Suction pool cleaners connect to your pool's skimmer or a dedicated suction line. They rely on your pool pump to create suction and move around. If your suction pool cleaner is not moving, the problem often lies with suction loss, blockages, or hose issues.

Pressure Pool Cleaners

Pressure pool cleaners use water pressure from a return line or a booster pump to move and collect debris. If you're pressure pool cleaner troubleshooting, look for problems with water pressure, blockages, or worn parts.

Robotic Pool Cleaners

Robotic cleaners are self-contained units powered by electricity. If your robotic pool cleaner stopped working, it could be due to power supply issues, tangled cords, or a dirty filter.

Main Reasons Your Pool Cleaner Isn't Moving

Many things can stop a pool cleaner from moving, but a few ones happen over and over. Here's what to check first.

Clogged or Dirty Pool Filter

A pool filter that is clogged is the main reason why an automatic pool cleaner stops or moves more slowly. When the filter is dirty, the water flow drops, and the cleaner loses power. Backwash or clean your filter regularly to keep everything running smoothly.

Blocked or Leaky Hoses

If your pool cleaner stops or gets stuck, check the hoses for leaks or clogs. A small hole can lower the pressure or force, which can slow down or stop the cleaner. Fix any damaged hose sections and tighten connections.

Full Skimmer or Pump Basket

If the skimmer or pump basket is full, water can't flow through it, which stops the pool cleaner. Especially during heavy leaf season, you should empty these baskets often.

Air Leaks in the System

If there are air leaks in the hose or fittings, the suction pool cleaner might not move. Look for bubbles at the return line—it means that air is getting into the system. Tighten connections and replace cracked hoses to fix automatic pool cleaner air leaks.

Worn or Broken Cleaner Parts

Your pool cleaner might not be able to move if its wheels, tracks, or internal parts are worn out. Look for clear signs of wear and replace parts as needed. For robotic cleaners, inspect belts and drive pulleys too.

Power Supply Issues (Robotic Cleaners)

Check the power cord, outlet, and control box if your robotic pool cleaner stops working. Make sure the cord isn't tangled and the outlet is working. Sometimes, all that needs to be done is to reset the cleaner.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for a Pool Cleaner Not Moving

If you want to know "why is my pool vacuum not moving?" This table lists the most important steps for fixing problems with suction, pressure, and robotic pool cleaners. Use this as a quick guide to find and quickly fix common problems.

Pool Cleaner Type	Troubleshooting Step	What to Do	Common Issues Addressed
Suction Pool Cleaner	Check Suction & Water Flow	- Ensure the pool pump is running at full power - Backwash or clean the pool filter - Empty skimmer and pump baskets	Low suction, dirty filter, blocked baskets
Inspect Hoses & Connections	- Look for cracks, holes, or loose connections - Stretch the hose to remove kinks - Adjust the hose length to reach all pool areas	Air leaks, hose blockages, and short hoses
Examine Cleaner Parts	- Check the diaphragm, hammer, or moving parts for splits/cracks - Replace worn/damaged parts	Internal wear, stuck parts
Adjust Flow & Settings	- Set the flow control valve for the pool size/pump strength - Adjust hose weights for proper cleaner position	Incorrect settings, poor floor contact
Pressure Pool Cleaner	Inspect Water Pressure	- Ensure the booster pump is running and has enough pressure - Check for blockages in the wall strainer or the cleaner intake	Low pressure, blockages
Check Hoses & Swivels	- Untangle hoses - Check for leaks or waterlogged sections - Replace worn tires/wheels	Hose tangles, leaks, worn wheels
Adjust Valve Settings	- Change the valve flow to cover more pool area if the cleaner misses spots	Missed spots, uneven cleaning
Robotic Pool Cleaner	Check Power Supply	- Ensure the power cord is plugged in and the outlet works - Allow enough slack in the cord for full pool reach	Power issues, limited movement
Clean Filters & Baskets	- Remove and rinse the filter canister or bag regularly - Ensure the filter is installed correctly	Clogs, poor suction, reduced performance
Inspect Belts, Tracks, Wheels	- Check for loose/broken belts and wheels - Remove debris from the tracks or the impeller	Stuck cleaner, mechanical failure
Reset or Reboot Cleaner	- Follow the manufacturer's reset instructions for error codes, or if the cleaner won't start	Software glitches, minor electronic issues

Pro Tips:

• Always turn off equipment before inspecting or handling parts.
• If the pool cleaner gets stuck or stops repeatedly, check for obstructions in the pool and clear them.
• For persistent problems, consult the manufacturer or a pool professional.

If you've tried these steps and your pool cleaner still gets stuck or stops working too often, it might be time to consider an upgrade. The iGarden Pool Cleaner K 150 uses AI-powered navigation, powerful turbo suction, and up to 6 hours of continuous cleaning per charge. For a smarter, hands-free pool cleaning experience, check out the latest models at igarden.ai.

Preventive Maintenance to Keep Your Pool Cleaner Moving

A pool cleaner that gets regular care is less likely to stop working. These simple habits can prevent most problems.

Regular Cleaning and Inspection

A quick check each week can catch problems early.

• Clean the pool filter and baskets often.
• Inspect hoses, cords, and connections for wear or leaks.
• Rinse robotic cleaner filters after every use.

Replace Worn Parts Promptly

Don't wait for a pool cleaner to get stuck before replacing worn wheels, brushes, or belts. Most parts are easy to swap out, and keep your cleaner moving.

Store Equipment Properly

Keep hoses and cords out of the sun when not in use. Lay hoses flat to prevent kinks and store robotic cleaners indoors if possible.

When to Call a Professional Pool Cleaner Repair Service

You can fix most cleaner issues yourself, but some problems are better left to an expert. It's time to call a repair service if you run into these situations.

Complex Electrical or Motor Troubles

If you've checked your power supply and GFCI outlet, and your robotic pool cleaner stopped working with no clear external cause, there might be an internal electrical fault or motor issue. Tinkering with the motor is a job for a pro, as it requires special tools and can be a safety risk.

Persistent Suction or Pressure Problems

If your suction or pressure cleaner still has no power after you've cleaned all the filters and checked the hoses, the issue might be a blockage or leak in your pool's pipes. A professional can track down these hidden problems.

Extensive Mechanical Damage

If you can see cracked housing, broken gears, or other significant damage, a repair service is your best bet. They have access to the right parts and can handle complicated repairs.

You've Tried Everything

Sometimes, you can follow all the right steps, and the cleaner still sits there. If you're completely stumped, a pro can usually diagnose the issue quickly.

FAQs about the Pool Cleaner Not Moving

Q1: My robotic cleaner starts but then stops quickly. What could be the problem?

This often points to a clogged filter, an obstructed impeller, or a low voltage issue from a faulty power supply. Check these first. Also, ensure the pool water temperature is within the cleaner's operating range.

Q2: How often should I clean my pool cleaner's filter?

It's best to clean the filter after every 1-3 cleaning cycles, depending on the amount of debris in your pool. A heavily used pool might require cleaning after each use.

Q3: Can I use my pool cleaner if my pool has algae?

It's not recommended. Heavy algae can clog your cleaner quickly and spread the algae throughout the cleaner's components. Treat the algae first, then clean the pool. Your pool cleaner gets stuck easily on slimy surfaces.

Q4: When should I consider replacing my pool cleaner instead of repairing it?

If major components like the motor or main pump are failing and the repair cost approaches or exceeds half the price of a new cleaner, replacement is often more economical. Also, if your cleaner is very old and parts are hard to find.

Q5: My suction-side cleaner keeps getting stuck in one spot. What can I do?

This could be due to uneven suction, an improperly weighted hose, or a lack of swivels on the hose to prevent tangling. Check for air leaks in the hose or skimmer, ensure the hose length is correct for your pool, and consider adding hose weights or swivels.

Keeping Your Pool Cleaner Running Smoothly

Most of the time, a few easy checks and adjustments are all it takes to fix a pool cleaner that won't move. Regular maintenance and prompt troubleshooting will keep your pool sparkling and your cleaner working hard. If the problems don't go away, don't be afraid to ask a professional for help. You can have more fun and less trouble in your clean pool!