Hayward Foam Roller Assembly, RCX26012

The Hayward RCX26012 is the foam roller assembly for robotic pool cleaners, supplied complete rather than as a bare sleeve. It is the genuine Hayward part.

What the foam does

A robotic cleaner earns its traction and part of its scrubbing action through the rollers. Foam presses against plaster, tile or vinyl and lifts the fine film that a stiff brush skates over, while the same contact gives the drive something to push against. As foam ages it hardens, compresses and eventually tears, and both jobs suffer at once.

What a worn roller looks like

Look for foam that is glazed and stiff, flattened on one face, split along its length, or worn down toward the core. The tell in the water is a cleaner that spins on the spot, slides back down the wall, or leaves a visible haze on surfaces it has just passed over. Since most cleaners carry a roller at each end, check both before ordering.