If your suction pool cleaner has stopped moving, don't worry—it doesn't always mean it's broken. In most cases, it's either blocked or not receiving enough suction.

Step 1: Check the suction at the cleaner

Lift the cleaner off the pool surfaces and check whether it has a strong underwater suction.

• If the suction is strong, the cleaner itself is probably the problem. It may have picked up a leaf, twig or small stone that has become lodged inside the mechanism. Depending on the model, the blockage could be in the mouth of the cleaner, around the wheels, or inside the internal gears or bearings.

• If the suction is weak, the problem is likely somewhere else in the filtration system.

Step 2: Check the suction at the skimmer

Disconnect the cleaner and check the suction through the vacuum plate at the skimmer box.

• Make sure the vacuum plate is sitting flush against the skimmer rim.

• If the suction is strong at the skimmer, the cleaner hoses may have a leak or may not be connected properly.

• If the suction is weak at the skimmer, the issue is most likely with your pump or filtration system.

Step 3: Check your filtration system

Start with the simple things:

• Clean your pump basket and skimmer basket.

• Backwash your media filter or clean your cartridge filter.

• Make sure your pump is fully primed and running normally.

If the suction is still poor after cleaning the filter, your pump impeller may be blocked with debris, reducing the water flow.

If everything appears clean but the suction remains weak, there could be an air leak or even a cracked underground pipe. A professional leak test may be required to identify the source of the problem.