Determine whether the surface is slippery
Brush a small affected area manually and check for algae or oily film. Correct water care before judging the machine, since new tracks cannot grip a slick wall reliably. Keep the robot out during treatments whenever its instructions or chemical product directs.
Clean the contact components
Remove the cleaner, disconnect it or secure its cordless state, and rinse tread grooves, brushes, and visible wheel paths. Pull hair, string, and plant fibers only from approved access points. Never energize the drive while hands or tools are near moving parts.
Inspect tension and wear
Compare both sides for cracks, shiny tread, missing teeth, stretching, or a track that rides away from its guide. Unequal wear can make the robot arc or fail on one wall. Follow the manual for replacement intervals and exact part numbers.
Prepare specialty brushes correctly
Some foam or absorbent traction components need to become fully saturated before climbing effectively. Others must remain in a particular orientation. Use the stated soaking and installation method rather than roughening, cutting, or coating the brush surface.
Look for a drive fault
If clean new traction parts still stop on one side, an axle, gearbox, or drive motor may be binding. Clicking, grinding, heat, or repeated track throwing is a reason to stop. Sealed drive units should not be opened at home because waterproof integrity is part of electrical safety.
Use the robotic pool cleaner decision framework to compare the broader category, or narrow the catalog through Robotic Pool Cleaners for In-Ground Pools.
Exact products to compare
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Dolphin Nautilus CC Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
Best for: Owners who want a compact established corded cleaner
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner
Best for: Buyers comparing a widely searched midrange Dolphin
Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Wi-Fi Robotic Pool Cleaner
Best for: Large pools needing broader cleaning-zone coverage
Frequently asked questions
Why do the tracks slip only on the wall?
Vertical travel requires more grip. Full filters, slick surfaces, worn brushes, and a model not designed to climb can all appear there first.
Can I tighten a loose track?
Use only the adjustment or replacement procedure provided for the exact model. Homemade tension changes can overload bearings and motors.
Will brushing the pool help?
Yes when biofilm is the cause. Restore sanitation as well, because traction will decline again if algae remains active.
Final decision
Match the answer above to the exact model manual, pool measurements and maintenance routine. Amazon listings can change by seller, bundle and generation, so verify the product name and ASIN before relying on a feature.