Suction Cleaner Not Really Moving

[superdave5599]

I have one of these: Splash Economical In-Ground Suction Cleaner for Sale and it works(ed) ok enough most of the time.

But I noticed that instead of it's usual little "jerks" that cause it to move all over the pool, it is barely juddering and therefore barely moving. I did suck up a towel that had blown into the pool a few days ago, though at the time no obvious damage was noted.

Is there some high-failure part that can be replaced or fixed? Or should I just get a new one? Any recommendations for another such cleaner?

 

[1poolman1]

I have one of these: Splash Economical In-Ground Suction Cleaner for Sale and it works(ed) ok enough most of the time.

But I noticed that instead of it's usual little "jerks" that cause it to move all over the pool, it is barely juddering and therefore barely moving. I did suck up a towel that had blown into the pool a few days ago, though at the time no obvious damage was noted.

Is there some high-failure part that can be replaced or fixed? Or should I just get a new one? Any recommendations for another such cleaner?

First thing to check is waterflow. How dirty is the filter? Is the pump basket clogged? What is the pressure on the filter gauge? Is it lower than usual? Is the pump impeller clogged (happens more frequently with a suction cleaner and no leaf trap). How old is the cleaner? Is the bottom "sole plate" worn so that it sticks to the pool bottom?

 

[superdave5599]

I've checked all of that stuff other than the pump impeller, though I use a hairnet on the skimmer basket, and there isn't much in the basket in the pump. I guess I can check the impeller; is that a matter of pulling the pump basket out and reaching in to see if there is junk in there?

Cleaner is no more than a year old.

Filter pressure is good, though I suppose it can't hurt to backflush it and see what happens.