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By Shaz · Updated September 2026

How to Maintain a Dolphin Robotic Pool Cleaner

A Dolphin robotic pool cleaner does the hard work for you — but a few minutes of simple upkeep keeps it cleaning at full power and adds years to its life. The good news: maintenance is quick and requires no tools. This guide walks you through cleaning the filter, brushes, cable and impeller, plus how to store the unit correctly in the off-season.

Why Maintenance Matters

Nearly every drop in performance — weak suction, missed spots, the cleaner refusing to climb walls — traces back to a clogged filter, tangled brushes or debris in the impeller. Regular upkeep prevents all of it, protects the motor, and keeps the warranty valid. The more consistently you clean the filter, the better and more powerfully the unit cleans.

After Every Cleaning Cycle

Step 1 — Rinse the filter basket or cartridges

  1. Remove the cleaner from the pool and unclip the top-loading filter basket (or slide out the fine/ultra-fine cartridges on models like the Nautilus CC Supreme).
  2. Open it and empty the debris into the bin.
  3. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose until the water runs clear — spray from the inside out to push debris off the mesh.
  4. Let it drip-dry, then refit until it clicks securely into place.
Tip: Never let debris dry inside the filter. Dried algae and dirt harden into the mesh and permanently reduce flow — rinse right after the cycle, while it's still wet.

Step 2 — Check and clean the brushes

Long hair, pet fur and fibres wrap around the brush axles over time and slow the brushes down. Every week or two, check the brushes and pull away any tangled hair. If a brush is worn flat or frayed, replace it — worn brushes are a common reason a cleaner stops scrubbing and climbing effectively.

Step 3 — Untangle and store the cable

The floating cable naturally develops twists. After each use, straighten it out and coil it loosely. Persistent tangling reduces coverage because the cleaner can't reach the full pool — the anti-tangle swivel helps, but a quick manual untwist keeps it working properly.

Monthly Checks

Clear the impeller

The impeller is the small propeller that drives suction. Hair, small twigs or debris caught here cause weak suction or unusual noise. Following your model's manual, check the impeller opening and gently remove anything lodged in it. Never force objects into the impeller housing.

Inspect tracks and wheels

Check the rubber tracks or drive belts for wear and make sure nothing is jammed in them. Good traction is what lets the cleaner climb walls and reach the waterline.

Off-Season & Long-Term Storage

  • Give the filter and brushes a thorough clean before storing.
  • Make sure the unit is completely dry inside and out to prevent mould and corrosion.
  • Store it out of direct sunlight and away from freezing temperatures — UV and frost both degrade plastic and seals.
  • Coil the cable loosely (tight coils create permanent kinks) and rest the unit on its caddy if you have one.
  • If your model connects to the MyDolphin Plus app, install any firmware updates before the next season.

Maintenance Schedule at a Glance

Task How often
Empty & rinse filter After every cycle
Clear hair from brushes Weekly / bi-weekly
Untangle & coil cable After every use
Check impeller Monthly
Inspect tracks & brushes for wear Monthly
Deep clean & storage prep Start & end of season
Replace brushes / worn parts As needed (by wear, not time)
Need genuine replacement filters, brushes or parts? Browse Dolphin pool cleaner parts, or check your model's steps in the Dolphin cleaner manuals.

Quick Troubleshooting

  • Weak suction? Clean the filter and check the impeller.
  • Not climbing walls? Clean the brushes and inspect the tracks for wear.
  • Missing areas? Untangle the cable and make sure the filter isn't full mid-cycle.
  • Stops early? Check the power supply connection and let the unit cool if it has been running back-to-back.
New to robotic cleaners? Start with how Dolphin robotic pool cleaners work, or compare models in our best Dolphin Nautilus guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my Dolphin pool cleaner's filter?Empty and rinse the filter after every cleaning cycle. Cleaning it while the debris is still wet prevents dirt from drying into the mesh and keeps suction at full strength.
Can I put the Dolphin filter in the dishwasher?No. Dishwasher heat can warp the plastic filter frame and mesh. Rinse it by hand with a garden hose until the water runs clear, then let it air-dry.
Why is my Dolphin cleaner not climbing the walls?The most common causes are tangled or worn brushes and a full filter reducing suction. Clean the brushes, empty the filter and check the tracks for wear before assuming a fault.
Should I leave my Dolphin cleaner in the pool between uses?No. Maytronics recommends removing it after each cycle. Leaving it submerged continuously causes premature wear and may affect the warranty. Store it dry and out of direct sunlight.
How often do the brushes and filters need replacing?Filters typically last one to two seasons and brushes are replaced based on wear rather than a fixed schedule. Inspect both monthly and replace when the mesh is damaged or the brushes are worn flat.
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