Kreepy krauly VTX3 User manual

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VTX-3
OWNER’S MANUAL
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Congratulations
Your new Kreepy Krauly VTX-3 is designed to give you years of reliable
performance. As soon as you complete the final assembly steps,
it’s ready to use. Don’t worry, it doesn’t take long and this guide
will walk you through assembly and installation step-by-step.
This booklet should answer all your questions. However if you
need a little extra help, feel free to call our Customer Service
Department, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm in your local area, or go to
the website for up-to-date information.
1800 777 255
www.kreepykrauly.com.au
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1
Contents
2 Components checklist
4 Assembling your VTX-3
6 Installing the VTX-3 in your pool
11 Fine-tuning your VTX-3
12 Authorised Kreepy Krauly Accessories
13 Troubleshooting
17 What should I expect from my VTX-3?
18 Looking after your VTX-3
20 Warranty information
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2
You will find all the pictured components inside this box.
Components checklist
Male-male hose x1
Male-female hose x11
Hose weights x2
Hose protector sleeve
Smart-Skim
Smart-Skim adaptors used with most vacuum plates
used with Polyplastics 190 & 210 standard
used with Polyplastics SK10 (rectangular)
Anti-vortex washer
Auto Skim valves
Vacuum plate
Vent valve
Optional Auto Skim Upgrade (to replace Smart-Skim)
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3
Swivel head assembly
Weighted bumper strap
Main body
Standard seal
Sole
Serial number
VTX-3 cleaner unit
Floatation assembly
Deflector
Side leaf scoop
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Attach the Seal
Slide the seal onto the groove at the bottom of the main
assembly body so it’s able to rotate freely.
Attach the Sole
Fit the sole to the base of the main body. Ensure it is fitted all
the way around.
Assembling your VTX-3
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP
4
STEP
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Install the Deflector
Slide the deflector (with locking clips facing down) over the
tubes and click it onto the housing above the main body.
Install the Floatation Assembly
Press the float arms into the white housing until they click.
STEP 3
5
STEP 4
housing
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STEP 5
bent section down
Attach the Bumper Strap
Insert the bent end of the bumper
strap through the deflector (which will
prevent it from spinning) and into
the back of the main body (near the
bottom of the cleaner). Insert the
other end into the swivel
head assembly.
Prepare your pool
If your pool is clean, balanced and algae-free, you’re ready to
get started.
a. First, clean the skimmer and pump basket.
b. Check the water level.
c. Brush down the sides of your pool.
d. Next, make sure the return jets are facing downwards.
e. Then, backwash or clean your cartridge filter.
f. Now turn off the pump.
STEP 1
Installing the VTX-3 in your pool
STEP
6
STEP
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STEP 2
7
STEP 2
TIP: Depending on your vacuum plate, you may have to use a
different skim adaptor – we’ve included three to choose from
(see page 2). You know you’re using the right one when there
is a tight fit. See our website if you need help.
NOTE: To remove, ensure pump is off and grasp from the base of
the Smart-Skim, pulling up. (Note: Not from the hose or spring).
Fit the Vacuum Control
Valve (2 options)
a. Smart-Skim (comes standard)
Insert the Smart-Skim into an
adaptor fitting, then attach to
your vacuum plate.
b.
Combined Vacuum Plate and
Auto Skim valve (optional upgrade)
Your pool shop would have already
assisted you in selecting the correct
replacement for your pool’s existing
vacuum plate. To assemble, place the
Auto Skim Valve into the opening in
the new Vacuum Plate. Attach the
Anti-Vortex Washer over the valve inlet.
Placethe entire unit in the skimmer box.
NOTE: A Vacuum Plate Clamp can stop your vacuum plate moving
(see page 12).
TIP: The Anti-Vortex Washer stops the slurping sound.
OR
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8
TIP: Wetting the hose ends in your pool will
make them easier to connect to each other.
TIP: For pools deeper than 2m, use an additional
weight at 4m – pull apart the fourth and fifth
hose sections, slide on the weight then reconnect.
Build the Ultra Flex Hose
Start with the male-male hose and twist on a female length.
Keep going until the hose is long enough to reach from
your skimmer box to the far corner of your pool plus around
1.5 metres extra
– this will optimise the coverage of your VTX-3.
Attach the Hose Weight
Pull apart the second and third hose sections, slide on the weight
then reconnect the hose. The weight should sit approximately
2m from the end of the hose that connects to the VTX-3.
male male female
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP
STEP
2m
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9
Submerge the Hose
Submerge the assembled hose in your pool to expel all the air
by pushing downwards and feeding the hose into the pool.
Connect the Hose to the VTX-3
Submerge the VTX-3 in your pool to expel all air
(rotate to help remove trapped air). Now connect
the weighted end of the submerged hose to
the swivel head assembly of the VTX-3.
STEP 5
NOTE: Do not use any other
brand of pool cleaner hose with
your VTX-3 or performance
and coverage will be impaired.
STEP 6
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Connect Hose to the Skim Valve
Slide the protector sleeve onto the end of the hose. Connect
the hose to the Smart-Skim valve (or Auto Skim valve if using
the upgrade.) There are two options for the path of the hose:
Position the protector sleeve to protect the hose from wear
where it is in contact with the pool edge or skimmer box door.
Turn on the pump
Your VTX-3 should now be up and running. You should hear a
gentle ticking – that’s your cue to relax while the VTX-3 gets to
work cleaning your pool.
STEP 7
10
Option 1:
Hose through the
skimmer box door.
Option 2 (improves
surface skimming):
Hose through the
top of the skimmer
box, cover removed.
STEP 8
NOTE: Ensure your pump is off when doing this.
TIP: For option 2, cover end of hose with palm of hand when
lifting into skimmer box so air is not present in the hose.
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11
Fine-tuning your VTX-3
Depending on your pool’s shape and surface, you may need to make some
small tweaks to optimise the performance of your VTX-3.
How to achieve the right incline
VTX-3 works best when the main body sits at a 45° incline to the pool surface.
If your cleaner is lifting (greater than 45°), move the hose weight towards
the swivel head assembly. To test if it is sitting correctly turn off the
pump, tow the VTX-3 into 1.2 metres of water and observe how it sits
when it settles to the bottom. Adjust the hose weight further if needed.
If your cleaner is sitting lower than 45°, move the hose weight away from
the swivel head assembly. If it still won’t sit correctly, call your pool shop or
our Customer Service Centre for advice.
more than 45°
less than 45°
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Main Drain Cover
Place over main drain grille to ensure the VTX-3 can move
smoothly. (No screws required.)
Vacuum Plate Clamp
Holds down the vacuum plate when the pool pump is off.
Expanding Plug
Used to block off selected skimmer box pool drain inlets.
Auto Skim Upgrade
Combined vacuum plate, Auto Skim valves and
anti-vortex washer (replaces Smart-Skim and existing
vacuum plate). See page 2.
Authorised Kreepy Krauly Accessories
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13
VTX-3 pulsates rapidly
but doesn’t move, or travels
very slowly:
•
Check that the sole is fitted correctly.
• If the sole tread is worn away,
replace it with a new sole.
• Check that the Vacuum Plate and
Auto Skim or Smart-Skim valve is
fitted correctly (see page 7).
• Check the markings on the seal to
make sure it hasn’t been installed
upside down.
• Check the Smart-Skim or Auto
Skim valve isn’t jammed. If it is,
remove the valve from the vacuum
plate, submerge the valve in
water – opening and closing until
it moves freely.
• Check Smart-Skim spring is
correctly attached.
• Check for a blockage in the main
body of your VTX-3 (see page 19).
VTX-3 travels too slowly,
or doesn’t pulsate:
• If the filter is blocked, backwash
or clean it thoroughly.
• If the flow valve at the bottom of
your VTX-3 is blocked, clean out
the valve (see page 19).
• If the pump or skimmer box
strainer basket is full or blocked,
clean them out.
• If the main drain valve is open,
shut it off, or fit an optional
expanding plug.
• Check for damage to the main body.
Troubleshooting
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Low vacuum or slow,
faltering hammering sound:
• Check large debris isn’t blocking
your VTX-3 or hose (see page 19).
• Check the Smart-Skim or
AutoSkim valve and vacuum
plateis sitting correctly in the
skimmer box. You may need
adifferent adapter.
• Backwash filter.
• If you have more than one
skimmer box, you’ll need to block
off water flow from the box not
connected to the VTX-3.
• If the inlet from the main drain is
leaking, install an expanding plug.
• Your pool pump and filter system
may be too small to effectively
run your VTX-3. Ask your pool pro
to advise.
• Check for leaks or small holes in
the main body.
• Check flow valve for damage.
VTX-3 stays at one end of
the pool:
• Check that the hose is long enough
to reach the far corner of the pool.
If it isn’t, add extra sections.
• Check that the hose isn’t kinked or
coiled. If it is, follow these steps:
- The easiest method is to lay it
flat by the pool for a few hours on
a hot day (above 28ºC).
- If the weather is cooler, lay the
hose out straight and fill it with
warm (50-60ºC) not boiling
water. Roll the water backwards
and forwards until the hose
warms up and uncoils. Empty the
warm water and then pour cold
water through the hose – either
manually or by attaching one end
to the pump.
• Check that the pool outlets aren’t
pushing the VTX-3 off course.
Adjust downwards if necessary or
use an eyeball diverter.
• Do you have enough pool weights
on the hose? Additional weights
may improve directional stability.
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15
VTX-3 only travels around
the water line:
• Check the hose is not coiled. If it is
coiled, try to straighten the hose out.
VTX-3 travels around the water
line in only one direction:
• Check that the main body and
swivel head are not out of
alignment. Adjust accordingly.
The VTX-3 only climbs part
way up the wall:
• Check the sole isn’t worn and
needs replacing.
VTX-3 becomes stuck on the
main drain:
• Fit a main drain cover over the grille.
VTX-3 keeps wedging itself
on the steps:
• Shorten the pool hose slightly so
the VTX-3 can’t reach the steps and
clean the missed area manually.
• Check seal and sole for damage.
VTX-3 doesn’t sit at 45° and
has difficulties attaching to
the pool floor:
• Adjust hose weights closer to or
further away from the machine until
the seal is flat on the pool floor.
• Make sure the bumper strap
isfitted.
• Check for damage to the machine
and missing floats.
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You notice bubbles at return
to pool outlets:
• Check if the hose is damaged
by lifting it near the surface and
listening for a hissing sound.
Replace damaged section with a
new section.
• Reprime the pump.
• Check the Smart-Skim or Auto
Skim valve isn’t jammed.
• Make sure the pool water level is
high enough.
• Check the Smart-Skim or Auto
Skim valve isn’t
sitting above the
waterline. If it is, fit an anti-vortex
washer on the valve.
VTX-3 is always coming
to the surface of the pool,
possibly drawing in air:
• Check that the Smart-Skim
or Auto Skim valve is installed
correctly (see page 7).
• Check that there are no large
leaves blocking the Smart-Skim
valve and creating excess vacuum.
• Check the hose weights are fitted
correctly and readjust if necessary.
NOTE: For more detailed troubleshooting advice please don’t
hesitate to contact your helpful local dealer, or check our online
resources for tips and other information: www.kreepykrauly.com.au
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17
What should I expect from my VTX-3?
How it moves
Your Kreepy Krauly VTX-3 will move
backwards in direction, with the
water flowing through the base of
the cleaner and alternately diverted
between the two drive tubes. The
kinetic energy generated by the
water
being trapped in each drive tube
provides the lifting and propelling
motion of the cleaner, which may result
in a faintly audible ‘ticking’ sound.
How it Steers
Your cleaner steers utilising its
floatation assembly to create a
Unique Crisscross Pattern. This allows
your cleaner to efficiently cross the
pool floor. In combination with the
Ultra Flex hose, which ensures your
cleaner is not restricted or directed by
the hose.
How it Cleans
Your VTX-3 will clean your pool
daily with your normal filter cycle
by gently Skimming, Scrubbing and
Vortex Vacuuming your pool surface.
Its side scoop in combination with
Smart-Skim, or Auto Skim (with
upgrade) will remove leaves and
debris from the floor and water
surface and direct them to your
skimmer basket and filter. Don’t be
shocked if at first you see a white
cloud appear around your cleaner,
this is calcium build up being gently
removed from your pool surface. The
entire system efficiently delivers our
promised Triple Clean with Vortex.
The Ultra Flex Hose
The unique Ultra Flex hose rests just
below the water surface, due to its
buoyancy and hose weights. The ultra
flex design means when the cleaner
crosses paths with the hose section
closest to the cleaner, it is able to
move freely. This gives your cleaner
the freedom and mobility to cover
every inch of your pool.
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• IMPORTANT If you are giving the water a shock treatment with chlorine or
other chemicals, remove your VTX-3 from the pool for at least 24 hours. If the
chemicals are too strong for people to swim in, they’re too strong for the VTX-3.
• Do not use petrol or solvents to clean your VTX-3 as they will damage it.
If needed, use detergent and water.
• Periodically check the suction seal, scrubbing sole and bumper for wear
and tear. If they need replacing, see your pool shop.
Looking after your VTX-3
18
TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR HOSE:
• Never stretch or lift the hose while it is full of water
• Never hang your hose from hooks
•
Always store your hose loosely coiled (minimum 1m diameter)
on a flat surface or, ideally, disassemble and store straight
– particularly if storing long term. This will prevent the hose
from kinking and ensure your VTX-3 can move freely
when you return it to the pool.
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