Dolphin power supply water damage

dolphin

The Problem

A Dolphin power supply that has been exposed to rain, pool splashing, or flooding is a safety hazard. The PSU is not designed to be weatherproof. Internal moisture can cause immediate ground faults (tripping GFCI), delayed component corrosion, or silent insulation failure. Do not use a water-damaged PSU — inspect and dry before retesting.

Steps

1
Immediately unplug the PSU from the wall if it is still connected. Do not touch the PSU with wet hands if the mains cable is still connected.
💡 Safety first — disconnect power before handling a potentially water-damaged PSU.
2
Move the PSU to a dry, warm, ventilated location indoors. Do not use a hairdryer — allow to air dry naturally.
3
Allow 48 hours of drying time for light splash exposure. 72 hours for heavier exposure.
4
After drying, plug the PSU into a GFCI-protected outlet with no cable attached. If the GFCI trips, the PSU has internal damage — replace it.
5
If the PSU does not trip the GFCI and the LED indicator appears normal, test with the cable and robot before returning to normal use.
6
If the PSU has been submerged, do not test it — replace it. Internal damage from submersion is not safely reversible.

Possible Causes & Solutions

common

PSU left outside in rain or heavy dew

Move the PSU indoors immediately. Do not plug it in. Allow to dry in a warm, ventilated location for at least 48 hours before testing. If the PSU trips the GFCI after drying, it has internal corrosion damage and must be replaced.

occasional

Pool splash or hose water entering the PSU vents

Occasional splash exposure at the vents can be dried out if caught quickly. Move the PSU to a dry location, allow to dry for 24–48 hours, and test on a GFCI-protected outlet.

occasional

PSU stored in a damp pool house or near a pool equipment pit

Chronic humidity exposure causes gradual corrosion inside the PSU. This can take one or more seasons to manifest. Store the PSU in a dry, ventilated location between uses.

rare

Flooding — PSU submerged or severely wet

A PSU that has been submerged must be replaced, not dried out. Internal components cannot be reliably restored after submersion. Do not attempt to repair — replace the unit.

When to Replace

Replace immediately if submerged. Replace if the PSU trips GFCI after drying or shows signs of internal corrosion. Going forward, store the PSU in a weatherproof box or indoors when not in use.

Where to Buy

Find compatible replacement parts from these retailers:

Check price for dolphin replacement parts on Amazon

Compatible Parts

Maytronics Dolphin Power Supply Unit

Model-specific OEM replacement. Verify your robot model number before ordering.

Outdoor PSU storage box

Weatherproof storage keeps the PSU dry between sessions without restricting airflow needed during operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I dry out and save a water-damaged Dolphin PSU?

Light splash exposure can sometimes be recovered by drying fully before testing. Submersion damage cannot. Always test on a GFCI outlet after drying — if it trips, replace the unit.

How do I protect my PSU from rain long-term?

Store the PSU indoors or in a weatherproof outdoor box when not in active use. During a cycle, a PSU caddy or shade structure that allows airflow but blocks direct rain works well.

My PSU got wet and now smells burnt — what does that mean?

A burnt smell after water exposure indicates the PSU was powered while wet and an internal component has burned out. The PSU is permanently damaged and must be replaced — do not use it.