Known for its ability to climb pool walls and scan the bottom, this lightweight robot makes short work of vacuuming up leaves, twigs, mud and other debris. It's independent of the main pool pump system and powered by its own separate electricity source. A drive motor connects tractor-like rubber or synthetic tracks and "brushes" that resemble paint rollers to a robotic body, while an internal filter bag holds the collected dirt.

The best pool cleaners are relatively easy to use and maintain, but problems can arise from time to time. If your automatic cleaner stops moving, there could be a number of causes. First, check the water temperature: if it's too cold, the PVA (poly vinyl alcohol) brushes may not be absorbing water. This can cause the unit to lie flat on the ground.

If your cleaner gets stuck behind ladders or other obstacles, you can install a ladder guard kit to block its path. Another solution is to shorten the cleaner hose to make it easier for it to move around rails. You can also adjust the thrust jets or hose weights to change the cleaning pattern or direction.

With pressure-side cleaners, lack of movement can be caused by inconsistent or low PSI (pressure per square inch). It can also be the result of grit, such as pebbles or sand, caught in the wheels or belts. If you suspect this is the case, pick up the cleaner and brush out the wheels to dislodge grit and get it running again.

Robotic cleaners, on the other hand, are simpler to maintain because their parts can't be easily switched out. They can run on a daily repeat cycle, and some premium models even come with a 7-Day Programmable Timer. Some owners may rebuild a robotic cleaner entirely, but this can be costly, especially when considering the price of a replacement.

If your pool cleaner stops turning, it's likely that the motor is burned out or the power cable is corroded. If you have a manual lift, it's easy to replace the motor or power cable. You can also rewire the motor to run off of a different pump. In the meantime, you can manually push the cleaner in a random cycle to keep it running until you're able to repair or replace the part.