Hayward Suction Cleaner Erratic Pattern: Running in Circles and Missing Spots

Two Different Problems, One Symptom

When a customer says "the cleaner runs around but doesn't clean the whole pool," there are two fundamentally different root causes:

• Steering failure: The cleaner is making too many turns in one direction, circling, or following a repetitive path that misses entire zones. This is a mechanical problem inside the cleaner.
• Coverage problem: The cleaner is steering correctly but not reaching certain areas — typically because the hose is too short, flow is too high driving it too fast, or return jets create dead zones. This is an installation or system problem.

The Hang Test separates these two categories within 5 minutes.

Step 1: Verify the Flow Gauge First

Before performing any mechanical test, check the Flow Gauge with the cleaner submerged and the pump running:

• Disk above MAX: Flow is too high. The cleaner will move very fast, bounce off walls and obstacles erratically, and fail to cover the pool systematically. Reduce suction using the regulator valve until the disk is in range.
• Disk below MIN: Flow is too low. The cleaner may move erratically as it searches for adequate suction, or stall in areas. Fix the suction system first.
• Disk in range: Flow is acceptable. Proceed to the Hang Test.

Step 2: Perform the Hang Test

1. With the pump running and the cleaner connected to the suction line, raise the cleaner off the pool floor by its hose.
2. Hold the cleaner approximately one foot below the water surface — not at the surface where air ingestion can affect the test.
3. Observe the cleaner's rotation for 5 minutes. A correctly functioning cleaner will:
   • Rotate in one direction for a period of time.
   • Stop briefly.
   • Rotate in the opposite direction.
   • Repeat, with roughly equal time in each direction — within about a half turn of balance.
4. If the cleaner rotates in both directions equally: the steering mechanism is working correctly. The erratic pattern is a system or installation problem — move to Step 3.
5. If the cleaner turns only one direction, or spends significantly more time in one direction: the A-frame/pod/turbine system has wear — move to Step 4.
6. If the cleaner does not rotate at all: first check the rear screen for debris blockage. If clear, proceed to turbine and gear inspection.

Step 3: Diagnose Coverage Problems (Steering is OK)

Hose too short

The hose must reach 8 feet (two sections) past the farthest point of the pool from the skimmer or suction port. A short hose physically prevents the cleaner from reaching far corners and walls. Count sections and add more if needed.

Return jets creating dead zones

Observe the cleaner's path and note which areas it consistently avoids. If those areas are adjacent to return jets, the jets are creating water current that deflects the cleaner away. Reposition return fitting eyeballs to point downward at a 45-degree angle rather than horizontally.

Flow slightly too high

Even with the disk in range but near MAX, a cleaner that moves very fast will not clean as thoroughly as one with optimal flow. Try reducing suction slightly (move the regulator valve just slightly toward closed) to slow the cleaner's movement and improve coverage dwell time.

Step 4: Diagnose Steering Failure (Hang Test failed)

Inspect A-frames and pods for wear

1. Remove the access cover from the underside of the cleaner.
2. Locate the A-frames — the arched metal or plastic components that connect the turbine to the pod drive system.
3. Check the connection between each A-frame and its corresponding pod. Grip both pieces and attempt to move one independently of the other. They should move together as a single unit with no play.
4. If there is any looseness or rattling between the A-frame and pod, both must be replaced together. Replacing only one will not resolve the wear pattern.
5. Note: A-frames are marked for left and right sides. Do not swap them during reassembly.

Inspect turbine bearings

1. Open the middle body by removing the screws on the lower middle body (old style: 4 screws at bumper + 2 screws to upper; new style: 6 screws).
2. Pull up the center of the turbine assembly to remove it. There are two turbine bearings (and floats on newer models).
3. Inspect each bearing. The bearings should spin freely and smoothly. Any roughness, grinding, or drag indicates a worn bearing that must be replaced.
4. Inspect the turbine housing where the bearings seat. If the housing is cracked or worn, replace the complete turbine assembly.
5. When replacing the turbine, always replace both turbine bearings and both A-frames together — these components wear as a system.

Check the rear screen

The rear screen prevents large debris from entering the steering mechanism. If blocked with leaves, sand, or hair, it disrupts the steering pattern. Remove and clean the rear screen at every service visit on pools with heavy debris loads.

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