Skimmi · Troubleshooting guide

Dolphin Skimmi troubleshooting.

8 fixes from Maytronics support and the Skimmi user manual, sorted by what the robot is doing wrong, each with the genuine part that fixes it. Start with the checks at the top: they solve most calls before anything is replaced.

Pick your problemSkimmi parts

Shop the SkimmiUser manual (PDF) Warranty & claims

Dolphin Skimmi
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. Where a check ends in a worn part, the genuine replacement is linked under it.

  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 doing?

Power supply & charging1 fix Movement, cycles & climbing2 fixes Cleaning performance & filters2 fixes Replacing parts at home2 fixes Other questions1 fixSymptom tablefrom the manualI need a part3 genuine parts

Problem 1 of 5 · 1 fix

Power supply & charging.

The Skimmi is in a sunny location, but it isn't chargingMost common

This can occur when the battery is full so that the skimmer runs on solar power instead of battery. When the sunlight becomes weaker, the battery will start to power the skimmer again and will continue charging.

  1. Ensure the Skimmi is exposed to direct sunlight to let the battery recharge. Cold weather and cloudy skies may impact the charging ability.

  2. If the SKIMMI won’t charge, please open the app and note the charging strength.

If the charging strength is below 5 Watts, please check for possible limescale residue accumulation on top of the solar panel. In such a case, please gently clean the residue off using diluted citric acid or vinegar.

If the charging strength is above 5 Watts, but the SKIMMI won't accumulate charge, it may indicate a faulty battery.

Important: The robot is a solar-powered model. Sufficient solar power and direct sunlight are required for proper charging and operation.

Open this fix on its own page →

Problem 2 of 5 · 2 fixes

Movement, cycles & climbing.

Parts for these fixes:Dolphin Skimmi™ Filter Basket FlapDolphin Skimmi™ Filter Basket All 3 Skimmi parts →

The Skimmi movement is jerky and/or making noiseMost common

This can happen if the water is full of debris or if there is very strong wind, making it difficult for the Skimmi to navigate properly.

Try the following troubleshooting steps:

  1. In the app turn "Smart Detect" to OFF.

  2. In the "Smart Detect" function, select a lower water quality or switch the function OFF.

  3. Turn "Smart Detect" to OFF.

  4. Empty the filter tray and wash with a stream of water.

Open this fix on its own page →

The paddlewheels on my Skimmi 300 are stuck — how do I clean them?Skimmi2 parts

  1. Remove the Skimmi from the pool.

  2. Turn the Skimmi upside down.

  3. Make sure the filter tray is fully inserted and snaps into place.

  4. Rotate the side and front wheels to check for debris. Check for hair, leaves, or any objects that may be stuck, and remove anything that could be blocking movement with tweezers or needle-nose pliers.

Parts that fix thisGenuine Maytronics parts that fit the Skimmi.

All 3 Skimmi parts → Not sure which part? Chat with us

Open this fix on its own page →

Problem 3 of 5 · 2 fixes

Cleaning performance & filters.

Parts for these fixes:Dolphin Skimmi™ Filter Basket FlapDolphin Skimmi™ Filter Basket All 3 Skimmi parts →

The Skimmi often stands still, and cleaning time is reducedMost common2 parts

If you often find the Skimmi standing still, and the cleaning time is less than usual, try the following steps:

  1. In the MyDolphinSkimmi app, reduce the length of Day Cleaning and extend the Day Pauses in 'Device Settings'.
  1. Turn energy-intensive functions off (i.e., Debris Washing = OFF, Speed = Low, Wheels Unblock = OFF)

  1. Turn on 'Smart Solar Recharge' in the MyDolphin Skimmi app. Set the 'Start Delay' to at least 1-2 hours.

  2. Keep the solar panel clean.

  3. Empty the filter tray more often.

Parts that fix thisGenuine Maytronics parts that fit the Skimmi.

All 3 Skimmi parts → Not sure which part? Chat with us

Open this fix on its own page →

The front paddlewheel is jammed on my Skimmi - How do I clean it?Most common2 parts

Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Make sure the Skimmi is turned off and remove it from the pool.

  2. Remove any debris from the paddlewheel.

  1. Empty the filter tray and rinse it thoroughly to remove any remaining debris.
  1. If this continues to happen even after completing the troubleshooting steps, open the app and set 'Wheels Unblock' to 'Forced'.

Please note that this option increases the skimmer's power consumption, which can potentially reduce the overall cleaning time. However, it ensures the wheels can move freely. Once there is less debris in the pool, change the setting back to Auto.

Parts that fix thisGenuine Maytronics parts that fit the Skimmi.

All 3 Skimmi parts → Not sure which part? Chat with us

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
  1. Make sure the Skimmi is turned off.
  2. Turn the Skimmi upside down.
  3. Remove the filter tray.
  4. Rotate the front wheel to the correct angle and pull it out.
  5. If needed, replace the connectors by removing the larger connector and the smaller connector, then install the new connectors.
  6. Insert the front wheel by first aligning the wheel with the smaller connector, then pressing the other side into the larger connector until it clicks into place and rotates smoothly.
  7. Reinstall the filter tray.

Open this fix on its own page →

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

Disassembly:

  1. Flip the robot onto the solar panel

  2. Remove the filter

  3. Rotate the side paddlewheel to locate the screw (Paddlewheel Screw M2.5 × 8 mm – DIN913 A2)

  4. Use a star screwdriver (1.2 mm) to remove the screw

  5. Carefully remove the paddlewheel

  6. Repeat on the other side if needed

Assembly:

  1. When installing the new paddlewheel, make sure the holes line up

  2. Before inserting the screws, dip them in Loctite 574 and tighten them with the star screwdriver.

  3. Repeat on the other side if needed

  4. Reinstall the filter tray

Open this fix on its own page →

Problem 5 of 5 · 1 fix

Other questions.

The Skimmi is beeping and the LED is flashing redSkimmi
Red LED

If the Skimmi is beeping and the LED is flashing red, it could mean one of the following:

Flashing Red 3x - Stuck

If the Skimmi red LED is flashing three times (every 2 sec.) then there is an obstacle stuck in the wheels.

Try the following troubleshooting steps:

  1. Open the app to read the error message to find out which wheel is stuck. Remove the object or hair.
  1. Empty the filter tray and rinse it.
  1. You can also open the app and set "Wheels Unblock" to "Increased Force" (please note that this setting will increase the Skimmi's power consumption and will reduce the overall cleaning time).

Flashing Red 1x/2x - Overheated or Danger of Freezing

Freezing
Overheating

If the Skimmi is overheated or too cold, the Skimmi will start beeping and an error message will appear on the app. This does not mean that the skimmer is malfunctioning. This is a failsafe mechanism that stops the battery from charging while it is overheated until the internal temperature cools down.

Flashing once (every 2 sec.) - the pool/outdoor temperature is below 39°F OR above 131°F (charging will stop)

Flashing twice (every 2 sec.) - the battery temperature is below 39°F OR above 131°F (charging will stop)

Try the following troubleshooting steps:

  1. If the Skimmi is too cold, bring the skimmer to a sunny/warmer location, and make sure the pool temperature is between 39-131°F before returning the skimmer to the pool.

If the Skimmi is overheated, place the Skimmi for 1-2 hours inside the pool and slightly splash some water on the solar panel.

  1. On the MyDolphin Skimmi app, set the 'Day Cleaning' (cleaning duration) to 20-30 minutes and the 'Day Pause' (pause intervals) to 1 Hour during the day. This will help preserve the Skimmi battery.
  1. If you prefer to turn the beeping off, you can change the setting in the app under 'Device Setting', then turn the 'Alert Sound' off. The setting can be changed again when the weather cools down.

Open this fix on its own page →

From the user manual

Symptom, cause, fix.

The troubleshooting table printed in the Skimmi manual, one card per symptom. A part named here is in the parts list below.

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.
Replacement parts

3 genuine parts that fit the Skimmi.

Worn filters, brushes and tracks cause most of the problems above. These are the genuine parts Maytronics lists for model 9997001; each one opens with its price and fitting notes.

Filters 2Other Parts & Accessories 1
All 3 Skimmi parts Ask which part you need
Downloads

Manuals, guides and how-to videos.

User manual English · PDF from Maytronics Safety instructions English · PDF from Maytronics Maytronics manual portal Every document for 9997001, all languages
Beyond fixes

More about using the Skimmi.

Setup, care, storage and the app: 13 more answers that apply to this robot.

Still stuck?

Real help for the Skimmi.

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.

Talk to a Dolphin specialist Live chat about your Skimmi, a part number or a fix. Real people, no bots. Start a chat Find an authorized dealer 1,200+ Dolphin service dealers across the US for repairs, parts and warranty work. Find a dealer Warranty and repairs What the Maytronics warranty covers on this model, how to register and how a repair claim works. Warranty details

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