Customer Service Rating by LivePerson

Baracuda products are designed for years of service. But if you are exeperiencing difficulties, just click on your product name at the left and you'll find a list of the most common problems and simple solutions.

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Zodiac G4 does not move, or moves sluggishly
  • - Ensure ideal flow is being attained using Pool Pulse.
  • - Note: In water 60°F or less, it may be necessary to increase flow to compensate for the reduced flexibility of the hose and diaphragm.
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  • - Check diaphragm for damage or wear.
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  • - Backwash filter and empty pump basket.
  • - Check for air in system. If water level in pump basket drops, check hose connections, tighten all fittings at pump, check gasket in pump basket for wear.
Zodiac G4 stays in one end of the pool
  • - Ensure ideal flow is being attained using Pool Pulse.
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  • - Point return jets as far down as possible.
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  • - Make sure hose does not have memory from being coiled (see Care and Maintenance).
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  • - Add a Hose Weight 1 meter from G4 head.
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  • - Confirm proper hose length.
Zodiac G4 sticks on ladder
  • - Ensure ideal flow is being attained using Pool Pulse.
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  • - Purchase Wheel Deflector (PN W83278).
Zodiac G4 sticks in steps
  • - Ensure correct amount of hose is being used. Shorten if necessary.
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  • - Add a Hose Weight 1 meter from G4 head.
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  • - Ensure ideal flow is being attained using Pool Pulse.
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  • - Purchase Wheel Deflector (PN W83278).
Zodiac G4 stays on walls or edge of pool.
  • - Reduce flow to low side of ideal range.
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  • - Add a Hose Weight 1 meter from G4 head.
Download User Manual (PDF)
Baracuda G3 stops and starts
  • - Check diaphragm for blockage or damage. Adjust worn diaphragm by loosening cassette swivel, gently pushing down on inner pipe & retightening cassette swivel.
Baracuda G3 is patterning
  • - Add return diverters or divert return inlets downward. Lay hose in a straight line in the sun to relax memory. Confirm proper hose length - add 1 to 2 hose sections.
Baracuda G3 isn't covering the opposite end of the pool
  • - Add return diverters or divert return inlets downward. Use flow to move cleaner to opposite end. Move hose weight away from cleaner head slightly. In deep pools add additional weight.
Baracuda G3 stuck at steps
  • - Utilize return flow (see adjustments). Confirm proper hose length. Adjust flow to cleaner. Adjust hose weight.
Baracuda G3 stuck under ladder
  • - Install ladder guard (PN W24000)
Baracuda G3 flips over
  • - Contact tech services for local warranty station.
Baracuda G3 won't climb walls
  • - Cleaner may not climb walls of some vinyl pools. Use Pool Pulse and raise flow. Confirm proper hose length. Adjust hose weight.
Baracuda G3 doesn't move
  • - Use Pool Pulse to insure proper flow. Clean baskets and filter. Check diaphragm for damage. Check hose sections for leaks by lifting each section above water.
Baracuda G3 won't leave edge or rim of pool
  • - Use Pool Pulse and lower flow. Utilize return flow to move cleaner. Adjust hose weight.
Solar blanket installation
  • - Coverage will be limited due to blanket.
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Machine does not move, or moves sluggishly.
  • - Increase Flowkeeper setting.
  • - In water 60° F or less, it may be necessary to increase flow to compensate for the reduced flexibility of the hose and diaphragm.
  • - Check diaphragm for damage or wear.
  • - Backwash filter and empty pump basket.
  • - Check for air in system. If water level in pump basket drops, check hose connections, tighten all fittings at pump, check gasket in pump basket for wear.
Machine does not cover entire pool.
  • - Point return jets as far down as possible.
  • - Make sure hose does not have memory from being coiled. If memory is present, disconect hoses and lay in a straight line in the sun to relax memory.
  • - Confirm proper hose length.
Machine sticks on ladder.
  • - Remove ladder if possible.
Machine sticks in steps.
  • - Ensure correct amount of hose is being used. Shorten if neccessary.
  • - Reduce Flowkeeper setting.
Machine climbs walls or stays on edge of pool.
  • - Reduce Flowkeeper setting.
Download User Manual (PDF)
Mars® HP sticks in corners or in-pool obstacles for longer than 4 minutes.
  • - Confirm wheel RPM is between 40 and 48.
  • - Check that the wheels spin freely.
Mars® HP is missing large areas of the pool.
  • - Confirm wheel RPM is between 40 and 48.
  • - Clean the in-line screen at the universal wall fitting/quick disconnect.
  • - Check the supply hose for coiling.
  • - Confirm that the supply hose length is correct for your pool.
  • - Confirm that hose floats are in the proper location.
  • - Empty the debris trap.
  • - Confirm that the back-up jet is operating.
  • - Check that the wheels spin freely.
Mars® HP will not climb the pool walls.
  • - Confirm the wheel RPM is between 40 and 48.
  • - Empty the debris trap. Rinse the mesh panels and fine debris filter element.
  • - Clean the in-line screen at the universal wall fitting/quick disconnect.
  • - Check the tires for excessive wear, replace as needed.
  • - Check the supply hose for coiling.
Mars® HP supply hose coils in pool.
  • - Remove the supply hose from the pool and lay in the sun straight line for a few hours.
  • - Confirm that the wheel RPM is between 40 and 48 and check the in-line screen.
  • - Empty the debris trap.
  • - Confirm that the supply hose length is correct for your pool.
Mars® HP periodically floats to the surface.
  • - Repair pool filtration/booster system problem that causes air to enter the pressure lines.
Download User Manual (PDF)
Machine is patterning.
  • - Divert return inlets downward and toward the center of the pool. Be sure hose does not have a memory. Add one to two hose lengths.
Machine is not covering opposite end.
  • - Divert return inlets downward. Be sure hose does not have a memory. Use flow to encourage cleaner to opposite end of pool. Move hose weights further from cleaner head.
Machine stuck at steps.
  • - Utilize return flow as shown in owner's manual. Check hose for proper length. Reduce flow to low side of "ideal" range.
Machine stuck under ladder.
  • - Install ladder guard (#W24000).
Machine not climbing walls.
  • - Machine may not climb sidewalls of some vinyl pools. Use Pool Pulse to confirm proper flow.
Machine doesn't move.
  • - Use Pool Pulse to determine proper flow. Clean filter and baskets if needed. Inspect Diaphragm for damage. Inspect hose sections for leaks by lifting each section above water.
Machine won't leave edge or rim of pool.
  • - Utilize return flow to increase coverage.
Solar blanket installation.
  • - Coverage may vary or be limited due to friction between the hose and blanket.
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  • - NOTE: In cold water 60º F or less, water flow through the Zodiac Pacer must be increased to compensate for the reduced flexibility of the hose and diaphragm.
Download User Manual (PDF)
Alpha 3 patterns or doesn't cover majority of pool.
  • - Use Pool Pulse to confirm proper flow.
  • - Divert all return inlets.
  • - Confirm proper hose length.
  • - Check hose for memory.
  • - Add hose weight 4' to 7' from cleaner head.
  • - Use 45° elbow on wall vacuum installations.
  • - Coverage will be limited with the use of a solar blanket.
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  • - Note: In cold water 60° or less, water flow must be increased to compensate for reduced flexibility of hose and diaphragm.
Alpha 3 sticks at steps.
  • - Utilize flow as shown in coverage section.
  • - Add hose weight 4' to 7' from cleaner head.
  • - Reduce flow to low side of "ideal" range.
  • - Shorten hose if necessary.
Alpha 3 won't move or moves slowly.
  • - Use Pool Pulse to confirm proper flow.
  • - Backwash filter (sand or DE) or soak cartridge style filter overnight — consult your pool dealer.
  • - Empty all baskets.
  • - Tighten hose connections.
  • - Check hoses for leaks.
  • - Check diaphragm for damage or blockage.
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  • - Note: In cold water 60° or less, water flow must be increased to compensate for reduced flexibility of hose and diaphragm.
Alpha 3 won't move or moves slowly and air bubbles are noticeable at the return jets.
  • - Use Pool Pulse to confirm proper flow.
  • - Check hoses for possible leak.
  • - Confirm proper water level in pool.
  • - Replace and lubricate pump lid "O" ring — see your pool dealer.
Alpha 3 won't climb walls.
  • - Machine may not climb walls of some vinyl pools or pools with safety ledges.
  • - Confirm proper hose length.
  • - Use Pool Pulse and raise flow to high side of "ideal" range.
Alpha 3 stays on walls or edge of pool.
  • - Use Pool Pulse and lower flow to low side of "ideal" range.
Alpha 3 sticks at ladder.
  • - Install ladder guard.
Download User Manual (PDF)
Alpha 3 Plus patterns or doesn't cover majority of pool.
  • - Use Pool Pulse to confirm proper flow.
  • - Divert all return inlets.
  • - Confirm proper hose length.
  • - Check hose for memory.
  • - Use 45° elbow on wall vacuum installations.
  • - Coverage will be limited with the use of a solar blanket.
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  • - Note: In cold water 60° or less, water flow must be increased to compensate for reduced flexibility of hose and diaphragm.
Alpha 3 Plus won't move or moves slowly.
  • - Use Pool Pulse to confirm proper flow.
  • - Backwash filter (sand or DE) or soak cartridge style filter overnight — consult your pool dealer.
  • - Empty all baskets.
  • - Tighten hose connections.
  • - Check hoses for leaks.
  • - Check diaphragm for damage or blockage.
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  • - Note: In cold water 60° or less, water flow must be increased to compensate for reduced flexibility of hose and diaphragm.
Alpha 3 Plus won't move or moves slowly and air bubbles are noticeable at the return jets.
  • - Use Pool Pulse to confirm proper flow.
  • - Check hoses for possible leak.
  • - Confirm proper water level in pool.
  • - Replace and lubricate pump lid "O" ring - see your pool dealer.
Alpha 3 Plus sticks at steps.
  • - Utilize flow as shown in coverage section.
  • - Reduce flow to low side of "ideal" range.
  • - Shorten hose if necessary.
Alpha 3 Plus won't climb walls.
  • - Machine may not climb walls of some vinyl pools or pools with safety ledges.
  • - Use Pool Pulse and raise flow to high side of "ideal" range.
Alpha 3 Plus stays on walls or edge of pool.
  • - Use Pool Pulse to lower flow to low side of "ideal" range.
Alpha 3 Plus sticks at ladder.
  • - Install ladder guard.
Alpha 3 Plus hose won't sink.
  • - Insure proper hose installation.
  • - Hose only sinks when filtration is off.
Alpha 3 Plus hose won't float.
  • - Use Pool Pulse to confirm proper flow.
  • - Check bladder for proper length.
  • - Water may be inside bladder; to drain, turn off pump and allow hose to sink, water will purge itself through breather. If necessary, repeat process pushing hose to bottom of pool, starting at weighted hose closest to skimmer.
Alpha 3 Plus hose kinks.
  • - Bladder may be too long.
Machine is patterning.
  • - Be certain that return inlet flow has been diverted toward the bottom of the pool. Make sure hose does not have a memory from being coiled. Add one or two hose lengths.
Machine is not covering the shallow end.
  • - Divert return inlets, check hose length, check for hose coil memory, check & increase flow, or add second hose weight.
Alpha 2 is sticking on steps.
  • - Utilize return flow as shown in "Coverage" section. Use large wheel deflector (Part No. W46155) or the spur bumper fin (Part No. W70615).
Alpha 2 sticking under stainless steel ladder.
  • - Install ladder guard (Part No. W24000).
Alpha 2 sticking at the side of stainless steel ladder.
  • - Reduce suction to Alpha 2.
Alpha 2 flips upside down.
  • - Replace float chamber (Part No. W80520), check outer extension pipe to ensure it swivels.
Machine not climbing walls.
  • - Machine may not climb the sidewalls of some vinyl pools or pools with safety ledges.
  • - Check water flow using the Pool Pulse.
Machine does not move (or runs and stops).
  • - Check filter, skimmer and pump baskets to increase the water flow of the filtration system.
  • - Check water flow using the Pool Pulse.
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  • - NOTE: In cold water 60° F or less, water flow through the Alpha 2 must be increased to compensate for the reduced flexibility of the hose and diaphragm.
  • - Turn filter system off. Remove Alpha 2 head from hose, turn it upside down and inspect for debris blocking the diaphragm. Your Alpha 2 is equipped with the Easy Access System. This development allows for easy servicing or adjustment, in just a few minutes.
Solar blanket installation
  • - Coverage may vary or be limited due to friction between the hose and the blanket.
Download User Manual (PDF)

MECHANICAL (MACHINE STOPS OR MOVES SLUGGISHLY)

  1. Turn the filter system off and check all the connections of the BETA to the skimmer.
  2. Remove the BETA head from the hose, turn it upside down and inspect for debris blocking the diaphragm.
  3. Backwash or clean the filter and clean pump and skimmer baskets of all debris. Turn the filter system on and check that there is good flow. NOTE: In cold water 60° F or less, water flow through the BETA must be increased to compensate for the reduced flexibility of the hose and diaphragm.
  4. If the BETA still does not move, lift the hose out of the water, section by section while the filtration system is running. A cracked hose can be detected by a hissing noise. Replace it.
  5. If none of the above steps resolves the problem, the pool circulation system is probably not supplying the water flow necessary to propel the BETA. Check it using the Pool Pulse (Part No. W44800).
  6. Have a qualified pool service person inspect your pump impeller, pump motor, filter tank and elements or plumbing for blockage or leaks.

MACHINE BECOMES NOISY (SPEED INCREASES DRASTICALLY)


Check the FlowKeeper™ valve for obstructions.


BETA GETS CAUGHT UNDER OR AROUND THE POOL LADDER


  1. Remove the ladder if possible.
  2. Acquire and install a large wheel deflector from your Zodiac dealer.

MACHINE NOT COVERING ENTIRE POOL (DUE TO FORCE OF WATER FLOW FROM RETURN INLET).


  1. Turn directional eyeball downward (toward pool bottom).
  2. If return flow still effects hose or unit, install a Zodiac return diverter. Follow the directions below.
2a: Remove the existing return inlet eyeball retaining ring and remove the directional eyeball.
2b: Replace the directional eyeball with the Zodiac return eyeball diverter (Part No. W90153) and reinstall the eyeball retaining ring. NOTE: If your return inlet dimension is 2", use return eyeball diverter (Part No. W90155) available from your Zodiac dealer.
2c: For pools with no return inlet directional fitting or with other types of return line diverters, use a Zodiac universal return line diverter (Part No. W24100), available from your Zodiac dealer. Pinch the wires together and insert them fully into the return inlet.
AIM THE FLOW FROM THE DIVERTER TOWARD THE BOTTOM OF THE POOL
Download User Manual (PDF)
Machine does not move, or moves sluggishly.
  • - Increase flowkeeper setting.
  • - In water 60° F or less, it may be necessary to increase flow to compensate for the reduced flexibility of the hose and diaphragm.
  • - Check diaphragm for damage or wear.
  • - Backwash filter and empty pump basket.
  • - Check for air in system. If water level in pump basket drops, check hose connections, tighten all fittings at pump, check gasket in pump basket for wear.
Machine does not cover entire pool.
  • - Point return jets as far down as possible.
  • - Make sure hose does not have memory from being coiled. If memory is present, disconect hoses and lay in a straight line in the sun to relax memory.
  • - Confirm proper hose length.
Machine sticks on ladder.
  • - Remove ladder if possible.
Machine sticks in steps.
  • - Ensure correct amount of hose is being used. Shorten if neccessary.
  • - Reduce flowkeeper setting.
Machine climbs walls or stays on edge of pool.
  • - Reduce flowkeeper to #1 setting.
Download User Manual (PDF)
Cleaner Does Not Operate
  • - Is the pump on?
  • - Check the Star Control setting to ensure the indicator line is in the correct color window.
  • - Remove dirt and debris from the cleaner.
  • - Clean the pool's filtration system according to the manufacturer's directions.
  • - Ensure that the ZIPPY® has been installed properly.
Hose Coils
  • - Some hose coiling is normal. If the coils are preventing proper operation:
  • - Assure that the proper length of hose is in use.
  • - Clean filter screen thoroughly.
  • - Check and adjust the flow range at the Star Control.
  • - Lay the hose straight in direct sunlight for a few hours.
Cleaner Turns Over
  • - Check the Star Control setting.
  • - Assure that the nozzle assembly swivels freely.
  • - Check for air trapped in the cleaner head by tilting the head on its side while it is submerged.
  • - Assure that the proper length of hose is in use.
Poor Pool Coverage
  • - Check the Star Control setting.
  • - Assure that the proper length of hose is in use.
  • - Check for hose memory.
  • - Clean the tray and filter screen.
  • - Assure that the nozzle assembly swivels freely.
Poor Debris Pick-Up
  • - Clean the tray and filter screen.
  • - Check the Star Control setting.
Cleaner Gets Stuck on the Pool Ladder.
  • - Install a ZIPPY® ladder guard, available from your ZIPPY® dealer.
ZIPPY® Star Control Sprays Water Above the Waterline
  • - Check pool for proper water level.
Download User Manual (PDF)
Hose will not rise when pump is switched on and connected.
  • - Check that there is good flow through the hose. If not, your filter may need backwashing or your vacuum plate or flow valve may not be located securely in the skimmer box. Make sure it is seated properly.
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  • - If you are sure there is good flow through the cleaner and the hose will still not rise properly, then water may have got into the tubing because the float was held underwater when the pump was switched on. The tubing will usually clear water out of itself automatically by squirting the water out as the pump is switched off. You can assist this process by turning the pump on and off repeatedly, waiting a full minute between each switch, to allow the water in the tubing to escape.
Hose will not sink when the pump is turned off.
  • - Check that you do not have a lot of air entering the hose at a join between segments or through a hole in the hose. If there are many air bubbles in the hose, the hose may not sink.
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  • - Another possible cause of poor sinking performance is that water may have entered the tubing and is blocking the escape of air. Clear this water using the same method as above.
Salt chlorinators with a new hose.
  • - If you have a salt water chlorinator, then for a few days after installing new hose, bubbles may collect on the outside of the hose. This may prevent the hose from sinking. After the new hose has been in the pool for a while, the bubbles will stop collecting on the hose. In the meantime, if you shake the hose vigorously to release the bubbles, the hose will sink when the pump is off.