Aquabot, Turbo Remote Control, Solo Remote Control, Plus Remote Control, Ultra pool cleaner User manual

Trouble Shooting
Does Not Clean Entire Pool (Misses Areas) or Does Not Climb Walls
Your Aquabot is designed to clean the pool many times over within a
recommended 7-hour cleaning cycle by cleaning one section at a time in a
systematic pattern (note that some models come equipped with internal 7hour automatic shut-off timers). If large portions of the pool are missed, then
please check the following:
1a. Make sure that the Floating Handle is locked diagonally across the top of
your Aquabot‟s body.
1b. Shake the Handle. Listen for the presence of water within it. The Handle
should be lightweight and airtight without water in it.
Note: When at the waterline your Aquabot should have a portion of its
Scrubbing Brushes out of the water. Should your Aquabot not make it to the
waterline during its cleaning cycle then the Aquabot will be unable to move
left or right at the waterline. Then it will be unable to reach and clean all
areas of the pool and may remain in one or two sections while missing
others. If an obstruction is impeding left/right movement refer to Step# 5
below.
2. Clean the Filter Bag thoroughly so that the fine particles of dirt that get
trapped within the fibers of the Filter Bag are removed. To test if the Filter
Bag is inhibiting the Aquabot‟s performance simply remove the Filter Bag
and operate the cleaner without it. If the Aquabot then pumps water strongly,
and climbs the walls properly, the Bag most likely requires a thorough
cleaning.
3. Be sure that the Power Supply is located in the center of one of the long
sides of the pool. This will allow optimum use of the Aquabot‟s Floating
Cable‟s length. Make sure that the Floating Cable is untangled and spread
out on the surface of the.
4. Check that the Pump Motor is operating. Please refer to the
Troubleshooting section titled Moves but Does Not Pick up Dirt and Debris
(Page 11).
5. Remove obstructions from your pool. Objects protruding from walls may
impede the left/right movement of your Aquabot when it is at the waterline
causing the cleaner to remain in one or two sections while missing others.
For optimal performance, it is recommended to remove objects from the
pool walls when operating your Aquabot. If some objects, such as ladders,
can not be removed during your Aquabot‟s cleaning cycle, place the
Aquabot in each of the„separate‟ portions of the pool allowing each portion
separate 7-hour cleaning cycles. In this case place the Power Supply at the
farthest points of the pool during each cleaning cycle.
6. Check that the Drive Belts and Drive Tracks are properly aligned and are
taut. Adjust or replace if necessary.
7. Check for excessive wear of the Scrubbing Brushes and replace if
necessary. Note: Rubber Brushes begin to stiffen in water less than 70 F
which lessens their ability to climb pool walls.
8. You may need to add Floatation. Your Aquabot needs to properly climb
the walls and to move left or right scrubbing the waterline in order to
properly clean the entire pool.
9. Check the surface of your pool walls. In rare instances (e.g., new pools)
the pool walls may naturally be slippery and require manual
cleaning/brushing first. If algae has accumulated in your pool and there is a
slick green or clear layer along the base of the walls, this impedes the
climbing ability of your Aquabot. We suggest you “Shock” your pool*, and
then manually brush and vacuum the dead algae from all surfaces to “waste”
(not through the main filter) to remove the bulk of the algae from the pool.
If you use your Aquabot to remove the dead algae be aware that the Filter
Bag may clog quickly, requiring several cleaning cycles and thorough Filter
Bag cleanings. NOTE: Your Aquabot‟s Brushes will become covered with
algae. Thoroughly clean them to ensure traction for future use.
*IMPORTANT: When shocking your pool water, remove your
Aquabot from the water for at least 24 hours to allow proper dilution
before returning the cleaner to the pool. Otherwise premature
discoloration and wear of plastic and rubber components will occur.
10. If you use a non-chlorine solution (i.e. Baquacil) to clean your
pool a clear slick film may form along your pool’s walls impeding the
Aquabot’s ability to climb. We suggest maintaining 225 to 300 parts
per million of Calcium Hardener in your pool water to combat the film
built-up.
11. If your pool is irregular in shape (T, L, freeform) or has large swim out
areas your Aquabot may not be able to properly negotiate coming out of or
entering all pool areas in a standard 7-hour cleaning cycle. To ensure
cleaning of all areas, we suggest placing the Aquabot in each of the
„separate‟ areas of the pool allowing each area a 7-hour cleaning cycle.
My Aquabot Moves But Does Not Pick Up Dirt And Debris
1. Check the operation of the Pump Motor. While the Aquabot is in the pool,
and with the Power Supply switched on, hold the cleaner by its Floating
Handle. Water should gush from the Outlet Top. If there is no water flow or
if it appears weak proceed to Step # 2.
2. Turn off the Power Supply, remove the Aquabot from the pool, and
unplug it from the Power Supply.
3. Using a screwdriver, remove the screws that secure the Outlet Top to the
body and inspect the Propeller for clogs, hair or other debris which may
keep it from spinning freely. If it appears to be frozen and no debris is
blocking its movement, or if the Propeller moves freely when spun manually
but not when the Aquabot is turned on, or if the propeller is loose and
wobbles when spun manually, continue to the bottom of the page.
4. If the Pump is operating properly replace the Outlet Top. Be careful not to
over tighten and “strip” the screws, then proceed to Step #5.
5. Clean the Filter Bag thoroughly so that the fine particles of dirt that get
trapped within the fibers of the Filter Bag are removed.
6. Check the Intake Valve Flaps on the underside of your unit. The Flaps
should move freely to open and close. Clean and free the Valve Flaps if
necessary.
Pumps Water, But Aquabot Does Not Move Or Moves Slowly
Remove the Aquabot from the pool and place it upside down (on a nonabrasive surface so that it won‟t become scratched or scuffed) and unplug it
from the Power Supply.
1. Check for and remove any debris such as hair, string, or leaves that may
be obstructing the free movement of the Drive Pulley Drive Belts or Drive
Tracks.
2. Check that the Drive Belts and Drive Tracks are properly aligned and are
taut. Adjust or replace if necessary.
Then, plug the Aquabot into the Power Supply and turn it on outside the
water, allowing it to run a maximum of 1 minute to check the following:
3. Check that the Drive Pulley is turning. If it is not, grip one Wheel Tube
with both hands and rotate it forward and reverse to see if the Drive Motor to
which the Drive Pulley is connected, loosens and begins to operate correctly.
If you have checked all of the options offered for your technical issue and
the problem has not been corrected then please contact our Customer Service
Department at 1-800-845-4856.
Floating Cable Gets Wrapped Around or Sucked Into The Aquabot
Floating Cable Ensure that the Floating Cable (E-Z Swivel Cable Detangler,
Pg. 15) is untangled and spread out on top of the water, allowing enough
cable for your Aquabot to reach all areas of the pool without restriction and
without placing excessive amounts of Floating Cable in the pool. For best
results, place the Power Supply half way across the length of the pool and
alternate its point of entry with each use.
-If the pool is irregular in shape and has large swim-out areas (e.g. “L”, “T”,
etc.) then it is suggested to begin a cleaning cycle within each swim-out area
to ensure these areas are covered. You may even restrict the Floating Cable
length so that the Aquabot is allowed to clean only within each desired area.
Should the Floating Cable continue to get tangled in or around the cleaner, contact
our Customer Service Department at 1-800-845-4856.
Debris Comes Out Of The Aquabot When Removing It From Pool (Bottom
Lid Does Not Close Properly)
Filter Bag -Ensure that the Filter Bag is properly mounted on the “W” Bag
Support Frame. Filter Bag‟s small Label on the elastic edge should be at the
center of either long side of the Bottom Lid Assembly plastic. Stretch the
elastic bottom over each Wire and slide the Filter Bag down until the Filter
Bag reaches the Bottom Lid plastic. At that point the Filter Bag‟s elastic
bottom should be stretched over the plastic lips of the Bottom Lid, and will
hold the Filter Bag in place. Press down on top of the Filter Bag where each
of the 4 “U”-shaped slots on the Wire Frame are located. This will pull the
Filter Bag corners into the corners of the Wire Frame. Insert the Bottom Lid
into the bottom of the Aquabot. Be sure that the Filter Bag‟s fabric is not
interfering with the locking of the Lock Tabs.
Lock Tabs -Check that the Lock Tabs are not warped. They should be
straight and aligned with the Aquabot‟s body.
Intake Valves - Check that the Intake Valve Flaps on the underside of your
Aquabot (in the Bottom Lid ) move freely to open and close. Clean Flaps if
necessary.
Does Not Pump Water Or Move Or Power Supply Does Not Turn On
It is unlikely that both Motors (Drive Motor - and Pump Motor - are
experiencing mechanical problems. In most cases the issue lies with
something that is hindering the flow of electricity from the electrical outlet
to the Power Supply or through the Floating Cable to the Aquabot itself. To
locate and resolve where electrical flow is being hindered check the
following.
Electrical Outlet & Connections - Make sure that the Power Supply is firmly
plugged into a grounded electrical outlet which has power. To test the outlet,
plug in another electrical instrument that you know works to the outlet.
Check that the Floating Cable is securely plugged into the Power Supply.
Power Supply
- Check that the Power Supply button is pressed upwards to the “ON”
position. Note: Some models have a Reset (Safety) Switch, which must be
pressed each time you press the “ON” button.
- Switch the Power Supply “Off” and “On” several times, allowing
approximately 30 seconds between each “ON” and “OFF”. Remember, if
your Aquabot comes equipped with a Reset Switch it must be pressed each
time after pressing the “ON” button.
- Unplug the Power Supply from the electrical outlet. Check that the Fuse in
the Power Supply‟s Fuse Holder appears operational. If the Fuse appears
burned out, then replace it with a 5 AMP SLO BLOW Fuse Please note that
there are various Power Supply model types and the location of the Fuse
may be in either the front or the back of your Power Supply.
- Use a cotton swab to dry all sides of the Fuse and Fuse Holder (inside and
out). Cable Assemblies - With the Power Supply unplugged, check the
Power Cable and the Floating Cable for cuts or damage.
If you detect damage to either Cable, please contact our Customer Service
Department at 1-800-845-4856.
Power Supply Appears To Shut Off Before Completing A Cleaning Cycle
1. If you have an Aquabot (which does not have a timer) or an Aquabot
Turbo Remote Control or Aquabot Turbo Solo Remote Control (which have
internal 7 hour timers) unplug the Power Supply and check the Fuse. If the
Fuse appears burned out, then replace it with a 5 AMP SLO BLOW Fuse
If the Fuse is intact, please contact our Customer Service Department at 1800-845-4856.
2. If you have an Aquabot Turbo (with an adjustable timer), or an Aquabot
Plus Remote Control or Aquabot Ultra (with external timer), check to make
sure that the timer is set for the desired cleaning cycle. If the cleaningcycle is
correct then check the Fuse.
Makes Loud Noises
Gurgling
Your Aquabot may make gurgling noises when at the waterline because it is
climbing a little too high on the pool wall. There are two Intake Valves on
the underside (Bottom Lid) of your Aquabot. When at the waterline, one of
the Intake Valves may be partially or entirely out of water and taking in air.
This will not affect the water cooled motors that are located within your
Aquabot for the second Intake Valve is completely submersed and taking in
sufficient water to keep the motors cool. Important: This condition poses no
danger to your Aquabot as long as it eventually reverses direction and
climbs down the wall on its own. There are two things you can do so that the
Aquabot does not climb as high:
1. The Filter Bag - Allow your Filter Bag to continue to trap debris nd
particles until your Aquabot no longer climbs as high at the waterline and its
top Intake Valve begins to submerse and the noise lessens. Remember: It is
important that your cleaner climbs and reaches the waterline and has a
portion of its scrubbing brushes out of the water, and that it moves left and
right to cover the entire pool during its cleaning cycle.
2. Floatation - If you have previously added any (combination) of the 3
floatation devices into your new Aquabot: “H-Float” or two “Side Pocket
Floats” to assist its buoyancy, it is suggested that you remove the devices
one-by-one until proper buoyancy is restored and the noise has lessened.
Squeaking
The Aquabot is built from plastic, rubber and stainless steel components
which may squeak as the cleaner operates.
Apply non-water soluble grease or oil to component contact points [ie.
where the Wheel Tube meets the Side Plate, where the Drive Pulley meets
the Bushing, etc.] to assure the smooth movement of these parts and reduce
squeaking.
Grinding or Clicking
Check Drive Belts and Drive Tracks for proper tension and alignment.
Adjust or replace if necessary.
Climbs To Waterline Then Moves Left When Floating Handle Is Locked In
One Direction,
Gets Stuck on ladders, main drains, return fittings, lights, stairs or in corners
Aquabots have a one inch clearance between the floor and its underside. The
Brushes enable the Aquabot to climb over obstacles like raised main drains,
return filters, lights, and pop-up, in-floor systems, and to climb up stairs in
most pools. But, in some cases, the size or convex surface of some of these
obstacles (i.e. lights, main drains) are too great and stop the Aquabot from
moving forward or reverse by catching on the underside of the cleaner. If
your Aquabot gets stuck we suggest you check the following:
Ladders, Return Fittings, Lane Hooks, Lighting Fixtures - Objects
protruding from walls may impede the left/right movement of your Aquabot
when it is at the waterline. For optimal performance, it is recommended to
remove objects from the pool walls when operating your Aquabot. The
greater the number of objects on the pool walls, the greater the difficulty the
Aquabot will have covering the entire pool. One object (i.e. ladder) in pool
may affect the overall cleaning cycle of your cleaner to a minor extent. Two
or more objects in the pool positioned either directly opposite one another,
or diagonally across from one another, will restrict your Aquabot to
primarily clean only one section of the pool on one side of the objects during
its cleaning cycle. If these objects can not be removed then place the
Aquabot in each of the „separate‟ areas of the pool, allowing each a separate
7-hour cleaning cycle. It is best to place your Aquabot at the farthest points
of the pool at the beginning of each cleaning cycle.
Main Drains - Contact an Authorized Dealer location for a main drain
guard, which will prevent your Aquabot from becoming stuck on the Main
Drain .
Return Fittings - Contact your Authorized Dealer for return fittings of the
same diameter as your current fittings, yet with smaller extensions (under 1”
height). This should provide the clearance needed for your Aquabot to climb
freely.
Note: The bottom step of a ladder may stop your Aquabot from freely
climbing and tilting 90° up the wall from the floor. This means the cleaner
will remain in the forward mode, „spinning its wheels‟, under the ladder
until its internal timer automatically reverses. This means the Aquabot will
not reach the waterline in that area and may slightly affect its cleaning
pattern.
Scrubbing Brushes - Check that your Brushes are plush and not worn.
Should they require replacement, contact our Customer Service Department
at 1-800-845-4856. Replacement Brushes may be a different style with a
larger diameter, providing increased ground clearance and a faster speed to
climb over obstacles. (For replacement instructions see, Changing Scrubbing
Brushes ) .
Mercury Switches - Always start your Aquabot on a horizontal level
surface (both Brushes touching the floor). Should your Aquabot begin its
cleaning cycle in an incline, the Mercury Switches within the Drive Motor
may begin operating assuming that the incline angle is a level floor. When
the Aquabot does become level, the Mercury Switches will tilt and consider
the floor to be the wall. This will offset its operation, resulting in insufficient
cleaning due to remaining in forward or reverse positions for great lengths of
time when not needed.
Does Not Move Right Or Left When Handle Direction Is Reversed ( or only
moves slightly)
Should your Aquabot not move left/right when at the waterline in a
consistent manner throughout its cleaning cycle, then your cleaner will not
be able to reach and clean all areas of the pool and will remain in one or two
portions of the pool while missing others.
Check the Floating Handle
Side Pocket Floats. If your Aquabot moves in one direction at the waterline,
but not the other, or moves only in a vertical cleaning motion, do the
following:
Insert one side Pocket Float into the Bottom Lid in one of the open slots
beside the Intake Valve. When re-inserting the Bottom Lid Assembly back
into the body of the Aquabot, be sure that the Side Pocket Float is on the
Drive Motor side of the machine. This should tilt the Aquabot on an angle at
the waterline for faster cleaning coverage of your pool.