Pool robot not climbing walls

[steveb21]

Hi all

I recently sourced a used Star Vac 2 robot pool cleaner.
Tried it out yesterday and it works as expected however fails the climb the pool walls. It attempts to climb (rollers spinning) but fails and then continues on the pool floor.

Cannot seem to find any online manuals for this cleaner.

Any one have any suggestions to get it working?

Amazon.co.uk

Design I have is slightly different but is also a Star Vac 2

 

[jkayca]

Is this unit new? Looks almost like the iRobot cleaner I had. When it wouldn't climb walls it was usually due to the filter bad being full and therefore too heavy for the robot to climb.

Another thing, the rollers look like they are foam. When new or the unit has been out of the water for a long time, they harden and won't produce the traction needed to get up the wall. In that case just let it sit in the pool for day before use.

 

[markayash]

Not familiar with that model, does it try and climb? The site didn't say much, is it suppose to climb?
I have noticed if my filters get dirty and heavy it won't climb as well..Have you cleaned it good?

 

[steveb21]

Hi all

It is a used unit.

Yes it is supposed to climb. It attempts to climb and I can see the rollers spinning before it gives up and carries on doing the floor. Does a good job on the floor mind I add!

It has been out of use for a while so the rollers would have dried up.
Filters bag was more or less empty.
Have only given it a go once yet so will see what happens on the next time I try it now I have cleaned is thoroughly inside out.

 

[dschlic1]

You might try getting a new filter bag. If clogged, it won't have enough suction to climb a wall.

 

[steveb21]

It is a filet bag/net …. was more or less empty when I put it in however I disconnected the tray and gave it all a good wash.

Will try it again in the next few days and see how it goes.

 

[steveb21]

Just a thought... would it be OK to run the cleaner without the filter and tray inserted? Just to see if it will climb the wall?
Pool is completely clean so there are no debris that could get stuck in the impeller.

 

[borjis]

That should be ok to try.
Recently did that with a battery powered hand held vac that has a greatly diminished suction lately.

 

[jkayca]

The filter bag prevents waste from getting back in the pool AND from clogging up the impeller. I'm sure it's okay to do it in the short term but just don't make a habit of it.

 

[binrocha]

Pool wall too slippery? Invisible algae?