baracuda alpha 3 Owner`s manual
Contents
1. Owner s Manual and Quick Installation Instructions THANK YOU FOR PURCHASING THE ALPHA 3 YOUR ALPHA 3 HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED TO BE EASILY INSTALLED AND TO PROVIDE YEARS OF LOW MAINTENANCE OPERATION PRIOR TO INSTALLING YOUR NEW ALPHA 3 PLEASE DO THE FOLLOWING 1 Complete and return the warranty card 2 Record your purchase information on the spaces provided below 3 Attach your invoice or a copy to this page These actions will insure prompt warranty service should it be required Simply present your owner s manual along with the invoice at any of our authorized warranty centers nationwide RECORD YOUR ALPHA 3 POOL CLEANER DATA HERE Date of Purchase Purchased From City State Province Zip Postal Code Serial No A serial number located on underside of machine head ALPHA 3 LIMITED WARRANTY This Alpha 3 was carefully inspected before shipment from our warehouse Upon unpacking if any part proves defective or missing please notify Zodiac Pool Care Inc immediately Please consult owner s manual for complete instructions on the installation and operation of your Alpha 3 ZODIAC POOL CARE INC WARRANTS THE ALPHA 3 POOL CLEANER AGAINST ALL MANUFACTURING DEFECTS AND ALL WEAR AND TEAR FOR THE FIRST TWO 2 YEARS INCLUDING THE ALPHA 3 HOSE ALL WARRANTIES ARE EFFECTIVE FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE Should this product prove defective in workmanship materials or wear during the2. ARRANTY PROVIDED HEREIN IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE WRITTEN WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO THE ALPHA 3 POOL CLEANER ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES IMPOSED BY APPLICABLE LAW INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO EACH COMPONENT OF THE ALPHA 3 ARE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THE EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO SUCH COMPONENT SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU In no event shall Zodiac Pool Care Inc be liable in contract or in tort or under any other legal theory for lost profits or revenues loss of use or similar economic loss or for indirect special incidental consequential or similar damages even if it has been advised of the possibility of such claim Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you No claim under this Limited Warranty will be recognized unless the registration card included in your box is completed and returned within fifteen 15 days of the purchase date Only the original purchaser may submit a claim under this Limited Warranty Purchaser s claims against Zodiac Pool Care Inc shall be limited to those claims which may be asserted under the Limited Warranty relating to any defect malfunction or wear of the Alpha 3 To obtain warranty replacements or repair call for authorizatio
3. HOOTING Alpha 3 patterns or doesn t Use Pool Pulse to confirm proper flow see pg 12 cover majority of pool Divert all return inlets see pg 6 Confirm proper hose length see pg 7 Check hose for memory see pg 13 Add hose weight 4 to 7 from cleaner head see pg 15 Use 45 elbow on wall vacuum installations see pg 10 Coverage will be limited with the use of a solar blanket Note In cold water 60 or less water flow must be increased to compensate for reduced flexibility of hose and diaphragm see pg 11 Alpha 3 sticks at steps Utilize flow as shown in coverage section see pg 15 Add hose weight 4 to 7 from cleaner head see pg 15 Reduce flow to low side of ideal range see pg 12 Shorten hose if necessary Alpha 3 won t move Use Pool Pulse to confirm proper flow see pg 12 or moves slowly 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 see pg 14 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 Use Pool Pulse to confirm proper flow see pg 12 or moves slowly and air Check hoses for possible leak bubbles are noticeable Confirm proper water level in pool at the return jets Replace and lubricate pump lid O ring se
4. MER WALL VACUUM FITTING FOR CENTER INSTALLATIONS If your skimmer or wall vacuum fitting is located at the center of your pool use enough hose sections to reach the farthest point in the pool plus two 2 sections SKIMMER WALL SKIMMER WALL VACUUM FITTING VACUUM FITTING Note You may not use all or you may need more hose sections with either installation method depending upon your pool size INSTALLATION The next steps vary based on whether your pool has one skimmer two skimmers or a wall vacuum fitting Please follow the appropriate instructions for your type of pool FOR POOLS WITH ONE SKIMMER U Turn the filtration system off 1 Using the parts shown below choose the fitting combination best suited for your skimmer You may have parts leftover DO NOT INSTALL IN THE SKIMMER AT THIS TIME e 2 45 installation adapter elbows 1 412 Connector 1 Hose protector 1 FlowKeeper Valve 1 Universal Valve Cuff IE WEB E RE rt LI FOR POOLS WITH TWO SKIMMERS No FlowKeeper Valve required Insert the male end of the hose into the large end of one 45 elbow Then insert the small end of the 45 elbow into the universal valve cuff The Insert the male end of the hose 45 elbow should be angled toward the surface into the universal valve cuff INSTALLATION FOR ALL INSTALLATIONS Turn on the filtration system Fill the hose with water by p
5. applicable warranty period the consumer s sole and exclusive remedy shall be such repair or replacement of the product as provided below THIS LIMITED WARRANTY EXCLUDES THE FOLLOWING 1 Discoloration of the Alpha 3 pool cleaner This is caused by reaction to ultraviolet rays and the chemicals used in the pool water Discoloration does not affect the operating ability of the Alpha 3 Therefore this Limited Warranty does not cover the replacement of discolored parts 2 Damage to or malfunction of the unit resulting from excess chlorination or improper water chemistry balance 3 Replacement of parts which fail or become defective as a result of improper installation negligence misuse abuse or tampering by unauthorized repair personnel 4 Age pool water imbalance and improper installation can cause vinyl pool liners to become brittle or unduly wrinkled Corrosion of the supporting walls and or irregularities in the pool base may also cause liner failure The use of this product in such an environment is at the pool owner s risk Therefore the pool owner hereby releases the manufacturer from any and all claims for damage where these conditions exist 5 The Alpha 3 is designed for use in inground pools only If unit is used in any other application the pool owner hereby releases the manufacturer from any and all claims This misuse will void all warranty on the unit The Alpha 3 Pool Cleaner doesn t work under pool cover THE LIMITED W
6. e 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 see pg 7 Use Pool Pulse and raise flow to high side of ideal range see pg 12 Alpha 3 stays on walls Use Pool Pulse to lower flow to low side of ideal or edge of pool range see pg 12 Alpha 3 sticks at ladder Install ladder guard see pg 17 IF ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED CALL 1 888 786 7797 ACCESSORIES PART NO DESCRIPTION PART ILLUSTRATION 1 24000 Ladder Guard Always use on stainless steel in pool ladders 2 24100 Return Line Diverter Use when no other return inlet directional fittings exist see page 6 3A 90153 Retrofit Eyeball Return Line Diverter Use to replace standard 3B 90155 directional inlet eyeballs see page 6 for 11 2 return inlet for 2 return inlet 3B 4 26705 The DI Li Hose Connector Use when heavy debris 4 or leaf situations exist 5 43317 Hose Weight 70 gram Aqua PARTS DIAGRAM Alpha 3 UM a 24 DESCRIPTION Alpha 3 Outer Extension Pipe w handnut Alpha 3 Outer Body Top Alpha 3 Float Alpha 3 Outer Body Bottom Alpha 3 Bumper Fin Complete Alpha 3 Side Wing A Alpha 3 Side Wing B Alpha 3 Outer Body Bracket Alpha 3 Bottom Bumper Compression Ring Alpha 3 Inner Body Alpha 3 Inner Body p
7. en the bubbles stop coming from the extension pipe attach the hose end Your installation is now complete TOO HIGH TOO LOW POOL PULSE The Pool Pulse is a flow meter that measures the volume of water flowing through your Alpha 3 cleaner It must be used to properly set the flow on two skimmer or wall vacuum installations and can be used as a diagnostic tool to check the flow on any installation Always use the Pool Pulse with the proper hose length for your pool Keep the end of the hose underwater remove the cleaner head submerge the Pool Pulse and attach it to the end of the hose The blue indicator door should move into IDEAL the clear wedge area indicating a flow in the ideal range If the flow is too low review the installation procedures see page 11 A dirty pool filter clogged baskets and improperly set valves are usually the main cause of low flow Other TOO LOW types of hydraulic problems may require a professional pool repairman If the flow is too high review the installation procedures Confirm that the bypass on the FlowKeeper valve is opening Slightly open the main drain if necessary TOO HIGH FLOWKEEPER FOR POOLS WITH ONE SKIMMER 2 The FlowKeeper valve is designed to provide proper constant flow to the ALPHA 3 cleaner head Skimming action is maintained through a bypass throat in the valve As the filter collects debris the valve automatically maintains t
8. f installation adapter elbows 1 FlowKeeper Valve 1 Pool Pulse MO lt Y 1 Disc 1 41h Connector iy os Wech female end male end NM Vai Vi a a 12 Standard hose sections 1 Hose protector If assistance is required call 1 888 786 7797 In Canada please call 1 888 647 4004 IMPORTANT FOR VINYL LINER POOL OWNERS Vinyl liners are subject to deterioration or damage due to age the effect of chemicals corrosion or failure of the supporting walls as well as improper installation maintenance or cleaning of the supporting walls or base Before installing the Alpha 3 examine the interior of your pool carefully If your vinyl liner is brittle or has stones wrinkles roots or metal corrosion in contact with the underside of the liner or has damage to the base material or supporting walls do not install the Alpha 3 before having a qualified professional perform the necessary repairs GENERAL POOL SCHEMATIC To help you better understand how your new Alpha 3 will work please read the following overview The pump is the heart of your swimming pool It pulls water and pushes water creating a circulation pattern The pump is supplied water from the main drain and the skimmer Large debris is removed at the skimmer basket and the pump strainer basket Valves located in front of the strainer basket control the flow of water coming from the main drain and skimmer P
9. he correct flow to the cleaner The FlowKeeper valve comes preset from the factory at a setting of 6 The last fully exposed number is the setting the valve is at The lower the number the lower the flow to the cleaner head Should re adjustment become necessary either pull up on the slide plate to raise the setting or lift the top edge of the slide plate and walk the plate down to a lower setting CARE AND MAINTENANCE However good an automatic pool cleaner is remember that it was developed to assist you with the maintenance of your swimming pool To maintain quality performance and increase the lifespan of your Baracuda Alpha 3 please do the following Q The skimmer basket pump strainer basket and pool filter should be thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis to ensure optimum pool cleaner efficiency Always disconnect the hose from the skimmer before backwashing Q NEVER COIL THE HOSE when the cleaner is removed from the pool Hose memory will influence coverage A coiled hose can be straightened with hot water or by laying it in the sun on the pool deck for a few hours CORRECT INCORRECT Q REMOVE THE BARACUDA ALPHA 3 BEFORE SUPER CHLORINATING If you should develop an algae problem or a chemical imbalance problem remove the Baracuda Alpha 3 and follow the advice of a qualified pool professional Reinstall the cleaner when the imbalance is corrected or after a minimum of 4 hours from super chlorinating A Periodically i
10. lacing the end over a return inlet Submerge the Alpha 3 pool cleaner head When bubbles stop coming from the extension pipe attach the cleaner head to the female end of the hose INSTALLATION FOR POOLS WITH ONE SKIMMER HOSE PROTECTOR FLOWKEEPER y VALVE 47 CONNECTOR UNIVERSAL VALVE CUFF SKIMMER Remove the skimmer basket attach the regulator valve combination to the hose and install into the skimmer Your installation is now complete FOR POOLS WITH WALL VACUUM FITTINGS FOR POOLS WITH TWO SKIMMERS Insert the cuffed hose end into the wall Remove the skimmer basket from the vacuum fitting The 45 elbow should be deep end skimmer Attach the cuffed hose angled toward the surface end to the suction port of the skimmer FLOW ADJUSTMENT FOR POOLS WITH WALL VACUUM FITTINGS AND FOR POOLS WITH TWO SKIMMERS Remove the cleaner head Attach the Pool Pulse to the end of the hose You MUST keep the Pool Pulse and hose under water di For pools with a wall vacuum fitting leave the wall vacuum fitting fully open and slowly close the skimmer valve until the blue indicator of the Pool Pulse falls into the ideal range when viewed from the side For pools with two skimmers leave the selected skimmer open and slowly close the other skimmer until the blue indicator of the Pool Pulse falls into the ideal range when viewed from the side Remove the Pool Pulse Submerge the cleaner head Wh
11. low a hose weight part number 43260 may be necessary to balance the Alpha 3 cleaner head If the Alpha 3 will not balance correctly in the deep end of the pool as shown below turn off the pump and add the hose weight approximately 4 to 7 feet or 1 2to 2 hose sections away from the cleaner head If your pool is 8 feet deep or greater you may need to purchase a heavier hose weight part number 43317 from your Baracuda dealer Position this weight 9 feet or 2 2 hose sections away from the cleaner head In unusual situations both weights may be required with the heavier hose weight 43317 at 9 feet away from the cleaner head and the lighter weight 43260 12 feet away from the cleaner head The primary reason for the hose weight is to maintain the hose at a 45 angle to the pool cleaner Incorrect Normally it is undesirable for the return line water flow to affect the natural movement of the Alpha 3 hose However the following illustration shows how return line pressure can be used to balance cleaning coverage or to guide the cleaner away from step areas with V shaped corners A return line located anywhere along the shaded area can be utilized to gently push the hose allowing the Alpha 3 to free itself from in pool obstacles TECHNIQUE Position the return line directional so that you can only detect water movement on the surface 8 feet out from the wall and aim it at the center of the opposite wall TROUBLES
12. lus compression ring Alpha 3 Belly Weight Alpha 3 Foot Pad Teal Alpha 3 Finned Disc Teal Threaded Inner Extension Pipe Diaphragm Retaining Ring Diaphragm FlowKeeper Valve Pool PulseTM 45 Elbow Hose Protector Universal Valve Cuff Alpha 3 4 2 Connector Alpha 3 Hose Weight Alpha 3 Hose Section Aqua 1 Meter Alpha 3 Hose Kit Aqua 12 x 1 Meter ele ele lel lel ele lel ele e e me ele ele ele ele Kan Kaanga aa LET US HELP Alpha 3 If you are having a coverage problem you cannot solve mail or fax us the following information along with a sketch of your pool shape indicating the location of all skimmers vacuum lines inlets stairs ladders swimouts spas waterfalls filter systems or other significant features and a brief description of the problem MAIL TO ZODIAC POOL CARE INC 2028 NW 25th Avenue Pompano Beach FL 33069 or fax to 954 977 5065 CUSTOMER NAME TELEPHONE NO ADDRESS CITY STATE PROVINCE ZIP POSTAL CODE SERIAL NO PURCHASED FROM POOL SURFACE circle one CONCRETE VINYL FIBERGLASS OTHER POOL SIZE PUMP SIZE H P FILTER circle one SAND D E CARTRIDGE FILTER SIZE or Model No INDICATE PROBLEM ZODIAC POOL CARE INC 2028 NW 25th Avenue Pompano Beach Florida 33069 1 888 786 7797 http www baracuda com Copyright 2001 91021
13. n at 888 786 7797 When calling always supply serial number evidence of purchase date retailer and a brief description of the problems defects encountered Zodiac Pool Care Inc reserves the right to repair or replace all defective or worn parts covered by this Limited Warranty and return same to purchaser freight collect Zodiac Pool Care Inc assumes no responsibility for any warranties or representations made by other individuals or businesses beyond the express terms contained in this Limited Warranty This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state For sale and use in the United States Canada and Mexico only This pool cleaner is not warranted or guaranteed outside of the United States Canada or Mexico This pool cleaner is covered by one or more of the following U S and Canadian patents and Canadian registered design U S patent nos 4 642 833 4 742 593 5 315 728 5 421 054 Canadian patent nos 1 254 105 and 1 256 262 ak OTHER PATENTS PENDING TABLE OF CONTENTS General Poo SCHEMA ara A A AA A AA 4 Disc Insta Nai A A id 5 IP URU Te da e raras 5 INIA ao WANA MAKAA E AI 7 KA KS Gal TB LIA WAA O al NA APA ace ii 8 POUL PULSE AA vai earn 12 Care and MANOS a Kaa 13 Balance and CONT A A AAA AAA 15 A AAA 16 COSO AAA A ARA rd 17 Parts A UR RR O RR kana HPT 18 Check that the following parts are included 1 Universal 2 45 degree Valve Cuf
14. nspect the cleaner for signs of wear The disc and the footpad are the most critical When the depth of the channels between the treads of the footpad are 1 8 or less replace the footpad CARE AND MAINTENANCE Large foreign objects such as children s toys tree branches and rocks should be removed manually from your pool prior to operating an automatic pool cleaner In the event a blockage occurs please follow these instructions To remove the diaphragm loosen the outer extension pipe 2 turns fig 1 From the bottom of the cleaner grip the tab of the diaphragm and pull it out fig 2 It will come out with the inner extension pipe attached and will make a loud noise fig 3 Pull the diaphragm off of the inner extension pipe and inspect it for damage cuts or tears or debris causing a blockage fig 4 Pull or rinse out the debris Do not use tools that might damage the diaphragm See your Baracuda dealer for a replacement if necessary FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4 To reassemble push the inner extension pipe into the diaphragm so that it seats up to the small lip on the inner extension pipe fig 5 Slide the inner extension pipe into the inner body fig 6 then pressing from the ridges seat the diaphragm into place fig 7 The diaphragm should fit flush against the inlet plate fig 8 Tighten the outer extension pipe until snug Do not over tighten FIGURE 9 ADJUSTMENTS BALANCE Even with the proper f
15. ools with a wall vacuum fitting would have a valve located near the skimmer and main drain valves The wall vacuum fitting provides an easier access for cleaning the pool After water has been pulled by the pump through the suction side of the system it is then pushed through your filter removing fine particles and re enters the swimming pool through the return inlets The return inlets may have directional eyeballs to aim flow and increase pressure Water flow through your Alpha 3 makes it move water flow in your pool steers the cleaner Restrictions in the suction line damaged pump parts faulty or improperly set valves baskets packed with debris and dirty pool filters all affect flow through the cleaner and will reduce its performance Improperly aimed return inlets can create a pattern in the cleaning action of your Alpha 3 FILTER All diagrams are provided for reference and for terminology used throughout this manual Your pool may vary DISC INSTALLATION Slide the finned disc over the footpad Be sure it fits properly in the grooves provided The fins on the disc face upward POOL PREPARATION For your Baracuda Alpha 3 to operate properly your pool filtration system must be operating at maximum water flow To eliminate readjustment you must do the following Q Close the main drain Q Manually vacuum the pool U Clean the filter according to the manufacturer s instructions and empty the pump strainer basket Q Diver
16. t the pool return inlets downward see page 6 POOL PREPARATION TM For your Baracuda Alpha 3 to work properly all return inlets must be pointed downward and towards each other so that you do not see a circular water flow or ripples on the surface BEFORE ADJUSTMENT TOP VIEW SIDE VIEW AFTER ADJUSTMENT TOP VIEW SIDE VIEW To adjust the return inlet loosen the lock ring and redirect the eyeball downward then retighten the lock ring If the eyeball is difficult to adjust insert a screwdriver inside the eyeball and gently adjust downward If the return inlets cannot be pointed downward then you MUST install Baracuda return line diverters They are available through your Baracuda dealer see page 17 IF UNABLE TO ADJUST RETURN INLETS OR FOR POOLS WITHOUT RETURN INLET DIRECTIONAL FITTINGS Replace the directional a Use Baracuda universal eyeball with Baracuda a a return line diverter retrofit eyeball return i Part 24100 Pinch line diverter n wires together and Part 90153 for STE Di insert fully into 11 2 return lines 7 return inlet FOR POOLS WITH RETURN INLET DIRECTIONAL FITTINGS Part 90155 for 2 return lines and reinstall eyeball retaining ring see pg 17 HOSE ASSEMBLY If your skimmer or wall vacuum fitting is located at the corner or end of your pool use enough hose sections to reach the farthest point in the pool plus one 1 section SKIMMER WALL VACUUM FITTING SKIM
Download Pdf Manuals
Related Search