Hi, Matt,
I think auto-vacs have a built-in mechanism that searches out obstructions and steers the vac towards them. My steps are not an issue but my auto-vac loves the ladders. It will never climb walls unless it detects there is a ladder close by.
Once it detects the ladder, it heads straight up the wall into the ladder and happily lodges itself, trying to suck the liner off the wall.
It's tricky, too. As long as I'm out there watching it, it won't go close to the ladders. I have actually tried to sneak out to the pool but it detects my presence each time and won't go near the ladder 'til I go back in the house. My kids aren't that smart!! :lol: :lol: