Dolphin Pool Cleaner Not Moving? Troubleshoot the Issue Now!

If you own a Dolphin pool cleaner, you know how convenient it is to have a machine that can clean your pool without any effort from you. However, if your Dolphin pool cleaner turns on but won’t move, it can be frustrating and leave you with a dirty pool.

There are several reasons why your Dolphin pool cleaner may not be moving, and it’s important to identify the issue to get it fixed.

It could be a problem with the motor, the tracks, or the power supply. In this article, we’ll explore some common reasons why your Dolphin pool cleaner turns on but won’t move and provide some troubleshooting tips to help you get it back up and running.

Possible Causes

If your Dolphin pool cleaner turns on but won’t move, there could be several possible causes. Here are a few:

Obstruction in the Impeller

One of the most common causes of a Dolphin pool cleaner not moving is an obstruction in the impeller. The impeller is responsible for creating the suction that allows the cleaner to move around the pool.

If there is something blocking the impeller, the cleaner won’t be able to move. Check for any debris or objects that may be stuck in the impeller and remove them if necessary.

UPDATE: As luck would have it that well-known axiom Sod’s Law took effect. I have owned my Dolphin for 2.5 years and had no problems with it at all. I wrote and published this article on 3/30/2023 and just 4 days later it stopped moving halfway through its cleaning cycle. Fortunately, I soon traced it to some debris stuck in the impeller and it is working again.

Defective Drive Motor

Another possible cause of a Dolphin pool cleaner not moving is a defective drive motor. The drive motor is responsible for propelling the cleaner around the pool. If the motor is not functioning properly, the cleaner won’t be able to move.

Check the motor for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If the motor is defective, it will need to be replaced.

Worn Out Tracks or Treads

The tracks or treads on the bottom of the pool cleaner can wear out over time. If they become too worn, the cleaner won’t be able to move properly.

Check the tracks or treads for any signs of wear and tear. If they are worn out, they will need to be replaced.

Faulty Power Supply or Cable

If the Dolphin pool cleaner is not receiving enough power, it won’t be able to move.

Check the power supply and cable for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If they are faulty, they will need to be replaced.

Troubleshooting Steps

Step 1. Check the Impeller for Obstructions

If your Dolphin pool cleaner turns on but won’t move, the first thing to check is the impeller. The impeller is responsible for creating the suction that drives the cleaner around the pool.

If it’s clogged with debris, the cleaner won’t be able to move. Remove the impeller cover and inspect the impeller for any obstructions. If you find any debris, remove it and try running the cleaner again.

This was how I solved my stuck impeller problem:

Step 2. Inspect the Drive Motor

If the impeller is clear of obstructions, the next thing to check is the drive motor. The drive motor is what powers the wheels or tracks that move the cleaner around the pool. If the motor is malfunctioning, the cleaner won’t be able to move.

Check the motor for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If you find any issues, you may need to replace the motor.

Step 3. Examine the Tracks and Treads

If the impeller and motor are working properly, the next step is to examine the tracks and treads. These are the parts of the cleaner that make contact with the pool surface and propel it forward. If these parts are worn or damaged, the cleaner won’t be able to move.

Check the tracks and treads for any signs of wear or damage. If you find any issues, you may need to replace them.

Also make sure that there is nothing stuck in the tracks such as a twig which could prevent the track from moving.

If they look damaged you can buy a complete Dolphin Tune-up Kit including replacement filters, active brush, and tracks such as this one for a Dolphin Nautilus CC:

Step 4. Test the Power Supply and Cable

If all of the above steps have been completed and the Dolphin pool cleaner still won’t move, the final step is to test the power supply and cable. Make sure the power supply is plugged in and turned on, and that the cable is properly connected to the cleaner.

If everything appears to be in order, test the power supply and cable with a multimeter to ensure they are functioning properly. If there are any issues, you may need to replace the power supply or cable.

Troubleshooting Other Potential Problems

Troubleshooting your robotic pool cleaner might be necessary if it stops functioning properly. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

Problem	Solution
Pool cleaner doesn’t turn on.	Check power supply, connections, and ensure the cleaner is properly submerged.
Pool cleaner moves slowly or stops moving.	Inspect for debris in the wheels, tracks or impeller, and clean the filter bag or cartridge.
Pool cleaner doesn’t climb walls or clean pool steps.	Adjust buoyancy, check for proper water level, and ensure brushes are in good condition.

Remember, referring to the user manual provided by the manufacturer can help address specific issues or questions about your robotic pool cleaner. If problems persist, contact the manufacturer for assistance or consider consulting a professional pool technician.

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