Smartpool Nitro Robotic Cleaner and Caddy - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

The fan is an indicator of the main drive motor...so if the fan is debris-free...then you've got a motor problem. Since you can't get replacement parts, you'll have to replace the main motor unit...around $200 with shipping. I've replaced mine, it's a relatively simple process for the DIY guy...and it extends the life of your nitro significantly. If you get three seasons out of your motor, you are doing good...anything more is lucky, anything less means you probably mistreated the little guy...like leaving it in the pool non-stop, or allowing it to run out of the pool which will quickly end the main drive motor life.

Plug it in! :o) Okay, assuming you have...do you get red or green lights on at the power supply? If so...that means: 1. you could have a connection problem between the power supply and the Nitro. You can check connectivity using a simple volt-ohm meter. Replacement cords can be purchased online. 2. One, or both of your drive motors are dead...usually, this because water enters the drive units. Replacing the motors is expensive...$140 or so for the front-wheel drive unit, and $185 for the big one in the center. But even then, these prices you have to search for... Is it worth it? Hmmm, maybe...Robot cleaners are way too expensive...for what you get. So replacing motors every few years is better than paying $400 - $1000 every few years. These pool cleaners, like old cars, you can keep them going and going by replacing parts. I am really happy with my Nitro...I put it in my 11,000 gallon pool about 3 times a month, and remove and clean the little guy out right after he is done. Then he goes in the storage rack out of the sun....and he is quite happy. I used to leave him in the pool, for weeks at a time, and that was when I started running into problems with the motor units leaking...water has a LOT of pressure and is always trying to get in the motor units...and eventually it does. It;s been more than a year since I repaired the seal on my main motor, and replace the drive motor...and I expect a long life out of mine, which is now more than 3 years old and running strong.

I have the same problem with mine. More than likely its the pump motor. At around $200 for a replacement I decided to take mine out and open it up. It is a very easy process and you only need a Philips screwdriver and I think a 3/8" socket to remove your propeller. When I opened mine I found that the seals had leaked and the actual motor burned up (nasty smell). Yours may just need to be dried out and resealed. The only real way I know to check the motor is to apply power to it (be careful though). Now I am on the hunt for a 32v DC motor that will work for the application.

Mine did the same thing...ran for about 2 seconds and stops...The Pool Services companies say to install a new motor but I just don't have the extra $170 - $200 for that.The problem is that there is water in the motor housing, and the motor can sense it and shuts off.Since your motor is running, you just need to get the water out, dry everything off and seal it up again.To remove the motor, removed the one screw on the rotor cover on top, and you have access to the main motor screws. And then from the inside, unscrew the other 4 screws to remove the motor. Wires enter the motor through 3 threaded connectors that can remove, and then unplug from an internal connector.Remove the 6-8 motor housing screws to open up the motor...you'll find a very wet silica package in there..that you need to throw out. If you can find a spare from something else, put it in.Blow dry your motor unit, clean all the edges, plugs, and screw holes, etc. When everything is dry, put some lubricating grease on the motor gears (if you removed the 3 screws for the motor inside) and apply silicon pool grease to all the plug threads, the edged of the motor housing, and even in the screw holes. This is a lubricant, and can help seal your motor housing.I put mine back together, and it took a couple of tries, but works fine now. The moral of the story is TAKE YOUR NITRO OUT OF THE POOL after every use. The water pressure WILL eventually force it's way into the motor housing. Your Nitro will be happy in the stand.Sure, when you put it back, you gotta tip it back and forth vertically to get all the air bubbles out...but a small price to pay to save $200.Enjoy your Nitro for years to come...and don't let the repair shops rip you off for a replacement motor when it is just wet. Your motor is telling you to dry it off....that's all!!!!

You can take it to a pool supply store that works on robotic cleaners and they can test the electrical output strength of the transformer.

Remove the rubber cover on the large back wheel, take out the three screws and pull it away from the roller. Readjust the roller and put it back together. That is what was wrong with mine and I just fixed it myself. Thank goodness I tried that before sending it in for a new motor. Saved me a couple hundred dollars.

The pump motor is responsible for the programming of the unit and it is failing. You will need a new pump motor installed to correct the issue. For information about sending the unit in for repair you can try our site at www.arrowpools.net or the manufacturer at www.smartpool.com.

John

Thank you for posting your question here on Fixya.com.

It is not recommended you go past the basic troubleshooting since further testing requires breaking open the seals on the cords and motors. Smartpool, the manufacturer, can give you access to their network of service centers by calling 1-888-560-POOL or try their web-based locator at: http://www.smartpool.com/LOCATE/ServiceCenterLocator/tabid/79/Default.aspx If your unit is still covered under warranty breaking open electrical connections can void the coverage so please consider if it is worth pursuing the repair yourself carefully before proceeding.

If this answer does not fix your problem, please comment with additional details prior to rating the answer. You may also contact me thru our website at www.arrowpools.net. Positive feedback is appreciated once your problem is solved!

John

Thank you for posting your question here on Fixya.com.

The best answer I can give you is that any number of components can cause what you are describing and most of them are not do-it-yourself repairs. You can contact Smartpool directly for initial assistance in troubleshooting your cleaner. You can reach them at 1-888-560-7665. If you have a voltage meter try to confirm you are getting ~30 volts out of the power supply with either light illuminated. If not the power supply is failing intermittently. It is more likely the trouble is in one or both motors in the cleaner and/or the cable itself...those items require more extensive testing and would mean the unit needs to be sent in for repairs. Smartpool can recommend the closest service center if need be.

If this answer does not fix your problem, please comment with additional details prior to rating the answer. You may also contact me thru our website at www.arrowpools.net. Positive feedback is appreciated once your problem is solved!

John

They are not available in any form other than the drive motor assembly. For a quote on a replacement unit please contact us thru www.arrowpools.net. We're one of Smartpool's service centers and stock all the motor replacements you may need.

John

It is either the pump motor which controls the drive motor or the drive motor itself. Most of the time it is the drive motor. You can purchase the part and try to repair it yourself but the part is not returnable and may not fix the problem. For parts pricing or information on sending the unit in for service please contact us thru www.arrowpools.net.

John

Hold the 'nub' with pliers and remove the nut holding it in place. Lift the nub straight up and off the motor shaft and install the new one in reverse order.

John

my wall climber only wants to climb the walls. it won't run in a straight line. it only cleans a small part of our pool.

Thank you for posting your question here on Fixya.com.

It is not recommended you go past the power supply since testing the rest of the unit requires breaking open the seals on the cords and motors. Smartpool should have given you access to their network of service centers of which we are one. If not they can be reached at 1-888-560-POOL or try their web-based locator at: http://www.smartpool.com/LOCATE/ServiceCenterLocator/tabid/79/Default.aspx If you wish to proceed anyway you'll need to disassemble the pump motor and look for water penetration signs. If you find any do not bother going any further as the motor is shot. If not, follow the cord to a terminal and check the voltage there. If it has dropped below 28 the cable is bad. There is a second plug near the cable terminal that runs to the drive brush. You can try to disconnect that wire and see if the pump motor continues to run longer. If it does the drive motor is bad. If your unit is still covered under warranty breaking open electrical connections can void the coverage so please consider if it is worth pursuing the repair yourself carefully before proceeding.

If this answer does not fix your problem, please comment with additional details prior to rating the answer. You may also contact me thru our website at www.arrowpools.net. Positive feedback is appreciated once your problem is solved!

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Hope this helps
Positive Feedback ALWAYS appreciated :)

None of the robotic cleaners are going to climb that surface well. Off all the options out there the Aquabot with the foam brushes is likely your best option for an acrylic pool. The Dolphin version can have rings added to their brushes but that may not be enough. You may try to get a rental unit from a local shop or pool store to try out before committing to the purchase so you will know if it work before buying it.

John

Thank you for posting your question here on Fixya.com.

There is no reset in these cleaners. Test the power supply for output voltage. If it has power out you'll need to send it in for repair as the rest of the possibilities require opening the sealed motor units. If it doesn't, replace the power supply. For a quote on parts or to send it in for an estimate, please contact us thru www.arrowpools.net.

If this answer does not fix your problem, please comment with additional details prior to rating the answer. Positive feedback is appreciated once your problem is solved!

John

Thank you for posting your question here on Fixya.com.

Test the power supply for output voltage. If it has power out you'll need to send it in for repair as the rest of the possibilities require opening the sealed motor units. If it doesn't, replace the power supply. For a quote on parts or to send it in for an estimate, please contact us thru www.arrowpools.net.

If this answer does not fix your problem, please comment with additional details prior to rating the answer. Positive feedback is appreciated once your problem is solved!

John

The most likely cause is air trapped in the debris bag. Remove the bottom panel with bag. Submerge the cleaner and replace the bag underwater. Also see Smartpool's trouble shooting guide for further assistance. http://www.smartpool.com/website/manuals/NC51%20Troubleshooting.pdf

Contact the manufacturer for warranty repair information at http://www.smartpool.com/website/index.html