We know how frustrating it can be when you try to use your Dolphin robot and it just won't start. In the event something goes wrong, we have you covered. Here are some of the top troubleshooting issues and how to fix them for your robot.

Table of Contents

• 1. My Dolphin's power supply Unit doesn't turn on when I push the button
• 2. My Dolphin's power supply turns on, but my Dolphin does not move
• 3. My Dolphin won't climb the walls
• 4. My Dolphin runs, but it won’t run a full cycle
• 5. My Dolphin is not picking up dirt/debris, or it’s escaping out the top of the unit
• 6. My Dolphin gets stuck on my pool main drain cover
• 7. When I remove my Dolphin from the pool, dirty water/debris escapes out the bottom
• 8. My Dolphin misses cleaning part of my pool or my Dolphin gets stuck in one part of my pool
• 9. My Dolphin won't sink to the bottom of my pool
• 10. My Dolphins “full bag/cartridge indicator” light comes on when bag/cartridge is not full
• 11. My Dolphins does wheelies or is lifting; Does not make contact with floor
• 12. My Dolphins cable is twisting or kinking
• 13. My Dolphins filters are torn or damaged

1. My Dolphin's power supply Unit doesn't turn on when I push the button

• If your Dolphin's power supply unit does not turn on when you press the power button, check if the GFI outlet is receiving power by connecting another device to it:
• If so, unplug the blue cable from the power supply unit and turn it on.
• If it works, there may be a problem with either the cable or the cleaner itself; take it to your local dealer for further testing or call Maytronics Customer Service.
• On the other hand, if pressing the power button does not light up at all, you might need a replacement power supply.

You can find a replacement power supply on our replacement parts page.

2. My Dolphin's power supply turns on, but my Dolphin does not move

• If the Dolphin doesn’t move at all, there could be a problem with your cable. Take it to your local-authorized, Maytronics dealer for testing or call Maytronics Customer Service.
• If your Dolphin moves a little, then stops (anywhere from a few feet to a few minutes) there could be an obstruction somewhere in the drive train or around the impeller:
• Unplug the cleaner and visually inspect it especially around the impeller and around the tracks/brushes. Remove any debris that is visible and make sure that none of the impeller blades are broken.
• Turn over the cleaner and rotate its brushes by hand; they should move freely with little resistance. If not, or if you feel/hear clicking/popping sound, there may be an obstruction hidden in its tracks. Use water jet sprayer settings to hose down its tracks front to back thoroughly in order to loosen any clogged debris or lodged objects.
• Perform an Out-of-Water Self Test
• Unplug extension cord if using one; plug Power Supply Unit directly into GFI outlet (note – Dolphin is not designed to be used with extension cords/surge protectors).
• If still not operating properly take cleaner to local Maytronics dealer / Call Customer service

Out-of-Water Self Test

3. My Dolphin won't climb the walls

• The most common error is that the Dolphin's filters are clogged and need to be cleaned. We recommend cleaning the filters after each use, and to not allow them to dry out prior to doing so. Deeper filter cleaning may be necessary occasionally.
  • For filter bags: machine wash with mild detergent and bleach - AIR DRY ONLY.
  • For filter cartridges or panels: soak cartridges in a cartridge cleaning solution.
• The Power Supply Unit (PSU) or Remote Control could be set on Standard or Enhanced (if applicable) cleaning mode instead of Quick-Clean (floors only) mode.
• Remove the filters altogether and run the cleaner briefly if the pool is clean enough (no more than 10 minutes). Replace the filters if it climbs without them in place, otherwise continue troubleshooting.
• Make sure the rapid drain flap is present behind the rear roller brush for proper seal allowing for climbing ability.
• Check that water temperature is between 43° - 93°F / 6° - 32°C for optimal operation as well as making sure pH levels are correct according to your owner's manual.
• Excess algae, body oils, sunscreens, or liquid solar blankets may cause buildup on walls/slope which prevents Dolphin from climbing properly; try brushing walls manually to loosen this buildup if Dolphin slips when attempting climb.
• If your unit has climbing rings, give it time for Climbing Rings(if applicable) to absorb water (5 -10 minutes); they should become soft & pliable allowing them to grip walls once squeezed – they should give.

Please note that Above Ground cleaners do not climb or clean the walls If other steps don't work, take your Dolphin model into local dealer for service;

4. My Dolphin runs, but it won’t run a full cycle:

• Verify that the filters are clear from leaves and blocked objects.
• Examine the Power Supply Unit (PSU) to make sure it is set on the “Quick-Clean” cycle, indicated by a semi-circle icon.
• If using a remote control or My Dolphin App (Pro), investigate your cycle settings.

5. My Dolphin is not picking up dirt/debris, or it’s escaping out the top of the unit:

• Verify that your filters and impeller are free of dirt/debris. Clear out any blockage from the impeller area.
• Inspect the intake opening on the bottom of the unit to make sure it is unblocked.
• Make certain that the rapid drain flap, located behind the rear roller brush (visible once you turn over your Dolphin), is in place.
• Carry out an out-of-water self test to determine if there is a faulty impeller (please see video above from Maytronics on how to perform this test).

6. My Dolphin gets stuck on my pool main drain cover:

• There are several aftermarket devices that can be attached to prevent this issue such as:
  • Main Drain Clip-Ons - designed for 8” main drain covers.
  • Zodiac Unibridge Suction Outlet Cover - creates an area for pool cleaners to travel over.
  • Color Match Pool Fittings - these VBG Certified Drain Covers reduce hang ups with pool cleaners.
• Turn off the pool pump while the Dolphin is cleaning as the suction from the main drain may cause it to get stuck.
• If available, activate manual drive mode via My Dolphin App or Remote Control and steer it away from the drain.
• Maytronics offers a VGB replacement impeller cover that can provide extra propulsion that will help move the cleaner off of the main drain cover-- you will need to contact Maytronics Customer Service for availability.

7. When I remove my Dolphin from the pool, dirty water/debris escapes out the bottom:

• Empty the filters, as they likely are overflowing.
• Rinse and remove any visible dirt, debris or objects with a hose.
• Check for broken spring on Non-Return Flaps leading into the filter area.

8. My Dolphin misses cleaning part of my pool or my Dolphin gets stuck in one part of my pool:

• Make sure there is enough cable in pool to reach furthest points.
• Try placing Dolphin in a different location.
• Clean filters if necessary.
• Scrub pool floor for algae buildup that can make it slippery for plastic brushes.

9. My Dolphin won't sink to the bottom of my pool:

• There may be air stuck in your robotic pool cleaner. Turn the robot upside down in the water and release trapped air from flaps, which will allow air to escape from the cleaner.
• Check pH or salinity levels as per owner's manual instructions, may need to be adjusted.

10. My Dolphin’s “Full Bag/Cartridge Indicator” light comes on when the bag/cartridge is not full:

• Inspect the impeller for debris and remove; clean the filters.
• Restart the cleaner; press and hold the reset button until the light goes off (approximately 5 – 20 seconds).
• If light still does not go off, take your Dolphin to your local dealer or call Maytronics Customer Service.
• After resetting the full filter indicator light, run the unit without filters, see if light comes back on. If so, it may be time to replace the filters.

11. My Dolphin does wheelies or the front of my Dolphin is lifting; Does not make contact with the floor:

• Check that filters are not dirty or clogged. (Although they may look clean, small particulates can dry in filter material and clog pores).
• Make sure filters/cartridges/bag are properly installed - snug with no visible gaps & filter panels snapped securely in place.
• Ensure elastic of bag is snug against bottom lid & over plastic lip on lid w/o any visible gaps.
• Allow foam climbing rings to become fully saturated before starting cycle - usually takes 10–20 minutes so they can absorbent & soft for good suction & brushes contacting pool's surface.

12. My Dolphin's cable is twisting or kinking:

• Only place as enough cable in pool as needed to reach far corners of pool
• Use a caddy to store excess cable while the unit is running. This will also help transport the unit to and from the pool.
• Loosely coil excess cable on side of pool then periodically straighten out & let rest in sun for several hours then roll up loosely again • If unit has floats on handle try pushing float non–cable side

13. My Dolphin's filters are torn or damaged:

• You can find replacement filters for Dolphin robotic pool cleaners at our replacement parts page.

Overview

We hope that this guide helps solve your issues with your Dolphin robotic pool cleaner! You can always contact Maytronics direct through their customer service as well. Most units do a have a 2-3 year warranty that may cover any issues you have with your unit.