WINTER STORAGE | HOSE BALANCE | PARTS | TROUBLESHOOTING | FAQ'S | POOL CARE GLOSSARY

DirtBlaster Winter Storage

• Remove your DirtBlaster pool cleaner from the pool and let it dry completely

• Disassemble the hose sections and store in original box or lay out on a flat surface – NEVER store the hose in a coiled position.

• Store DirtBlaster so that the pleated seal lays flat, or remove the seal and store it in a flat position.

• Store all parts indoors.

Hose Balance

You may need to attach hose weights to neutralize the hose’s buoyancy in the water. With the cleaner turned off, the hose balance is correct when the cleaner’s seal rests flat on the pool floor and the main body makes a 45 degree angle with the pool floor. Your Dirt Blaster vacuum will produce the best results when the hose neither weighs down or pulls up the unit.

Above Ground Pools
Typically one weight is needed, placed 4-12” away from the body’ swivel head.

In Ground Pools
Typically all 3 weights are needed. The first should be placed on the first section of hose between 4-12” from the body’s swivel head; the next 2 weights should be positioned 6’ and 10’ from the body respectively.


Adjust weights one inch at a time as needed, until proper balance is achieved:

• HOSE IS TOO LIGHT – if the hose rises toward the surface at an angle greater than 45 degrees, move the weight closer to the cleaner.

• HOSE IS TOO HEAVY – if the hose sags downward at an angle less then 45 degrees, move the weight away from the cleaner.

DirtBlaster Parts

Troubleshooting

FAQ: Pool Cleaning Equipment

Sometimes we all need a little help clarifying pool product lingo. Here we present six Frequently Asked Questions regarding pool cleaning equipment and care.

1) The suction-side cleaner is moving very slow? What could be the problem?
It is advisable to check the pump basket for debris, ensuring that the filter is clean and water is flowing properly. Also check the throat of the cleaner for any obstructions. Obstructions also may be found where the hose attaches to the suction line. Check hose for splits, obstructions, or holes. If a pool contains a lot of leaves from surrounding trees, an in-line leaf trap is recommended for use with the suction cleaner.

2) The suction-side cleaner isn't cleaning the entire pool. How can this be improved?
First off, the hoses may be too short. Another common cause is that the cleaner itself may be following the flow pattern of the water in the pool—in other words, strong flow from wall return jets will push the cleaner into a pattern. The remedy is to adjust the return port wall fittings, or add wall fittings to the return ports. It helps to point the fittings down or at a downward angle. If the pool doesn't have wall fittings at the return ports, there are alternative wall fittings made by the manufacturers to divert the flow.

Quick tip: Always rotate the wearable parts on the cleaners and replace those wearable parts when needed. These parts will prevent the need to replace more expensive components. 

3) The robotic pool cleaning unit will not move. What is stopping it?
If the indicator light is not glowing on the transformer, ensure that the transformer is turned on and that the 3-volt fuse isn't blown. (The indicator light can be glowing even though the fuse is blown.)
Also check the electrical outlet with another electrical appliance to ensure power is available.
If the power is available and the fuse is good, try wiggling the power cord plug from the unit to the transformer. Older units may begin to short out at the plug; a new plastic female plug may be required.
Inspect the unit itself while it is partially underwater. Is the pump motor receiving power? Is there water gushing out of the top of the unit? This would indicate that power is reaching the unit.
Additionally, is the pulley on the drive belt side turning? If not, this may indicate a shorted motor, or a corroded drive T, which would also require motor replacement.

Quick tip: Always ensure that belts tight and in good repair, as they often become stretched and weaken over time. If the belts are "skipping" and are not locked into the grooves of either the drive pulley or the wheel tubes, they may require replacement. Check that the wheel tubes are in proper position with bushings in place on either end. If the tubes are not straight, the drive belts will not be tight.

4) The robotic unit does not pump. What is the problem?
If the unit moves, but does not pick up any debris, lift the unit up near the surface of the water. Does water gush out of the top? If not, the pump motor may be shorted.
Unplug the unit and pull it out of the water. Remove the vent cap on top of the unit and check that the impeller does not have string wound around the base. Turn the impeller by hand to check spin. Plug in unit and check spin. If there is no spin, the pump is probably shorted.
Another reason may be that the pump motor is not working properly is if the unit won't climb the walls very far before falling off. The pump motor provides the suction it needs for climbing.

5) Should a pool be brushed regularly?
A pool brush normally is attached to a telescopic pole, and is most commonly used to brush algae off of the walls. Brushing a pool will keep dirt from occupying the small pores and starting small organic farms. Steel bristled brushes—called algae brushes—are very effective on algae. However, do not use a steel brush on a vinyl-lined pool.
Done regularly, brushing reduces the time spent vacuuming. Brush from the shallow end toward the deep end in overlapping strokes. Circle the pool towards the main drain, and much of the dirt will be swept up into the filter in this manner.

6) It takes too long to scoop out leaves from the pool. What is the fastest and best way to do this?
Using a leaf skimmer to scoop out the leaves will slow the process dramatically. It is best to first use a leaf rake, which is much like a leaf skimmer but has a deep bag-like net instead of a flat net. A leaf rakes holds many more leaves with each scoop. Also, a leaf rake allows the water to pass through much easier when it has leaves in it than a leaf skimmer does, thereby preventing the water wave that results in front of a leaf skimmer from pushing the leaves away from it.
A leaf rake also is much easier to use when scooping leaves from the pool bottom. When scooping the bottom, extend the pole out as far as possible, face the Leaf Rake back towards you, and pull towards you. This will scoop up the leaves as you pull.

Quick tip: The best way to keep leaves out of a pool in the first place is to empty the skimmer basket(s) often. Rather than letting the skimmer basket fill up, dump the basket as needed. This may be several times a day, but it's still a lot easier than getting leaves off the bottom. For pool systems wherein the pump is on a timer, run it longer so that the skimmer(s) are working longer.

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Editor's note: References excerpted from
http://www.poolcenter.com/autocleaners.htm
http://www.poolcenter.com/janfaq.htm
http://swimming.about.com/od/poolandspamaintenance/a/poolleafremoval.htm