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Skimmi · Troubleshooting guide

Dolphin Skimmi 300 troubleshooting.

Start with solar charging by checking whether Dolphin Skimmi 300 has access to a sunny area of the pool. For help with cleaning modes, Eco Mode or Bluetooth app control, consult the user manual or contact Poolbots' pool experts by live chat or phone. Every fix below is rewritten in plain English and sorted by what the robot is doing wrong, with the genuine part that fixes it.

Quick checks

The Skimmi 300 problems we hear about most.

Not charging during the dayCheck whether the skimmer can reach a sunny area of the pool for solar charging.
Stops skimming after darkCheck whether it had time in the sun to charge during the day. Nighttime operation uses stored solar energy.
Cannot control it through the appCheck that Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and that you are using the Maytronics One app.
Unsure which cleaning mode is activeReview the mode settings in the Maytronics One app. Consult the user manual for help with Eco Mode and other modes.

Start here

Three checks before you suspect the robot.

Skimmi runs on sunlight and a small pump, so most problems are light, debris or the intake.

  1. Give it sun

    Skimmi charges from its solar panel. Shaded pools, dirty panels and short winter days all cut the run time.

  2. Clean the debris tray

    Empty and rinse the tray after each run; a full tray stops the skimmer collecting.

  3. Check the pump intake

    Pull out any leaves or hair caught in the intake and impeller.

Pick your problem

What is the Skimmi 300 doing?

Problem 1 of 5 · 1 fix

Power supply & charging.

Why isn't the Skimmi charging in a sunny location?Most common10 min

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.

Open this fix on its own page →

Problem 2 of 5 · 2 fixes

Movement, cycles & climbing.

How do I clean stuck paddlewheels on my Skimmi 300?Skimmi 3005 min

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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Why is my Dolphin Skimmi moving in jerks or making noise?Most common5 min

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.

Open this fix on its own page →

Problem 3 of 5 · 2 fixes

Cleaning performance & filters.

Why does my Dolphin Skimmi often stand still and clean for less time?Most common10 min

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.

  1. 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
  1. Step 3Enable Smart Solar Recharge

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

  2. Step 4Maintain a clean solar panel

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

  3. Step 5Empty the tray more frequently

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

Open this fix on its own page →

How do I clean a jammed front paddlewheel on my Dolphin Skimmi?Most common5 min

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.

  1. Step 3Clean the filter tray

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

  1. 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'.

Open this fix on its own page →

Problem 4 of 5 · 2 fixes

Replacing parts at home.

How do I replace the front paddlewheel on the Skimmi 300?Skimmi 300Video10 min

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

How-to video

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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How do I replace the side paddlewheel on my Skimmi?Video15 min

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.

How-to video

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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Problem 5 of 5 · 1 fix

Other questions.

Why is my Dolphin Skimmi beeping with a flashing red LED?10 min

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.

Red LED

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.

  1. Step 2Clean the filter tray

    Empty the tray, then rinse it with water.

  1. 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

Freezing
Overheating

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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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From the user manual

Symptom, cause, fix.

The troubleshooting table printed in the Skimmi 300 manual, one card per symptom.

Robot can't be switched ON. Green pause LED is not lit or blinking

Likely cause
  • Battery is not charged.
What to do
  • Charge the robot - Plug the charger into the port under the robot or place the robot in direct sunlight.

Robot doesn't start cleaning. Battery indication is low or OFF. App says battery is low.

Likely cause
  • Battery is too low.
What to do
  • Plug the external charger into the port under the robot or place the robot in direct sunlight and let the battery recharge.

Robot does not move.

Likely cause
  • Cleaning has not started (green indication LED constantly ON).
  • Robot is on a pause between cleanings (green pause LED single-blinks every 6 seconds).
  • Battery is low (green LED blinks.
  • New app update failed (green pause LED is constantly blinking).
What to do
  • Open the app and tap the Start button.
  • Wait until the next cleaning cycle starts if the status bar in the app shows that it is in a recharge pause.
  • Connect the cable to the port under the robot or wait for the battery to charge in the sun.
  • Open the app and complete the robot’s software update.

Robot has stopped moving, it gives a red error signal .

Likely cause
  • There is an object stuck in one of the wheels of the robot.
What to do
  • Remove the object or hair. If it's the front wheel, you can remove and clean it. If it still doesn't work, contact Customer Care: Maytronics customer care

Robot often stands still, the cleaning time has been significantly reduced.

Likely cause
  • Cloudy skies, low sunny intensity for a long time.
  • Decreased battery capacity.
What to do
  • Tap the cleaning mode box in the app home screen, select the short sessions option. Or, charge the robot with the cable.
  • Contact Customer Care to replace the battery: Maytronics customer care

Robot turns only in circles.

Likely cause
  • Sensor covers are dirty.
  • Salt in the pool is not perfectly dissolved, the water is polluted.
  • Water's gotten into the robot.
What to do
  • Wipe off dirt with a damp cloth.
  • Open the app and select a lower water quality in the "Smart Detect" function or turn the function OFF.
  • Contact Customer Care: Maytronics customer care

Robot does not collect debris in the filter tray, it pushes small objects in front of it.

Likely cause
  • Non-return flap is stuck or has been incorrectly installed.
  • Filter tray is full.
What to do
  • Check if the non-return flap of the filter tray is connected properly. See the illustration below.
  • Empty the filter tray and wash it with a stream of water.

A paddle wheel often jams when moving. Red alert indicator.

Likely cause
  • Hair or another object is wrapped around the shaft, reducing the strength of the wheel.
  • Filter tray is full.
  • Low strength of motors.
What to do
  • Remove unwanted hair or other object.
  • Empty the filter tray and rinse it.

When moving, the front of the robot dives more, the collection wheel makes a "slapping" sound.

Likely cause
  • Filter tray is full.
  • The robot is pulled by a strong stream of water from the filter pump, or a strong wind is blowing.
  • The non-return flap is stuck or has been incorrectly installed.
  • Water's gotten into the robot.
What to do
  • Empty the filter tray and rinse it.
  • Short-term instability. This will fix itself when the abnormal situation changes.
  • Check if the non-return flap of the filter tray is connected properly. See the illustration below.
  • Contact Customer Care: Maytronics customer care

APP cannot find or connect to the robot.

Likely cause
  • Robot is turned OFF.
  • Battery is not charged.
  • Large distance or obstacles between the smartphone and the robot.
  • Robot is currently connected to another smartphone.
What to do
  • Press the power button until the light turns on.
  • Connect to the external charger.
  • Move your smartphone closer to the robot.
  • Robot can only be connected to one smartphone at a time. Close the app of the other smartphone.

Solar panel is covered by plaque (limescale).

Likely cause
  • Your local water has a high level of calcium (hardwater). Calcium is deposited on surfaces and accumulates into plaque.
What to do
  • Clean gently with lemon juice or diluted citric acid or vinegar.
  • Prevent future buildup by rinsing less frequently or towel drying. Also, you can balance your pool’s pH with a water test strip and adding pool-grade acid accordingly.

Downloads

Manuals, guides and how-to videos.

Beyond fixes

More about using the Skimmi 300.

Setup, care, storage and the app: 21 more answers that apply to this robot.

Still stuck?

Real help for the Skimmi 300.

If the checks above did not fix it, the robot may need a repair. Under warranty, Maytronics handles power supplies by replacement and robots through its repair centers; have the serial number from the label under the handle ready.

Maytronics' own tools: self-service diagnostic and repair request · register your robot.

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