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**First things first - don't panic!** This is actually a fascinating chemical interaction case. Boric acid (H₃BO₃) is a weak acid that can alter water conductivity. Your Dolphin's sensors might be reading the changed water parameters as "unsafe" and shutting down as a protective measure. Have you tested your water's pH and conductivity since adding the boric acid? The ideal range for robotic cleaners is typically 7.2-7.6 pH with conductivity around 2-3 mS/cm. Boric acid can lower pH initially before stabilizing as a buffer. **Quick diagnostic:** 1. Test your water parameters immediately 2. Check if the Dolphin's indicator lights show any error codes 3. Try running it in a separate container with normal tap water to isolate the issue This could be a simple sensor calibration issue rather than actual damage!

Ugh, been there with pool chemistry headaches during my 2-week vacation window! Look - I don't have time for chemistry lessons. Here's what worked for me last summer when my cleaner stopped after adding chemicals: 1. **Pull the robot out immediately** - don't let it sit in that water 2. **Rinse thoroughly** with a garden hose, especially the intake areas and wheels 3. **Let it dry COMPLETELY** overnight (put it in the garage) 4. **Test your pool water** with strips - if pH is off, adjust BEFORE putting robot back in 5. **Contact Maytronics support** - they have a decent phone line, get in queue early Pro tip: Always add chemicals in the evening after the cleaner has finished its cycle. Saves these headaches. Gotta run - conference call in 5!

**WHY are you adding boric acid to your pool in the first place?!** This is exactly the kind of chemical overuse that's contaminating our waterways! Boric acid is a pesticide and can harm aquatic ecosystems when it washes out. Your Dolphin might be the universe's way of telling you to reconsider your pool maintenance approach. **Eco-friendly alternatives:** • **Enzyme-based cleaners** - break down organic matter naturally • **UV sanitation systems** - reduce chemical dependency by 50-80% • **Proper filtration maintenance** - clean filters weekly • **Natural phosphate removers** - instead of algaecides Your robot probably has sensor systems designed to protect against chemical imbalances. Maybe listen to what it's telling you!

As someone who's dealt with equipment failures mid-marathon training, I feel your panic! But let's approach this systematically like a training plan: **Step 1: Immediate Action** (like treating a cramp) - Remove Dolphin from pool - Rinse with fresh water - Check manual for error codes **Step 2: Diagnosis** (like identifying injury cause) - Test pool water: pH, alkalinity, chlorine - Note exactly how much boric acid you added - Check if cleaner works in neighbor's pool (control test) **Step 3: Recovery** (like physical therapy) - Contact Maytronics: 1-800-732-8662 - Consider professional pool service visit - Document everything for warranty purposes **Remember:** Most electronic failures are temporary if addressed quickly. Don't try to 'run through the pain' - get proper help! My Dolphin survived a similar incident last season and is still going strong.

Following up on my earlier post - **I just ran some calculations** based on typical gunite pool volumes in NY. If you added the standard 25-30 lbs of boric acid per 10,000 gallons, you've increased boron concentration to ~50 ppm. Most pool equipment manufacturers recommend keeping boron under 30 ppm to avoid sensor issues. **The fix might be simple:** 1. Partial water replacement (drain 20-30% and refill) 2. Re-test boron levels with a specialty test strip 3. Reset your Dolphin by unplugging for 30 minutes **Interesting fact:** Boron actually *improves* water feel (that silky sensation) but can interfere with conductivity-based sensors. Your robot might think the water isn't there! This is why I always recommend testing new chemicals in a small section first.

Back between meetings. Cathy's step-by-step is solid. **Here's my corporate take:** **Cost-benefit analysis:** - Professional service call: $150-200 - New Dolphin: $800-1200 - Your time troubleshooting: Priceless (but actually worth $X/hour) **Recommendation:** Pay for the service call. They'll fix water chemistry AND diagnose robot in one visit. Write it off as 'home maintenance' if you work from home. **Lesson learned:** I now pay for a pool service subscription. $100/month saves me 5 hours of weekend time. Time = money, people!