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Not Moving / Not Climbing

Dolphin (Maytronics) Robotic Pool Cleaner

Severity: Moderate

What Does This Error Mean?

A Dolphin that is not moving or not climbing walls may have worn tracks, a jammed drive motor, or a tangled cable. Check the tracks, clean the brushes, and untangle the cable.

Affected Models

  • Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
  • Dolphin Premier
  • Dolphin Sigma
  • Dolphin M600
  • Most Maytronics Dolphin models

Common Causes

  • Drive tracks worn and losing grip
  • Brushes worn and not providing traction
  • Cable tangled — restricting movement
  • Drive motor jammed with debris
  • Filter too full — making the robot too heavy to climb
  • Power supply not providing enough power

How to Fix It

  1. Check the drive tracks for wear.

    Worn tracks lose their grip on pool surfaces. Replace tracks when they are smooth or cracked ($30-$60 per set).

  2. Clean or replace the brushes.

    Brushes help the robot grip and scrub. Worn brushes reduce cleaning and climbing ability.

  3. Untangle the cable.

    A tangled cable acts like a leash, preventing the robot from reaching walls. Lay the cable out straight in the sun for 30 minutes to remove coil memory.

  4. Clean the filter.

    A full filter makes the robot heavier, reducing its ability to climb walls. Clean after every use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Dolphin not climb the walls?

Wall climbing requires good track grip, clean brushes, and an empty filter. Also, very smooth tile surfaces are harder to climb than plaster or pebble finishes.

How often should I run the Dolphin?

2-3 times per week for most pools. Daily during heavy leaf season or after parties.