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The best robotic pool cleaners today don’t have a cable tangling issue.
This is because they use swivel cables which don’t coil and twist on themselves as the robot cleans.
But if you have an older model or a cheaper robotic pool cleaner without a swivel cable, the tangling can be really frustrating.
Once the cable gets all tangled up, the robot cannot move properly until you untangle it. Sometimes you have to rescue the robot twice or more in a single cleaning session.
Robotic pool cleaners are supposed to let you sit back and relax. If yours doesn’t let you do that, here are a few things you can try.
Buy A Robot with a Swivel Cable
This is an expensive solution but it is the best one.
Robotic pool cleaners with a swivel cable rarely have the tangling issue. The cable is designed to rotate with the robot’s movements. This prevents it from twisting on itself.
These days, a swivel cable is standard in most robotic pool cleaner models including the cheaper ones. So you don’t have to spend a lot of money to replace your current cleaner.
If you cannot get a new pool cleaner, we have some tips to help you minimize the tangling in your current one.
Use only the Length You Need
One mistake many pool owners make is to dump the entire cable into the water. Unless the cleaner needs the full length to be able to reach around the entire pool, don’t use all the cable. It increases the chances of tangling.
Instead, use only the length necessary to reach both ends of the pool. Leave the rest spooled up neatly on the deck or hanged on the caddy.
Secure the remaining loop with a zip tie or tape to prevent more cable length from getting pulled into the water.
Stretch it Out
Don’t put the cable in the water while it’s still coiled. It’s more likely to get tangled.
Instead, stretch out the length you need along the deck first before putting it in the water. This will eliminate any twists along the cable.
Store it Properly
Another common mistake by pool owners is to loop the cable too tightly when storing it. This will deform the cable and could create permanent coils.
You should create a loose loop such that the cable easily straightens out the next time you want to clean the pool.
Even worse than tightening the cable too much is leaving it in a tangle outside. The sun and elements will deform it and cause permanent twisting.
Every time the cleaner finishes a session, you should coil the cable back into a loose loop and store it indoors.
It’s also not a good idea to leave the cable and pool cleaner in the water for too long. It can deform the cable.
Bake it In the Sun
If your cable has coils that won’t straighten out, several hours in the sun can help.
Stretch out the cable in a straight line on the deck or lawn and leave it there for several hours. Just make sure it’s a sunny day.
The heat from the sun will soften the cable material and remove any permanent coils.
Check the Connectors
If you have a swivel cable and yet it’s tangling, the problem could be faulty connectors at both ends. They could be preventing the cable from turning as it should.
If there seems to be a problem with the connectors, contact the manufacturer for repair or replacement.
Additional Tips
- Turn off the pool pump when the robotic cleaner is at work. The water flow could be causing the cable to turn and twist.
- Check that the handle of the robot is properly locked. Refer to the manual for guidance on the best handle position to prevent tangling.
- Position the power supply unit at the center of the deck. This will reduce the cable length the robot needs to reach the entire pool. You can then let out less cable to reduce the risk of tangling.
