A robotic pool cleaner can be a wonderful addition to your pool maintenance routine. It can clean up leaves, twigs, and other debris that can clog your pool's filter and cause the water to lose clarity. But as with any machine, a robotic cleaner can experience problems from time to time. If your pool robot isn't working properly, it's important to troubleshoot the problem before calling a professional. In many cases, you can fix your robotic cleaner with a few easy steps.

One of the most common issues with robotic cleaners is that they stop moving or won't turn on. This is usually due to a power outage or a full battery. If the robot is still under warranty, check with the manufacturer's support hotline to see if they will pay for it to be repaired or replaced.

Most robotic cleaners are powered by a low voltage power cord that plugs into a transformer. The transformer converts 115v into 24 volts to power the unit's two motors; a pump motor that pulls in debris and a drive motor that moves the robot across the surface of the pool. It's important to keep the cord plugged into the unit at all times while it is in use. A power cord that is unplugged can stop the unit in its tracks, resulting in it getting stuck on the bottom of the pool.

Many robotic cleaners have a self-contained internal filter that collects debris from the pool's floor and walls. This is separate from the main pool filtration system, so it's important to keep this internal filter clean. Using a vacuum can help with this, but it's also helpful to remove the debris from the internal filter regularly to prevent it from becoming too full.

If your robotic cleaner is scrubbing the surface of your pool but isn't picking up much debris, there could be an issue with the brushes or drives. The brushes should be firmly attached to the motor and not loose or falling off. The tracks and drive wheels should be free of rust or other debris that could cause the robot to slip or get stuck.

While it may seem counterintuitive to spend more money on a high-end model of a robotic cleaner, the additional features can make the extra investment worth it. The Premier's rubber tracks give it the ability to climb your pool's walls, which is a huge benefit when cleaning your pool. It also has innovative features like a convenient storage caddy and the patented Easy Lift removal system, which drives the cleaner up the wall to make it easier to lift out of the water. The Premier is a bit heavy at 21 pounds, but it's easily manageable when lifted out of the pool thanks to this feature. Overall, the Premier is a powerful and reliable robotic cleaner that's well worth the price tag.