Pentair Dorado Troubleshooting

If you are having problems with your Pentair Dorado Pool Cleaner, you are not alone. Many Pentair Dorado owners experience issues with their pool cleaner from time to time, and it can be frustrating to deal with these problems.

I have problems with my Pentair Dorado View Pentair Dorado Manual

Pentair Dorado Pool Cleaner Problems

Problem Solution
The Pentair Dorado Pool Cleaner does not move (oscillator is very slow) – Backwash and/or clean filter. Empty all baskets.
– Clear debris from oscillator chamber, hose, or vac plate by-pass.
– Repair all sources of vacuum leaks.
– Adjust valves for maximum vacuum to the vacuum port or skimmer attached to the cleaner hose. Reduce or shut off other skimmers and main drain.
– If the pump does not develop enough vacuum, consult your pool service professional.
– Check the hose for kinks or leaks and replace with a Dorado hose if necessary.
The Pentair Dorado Pool Cleaner climbs past water line of pool causing pump to lose prime (suck air) – Ensure the oscillator is running at the correct speed and that the vacuum regulator is installed and adjusted.
– If the cleaner still climbs out of the pool, slightly open the main drain valve until the issue is resolved.
The Pentair Dorado Pool Cleaner coverage not as expected – Clean the filter system and all baskets to improve cleaner movement.
– For vinyl liner pools with a deep end hopper, allow 6-8 hours for cleaning.
– Check the lift brush mechanism for proper movement. If it does not move down within 2 minutes, call Customer Service at 1-800-831-7133.
– Note that the cleaner is not designed to work under solar covers.
– For missed spots, attach a telepole to the cleaner using the handle provided for spot cleanups.
The Pentair Dorado Pool Cleaner “stuck” in one spot (more than 15 mins) – Examine the lift brush mechanism to ensure it moves to the “down” position within 2 minutes or less. If it does not, call Customer Service at 1-800-831-7133.
Steps and “swim-outs” are not clean – The cleaner is not designed to clean these areas. Use the telepole attachment provided to clean missed areas.
The Pentair Dorado Pool Cleaner flips on its back when pump stops – This may happen with some filter systems due to a surge of back pressure when the system shuts off. The cleaner should right itself when the system restarts.
The Pentair Dorado Pool Cleaner hose comes loose when pump stops – Use the reducer cone when connecting to the skimmer or vac port to prevent the hose from coming loose.
The Pentair Dorado Pool Cleaner hovers in one area with hose fully extended – If the hose is too short, measure the desired length from the connection point to the furthest point of the pool, plus an additional 4′. Purchase an extension hose if needed, and do not cut it—use the full length even if slightly long.
The Pentair Dorado Pool Cleaner hose keeps coiling up – Store the hose uncoiled, flat, and straight when not in use.
– Lay the hose out flat and straight in the sunlight for a few hours before use to reduce coiling.
The Pentair Dorado Pool Cleaner avoids shallow end of pool – If buoyancy is an issue, add a hose weight (P/N 41201-0238; sold separately) to the cleaner hose.

Pentair Dorado Replacement Parts

Troubleshooting a Pentair Dorado Pool Cleaner

Share your Pentair Dorado Pool Cleaner Problems, issues , tips, ideas, and frustrations with other owners.

  1. I have a three to four year old Pentair Dorado. At approximately two years I installed both a new Oscillator Assembly kit and a Cam kit with extra gears and it worked great .. Until!

    Recently the cleaner just started going in circles so I decided it was probably time to once again changed both the Oscillator Assembly kit and the Cam kit with extra gears. After doing that it now sits in the pool and doesn’t move at all. I took it apart again to confirm everything was installed correctly and that the cam was in the proper position, and that the spring loaded brush wasn’t stuck, no help there.

    Any Thoughts?

    Reply
    • Frank,
      I have the same issue after changing out all the gear , did you figure it out?

      Thanks
      Roland

      Reply
  2. It keeps going on its side – I’ve changed different pressures to see if it’s a suction thing. But still rides on its long side

    Reply
  3. Replaced o ring/skirt. Dorado has plenty of suction but just sits in one place and doesn’t move. Filter clean, played with valves at different levels but nothing helps

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  4. My Pentair dorado pool cleaning had gets stuck all over the pool. IT doesn’t seem to ever reverse itself

    Reply
  5. My dorado sucks to the bottom of the pool. Replaced the gears. Gears only click when max pressure is on. Don’t know if it is the brushes have weakened and not allowing separation from the pool floor

    Reply
  6. My dorado vacuum keeps running in circles. With whatever adjustments I do, it just goes around in circles.

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  7. Replaced bumper weights and cleaned DE filter system, Dorado Vacuum still doing wheelies. Its not cleaning the bottom of the pool. Took it into Pinch a Penny and they took it apart, put it back together…all parts are in working condition.

    Reply
  8. The cleaner stays in one spot rotating in a circle. I have replaced the gears and the suction pressure is ok. What is wrong?

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  9. The salt build up on my pentair dorado seems to be stopping it from ocillating

    Reply
  10. I replaced the skirt, but my Dorado is not moving along the bottom of the pool as it always has. Nothing else has changed. Just the skirt replaced.

    Reply
  11. My Dorado is 1 year old. It usually works great but recently, when the pump is running in high speed, the oscillator is so loud you can hear it several houses over from ours.

    Is it time for a new oscillator?

    Reply

Pentair Dorado Issues? Need Help?

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