Is your pool cleaner stuck in one corner, not moving, or leaving the deep end dirty? We can fix it. NextGen Pool Care repairs automatic pool cleaners across the Valley, including suction-side, pressure-side, robotic, and in-floor systems. We work on Polaris and Hayward cleaners every week, and most fixes take one visit. Call (623) 526-4945 and tell us what yours is doing.

Not sure what kind of cleaner you have? Here’s a quick guide. Find yours, then read about what tends to break.

Suction-Side Cleaners

These hook into your skimmer or a suction port with a long hose. The pump pulls water through the cleaner, and that makes it move. Hayward and Polaris both make them.

Most suction cleaners have only a few moving parts, so problems are pretty simple. What we fix most:

• Worn diaphragm or foot pad. The cleaner moves slow or stops picking up dirt.
• Cracked or short hose. It loses suction and can’t reach the whole pool.
• Clogged throat. Leaves, palo verde blossoms, or small rocks get stuck inside.
• Weak suction from the pump. A full basket or dirty filter starves the cleaner.

That last one isn’t a cleaner problem at all. A lot of “broken” cleaners just need a clean filter. If yours is filthy, our filter cleaning service can help.

Pressure-Side Cleaners

These are the ones with a long tail that whips around, like the Polaris 280 or 380. They run off water pushed from the return line. Many need their own small booster pump.

They have more parts, so more can go wrong. We often see worn tires and belts, a bad backup valve that lets the cleaner get stuck on steps, a tail that’s too short or too long, and torn debris bags. When the cleaner stops moving at all, the booster pump is often the cause. We fix those too, since a booster pump is just a small pool pump. For the big pump, see pool pump repair.

Robotic Cleaners

A robot plugs into an outlet near the pool and has its own motor and filter. It doesn’t need your pool pump. Lots of Phoenix owners have one.

Robots are more like a small appliance. When one acts up, we check the cord for twists and cuts, the brushes and tracks for wear, the filter basket, and the power supply. A cord that’s twisted into knots is the most common problem, and the robot will start to drive in circles. Worn brushes are next. If the motor unit is done, we’ll tell you if a repair is worth it or if a new robot makes more sense.

In-Floor Cleaning Systems

Some pools have pop-up heads in the floor and steps that spray water to push dirt toward the drain. When heads stick up, stick down, or stop spinning, the parts inside are usually worn or full of calcium. Hard water here is rough on them. We clean or replace the heads and check the valve that sends water to each zone.

Why Cleaners Wear Out Fast in Phoenix

Our pools work harder than pools in most places. Dust storms and monsoon winds dump dirt in the water. Trees drop leaves and seed pods all spring. The sun bakes hoses and makes them stiff and cracked. Hard water leaves scale on moving parts. A cleaner that runs every day in all of that needs a tune-up now and then.

A few things keep a cleaner running longer:

1. Empty the bag or basket often.
2. Keep the pool’s filter clean.
3. Pull the cleaner out before you add a lot of chemicals or shock.
4. Store a robot in the shade when you’re not using it.

Common Questions

My cleaner just sits there. Is it broken?

Maybe not. Check that the pump is running, the filter is clean, and the hose isn’t cracked. If it’s a pressure cleaner, make sure the booster pump turns on. If all of that checks out, give us a call.

Can you fix my cleaner while you’re out for weekly service?

If you’re on our weekly pool cleaning plan, your tech will notice if the cleaner isn’t doing its job. Small fixes can happen on the spot. Bigger repairs get set up with a repair tech.

Is it worth fixing an old cleaner?

Often, yes. Tires, hoses, diaphragms, and bags are cheap next to a new cleaner. If the main body is cracked or the motor on a robot is gone, a new one may be the better deal. We’ll give you both options and let you pick.

Why does my cleaner keep getting stuck on the steps or the drain?

On a pressure cleaner, the backup valve may not be working, or the tail may need trimming. On a suction cleaner, the hose may be too long or the wrong weight. Robots get stuck when the cord is twisted or the brushes are worn smooth. Each of these is a quick fix once we see it run.

Do I even need a pool cleaner if I have weekly service?

You don’t have to have one. But a cleaner picks up dirt every day between visits. That’s a big help during dust storm season and when the trees are dropping.

Book a Cleaner Repair

Call (623) 526-4945 or ask for a repair visit online. Our pricing page shows what a repair call costs. We fix the rest of your equipment too. See all of our pool repair services.

Licensed and bonded in Arizona, ROC #356379. Fully insured.