Proper storage of your Dolphin automatic pool cleaner during the off-season is essential for maintaining its performance and simplifying pool maintenance. As pools see less use in colder months, preparing and storing your robotic pool cleaner correctly ensures it’s ready to perform when swim season returns. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to store your Dolphin automatic pool cleaner during the off-season.
Why Proper Storage is Important
Dolphin robotic pool cleaners are advanced machines with sensitive components that can degrade if exposed to harsh conditions. Improper storage can lead to:
Corrosion or damage to internal components.
Premature wear on filters and brushes.
Issues with the power supply or motor.
By following the correct storage procedures of these pool robots, pool owners protect their investment and save on potential repair or replacement costs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Your Dolphin Automatic Pool Cleaner
Follow these steps to ensure your Dolphin pool cleaner is stored safely and in optimal condition during the off-season.
1. Thoroughly Clean Your Pool Cleaner
Before storing your Dolphin cleaner, clean it thoroughly to remove dirt, loose debris, and algae that may have accumulated.
How to Clean Your Pool Cleaner
Filters: Remove and rinse the filters under running water to clear out debris. For stubborn dirt, use a soft brush or mild detergent.
Brushes: Inspect and clean the brushes, ensuring they’re free of debris and grime. Replace worn or damaged brushes.
Exterior: Wipe down the cleaner’s body with a damp cloth to remove dirt and chemical residues. Avoid using harsh cleaners that could damage the surface.
2. Inspect and Maintain Key Components
A thorough inspection ensures that your cleaner is in good condition before storage.
Inspect the Following
Power Supply: Check the power supply unit for signs of damage or wear. A thorough inspection ensures that your cleaner, equipped with microprocessor controlled pool scanning, is in good condition before storage. Ensure the connections are clean and dry.
Cables: Look for kinks, frays, or tangles in the power cord. Lay the cord out straight to prevent coiling during storage.
Tracks and Wheels: Examine the tracks or wheels for wear or damage and replace them if needed.
3. Dry the Cleaner Completely
Moisture can cause corrosion or mold growth during storage, so ensure your cleaner is completely dry before putting it away.
Tips for Drying Your Cleaner
Leave the cleaner in a well-ventilated area to air dry.
Remove all components, such as filters and brushes, and let them dry separately. This ensures that the cleaner is ready to effectively clean the pool floor when it is used again.
Avoid using heat sources, as excessive heat can damage plastic components.
4. Choose a Proper Storage Location
Where you store your Dolphin pool cleaner is crucial for its protection.
Ideal Storage Conditions
Indoor Environment: Store your cleaner in a dry, indoor location such as a garage, basement, or storage room.
Temperature Control: Avoid exposing the cleaner to extreme temperatures. Keep it in a location where temperatures remain between 40°F and 80°F (4°C and 27°C). This helps in maintaining the integrity of the pool surface by preventing damage from extreme temperatures.
Avoid Sunlight and Moisture: Direct sunlight and high humidity can damage the cleaner’s components over time.
5. Use a Protective Caddy or Cover
If your Dolphin pool cleaner came with a caddy, use it for storage. The caddy helps keep the cleaner upright and protects its components.
Protective Storage Tips
If your pool robot came with a caddy, use it for storage.
If you don’t have a caddy, store the cleaner in its original packaging or a protective bag.
Avoid stacking heavy items on top of the cleaner to prevent damage to its body or components.
6. Disconnect and Store the Power Supply
The power supply unit should be stored separately from the cleaner.
How to Store the Power Supply
Unplug the power supply and coil the cable neatly to avoid tangles.
Store the power supply in a dry, cool location, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Proper storage of the power supply ensures that the advanced pool cleaning technology remains functional and efficient.
7. Store the Filters and Baskets
Proper storage and maintenance of the filters and baskets are crucial to ensure the optimal performance of your Dolphin robotic pool cleaner. After each use, remove the filters and baskets from the cleaner and rinse them thoroughly with clean water to remove any debris or dirt. For more thorough cleaning, you can soak the filters and baskets in a mixture of warm water and mild detergent. After cleaning, allow the filters and baskets to air dry completely before storing them in a dry, well-ventilated area. Regular cleaning and drying of the filters and baskets will help prevent the growth of bacteria and algae, ensuring your pool water remains clean and safe for swimming.
Cleaning and Drying the Filters and Baskets
7. Schedule Maintenance if Needed
If your pool cleaner has been in use for an extended period, consider scheduling maintenance or servicing before storing it. This ensures it’s in top condition when you’re ready to use it again, maintaining its status as the best pool robot for your needs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Storage
To protect your Dolphin pool cleaner, avoid these common storage mistakes:
Leaving It Outside: Exposure to the elements can cause significant damage.
Storing While Wet: Moisture can lead to corrosion or mold on various pool surfaces.
Coiling the Cable Improperly: Avoid tight or tangled coils, which can damage the power cord.
Ignoring Damaged Components: Address any issues before storage to prevent further deterioration.
When to Take Your Dolphin Cleaner Out of Storage
When swim season returns, follow these steps to prepare your Dolphin pool cleaner:
Inspect the cleaner and components for any signs of wear or damage to ensure efficient pool cleaning.
Reassemble all parts and check for secure connections.
Test the cleaner in a shallow section of the pool to ensure it is functioning correctly before a full cleaning cycle.
Pre-Season Maintenance Checklist
Before the start of the swimming season, it’s essential to perform a thorough maintenance check on your Dolphin robotic pool cleaner to ensure it’s in good working condition. Here’s a pre-season maintenance checklist to follow:
Inspect the Cleaner’s Exterior and Interior: Look for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.
Check the Filters and Baskets: Ensure there are no blockages or damage. Clean or replace them as needed to maintain optimal performance.
Inspect the Cables and Connections: Look for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Ensure all connections are secure and functioning correctly.
Check the Navigation System: Ensure the cleaner’s navigation system is functioning correctly. This is crucial for efficient cleaning.
Perform a Test Run: Run the cleaner in a shallow section of the pool to ensure it’s working correctly and efficiently.
By following this pre-season maintenance checklist, you’ll be able to identify and address any potential issues with your Dolphin robotic pool cleaner, ensuring it’s ready to provide you with a clean and safe swimming pool all season long.
FAQs About Storing Dolphin Pool Cleaners
1. Can I store my Dolphin cleaner outside if it’s covered?
It’s not recommended to store your cleaner outdoors, even if covered. Temperature fluctuations and humidity can still cause damage.
2. How often should I replace the filters and brushes?
Filters and brushes should be replaced as needed, based on wear and cleaning frequency. Inspect them before and after each season.
3. Is it necessary to use a caddy for storage?
While not essential, a caddy provides added protection and convenience, keeping the cleaner upright and organized. While most pool cleaners today don’t come with a caddy, they are useful in both transporting the robotic cleaner from the swimming pool and storing it during the off-season, whether you have an in ground or above ground pool. This ensures that your robotic cleaner is always ready to maintain your ground pool, providing efficient cleaning for both in-ground and above ground pools.
Conclusion
Storing your Dolphin pool cleaner during the off-season is a straightforward process that ensures it remains in excellent condition for years to come. By cleaning, inspecting, and storing your cleaner in a safe location, you’ll protect its components and maintain its performance.
Follow this guide on how to store your Dolphin pool cleaner during the off-season, and your cleaner will be ready to tackle your pool’s dirt and debris as soon as swim season begins again. Investing a little time in proper storage now will save you time and money in the future.