Update: After surfing the web for some time, I followed the advice of another user and went through all the links in the hose, making sure they were all completely seated,even though the instruction manual says they don't have to be. This made a HUGE difference! Apparently, as the cleaner moves about, air is drawn in through the connections and collects in the hoses which cause the device to lose suction. I think I also may have an air leak somewhere in pump system. We plan to hard plumb everything this weekend which should take care of any leaky hoses.
