M400 stuck on steps

[Ian196499]

Hi - I’ve recently bought a Maytronics M400 pool cleaner and used it for the first time today. It did a great job of cleaning all the little bits from the bottom of the pool, climbed the walls and cleaned the waterline well.
However, on two occasions it got itself stuck on the corner of the steps. I ended up lifting it away with the cord and it recommenced the cleaning.
The pool was originally built in the 1980s and the steps are just 4 narrow steps about 2 foot wide in one corner of the pool with quite sharp edges.
Has anyone had a similar issue?
Any thoughts / advice gratefully received.
thanks! Ian

 

[kimkats]

Ian take and post a pic or 3 of the steps so we can see what you are working with. I have a couple of ideas but need to see the steps to make sure my idea will work.

Kim

 

[Ian196499]

Ian take and post a pic or 3 of the steps so we can see what you are working with. I have a couple of ideas but need to see the steps to make sure my idea will work.

Kim

 

[Ian196499]

Hi Kim

see attached for a photo of the steps. Does this help?

thanks
Ian

 

[kimkats]

First off what a pretty pool! I LOVE TILE POOLS!

Is there where the cleaner is getting caught? If no where is it happening?

 

[Ian196499]

First off what a pretty pool! I LOVE TILE POOLS!

Is there where the cleaner is getting caught? If no where is it happening?

Hi
Thanks! We like the pool too
Yes, the cleaner is getting stuck when it comes at the steps from the side. It tries to climb up and then goes over the step but it seems the angle is just right for it to get stuck.
When it approaches the steps head on it climbed them fine and then reversed up when it broke the surface.
It didn’t get stuck every time it came in from the side. At least one time it seemed to realise it was stuck and reversed up and away. I’m guessing the other times it tried to do that but didn’t get traction.
I’m not sure if it’s relevant but it’s fitted with the wonderbrushes for the tiled surface.

thanks
Ian

 

[kimkats]

Okay so here is my idea-get some 3" PVC pipe and fill it with cement and glue the ends on. I might even think about making it in an L shape to help keep it in place. My thinking is this will stop the cleaner from getting to that step so it should stop it from getting stuck there.

 

[Ian196499]

Hi,

Would I just lie the L shaped pipe on the floor around the steps? I can see this working to make the cleaner change direction. I'm thinking that the cleaner might try to just climb over it?

It has made me think that maybe I could make a frame to fit round the steps to be like a false wall but I'm guessing it would need to be pretty strong or the cleaner would just push it over.

Thanks
Ian

 

[kimkats]

I am thinking of you just laying the L pipe on the floor around the steps. I will let you be the judge of what size of PVC pipe will work best.

If you make the frame a L shape with some kind of bracing on the outside to keep it from falling over. Not sure what to make it of though.

 

[Ian196499]

The L pipe on the floor would be a quick and simple solution and easy to get in and out.

I was thinking if I go down the frame routethat I could use some spare 2” pool part and fittings I have laying around and then fix some PVC sheeting to it to form a wall. If it works I’ll post a video

 

[Katodude]

Let me give you a different and potentially easier idea. Cut a pool noodle and zip tie it to the two bars that hold the floats. In addition you can add another one to the bar across the floats. That will make the unit more buoyant and maybe get stuck less. I did that to mine and it seems to help. Cheap and easy to do and if it does not work very easy to undo.

 

[Ian196499]

Thanks! That’s a smart idea. I’m definitely going to give that a go!

cheers
Ian