Inspect Brushes for Wear
Let’s talk about those little spinning brushes on your Dolphin pool cleaner—the unsung heroes that scrub away algae, dirt, and whatever mystery gunk your kids dragged in last weekend. These brushes work harder than a barista on a Monday morning, and just like overworked coffee machines, they eventually wear down. Ignoring them is like pretending your car’s bald tires are “still fine”—until you’re hydroplaning into regret.
Start by yanking your cleaner out of the pool (gently, no need to WWE-style body slam it onto the deck). Flip it over, and you’ll see the brush rollers staring back at you like two exhausted janitors after a frat party. Fresh brushes have stiff, evenly spaced bristles—think of a new toothbrush. Worn-out ones? More like a balding man’s combover: patchy, bent, or missing chunks. If the bristles are shorter than your patience at a DMV line, it’s replacement time.
Run your fingers along the brushes. If they feel smoother than a used car salesman’s pitch, they’re done. Some models let you pop them out with a simple clip or screw—check your manual, because guessing leads to the kind of swearing that scares neighbors. If the brushes are caked with debris (looking at you, maple seed helicopter things), give ’em a soak in warm, soapy water. A toothbrush can scrub off stubborn gunk, but if the bristles crumble like feta cheese, just order new ones.
Pro tip: Keep spare brushes on hand. They’re cheaper than a Starbucks habit and save you from a mid-summer “why is my pool dirtier than a truck stop bathroom?” panic.
Flush Debris from the Impeller
The impeller is the heart of your Dolphin’s suction power—a tiny, spinning ninja that kicks debris into the filter. But when it gets clogged, your cleaner moves slower than a DMV clerk on a Friday afternoon. Here’s how to un-jam it without losing your sanity.
First, unplug the unit unless you enjoy impromptu light shows (spoiler: you don’t). Locate the impeller housing—usually under a panel marked “SUCTION” or “PUMP.” Unscrew it with the enthusiasm of opening a mystery Amazon package. Inside, you’ll find the impeller: a small, fan-like wheel that’s probably hugging a pebble like it’s the last life raft on the Titanic.
Use tweezers or a flathead screwdriver to pry out leaves, hair ties, or whatever else your pool vacuum mistook for a snack. Spin the impeller manually. If it grinds like a teenager forced to do chores, there’s more junk hiding. For stubborn gunk, a toothpick or compressed air can evict debris without damaging the blades.
Reassemble everything, then do a test run. If the impeller sounds like a blender full of marbles, repeat the process. If it purrs like a cat in a sunbeam, you’ve won.
Lube the Tracks with Silicone Spray
Your Dolphin’s tracks are like the tires on your car—without proper care, they’ll squeak, slip, or just give up entirely. WD-40 might be your go-to for everything from door hinges to existential crises, but here’s the kicker: it’s terrible for pool cleaner tracks. It attracts dirt like a BBQ attracts mosquitos and dries out faster than your humor at a PTA meeting. Silicone spray, though? That’s the VIP treatment.
Unplug the cleaner and flip it over. Wipe the tracks with a damp cloth to remove dirt and old lube—no one likes a grimy spa day. Shake the silicone spray can like it owes you money, then spray a thin layer along the tracks and rollers. Avoid drenching it; you’re moisturizing, not recreating a slip-n-slide.
Let it sit for 10 minutes (perfect time to hydrate yourself—pool maintenance is thirsty work). Wipe off excess spray with a dry cloth. The result? Tracks that glide smoother than a jazz saxophonist and last twice as long.
Introduction
Owning a pool is all fun and games until your Dolphin cleaner starts acting like a diva—refusing to move, making weird noises, or just flat-out ghosting its job. Before you yeet it into the trash (or worse, call a repair guy who charges more than your last car payment), let’s troubleshoot. This guide spills the tea on keeping your Dolphin parts pool cleaner running smoother than a margarita-fueled pool party. No jargon, no fluff—just straight-up fixes that’ll save your sanity and your wallet.
Inspect brushes for wear
What Worn-Out Brushes Look Like (Spoiler: It Ain’t Pretty)
If your pool cleaner’s brushes were shoes, you’d be walking around with soles flapping like flip-flops. Here’s how to spot the signs of a brush that’s seen better days:
- Balding Brushes: If the bristles look shorter than a buzz cut or are missing chunks, they’re not scrubbing—they’re just politely nudging debris.
- Cracks & Warping: Plastic shouldn’t look like it went through a microwave experiment. If the brush body is cracked or warped, it’s not sealing properly against the pool surface.
- Uneven Wear: One side looking fresh while the other’s chewed up? That’s a sign your cleaner’s moving funny (or you’ve got a serious algae hotspot).
Fun Fact: Brushes wear out faster in saltwater pools because, well, salt is nature’s version of sandpaper.
The “Pull & Tug” Test (No, Not That Kind)
Time to get hands-on. Pop the cleaner out of the water (because inspecting underwater is like checking your phone in the shower—pointless).
- Spin the Brushes Manually – They should rotate smoothly, no weird grinding sounds. If they stutter like a bad Wi-Fi connection, debris might be jammed in the mechanism.
- Tug on the Bristles – Give ’em a gentle pull. If they come out easier than a loose tooth, it’s replacement time.
- Check for Debris Wrap – Hair, twigs, and rogue pool toys love to strangle brush axles. A quick clean can save you from buying new parts prematurely.
Pro Move: Keep a spare set of brushes on hand. They’re cheaper than a Starbucks addiction and way more useful.
When to Replace vs. When to Clean
Not every brush issue means a trip to the online store. Here’s the breakdown:
| Symptom | Fix It? | Toss It? |
|---|---|---|
| Bristles at 50% height | Nope. | Yes. |
| Slight discoloration | Just clean. | No big deal. |
| Brush won’t spin freely | Clean axle. | If stuck, maybe. |
| Chunks missing | LOL no. | Absolutely. |
Real Talk: If you’re questioning whether they’re bad, they probably are. Brushes are cheap; a dirty pool isn’t.
How to Extend Brush Life (Because Nobody Likes Unnecessary Shopping)
- Rinse After Every Use – Chlorine and salt are brush killers. A quick hose-down prevents chemical breakdown.
- Avoid Pebble & Tile Pools on High Speed – Aggressive surfaces eat brushes for breakfast. Dial down the intensity.
- Store It Dry – Wet brushes grow mold, and mold turns them into mushy spaghetti. Let ‘em air out.
Bonus Hack: Rotate brush sets if you have extras. Even wear = longer lifespan.
The One Mistake Everyone Makes
Assuming “if it’s spinning, it’s fine.” Nope. Weak bristles = weak cleaning. Your pool might look clean, but it’s just redistributing dirt like a lazy roommate “cleaning” by shoving everything under the couch.
Final Verdict: Should You Replace Yours?
If you’ve read this far, you already know the answer. Quit procrastinating—your pool will thank you. Now go poke at those brushes like a suspicious TSA agent and get back to sparkling water.
Flush debris from the impeller
Inspecting Brushes for Wear
Your Dolphin pool cleaner’s brushes are like the hardworking janitors of your pool—scrubbing away dirt, algae, and whatever else decides to take up residence on your pool floor. But just like any overworked employee, they eventually wear down, get lazy, or straight-up quit. If your cleaner suddenly starts leaving behind more gunk than it picks up, or if it sounds like it’s dragging a bag of rocks across the tiles, chances are your brushes are toast.
The first thing you’ll want to do is pull the cleaner out of the water and flip it over. The brushes are usually located on the bottom, either in a rotating drum or mounted along the sides. Give them a good visual once-over. Healthy brushes should have firm, evenly spaced bristles—think of them like a fresh toothbrush. If they look more like a balding man’s comb-over, with patches missing or bristles bent at weird angles, it’s time for a replacement.
Run your fingers along the bristles. If they feel brittle, cracked, or just plain weak, they’re not doing their job anymore. Worn-out brushes don’t just fail at cleaning; they can also put extra strain on the motor, leading to bigger (and pricier) problems down the line. Some models have removable brush cartridges, making replacements a breeze. Others require a bit more elbow grease, so check your manual before you start yanking things apart.
One sneaky issue to watch for is uneven wear. If one side of the brush looks fine but the other is shredded, your cleaner might be running lopsided—maybe because of a damaged belt or a misaligned track. Fixing the brush won’t solve the root problem, so keep an eye out for other mechanical gremlins.
Replacement brushes aren’t expensive, and swapping them out is usually a five-minute job. Just make sure you get the right ones for your model—Dolphin cleaners aren’t one-size-fits-all, and using the wrong brushes can lead to poor performance or even damage. If you’re the type who likes to stock up, keep an extra set on hand. That way, when your current brushes finally retire, you won’t be stuck waiting for a shipment while your pool turns into a swamp.
Flushing Debris from the Impeller
The impeller is the unsung hero of your Dolphin pool cleaner—it’s the little spinning fan that creates suction, pulling water (and all the nasty stuff in it) through the filtration system. But when it gets clogged, your cleaner turns from a high-powered dirt assassin into a sluggish, ineffective mess. If your Dolphin starts sounding like it’s gargling marbles or just isn’t picking up debris like it used to, the impeller is probably begging for a cleaning.
First, power down the unit and pull it out of the pool. Flip it over and locate the intake area where water gets sucked in—usually near the bottom. You’ll see a small, finned wheel (that’s the impeller) tucked inside. Over time, leaves, pebbles, hair, and even rogue pool toys can get lodged in there, turning it into a miniature trash compactor.
Grab a flashlight and take a peek inside. If you see gunk wrapped around the impeller blades, it’s time for some hands-on intervention. A pair of needle-nose pliers or a flathead screwdriver can help pry out stubborn debris. Be gentle—the impeller’s fins are sturdy but not indestructible. If something’s really wedged in there, don’t force it; you might need to disassemble the housing for better access.
Once the big chunks are out, blast the impeller with a hose to flush out finer particles. If your water pressure isn’t cutting it, a can of compressed air (the kind you use for keyboards) works wonders for blowing out hidden grit. Spin the impeller manually to make sure it moves freely—if it grinds or sticks, there’s still junk in there.
While you’re at it, check the impeller’s housing for cracks or warping. A damaged housing can mess with suction, even if the impeller itself is clean. If everything looks good, reassemble the unit and give it a test run. You should notice an immediate difference in power and noise levels.
A clogged impeller doesn’t just hurt performance—it strains the motor, shortening the cleaner’s lifespan. Make flushing it out part of your monthly maintenance routine, especially if your pool is a magnet for leaves or you’ve got kids who shed hair like golden retrievers. A little preventative care keeps your Dolphin running smoothly, so you can spend less time playing pool repair tech and more time actually enjoying the water.
Lube the tracks with silicone spray (not WD-40—that’s for squeaky doors
Inspecting Brushes for Wear
You know those little brush rollers on your Dolphin pool cleaner? Yeah, the ones that spin around like a caffeinated Roomba, scrubbing the gunk off your pool floor? Those things take a beating. They’re like the work boots of your pool cleaner—constantly grinding against concrete, sand, and whatever else your pool decides to collect. And just like your favorite pair of sneakers, they don’t last forever.
If your Dolphin starts leaving behind more dirt than it picks up, or if it sounds like it’s dragging a bag of rocks behind it, chances are your brushes are toast. Worn-out brushes don’t just suck at cleaning; they put extra strain on the motor, which is basically like forcing your car to drive uphill in third gear. Not ideal.
Here’s how to check ‘em:1. Pull the unit out of the water (obviously) and flip it over. The brushes are those rubbery or bristly strips running along the bottom.2. Look for bald spots. If the bristles are shorter than a buzzcut or missing chunks like a kid’s missing teeth, they’re done.3. Spin them manually. They should move freely—if they’re stiff or make a grinding noise, debris might be jammed in there, or the bearings could be shot.
Pro tip: Some models let you pop the brushes out for a closer inspection. If yours does, take advantage—it’s way easier to spot cracks or warping when they’re in your hand.
When to Replace:– Bristle brushes: If they’re bent, broken, or worn down to nubs.- Rubber rollers: If they’re cracked, flattened, or look like they’ve been through a woodchipper.
Fun fact: A $20 set of replacement brushes can add years to your cleaner’s life. Skip the “I’ll deal with it later” mindset—your pool (and your wallet) will thank you.
Flushing Debris from the Impeller
The impeller is the little fan-like thing inside your Dolphin that sucks up water (and all the nasty stuff in it). Think of it as the heart of your pool cleaner—if it gets clogged, the whole system goes kaput. And let’s be real, nobody wants to fish out a dead Dolphin because a pebble decided to play hide-and-seek in the wrong place.
Here’s the deal: Your impeller can get jammed with all sorts of nonsense—leaves, twigs, tiny rocks, even the occasional unlucky bug. When that happens, your cleaner either:- Stops picking up debris (like a vacuum that’s lost its suction).- Makes a horrible grinding noise (like a blender full of silverware).- Just gives up and floats around like it’s on vacation.
How to Fix It:1. Unplug the unit. Safety first—unless you enjoy surprise electrocution.2. Locate the impeller housing. Usually, it’s behind a removable panel near the bottom.3. Check for blockages. Spin the impeller blades with your finger. If they don’t move smoothly, something’s stuck.4. Use tweezers or a small brush to yank out the gunk. A toothpick works great for stubborn bits.
Warning: Don’t go full Hulk on it. The impeller blades are plastic and snap easier than a cheap lawn chair.
Maintenance Hack:– Rinse the impeller area every time you clean the filters. A quick blast from a hose prevents buildup.- If your pool’s a debris magnet, consider a pre-filter mesh bag. It’s like a strainer for your cleaner’s “mouth.”
True story: One guy replaced his entire motor before realizing a single pebble was the culprit. Don’t be that guy.
Lubing the Tracks (Silicone Spray > WD-40)
Your Dolphin’s tracks are what let it crawl around your pool like a determined little tank. But over time, they can get stiff, squeaky, or just plain sluggish—kind of like how your knees feel after leg day. And just like your joints, they need the right kind of lube.
Why Silicone Spray?– It’s water-resistant (duh, it’s going in a pool).- It won’t degrade plastic or rubber (unlike WD-40, which eats through them like termites in a cardboard box).- It lasts longer than cheap grease (which turns into a gummy mess after two weeks).
How to Do It Right:1. Clean the tracks first. Dirt + lube = gritty paste (gross and useless).2. Spray a thin layer on the track wheels and guide rails. No need to drown it—think “deodorant,” not “sunscreen at the beach.”3. Move the tracks manually to spread the lube evenly.
Common screw-ups:– Using WD-40. It’s great for door hinges, but it’ll wreck your pool cleaner’s tracks in months.- Over-lubing. Excess spray attracts dirt, which defeats the whole purpose.
When to Reapply:– If the cleaner starts moving like it’s stuck in molasses.- Every 3-6 months for heavy use (or yearly for casual pool owners).
Bonus: A $5 can of silicone spray lasts forever. Skip the “specialty” pool cleaner lubes—they’re the same thing with a 300% markup.