Hayward Automatic Pool Cleaner Troubleshooting Guide for Common Issues

If your Hayward automatic pool cleaner is clogged, check the skimmer basket and pump basket for debris and clean them out according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Make sure the cleaner is properly installed and aligned with the pool floor to avoid any issues. The Hayward automatic pool cleaner is designed to work best with Hayward pumps, so if you're using a different brand, it may not function optimally.

A loose or damaged hose can prevent the cleaner from working properly, so check the connections and replace any damaged hoses.

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First, check the filter for any blockages or clogs. A filter cleaning solution can be used to remove excessive dirt and/or sand.

If your pool cleaner is stuck or jammed, check the impeller for any debris and clean it if necessary.

Make sure the unit is not getting caught on drains, floor cleaning heads, or toys. Starting the cleaner in different locations may help find the optimum cleaning location.

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If your pool cleaner is not moving properly, check the filter to see if it's dirty and not allowing enough suction. Then, inspect the moving parts, such as the "A-Frame" and "turbine", to ensure they're working properly.

To prevent water from draining from your pool, make sure it's in filter mode when using your Hayward Aquabug 500.

Check the hoses for any leaks and ensure they're properly connected to the unit.

If your pool cleaner is experiencing poor water flow, check the pump basket and clean it out.

Here are some common issues and their possible solutions:

A suction side issue can be frustrating, but it's often an easy fix. The main reason for a slow suction side cleaner is a congested pool filter or clog at the intake hole.

Check the intake hole by flipping the cleaner over and clearing out any debris. This is usually the culprit behind a sluggish suction side cleaner.

A clogged basket or dirty filter can also reduce your pump's water flow and slow down the suction side cleaner. Leaves, rocks, or other rubbish in the baskets will cause this issue.

An air leak in the cleaner hose or the pump can also reduce cleaner speed. Worn footpads or seals can cause the cleaner to stick to the pool floor.

Make sure the suction valves are open to give all suction pressure to the skimmer connected to the cleaner. This is an easy step to check and can make a big difference.

If your suction side cleaner doesn't cover your entire pool, the hose length might be the problem. The hose needs to reach from the skimmer to the farthest point of your pool, and still have a few feet to spare.

Adjust the direction of the return jets in your pool to see if that improves cleaner coverage. The returning water may be pushing your cleaner away from certain areas.

Pressure side problems can be a real pain, but most of the time they're easy to fix.

A common issue is when the pressure side cleaner doesn't move, and that's usually because it needs about 30 psi to operate.

Make sure the booster pump is working properly, and both the filter and pump are turned on and running.

Rocks or sand can get stuck in the wheels of a pressure side cleaner, so check those out regularly.

Tiny grains of sand or plaster can also clog up small openings inside the cleaner, so keep an eye out for that.

The type of drive system can also cause problems - pressure side cleaner wheels can be shaft driven, belt driven, or chain driven.

Check the tires often for obstructions or damages by slowly turning one wheel at a time.

If one wheel turns and the other doesn't, look for anything blocking the wheel.

The feed hose needs to be long enough to reach from the wall connection to the farthest point in your pool, with a few feet leftover.

Also, make sure the feed hose is floating properly, not sinking or drooping.

If your Hayward robotic pool cleaner is slow, it's usually a problem with loose drive tracks, loose drive belts, or missing small parts that keep tension on the belts and tracks.

Check the drive tracks and wheels for proper alignment and movement, and make sure the filter and debris bag aren't full.

A full debris bag or filter can cause the cleaner to move slowly, so be sure to clean them out regularly.

You may also notice that the cleaner moves but doesn't climb the walls, which could indicate worn drive tracks or wheel tube brushes.

If everything has failed and your pool cleaner is being stubborn, it may be time to call a pool specialist for further assistance.

Most of the time, your pool cleaner just needs a few tweaks here or there, or some pool cleaner parts, and it's off and running again.

The Hayward Aquabug MODEL#500 may have issues with not moving by itself due to a dirty filter or problems with the moving parts.

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Check the filter to see if it's dirty and not allowing enough suction, and take the unit out of the water to inspect the moving parts.

Leaks in the hoses can also cause problems, so be sure to check those as well.

You can order parts for your Hayward cleaner using the Hayward / Arneson Cleaners Aquabug parts page.

If you're experiencing poor water flow, try cleaning out the pump basket to see if that solves the problem.

Your Hayward automatic pool cleaner is moving around the pool normally, but not picking up debris? Check if the suction throat is clogged, or if the debris bag or basket needs to be emptied. A clean pool filter is also crucial for suction cleaners to move and vacuum well.

If your pool cleaner is only cleaning part of the pool, try adjusting the cleaning pattern or speed. For pressure cleaners, closing the bleeder valve at the wall connection can increase speed. For suction cleaners, closing other valves while using the cleaner and keeping the basket clean can also improve speed.

A slow pool cleaner might be due to pressure loss or suction loss. Look for the cause of this issue to get your cleaner back up to speed.

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