Good point. Hadn't thought of that. Don't have a GoPro (yet), but the kids have wanted one. This may be the excuse I needed [emoji28]. While I can't complain about hurricane weather, it has been unseasonably cool. Swim weather may be behind us now. Stay safe.
Dolphin getting stuck
- Thread starter bkfamily1
- Start date
Good point. Hadn't thought of that. Don't have a GoPro (yet), but the kids have wanted one. This may be the excuse I needed [emoji28]. While I can't complain about hurricane weather, it has been unseasonably cool. Swim weather may be behind us now. Stay safe.
When I talked to Maytronics that was the suggestion. In my case it started just going over 1/2 the cover when started from the other side
Tried this. Had nothing to lose at this point. Didn’t solve my issue. Spent more time my first pool season removing my Dolphin from drain covers than swimming. Will likely replace this cleaner for next season. Seems like a waste of money, though probably still better than vacuuming the pool manually!
Meadow
0
hmmm...guessed I am lucky I bought the Dolphin Triton with caddy before I came to know more about pool robotic cleaner issues. I am not here to advertise Triton but honestly, our free-form pool has ledge, steps and 2 main drain cover which is 3 ft apart exactly like this https://www.acepools.com/products/wg...CCgRoCtN_w_wcB
Our 2 years old Triton does it job for 3 hrs (default cleaning cycle), 3-4 times a week and I have yet to see it get stuck. But so far it never get stuck, did I say never? I even tried to get it stuck right in the corner of the steps on purpose but nah...it always managed to free itself. The only problem I had last time is, it attempted to climbed pass the water line but that is just because I overfilled the pool hence user error! I'll get the same model in a heartbeat if this one die on me.
Our 2 years old Triton does it job for 3 hrs (default cleaning cycle), 3-4 times a week and I have yet to see it get stuck. But so far it never get stuck, did I say never? I even tried to get it stuck right in the corner of the steps on purpose but nah...it always managed to free itself. The only problem I had last time is, it attempted to climbed pass the water line but that is just because I overfilled the pool hence user error! I'll get the same model in a heartbeat if this one die on me.
Miles,
I'm not sure all main drain covers are created equal... It might be worth a try to see if you can get a slightly different profile cover and see if that works. Cheaper than a new cleaner..
Jim R.
Thanks Jim R. I recently had my SCUBA equipment out to play in pool. Was down inspecting the drains [emoji23] couldn’t find any visual issues for the life of me.
Might you be able to recommend a good place to get standardized drain cover replacements? Surely something flat or low profile would solve the problem. I’m sure it’s not the suction causing the issue, as it happens even when pump is off.
Might you be able to recommend a good place to get standardized drain cover replacements? Surely something flat or low profile would solve the problem. I’m sure it’s not the suction causing the issue, as it happens even when pump is off.
Miles,
I would suspect the issue is that the drain cover is high enough that the cleaner bottoms out on it and lifts the drive track off the bottom of the pool.
You can't buy flat covers anymore, but you maybe can get one that is not quite as tall...
I have never tried this, so I'm just guessing.. I have no idea where you could buy one, but I would try Goggling "Low profile Main Drain covers"
Since you can SCUBA, I would remove one of the covers and measure it and then see if you can get a smaller one.
Thanks,
Jim R.
I would suspect the issue is that the drain cover is high enough that the cleaner bottoms out on it and lifts the drive track off the bottom of the pool.
You can't buy flat covers anymore, but you maybe can get one that is not quite as tall...
I have never tried this, so I'm just guessing.. I have no idea where you could buy one, but I would try Goggling "Low profile Main Drain covers"
Since you can SCUBA, I would remove one of the covers and measure it and then see if you can get a smaller one.
Thanks,
Jim R.
Miles,
Got a 3-D printer? You could make your own like this guy... https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2383614/#comments
Wow! That had to take some effort..
Jim R.
Got a 3-D printer? You could make your own like this guy... https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2383614/#comments
Wow! That had to take some effort..
Jim R.
Wish I had a 3D printer. Unfortunately I do not. My 2 main drain covers are Hayward 8 in. Model WGX1048E. Appears the dimensions are 8 x 6.2 x 2.2 inches so 2.2 inches in height being too high for my pool robot.
Not quite sure best place to call that would be knowledgable about replacement parts? Needless to say my PB was of now help.
Not quite sure best place to call that would be knowledgable about replacement parts? Needless to say my PB was of now help.
miles,
You might want to give INYOPools a call... they seem to know everything...
Jim R.
You might want to give INYOPools a call... they seem to know everything...
Jim R.
Called INYOpools. Seems all main drain covers are a standard height due to the VGB code. Anything lower profile would have been discontinued [emoji848]
ride525
Gold Supporter
I actually tried a Google search for "low profile pool drain cover"
The first one that came up was this one from Inyo: AquaStar 8 White Super Low Profile VGB Frame and Grate - LP8AVWR101 - INYOPools.com
The first one that came up was this one from Inyo: AquaStar 8 White Super Low Profile VGB Frame and Grate - LP8AVWR101 - INYOPools.com
Yes, this is the exact one I found. I believe it’s an 8” round cover, that’s VGB complaint, but not sure whether it’s a universal replacement.
Does anyone have the dual drive motor dolphins getting stuck? My Dolphin would get stuck on our drains all the time. When the pump was off it was a little better, sometimes it would eventually free itself but usually I'd end up freeing it so it didn't spend 30 minutes on the drain. My smart pool cleaner with dual drive gets stuck on there too, but even with the pump running, its maybe 2 minutes at most before it frees itself. Could be that its a slightly different design, but I'm betting most likely that the dual drive is letting it spin around a little better to get off.
Has anyone found a better robot that doesn’t have this issue? I’m so tired of my Dolphin constantly getting hung up on my drains. Just seems to get perched on top of them, spinning in circles until I’m able to yank the power cable. Often it’s back on same drain within minutes. While still better than manual vacuuming, I’m h able to benefit from a “set it and forget it” robot cleaner. Would order a different one...wouldn’t mind WiFi remote control but not critical.
Was looking for a reliable model before shopping online.
Was looking for a reliable model before shopping online.
- Jul 16, 2012
- 7,204
- Pool Size
- 27000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Yup, it has the center brush so it doesn't get high-centered.
Our Active 20 will rest on our drains but does always get off in less than a minute - and continue being Active.
Our S300 has never gotten stuck on the drains. I too have standard Hayward 8" round drain covers.
MannyT
0
My Active 30i hasn't got stuck on my drains. It has on stop of them while doing their change of direction maneuver and has continued on its merry way. It all depends on your drains.