My cleaner doesn’t move

Cleaners depend on several factors to make them operate. There must be enough water flow past the turbine. Use a vacuum gauge to measure the vacuum in the cleaner hose. You should have 1″ vacuum per section of hose.

Second, the four small “shoes” must be able to grip the pool surface. Make sure that the “shoes” are not worn out and that the surface of the pool is not slippery because of a buildup of algae. Note: some algae is clear, be sure to feel the underwater pool surface.

Third, the shoes and “pods” must be working correctly. Any wear in the “drive train” can cause problems. To check for wear, hold the left and right “pods” in your hands and firmly, try to rock the pods. All force on the pods should be transferred to the turbine and no “play” should be evident.

As a test, hold the cleaner by the hose. Keep the cleaner below water with the pump running. Hold the cleaner off the bottom of the pool and observe, the cleaner should: rotate right – not rotate – rotate left – not rotate – rotate right – etc. All the time, the “pods” should be kicking. If you can reach under the cleaner and stop the pods with your hand, there is either excessive wear on the internal parts or inadequate suction. Remember to check the vacuum reading before calling for assistance.

The hoses are twisting

Cleaner hoses cannot be coiled up for storage. If you have coiled them, take the sections apart, lay them straight, and leave them outside for an entire day and night. Once the curls are removed, the hose should be usable.

Cleaner won’t climb the wall of my vinyl liner pool

Depending on the angle of the pool floor to the pool walls, the cleaner may not be able to “climb” the “slope.” Picture the cleaner on the pool bottom at the intersection of where the pool wall meets the bottom at a sharp angle, (like the walls in your house.) The cleaner will not be able to make the transition, don’t worry, it’s not supposed to. After all, the dirt is on the bottom.

The cleaner sticks at the steps

The hose might be too short.

1. Check to see that the hose extends two full sections past the furthest point in the pool.
2. Check to see that the return line(s) are not affecting the cleaner’s movement.
3. Use the vacuum gauge to measure the vacuum in the cleaner hose. You should have 1 inch of vacuum per section of hose.
4. Check the shoes, wings and flaps for wear.
5. Check the rear flap adjuster, and move it to the I position.

As a test, hold the cleaner by the hose. Keep the cleaner below water with the pump running. Hold the cleaner off the bottom of the pool and observe, the cleaner should: rotate right – not rotate – rotate left – not rotate – rotate right – etc. All the time, the “pods” should be kicking. If the cleaner is not doing the “test” movements, call Blue Haven Pools & Spas Supplies Direct.

My cleaner floats above the pool floor

The cleaner is heavier than water, and should not float.

1. Make sure that all the air was removed from the cleaner head and hoses during installation.
2. Make sure that the hose extends two full sections past the farthest point in the pool.
3. Use the vacuum gauge to measure the vacuum in the cleaner hose. You should have 1 inch vacuum per section of house.
4. Check to see that the return line(s) are not affecting the pool sweeper cleaner or the cleaner hose.
5. Check for signs of air returning to the pool through the return line(s). Look for air bubbles attached to the cleaner hose and head. If present, pull sharply on the cleaner hose to release bubbles. Then, correct the source of the air leak to prevent further “floating.”

My cleaner moves slowly

1. Check the shoes, wings and flaps for wear.
2. Check for obstructions in the cleaner.
3. Use the vacuum gauge to measure the vacuum in the cleaner hose. It should be 1 inch vacuum per section of hose. If the cleaner still moves slowly, call Blue Haven Pools & Spas Supplies Direct.