Maytronics Dolphin robots communicate errors through LED patterns on the power supply unit (PSU) rather than numeric codes. This makes diagnosis slightly different from heater or pump troubleshooting — you need to know which LED, what color, and whether it's solid or flashing. This guide covers all current Dolphin series (Nautilus, Sigma, Active, Escape, and Supreme) LED fault patterns and what to do about each one.
Most Dolphin power supplies have two or three LEDs: a power/status LED, a filter/cleaning LED, and in some models a fault LED. The combination of which LED is lit, its color, and its flash pattern encodes the fault condition. Some newer models with Wi-Fi connectivity (Sigma, Escape) also display faults through the MyDolphin Plus app, which makes identification much easier.
Always check the MyDolphin Plus app first on Wi-Fi enabled models. The app displays a plain-English fault description that is far clearer than LED interpretation.
| LED Pattern | Meaning | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Red solid (Power LED) | Motor fault / overcurrent | Check impeller for debris; test motor |
| Red flashing (Power LED) | Communication fault PSU-to-robot | Check cable and connectors |
| Red solid (Filter LED) | Filter full / flow restricted | Clean filter bag or cartridge |
| Red flashing (Filter LED) | Filter sensor fault | Clean sensor port; replace filter indicator |
| Red + Blue alternating | Overtemperature shutdown | Let robot cool; check water temp (<95°F) |
| All LEDs flashing | PSU internal fault / replace PSU | Contact Maytronics support |
| Blue solid | Normal operation | None needed |
| Blue flashing | Cleaning cycle active | Normal — cycle in progress |
A solid red power LED on most Dolphin models indicates a motor fault. The drive detected overcurrent from the drive motor, brush motor, or impeller motor (depending on model). The immediate cause in 80% of cases is an impeller jam.
If the impeller is clear but the red light returns immediately after restart, you likely have a failed drive motor or brush motor. Maytronics sells replacement motor kits (part numbers vary by model). The repair involves opening the robot housing, draining internal water, replacing the motor cartridge, and resealing. This is a legitimate DIY repair for handy technicians. Expect 45–60 minutes and $60–120 in parts.
A flashing red power LED often indicates a communication problem between the power supply and the robot — typically caused by a damaged cable, water in the cable connector, or a bent pin in the robot's cable port.
The Dolphin's filter indicator uses a pressure sensor in the filter housing to detect restricted flow. When the filter (bag or cartridge) fills with debris, flow drops and the indicator turns red. Clean or replace the filter media, rinse the cartridge with a garden hose (not a pressure washer — the fine mesh tears easily), and let it dry before reinstalling.
Warning: Never operate a Dolphin with a confirmed motor fault. Running a jammed impeller damages the impeller, housing, and motor bearings. Each additional runtime attempt with a jam worsens the damage.
Dolphin robots are designed for water temperatures up to approximately 95°F (35°C). In pools heated above this — spa-temperature pools or pools in extremely hot climates — the drive electronics can overheat. The robot will shut down with alternating red and blue LEDs. Remove the robot from the water, let it rest for 30 minutes in shade, and allow the pool to cool before resuming.
Look up Dolphin LED patterns by model number in SplashLens — including the Nautilus CC, Sigma, Active 30i, and Escape — without needing cell service.
SplashLens includes Maytronics Dolphin LED fault guides for all current models. Free, offline, no account needed.
Open SplashLens Free →A solid red light on most Dolphin models indicates a fault condition — most commonly a motor fault, impeller jam, or overtemperature. The specific fault depends on which LED is red and whether it's solid or flashing.
A flashing red light typically indicates the filter bag or cartridge is full and needs cleaning, or a communication fault between the robot and the power supply depending on which LED is flashing.
Turn off the power supply, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. For a full reset on most models, hold the power button on the power supply for 5–10 seconds. This clears soft faults but not hardware failures.
Yes. Most Dolphin robots are designed to operate in both chlorine and saltwater pools up to standard salt concentrations (2,500–3,500 ppm).
Impeller cleaning and motor bearing replacement are the most common Dolphin repairs. Debris jams are by far the most frequent issue and can be resolved in minutes.