Troubleshooting — Main drain
Stuck on the main drain?
Two fixes to try.
Some drain covers can catch the robot or lift slightly as it passes. Start with a little weight on the cover, or install a main drain clip.
First, the why
Why it hangs up on the drain
Main drain covers sit above the pool floor, and some move more easily than others. The robot can catch an edge or lift the cover slightly as it drives over.
- Clear may free itself. If forward movement times out, the robot generally starts its escape routine within four minutes — typically after about 210 seconds (3½ minutes). The routine may lift the front of the robot as it works itself free. That movement is normal.
- The drain cover matters. Its shape and how firmly it is held down can determine whether the robot catches on it.
- Service is not usually required. Try the two approaches below before contacting support.
- Check the cover itself first. A loose, broken, or missing drain cover is a safety issue for swimmers, not just the robot. Have it secured or replaced before you run the robot again.
Step by step
Two fixes, in order
Start with the approach that needs no parts. If the robot still hangs up, install the clip to help prevent it.
- Add a small amount of weight on top of the drain cover. Some owners fix it with just this. A little weight reduces how much the robot can lift the cover or catch on it. Keep the drain's openings clear so water still flows through, and don't use anything that could shift or scratch the pool floor.
- Install the main drain clip. Our clip is designed to help prevent the robot from getting hung up on the drain. It can either be screwed down or installed using 3M adhesive, so it works whether or not you want to drill. Message us and we can send one out to you if you'd like to try that option.
The part
Get a main drain clip
A main drain clip can help prevent the robot from catching on the cover. Choose the installation method that fits your drain.
- Screw-down install. Fasten the clip in place with screws for the most secure hold.
- 3M adhesive install. No drilling — the clip installs using 3M adhesive instead.
- Request a clip. Contact our team and tell us which Clear model you own.
- Shop online. You can also browse Main Drain Clip-On and use its product guide to match a clip to your drain cover.
Common questions
Quick answers
What to know before you begin.
Do I have to drill into my pool to install the clip?
No. The clip can be screwed down for the firmest hold, or installed using 3M adhesive if you'd rather not drill. Either way it's designed to keep the robot from getting hung up on the drain.
Which fix should I try first?
Try a small amount of weight on top of the drain cover first — it needs no parts and some owners find that's all it takes. If the robot still gets stuck, install the clip.
How do I get a drain clip?
Send us a message or call 737-327-3005. Tell us it's for the main drain and which robot you have, and we can send one out to you.
Does this happen on every pool?
No. It only happens on some pools, and it comes down to the drain cover — its shape and how firmly it's held down. If your robot has never hung up on the drain, there's nothing you need to do.
It still gets stuck after the clip. Now what?
Contact us with a photo or short video of the drain and where the robot hangs up. Mention that you have already tried weight and the clip.
The short version
Three things to remember.
-
01
Try a little weight on the drain cover first.
-
02
Still stuck? The drain clip screws down or sticks on with 3M adhesive.
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03
Message us with your model and a photo of the drain — we'll send a clip out.
Need a hand?
We'll get you off the drain.
A person on our U.S.-based team reads every message. We aim to respond within 1–2 business days.