Troubleshooting guide

dolphin

How to reset a dolphin pool robot

dolphin

Double-check before purchasing

  • On app-connected models, additional reset steps via the MyDolphin Plus app may be available — consult your model manual.

The Problem

Resetting a Dolphin pool robot resolves erratic behaviour, stuck error states, and unresponsive units. Most Dolphin models do not have a physical reset button — the reset is a specific power-cycling procedure that fully clears the control board.

Steps

  1. 1

    Remove the robot from the pool and place it on the pool deck.

  2. 2

    Unplug the power supply from the wall outlet. Do not simply switch off a power strip — disconnect the plug from the outlet directly.

  3. 3

    Disconnect the floating cable from the power supply unit.

  4. 4

    Wait a full 90 seconds. This allows internal capacitors to discharge and the control board to fully clear its state.

    💡 30 seconds is not enough. Use a timer and wait the full 90 seconds.

  5. 5

    Reconnect the floating cable to the power supply, ensuring the pins are aligned and the connector is fully seated.

  6. 6

    Plug the power supply back into the wall outlet. Wait 10 seconds for the PSU to initialise before starting a cycle.

  7. 7

    Place the robot back in the pool and start a fresh cycle.

Possible Causes & Solutions

common

Persistent error state after a fault or power interruption

A full power cycle clears the control board and resets the error state. See the steps below.

common

Robot not responding after first use of the season

Robots stored over winter sometimes need a full power cycle to initialise correctly on first use.

occasional

Cleaning pattern has changed or robot behaves erratically

A soft reset often restores normal navigation behaviour without any physical repair needed.

When to Replace

If the robot continues showing the same fault or erratic behaviour after multiple resets, and the cable and PSU are confirmed functional, the control board may need professional diagnosis.

Where to Buy

Find compatible replacement parts from these retailers:

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Dolphin robots have a physical reset button?

Most Dolphin models do not have a dedicated reset button. The reset is performed by fully disconnecting power — both the wall plug and the cable from the PSU — and waiting 90 seconds.

Will resetting erase my Dolphin's programmed cleaning schedule?

On models with programmable timers, a full power disconnect may clear the schedule. Reprogram your preferred cleaning times after the reset.

How often should I reset my Dolphin?

Only when you are experiencing a specific problem. Routine resets provide no benefit on a normally functioning robot.

Still not working?

See our complete troubleshooting guide for all common issues:

Dolphin pool robot not working? Start here →

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