why pool cleaner going in circles: Solving the Spiral Dance

Your pool cleaner is likely circling due to water flow issues or worn-out parts.

It is one of the most annoying sights for any pool owner. You look out at your beautiful oasis, expecting to see your automatic cleaner diligently scrubbing away. Instead, you see it stuck in one spot, performing a dizzying, endless dance. This frustrating loop means large parts of your pool are being completely ignored. You’re left wondering why pool cleaner going in circles is even happening. It feels like the machine has a mind of its own, and not a very helpful one.

This isn’t just a small headache; it’s a sign that something is wrong with the system. It could be a simple fix or a symptom of a larger problem. But don’t worry. We’re going to get to the bottom of this aquatic puzzle. Let’s figure out what’s causing this robotic ballet and get your cleaner back on its proper cleaning track.

Understanding the Cleaner’s Brain: How It’s Supposed to Move

Before we can fix the problem, we need to understand how your cleaner is designed to move. Not all pool cleaners are the same. They fall into three main families, each with its own method of propulsion and navigation. Knowing which type you have is the first step in diagnosing why it’s stuck in a loop.

Think of it like this: if your car was going in circles, you’d first need to know if it was a front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel-drive vehicle to figure out the problem. The same logic applies here. The force that moves your cleaner is the key to understanding why that force is now sending it into a spiral.

The Why: Understanding your cleaner’s basic mechanics is crucial. For a suction cleaner, a circling problem often points to an issue with the hose or the water flow from the pump. For a pressure cleaner, the problem is more likely related to its wheels or the pressure of the water feeding it. And for a robotic cleaner, the issue could be electronic or a problem with one of its drive motors.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure of your cleaner’s normal movement, search for a video of your specific model online. Seeing how it’s *supposed* to work can give you a great baseline for what’s going wrong.

The Usual Suspects: Common Causes for a Circling Pool Cleaner

Now that we know how different cleaners work, let’s investigate the most common culprits behind the circling madness. The problem usually falls into one of a few categories: the hose, the water flow, or the cleaner’s own parts. By checking these in order, you can systematically find and fix the issue.

The Hose Problem: Kinks, Memory, and Length

For suction and pressure-side cleaners, the hose is the lifeline. It provides power and also influences direction. When the hose isn’t right, the cleaner can’t do its job.

• Hose Memory: This is the most frequent cause. If a hose is stored coiled up for a long time (like over the winter), the plastic develops a “memory.” When you put it in the pool, it wants to stay in that coiled shape, forcing the cleaner into a constant turn.
• Incorrect Length: A hose that is too long can easily get tangled, while a hose that is too short will restrict the cleaner’s reach, often causing it to get stuck in patterns in one area of the pool.
• Kinks and Tangles: Simple kinks or the hose getting wrapped around itself can physically prevent the cleaner from moving in a straight line.

The Consequence of Skipping: Ignoring a hose issue means the problem will never go away. No matter what else you fix, a coiled hose will always win the tug-of-war and pull your cleaner into a circle.

Water Flow & Pressure Issues

Your pool’s circulation system is the engine that powers suction and pressure cleaners. If the “engine” isn’t running right, the cleaner will sputter and fail. Low flow is a common cause of a slow or stopped cleaner, but it can also contribute to circling.

1. Dirty Filter: A clogged pool filter is the number one reason for low water pressure. If the water can’t get through the filter easily, there isn’t enough power to properly operate the cleaner.
2. Full Skimmer or Pump Basket: Just like a dirty filter, baskets full of leaves and debris block water flow. This reduces the suction or pressure available to the cleaner.
3. Incorrect Pump Speed: If you have a variable-speed pump, it might be set too low to provide the necessary power for the cleaner to navigate properly. Conversely, too much suction can sometimes cause the hose to coil tightly.

The Consequence of Skipping: Poor water flow isn’t just bad for your cleaner; it’s bad for your whole pool. It means your water isn’t being filtered effectively, which can lead to cloudy water or algae growth.

Worn-Out Internal Parts: The Hidden Culprits

Over time, the moving parts on your cleaner will wear out. This is especially true for pressure-side and robotic cleaners that rely on wheels, tires, and tracks. Uneven wear is a primary cause of a cleaner pulling to one side and eventually just going in circles.

• Worn Tires or Treads: Just like on a car, the tires on your cleaner provide grip. When they become smooth and worn down, they lose traction. If one side is more worn than the other, the cleaner will constantly turn toward the side with less grip.
• Bad Wheels or Bearings: A wheel that is cracked or a bearing that is seized will not turn freely. This creates drag on one side, forcing the cleaner into a spiral.
• Internal Drive Issues: Both pressure and robotic cleaners have internal gearboxes or drive belts. If a gear is stripped or a belt is loose on one side, only one wheel or track will get power, causing the unit to pivot in place.

The Consequence of Skipping: Continuing to run a cleaner with worn parts can cause more damage. A bad wheel can strain the drive motor, leading to a much more expensive repair down the line.

The Verdict: Pinpointing Your Exact Problem

Okay, we’ve looked at the theories. Now it’s time to become a detective and use a process of elimination to find your specific problem. This table will guide you through a simple diagnostic process. Start at the top and work your way down.

The Fix: Step-by-Step Solutions for Common Issues

Once you’ve identified the likely culprit, it’s time to get your hands dirty. Most of these fixes are simple and don’t require a professional. Here are the detailed steps for the most common repairs.

Fixing a Coiled Hose (Hose Memory)

This is the easiest and most common fix. The sun is your best tool here.

1. Turn Off the Pump: Always start by turning off all power to the pool equipment.
2. Disconnect and Remove: Disconnect the hose from the skimmer and the cleaner. Pull the entire length of hose out of the pool.
3. Lay It Straight: Find a sunny spot on your pool deck or lawn and lay the hose out as straight as possible. If it tries to coil back up, you can use small weights (like bricks) to hold it down.
4. Let It Bake: Leave the hose in the direct sun for several hours, or a full day if possible. The heat will soften the plastic and allow it to “forget” the coiled shape.
5. Reconnect: Once the hose is relaxed and straight, reconnect it to your system.

Pro Tip: To prevent this from happening again, store your hose in loose, large coils or hanging straight down during the off-season.

Replacing Worn Cleaner Tires

If you have a pressure-side cleaner like a Polaris, replacing the tires is a regular maintenance task that makes a huge impact.

1. Purchase New Tires: Make sure you buy the correct replacement tires for your specific cleaner model.
2. Remove the Cleaner: Take the cleaner out of the pool and place it on a stable surface.
3. Pop Off the Old Tires: The tires are usually just stretched over the wheels. You can typically pry them off with your fingers or a small, dull tool like a flathead screwdriver. Be careful not to scratch the plastic wheel.
4. Heat the New Tires: The new tires can be very stiff and hard to install. Soaking them in a bucket of hot water for a few minutes will make them much more pliable.
5. Stretch On the New Tires: Take a softened tire and stretch it over the wheel, making sure it sits evenly in the groove. Repeat for all wheels that show wear.

Adjusting Water Flow at the Source

If your investigation points to a water flow problem, the fix is usually about cleaning, not repairing.

1. Turn Off All Power: Safety first! Shut off the circuit breaker to your pool pump.
2. Clean the Skimmer Basket: Open the skimmer lid by the pool’s edge, pull out the basket, and dump all the debris.
3. Clean the Pump Basket: At your equipment pad, open the clear lid on your pump, pull out the strainer basket, and clean it thoroughly. Check the lid’s O-ring for cracks before sealing it back up.
4. Clean or Backwash Your Filter: This is the most important step. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions to either backwash your sand or D.E. filter, or remove and clean your cartridge filter. A clean filter can dramatically increase water pressure.
5. Restart and Observe: Turn the power back on and watch your cleaner. In many cases, restoring proper flow is all it takes to get it moving correctly.

Prevention: How to Stop the Spiraling Before It Starts

The best way to fix a circling pool cleaner is to never have one in the first place. A little routine maintenance can prevent almost all the common causes of this annoying problem.

• Store Your Hose Properly: During the off-season, never store your hose in a tight coil. Hang it in long, loose loops or lay it straight.
• Regularly Inspect Tires: Once a month, take a quick look at the tires or tracks on your cleaner. If they start to look smooth or rounded, plan on replacing them soon.
• Empty Baskets Weekly: Make it a habit to empty your skimmer and pump baskets at least once a week, or more often if you have a lot of trees around your pool.
• Keep Your Filter Clean: Pay attention to your filter’s pressure gauge. When it reads 8-10 PSI above its clean starting pressure, it’s time to clean it.
• Check for Leaks: When your cleaner is running, occasionally check the hose connections for air leaks, which can sometimes be seen as a stream of tiny bubbles.

Conclusion

That frustrating sight of a pool cleaner spinning in place doesn’t have to be a major crisis. More often than not, it’s a simple cry for help that you can easily answer yourself. By taking a methodical approach, you can quickly diagnose the root cause. Understanding why pool cleaner going in circles is the first step. Whether it’s relaxing a coiled hose in the sun, replacing a pair of worn-out tires, or simply cleaning your filter, the solution is usually within reach. A little bit of investigation and maintenance will end the dizzy dance and get your cleaner back to its real job: making your pool sparkle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a dirty filter make my pool cleaner go in circles?

Yes, indirectly. A dirty or clogged filter severely reduces the water flow and pressure in your entire pool system. For suction and pressure-side cleaners, this lack of power can prevent the steering mechanisms from working correctly, leading to slow, erratic movement, including circling.

How often should I replace my pool cleaner’s tires?

This depends on your pool’s surface and how often you run the cleaner. For pools with rough plaster or pebble surfaces, you might need to replace tires every year. For smoother vinyl or fiberglass pools, they could last two or three years. A good rule of thumb is to replace them when the treads are visibly worn down and smooth.

Why does my robotic cleaner only turn one way?

If a robotic cleaner is only turning in one direction or spinning in place, it’s almost always an issue with its drive system. It could be debris stuck in one of the tracks or wheels, but more often it means the drive motor on the opposite side has failed and needs to be replaced.

Is it bad to leave the pool cleaner in the pool all the time?

While convenient, it’s not ideal. Constant exposure to pool chemicals and sunlight can degrade the plastic parts and hoses more quickly. It also increases the chance of the hose developing a “memory” from sitting in the same position. It’s best to remove the cleaner between cycles.

How do I know if my pool cleaner hose is the right length?

The hose should be long enough to reach the furthest point of your pool from the skimmer connection, with about one extra hose section to spare. If it’s too long, it will tangle. If it’s too short, it won’t be able to clean the entire pool.

Can too much suction cause my cleaner to circle?

Yes, it can. Extremely high suction can cause the flexible hose sections to constrict and coil tightly on themselves. This artificial “hose memory” can then force the cleaner into a circular pattern. If you have a variable-speed pump or adjustment valves, try reducing the flow slightly.

What is a “backup valve” on a pressure-side cleaner?

A backup valve is a device on the hose of many pressure-side cleaners. Every few minutes, it shoots a jet of water, which lifts the cleaner and changes its direction. If this valve is stuck or not working, the cleaner can easily get stuck in a corner or in a repetitive pattern.

My cleaner is on its side and spinning. What’s wrong?

For a pressure-side cleaner, this is often caused by a waterlogged head float. This float is supposed to keep the cleaner balanced. If it cracks and fills with water, the cleaner will become heavy and tip over. Shake the float; if you hear water inside, it needs to be replaced.