Why Does My Vacuum Get Stuck In The Drain? Every pool owner knows that it takes a lot of maintenance to keep a pool clean. From occasional scrubbing to frequent vacuuming, the work of a pool owner is never done. Thankfully, automatic pool cleaners have come to the rescue. But sometimes, they may get stuck when in the vicinity of a pool drain.
If your pool is actively draining and your pool cleaner got over the drain, the suction generated by the moving water may be strong enough to hold the pool cleaner in place. In most cases, pool cleaners do not have enough forward force to break the grip, hence, they may need a helping hand to break free.
The shape of the pool also plays a role. A pool cleaner may get stuck if the pool floor is inclined even at a slight angle. If the pool cleaner cannot develop enough, it may get stuck. Other pool cleaners may not get stuck; it all boils down to the right combination of pool shape and power developed by the pool cleaner.
How Do You Keep a Pool Cleaner From Getting Stuck In The Drain?
Turn Off The Main Drain
The first step in preventing the pool cleaner from getting stuck is to turn off the main drain. Inground and above-ground pools have the main drain located on the bottom of the pool. The suction from the main pump and the cleaner can combine to trap the cleaner. To prevent this, turn off the main drainage while the cleaner is working. To do this, look for the controls of the main drain. It should be closed with a lever.
Control The Flow
You may also solve the problem by reducing the suction created by the pool cleaner. The higher the suction pressure generated by the cleaner, the higher the likelihood that it will get stuck in the vicinity of a pool drain – the combined suction pressure will make sure of that.
Control the cleaner pressure by using a flow keeper valve. This device is usually installed between the skimmer port and the automatic pool cleaner to control the flow of water. You still need suction or else your pool cleaner won’t work. So you can open the flow keeper valve halfway(or any position that makes you happy).
Why Does My Pool Cleaner Keep Getting Stuck in The Deep End?
One of the most frustrating things a pool owner can experience is when their pool cleaner gets stuck in the deep end. If this happens, you need to get it out as quickly as possible. Before you start troubleshooting, it’s helpful to check the cleaner itself. Make sure to check signs of wear and tear or damage to vital components. If a component is faulty, you may need to replace it as soon as possible to restore the machine to top condition.
Another issue that can cause your cleaner to become stuck is a leak in your hose. In most cases, leaks happen when the hose is handled roughly or stored inappropriately. Change faulty hoses where applicable. The hose may also get stuck behind ladders or handrails. Using a Ladder Guard or Unibridge will help you to get the cleaner out of these places. You may also need to check the flow keeper.
If you’re using a manual pool cleaner, you’ll have more control over the head. Unlike automatic cleaners, you can use a short pole to manipulate the cleaning head. If your cleaner gets stuck in the deep end, you can adjust its angle and position until it clears the bottom. Alternatively, hold the edge of the cleaning head a few inches off the bottom to avoid the cleaner from getting stuck.
Why Does My Pool Vacuum Run On Its Side?
If you have a pool vacuum, you might want to investigate how to stop it from running on its side.
There are several reasons for this, but they all boil down to one thing: the cleaner may be set on the wrong level. You should try to adjust the settings and see what happens. The pump in each model is different, so you may need to experiment with it to find the proper setting. If you cannot solve the issue, you can also try changing the cleaning process to a manual mode.
First, make sure that the filter and pump are functioning correctly. If you have a telescoping pole, you may be able to manually adjust its position in the water, but this can be a tricky process from a deck. The cleaner’s head can get stuck if the suction is too strong, so it’s important to make sure the vacuum is on the correct side to avoid this problem.
In some cases, the cleaning process may be too intense; too much pressure on the pump. Bleeding the excess pressure at the wall fitting can solve the problem. Alternatively, you can also try adjusting the thrust jet in the 9 or 3 o’clock position. If not, the thrust jet will create a circular pattern and this will cause the cleaner to run on its side.
Why Does My Pool Vacuum Lose Suction?
The first thing to do if your pool vacuum loses its suction is to inspect the hose. Clogged tubes will have poor suction power. Check the connection and length of the hose. If you haven’t measured your pool size correctly, this could be a problem. If it is, you can take the measurement yourself. Ensure that the hose is the correct length. Once you use the right length of hose, the vacuum should work as it should.
Another common issue is a clogged or air-filled hose. If you see a hole in the hose and you need to vacuum ASAP, you can use a pool putty to repair it. This will be a temporary fix, however. If this doesn’t work, you may need to buy a new hose.
A sizable obstruction on the pool floor may be the culprit. The obstruction may be a twig or rock that was sucked up while vacuuming. In that case, your timely intervention may prevent damage to the machine and restore it to normal working order. You can disassemble the intake valve in the pump by using a screwdriver. The valve directs the suction from the skimmer or drain. If the valve is broken, it will leak water and prevent proper pressure.
How to Stop Pool Vacuum From Getting Stuck On Stairs
Automatic pool vacuums rarely get along with pool steps- not without some fine-tuning. If your pool stairs don’t have enough horizontal space to accommodate the machine, some pool cleaners may get stuck while trying to climb it. Different pool cleaners will require a slight variation of the solution we suggest in this section; it’s best to google search your cleaner model to see if other users have the same problems and find custom fixes for the problem.
But without further ado, here’s what you should do if your automatic cleaner gets stuck at the stairs:
Straighten The Hose
When storing pool cleaner hoses, many pool owners make the mistake of curling up the hose length to save space. Doing that makes the hose have memory and curve when in use, eventually affecting your pool cleaner’s performance. Lay them on leveled ground on a hot day to bring them back to shape. To store your hose, it’s best to disconnect each section and lay them side by side so that they remain straight. Do not lay them on uneven surfaces in storage or else they would curl.
Adjust Hose Length
The shape and size of your pool matter if your pool cleaner is getting stuck at the stairs or any other trouble spots. In most pools, adding an extra meter to the length of hose between the skimmer basket and the remotest edge of the pool is enough length; too long and it may tangle.
In some cases, however, reducing the length of the hose might help your pool cleaner to stop getting stuck. Although you may have to sacrifice up to 15% pool cleaning latitude, the goal here is to run your pool cleaner so that it doesn’t get stuck. You may let the pool cleaner clean the majority of the pool while you handle the stairs yourself.
If you’re using a robotic pool cleaner and it gets stuck around the stair, it might be because there isn’t enough horizontal space on the stairs for it to maneuver. Some users have found that putting up a barrier around the stairs allows the robotic cleaner to climb without hassles. Though this might be a little bit cumbersome, it gets the job done.
What Are The Best Automatic Pool Cleaner For Minimal User Intervention?
If you have to stand at the edge of your pool and watch your automatic pool cleaner so that it doesn’t get stuck, what’s the point? You want a pool cleaner that cleans your pool while you go about your other activities. We have put together a list of pool cleaners that require little human intervention once they’re up and running. Typically, the more specs a cleaner possesses, the more expensive it’s likely to be(though not necessarily applicable for all cases, but you get the point). The idea is to get the best value for your money. Let’s dive in:
Best Robotic Pool Cleaner
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
If you value your time, get your hands on a pool cleaner that requires very little attention when in action. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is one such robotic pool cleaner. It comes with a lot of handy functions and power for efficient pool cleaning.
By utilizing its power supply, the Dolphin Nautilus CC can navigate different kinds of swimming pool floor material: fiberglass, vinyl, cement, or tile in-ground pool. It will also clean your swimming pool wall up to the waterline.
Pros
- Cleans the pool walls and floor.
- Does not require setup.
- Has in-built filter.
- Effective for pools up to 50m long.
- Also behaves like a skimmer setup.
Cons
- Expensive.
Best robotic pool cleaner for Small Pools:
Zodiac Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced
The Zodiac Baracuda G3 makes light work of cleaning your in-ground pool wall and floor using suction action. If set upright, you would not have to monitor your automatic cleaner because it will work efficiently most of the time. It connects to your pool’s dedicated suction line or skimmer to function properly.
The 36-point of the machine allows it to navigate smoothly over the pool’s surface without getting hindered by obstacles like pool drains and other pool fixtures. An additional wheel behind the cleaner head ensures that the Zodiac Baracuda G3 Automatic Pool vacuum easily navigates and moves out of tight corners; place like pool stairs or ladder areas.
Whether you have a single, two-speed, or variable-speed pool pump, the Baracuda G3 is a good choice. It’s designed to work with even low-speed pumps, and it’s equipped with a FlowKeeper valve to regulate the speed of water flow. Whether you have a vinyl, tile, concrete, or fiberglass pool, this automatic pool cleaner is ready to take on your dirt and debris.
Pros
- Can clean walls, floors, and steps.
- Cleaner wheel for navigating obstacles.
- Cleans all pool surface types.
Cons
- May be too light.
Best Suction pool cleaner:
Zodiac MX6
The Zodiac MX6 is powered by a cyclone suction system that allows it to pick up tiny and medium-sized particles on an in-ground pool floor. It has four wheels with each pair on either side connected by a belt. This feature allows it to efficiently climb the walls for suction cleaning, especially at the waterline. Turbine blades underneath the Zodiac MX6 allow it to climb walls more effectively.
Pros
- Long hose.
- Efficient for walls and floors.
- Comes with a warranty.
Cons
- Handles larger debris poorly.
Why Is My Automatic Pool Cleaner Not Moving?
If your automatic pool cleaner isn’t moving around or spinning in circles, it could be several problems. For one, it may have a broken handle. In that case, you’ll need to replace it immediately. Also, check if the power cord is plugged into the correct socket. If the power cord is connected, you can also check whether the drive belt is worn or broken.
Sometimes a pool cleaner isn’t moving because it’s blocked by a branch or other objects. If you notice obstructions while your automatic pool cleaner is operating, you’ll need to remove them manually. In some cases, the motor or the pump may be to blame.
In the case of a robotic cleaner, the handle may be damaged, and water may be entering the motor. If the handle is cracked, It’s important to replace it or else it might start leaking water. To check if the handle is cracked, you can remove it from the pool and move it back and forth. You should hear sloshing water in the handle in it. In that case, replace the handle immediately and check your unit for damages due to water getting in.
Final Thoughts on Why Does My Vacuum Get Stuck In The Drain?
If your automatic pool cleaner is to work the way it was intended(efficiently, that is), you will have to set it up correctly the first time. As with other hassles with automatic pool cleaners, you need to ask yourself ‘why’ before you can find a tailored solution to your pool cleaner getting stuck in the drain vicinity. We hope that this article goes a long way in clarifying how to go about rescuing your pool cleaning unit.
