Dolphin Skimmi troubleshooting.

Try this first: Make sure the Skimmi has direct sunlight, then open the app and check the charging strength.

Your Dolphin Skimmi may not be charging because its battery is already full. With a full battery, the skimmer can use solar power instead of battery power. As sunlight weakens, the battery will power the skimmer again while continuing to charge.

1. Step 1Check direct sunlight

   Make sure the Skimmi receives direct sunlight so its battery can recharge. Cold weather and cloudy skies can affect charging.

2. Step 2Check charging strength in the app

   If it still is not charging, open the app and note the charging strength.

   • Below 5 Watts: Look for limescale buildup on top of the solar panel. If you find residue, gently remove it with diluted citric acid or vinegar.
   • Above 5 Watts: If the battery is not gaining charge despite this reading, it may be faulty. Contact Poolbots' pool experts by live chat or phone for help.

Important: This is a solar-powered robot. It needs direct sunlight and enough solar power to charge and operate properly.

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Try this first: Start by switching "Smart Detect" OFF in the app.

Heavy debris in the water or very strong wind can make it harder for Dolphin Skimmi to navigate, causing jerky movement or noise.

1. Step 1: Turn off Smart Detect in the app Use the app to switch "Smart Detect" OFF.

2. Step 2: Adjust the water-quality setting Within "Smart Detect," choose a lower water-quality setting or switch the function OFF.

3. Step 3: Confirm Smart Detect is off Make sure "Smart Detect" is set to OFF.

4. Step 4: Clean the filter tray Remove the debris from the filter tray, then rinse the tray with a stream of water.

If the front brush makes a squeaking noise, contact Poolbots' pool experts by live chat or phone.

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Try this first: Take the Skimmi out of the pool, turn it upside down, and check that the filter tray is snapped in before clearing debris from the side and front wheels.

Applies to: Dolphin Skimmi, Dolphin Skimmi 300.

1. Step 1: Take the Skimmi out of the water Lift your Skimmi out of the pool before cleaning the paddlewheels.

2. Step 2: Flip it over Turn the Skimmi so its underside faces up.

3. Step 3: Check the filter tray Confirm that the filter tray is pushed all the way in and snapped into place.

4. Step 4: Check and clear the wheels Rotate the side and front wheels while checking for hair, leaves, or other trapped objects. Use tweezers or needle-nose pliers to remove anything blocking their movement.

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Try this first: In the MyDolphinSkimmi app, open Device Settings, shorten Day Cleaning, and extend Day Pauses.

If your Dolphin Skimmi frequently sits still and cleans for less time than usual, work through these steps.

1. Step 1Adjust daytime cleaning and pauses

   Open Device Settings in the MyDolphinSkimmi app. Shorten Day Cleaning and increase the length of Day Pauses.

2. Step 2Reduce energy use

   Turn off the energy-intensive functions and lower the speed with these settings:

   • Debris Washing = OFF
   • Speed = Low
   • Wheels Unblock = OFF

3. Step 3Enable Smart Solar Recharge

   In the MyDolphin Skimmi app, turn on Smart Solar Recharge. Set Start Delay to at least 1-2 hours.

4. Step 4Maintain a clean solar panel

   Use the solar panel cleaning instructions to keep the panel clean.

5. Step 5Empty the tray more frequently

   Increase how often you empty the filter tray. Follow the filter tray cleaning instructions.

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Try this first: First, turn off the Skimmi and take it out of the pool, then clear any debris caught in the front paddlewheel.

1. Step 1Turn off the Skimmi

   Switch off your Dolphin Skimmi, then take it out of the pool.

2. Step 2Clear the front paddlewheel

   Remove any debris caught in the paddlewheel.

3. Step 3Clean the filter tray

   Empty the tray, then rinse it thoroughly to wash away any debris left inside.

4. Step 4Adjust the app setting if jams continue

   If the paddlewheel keeps jamming after cleaning, open the app and change 'Wheels Unblock' to 'Forced'.

   Power use: This setting keeps the wheels moving freely, but it uses more power and may shorten the total cleaning time. Once there is less debris in the pool, return 'Wheels Unblock' to 'Auto'.

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Try this first: Start by switching the Skimmi off, turning it upside down, and taking out the filter tray to access the front paddlewheel.

Applies to Dolphin Skimmi and Dolphin Skimmi 300.

1. Step 1: Turn off the Skimmi Switch the Skimmi off before working on the paddlewheel.

2. Step 2: Flip the robot over Turn the Skimmi so its underside faces up.

3. Step 3: Take out the filter tray Remove the tray before moving on to the paddlewheel.

4. Step 4: Remove the front paddlewheel Rotate the front paddlewheel to the proper angle for removal, then pull it out.

5. Step 5: Replace the connectors if needed If the connectors need replacement, remove the larger connector first, followed by the smaller connector. Install the new connectors.

6. Step 6: Fit the replacement paddlewheel Line up one side of the wheel with the smaller connector first. Press the opposite side into the larger connector until it clicks into place. Check that the wheel rotates smoothly.

7. Step 7: Put the filter tray back Refit the filter tray in its original position.

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Try this first: First, gather a 1.2 mm star screwdriver, Loctite 574, and a replacement side paddlewheel.

Follow the video and steps below to replace the side paddlewheel on your Dolphin Skimmi.

Step 1Remove the old paddlewheel

1. Turn the robot over so it rests on the solar panel.
2. Take the filter out of the robot.
3. Turn the side paddlewheel until you find the screw, identified as Paddlewheel Screw M2.5 × 8 mm – DIN913 A2.
4. Take out the screw with a 1.2 mm star screwdriver.
5. Gently take the paddlewheel off the robot.
6. Follow the same removal steps on the opposite side if needed.

Step 2Install the replacement paddlewheel

1. Position the new paddlewheel so its holes line up.
2. Dip the screws in Loctite 574 before inserting them. Then tighten them with the star screwdriver.
3. Follow the same installation steps on the opposite side if needed.
4. Put the filter tray back into the robot.

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Try this first: Count the red flashes in each 2-second cycle and check the app error. Three flashes mean a blocked wheel; one or two mean a temperature alert.

If your Dolphin Skimmi beeps and its LED flashes red, count the flashes every 2 seconds. The pattern identifies a blocked wheel or a temperature alert.

3 red flashes every 2 seconds: blocked wheel

This pattern means something is caught in a wheel. Follow these steps:

1. Step 1Check which wheel is blocked

   Read the error message in the app to identify the stuck wheel. Remove any object or hair caught in it.

2. Step 2Clean the filter tray

   Empty the tray, then rinse it with water.

3. Step 3Try the wheel-unblocking setting

   You can also change Wheels Unblock to Increased Force in the app. This setting uses more power and reduces the Skimmi's total cleaning time.

1 or 2 red flashes every 2 seconds: overheating or freezing risk

When the Skimmi is too hot or too cold, it beeps and displays an error message in the app. This alert does not mean the skimmer is malfunctioning. It is a protective feature that pauses battery charging. If the Skimmi overheats, charging remains paused until its internal temperature cools down.

• 1 red flash every 2 seconds: The pool or outdoor temperature is below 39°F or above 131°F. Charging stops.
• 2 red flashes every 2 seconds: The battery temperature is below 39°F or above 131°F. Charging stops.

1. Step 1Address the temperature alert

   If the Skimmi is too cold, move it to a sunny or warmer spot. Before putting it back in the pool, confirm that the pool temperature is within 39-131°F.

   If the Skimmi is overheated, put it in the pool for 1-2 hours and gently splash a little water onto the solar panel.

2. Step 2Adjust the daytime schedule

   In the MyDolphin Skimmi app, set Day Cleaning, the cleaning duration, to 20-30 minutes. Set Day Pause, the interval between cleaning periods, to 1 Hour during the day. These settings help preserve the Skimmi battery.

3. Step 3Turn off the beeping if preferred

   To silence the alert, open Device Setting in the app and switch Alert Sound off. You can change this setting again once the weather cools down.

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