Pentair Pool Products Pool Cleaner User manual

Installation and Operation Manual
The world’s best built
aboveground pool cleaner!

Welcome
Congratulations on the purchase of your new E-Z Vac™, the aboveground pool cleaner from Pentair
Pool Products. You’ll soon see that E-Z Vac really is the easy way to keep your aboveground pool
clean. First, however, you’ll have to install E-Z Vac and perhaps make some minor adjustments.
This manual covers the steps needed to install and adjust E-Z Vac.
Contents
I. PoolRequirements ........................................3
II. PoolPreparation ..........................................3
III. Assembly................................................3
IV. Installation...............................................4
V. Adjustment ..............................................8
VI. Troubleshooting .........................................10
VII. Maintenance ............................................12
VIII. CustomerService ........................................12
IX. Parts&Accessories ......................................13
Before you begin to install E-Z Vac in your pool, please record the serial number of your E-Z Vac
in the space below. This way, if you need to refer to the serial number in the future, it will be
readily available. The diagram on page 3 shows where E-Z Vac’s serial number is located.
E-Z Vac Serial Number: ___________________________________________
Activate E-Z Vac’s Warranty
You will also need to record the serial number on E-Z Vac’s warranty registration card. Complete
and return the card to activate E-Z Vac’s limited warranty.
Toll-Free Customer Helpline
If you have questions about your E-Z Vac, check the instructions in this manual first. If you
still have a question, call your Pentair Pool Products dealer or call our Toll-Free Customer
Helpline at 800-443-5711. Please have your E-Z Vac serial number ready when you call.
Warranty Note
Cleaners purchased in the United States of America from entities outside the United States do not
qualify for any United States programs including warranty, trade-in, or rebate programs.
2

3
I. Pool Requirements
• E-Z Vac is recommended for use in pools that have a cove* height of at least 6 inches. Pool coves
less than 6 inches may inhibit the cleaner’s operation.
*The pool “cove” is the embankment between the pool wall and floor. It is generally constructed
with either a banked or radius shape as shown in Figure 1.
• E-Z Vac is not recommended for use in pools with no cove (with a 90°floor-to-wall angle). The
absence of a cove may affect the cleaner’s operation by inhibiting its random-pattern coverage.
II. Preparation Of Your Pool
Before assembling and installing your E-Z Vac, your pool should be clean and algae-free so as not
to inhibit the cleaner’s traction. If necessary, make the following preparations before proceeding:
1. Chemically balance the pool water.
2. Brush pool and let the debris settle.
3. Hand vacuum thoroughly.
4. Clean filter and pump strainer basket.
III. Assembly
Remove E-Z Vac and all of its parts from the box and check to make sure that all components were
included. Refer to Figure 2.
Components Check List
11. E-Z Vac
12. Weighted Bumper Strap
13. Automatic Regulator Valve
14. Valve Cone
15. Eyeball Diverter & Outer Ring
16. Hose Weight
17. Aboveground Seal
18. Hose Protector
9. Hose - 32 ft. total length
(not shown)
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Figure 2
Figure 1
2.
1.
Serial Number
8.

4
tep 1. Attach The eal
Slide the Aboveground Seal over the top of the swivel head and down over the main body as
illustrated in Figure 3. The seal should seat in the groove just above the footpad. Once in place, the
seal should rotate and turn freely.
tep 2. Attach The Bumper trap
Insert the bottom end of the bumper strap (end closest to the bumper weight) into the slot provided
on the main body. Insert the top end of the bumper into the slot provided in the swivel head. See
Figure 4.
tep 3. Attach The Hose Weight And Assemble The Hose
E-Z Vac’s Hose comes in sections which must
be assembled. You will also have to attach one
hose weight to the end of the third hose section.
See Figure 6.
Figure 3
Swivel Head
Seal
Groove
for Seal
Main Body
Foot Pad
Figure 4
Main Body
Swivel Head
Bumper Weight
Male Hose End Female Hose End
Figure 5

5
NOTE: One section is fitted with two female ends. See Figure 5. Attach this section last.
Begin by attaching the female end of a male/female hose section to the swivel head of your E-Z Vac.
See Figure 6. Connect two more male/female hose sections to the first section. Then install the hose
weight near the male end of the third hose section as shown in Figure 6. Finally, assemble the complete
hose, ending with the female/female section. To ease the assembly of the hose dampen the hose
ends with water as you assemble them together.
IV. Installation
tandard Installation
1. IMPORTANT: Turn the pool pump off before
proceeding with this step. Make sure all other
suction lines, including the main drain (if your pool
has a main drain), are closed – EXCEPT for the
suction line from the skimmer.
2. Remove the skimmer basket and fit the valve cone
down into the suction line located in the bottom of
the skimmer. Press down until snug.
3. Press the automatic regulator valve down into the
valve cone until snug. See Figure 7. (The end of the
valve that is marked “attach hose this end” must point up.)
Figure 7 Top of Skimmer
Hose through
Skimmer Opening
Automatic
Regulator Valve
Valve Cone
Attach
Hose
this end
Figure 6
Hose Weight
Swivel Head
Female End of a
Male/Female Section
(Your fully assembled E-Z Vac should look like this.)
Note: The hose length illustr ted is not
represent tive of ctu l size. You m y
need to use more sections th n shown.

6
NOTE: The automatic regulator valve must be below the surface of the water in order to
operate. If it does not fit into the skimmer, or if you are unable to install the regulator valve as
instructed above, use the “Optional In-Line Installation” on this page.
4. Place the E-Z Vac into the pool, with the hose attached and allow it to sink to the pool floor.
Continue to feed the hose vertically down into the pool to fill it with water and purge the air.
5. Bring the end of the hose through the skimmer opening and push it onto the regulator valve, as
shown in Figure 7. Ensure that all connections are snug. In some cases it may be necessary to bring
the hose through the top of the skimmer, instead of through the skimmer opening, to connect it to the
automatic regulator valve. Installing the hose through the top of the skimmer can help to avoid a
sharp bend or “kink” in the hose, which may affect the cleaner’s performance.
Non- tandard Installation
Optional In-Line Installation
When it is not possible to install the automatic regulator valve in the skimmer as described in the
standard installation, use this Optional In-Line Installation.
We strongly recommend the use of the automatic
regulator valve for maximum safety and
performance. The valve automatically adjusts
to changes in the amount of water flow to
provide E-Z Vac with the power necessary
to ensure proper cleaning performance.
1. Turn pool pump off.
2. Remove the skimmer basket and fit the valve cone
down into the suction line located in the bottom of the
skimmer. Press down until snug. See Figure 9.
3. As a safety measure, the automatic regulator
valve should be encased in a strainer guard.
The strainer guard keeps swimmers and other
objects safely away from the flow going into the
automatic regulator valve. NOTE: The strainer
guard is an accessory available for purchase from your Pentair Pool Products dealer.
4. Place the ends of the automatic regulator valve through the halves of the strainer guard and snap
the halves together. See Figure 8.
A TOMATIC REG LATOR
VALVE with STRAINER G ARD
Figure 8

7
5. You will have to change the order of hose sections before you attach the hose to the automatic
regulator valve. Instead of ending in a female/female section as shown in Figure 6, the last hose
section will be a male/female section and the second to last will be the female/female hose section.
6. Install the automatic regulator valve (encased in the strainer guard) between the last two sections
of hose with the suction port facing the pool floor. See Figure 9.
7. Place E-Z Vac into the pool and allow it to sink to the floor. Continue to feed the hose vertically
down into the pool until it is completely filled with water and purged of air.
8. Connect the male end of the last hose section to the valve cone already positioned in the skimmer.
See Figure 9.
9. You may need to put either a hose weight or hose float onto the sides of the automatic regulator
valve to ensure that the valve remains submerged. (Both can be purchased from your E-Z Vac
dealer.) When connected, the automatic regulator valve should be approximately 12 to 18 inches
below the surface of the water so that air does not enter the system.
• If the automatic regulator valve is floating less than 12 inches below the water’s surface, place a hose
weight on each side of the valve. See Figure 9.
• If the automatic regulator valve is sinking more than 18 inches below the water’s surface, place one
hose float on either side of the valve. See Figure 9.
• You may need to vary the distance of the floats/weights from the automatic regulator valve to
obtain the correct depth for the automatic regulator valve. Check that the suction port on the
automatic regulator valve is down, so it faces the pool floor. This will keep the suction port
submerged at all times.
Regulator Valve
with Strainer
Guard
Figure 9
Male Hose
End fits into
Valve Cone
Valve Cone
M/F
Hose
Section
Hose Weight or Float
(not supplied)
F/F Hose
Section

8
V. Adjustments
After completing the installation, turn the pool pump on. Allow the pump to run for a couple of
minutes to allow air to cycle out of the system. E-Z Vac should be moving about the pool at a rate
of 8 to 12 feet per minute. Check each of the following initial adjustments to E-Z Vac at this time.
Hose Length
IMPORTANT: The pump must be on when you check the hose length. The hose contracts when
the pump is operating and will look longer when the pump is off.
Position E-Z Vac at the furthest point of the pool from the skimmer. (It is easy to position E-Z Vac
in the pool by moving it about with your pool pole and brush.) E-Z Vac’s hose should be long
enough to reach to the end of the pool, plus one hose section. If necessary, remove extra hose
sections from the center portion of hose. Removing center hose sections avoids having to disturb
the hose weight placement. Save extra hose sections for use as needed for replacement.
Return Line Water Flow
IMPORTANT: The water flow from your return line can push the cleaner’s hose and affect its
performance. It may cause the cleaner to steer away from the end of the pool where the return line
is located, or it may cause it to remain in one section of the pool. To correct this, use the eyeball
diverter included with your cleaner.
To install the eyeball diverter:
• First make sure your pool pump is off. Remove the original eyeball diverter from the return
line at the pool by unscrewing the lock ring. See Figure 10.
• Replace the original eyeball diverter with the E-Z Vac’s eyeball diverter.
• Replace the lock ring and tighten. Make sure the opening of the eyeball diverter points in the
proper direction before tightening fully. See eyeball diverter positions.
Eyeball Diverter Wire Diverter
(optional)
Figure 10
Pool Deck
Pool Wall
Return
Line
Eyeball
Fitting
Eyeball
Diverter
Lock (Retaining) Ring

9
IMPORTANT: The eyeball diverter must fit snugly into the eyeball fitting. Some eyeball
fittings, like Aqua Leader or Olympic, may be too large for the eyeball diverter. In this situation,
use the outer ring supplied with your E-Z Vac to adjust for the discrepancy in size.
• Snap the outer ring onto the eyeball diverter and position it in the first groove as shown in
•Figure 11.
• Insert the eyeball diverter/outer ring assembly into the eyeball fitting in the return line.
•See Figure 11.
• Install the lock (retaining) ring and tighten.
Eyeball Diverter Positions
• Make sure the opening of the eyeball diverter points to the side, at a “9 o’clock position,” before
•tightening fully.
• Usually, directing the return line water flow against the side of the pool, as described above,
•works best. However, you may want to try pointing the flow downward or in different positions to
•see which works best in your pool.
NOTE: If the Eyeball or Eyeball with outer ring do not fit your pool, use the Wire Diverter
accessory available for purchase from your dealer.
After installing the eyeball diverter, turn the pool pump on. Your cleaner should begin moving
across the pool floor vacuuming up debris in its path.
Pool Deck
Pool Wall
Return
Line
Eyeball
Fitting
Eyeball Diverter with
Outer Ring Attached
Lock
(Retaining)
Ring
Outer Ring
Eyeball Diverter
Snap into this
Groove
Figure 11

10
VI. Troubleshooting
Because of the individual characteristics of your pool, some additional adjustments may be required
to get the best performance from your E-Z Vac. If there seems to be a problem, check these
common causes of cleaner problems. If you still need help, call your Pentair Pool Products Dealer
or call our Customer Helpline at 800-443-5711.
_ Is filter clean? Clean filter
_ Is pump strainer basket clean? Clean basket
_ Is debris blocking the bottom of E-Z Vac? Remove debris
_ Are there any leaks in the hose? Replace leaky section
_ Is automatic regulator valve free of debris? Clean valve
NOTE: When E-Z Vac is operating, we recommend that you remove your
pool’s ladder.
Otherwise, the ladder can “trap” E-Z Vac and prevent it from moving about the pool.
If E-Z Vac is not moving or pulsating
• Check to ensure that the main drain and all suction lines are closed, except for the suction
•line to which E-Z Vac is attached.
• Check for debris in the filter or pump basket.
• Check for debris in E-Z Vac’s flapper. Debris may prevent flapper movement or restrict flow.
See page 11 for instructions.
• Pool pump and filter system may be too small (incapable of providing 14 gallons per minute
•water flow). Consult your pool professional.
If E-Z Vac tracks in a repetitive pattern
• Check the swivel on the top of E-Z Vac. It should turn freely.
• Check the return line water flow and re-direct as necessary with an eyeball diverter.
•Refer to page 9, “Eyeball Diverter Positions.”
• Check E-Z Vac’s hose to ensure it has not become bent or kinked. It only takes one bent or
•kinked hose section to hinder the cleaning coverage. One way to check for kinks in your
•hose is to lay each section flat on your pool’s deck (or other flat surface). The hose should be
•perfectly straight and flat. Do not coil the hose when taking your E-Z Vac out of the pool
•because it will retain the coil shape, forming a bend or kink.

11
TO REMOVE DEBRI FROM THE FLAPPER
• Sometimes debris may clog the bottom of the cleaner and prevent flapper movement or
restrict flow. The flapper is located inside the main body and must move freely at all times.
• You can see the flapper through the opening in the baffle plate, when you turn the cleaner
upside down as shown in Figure 12. iggle
the flapper with your finger or flush the
cavity with a hose to force out any debris
lodged inside the main body.
• If debris is still lodged inside, you must
remove the flapper. First, lift the lip of the
foot pad up and insert a flat-headed
screwdriver along side one of the two tabs
found on either side of the baffle plate. See
Figure 13. Push the tab inward with the
screwdriver until the baffle plate releases.
Place a finger into the center opening of the
baffle plate and pull up until it pops out.
Then pull the flapper out. NOTE: You
should be able to do this without taking
the foot pad off.
• Once the debris is dislodged, insert the flapper back into the main body and snap the baffle plate
back into position. Be sure that it is securely in place. See Figure 13.
Figure 13
Foot Pad
(not necessary to remove)
Baffle Plate Flapper Main Body
Figure 12 BOTTOM VIEW OF CLEANER
Foot Pad
Flapper is
inside
Baffle Plate
Aboveground
Seal

12
VII. Maintenance
E-Z Vac requires almost no maintenance. Visually inspect your E-Z Vac from time to time to make
sure that:
• The flapper is moving freely and is not obstructed by debris.
• The footpad is not excessively worn. When the traction pads on the bottom have worn down, •
it is time for replacement.
We recommend that you leave E-Z Vac in your pool, except during chemical shock treatments.
During swimming it is easy to unplug E-Z Vac and pull it to one side.
When storing E-Z Vac, do not coil the hose. Lay the hose out flat in an area protected from direct
sunlight. If hose sections are disconnected, try not to disturb the hose weight location.
To ensure optimum performance from your E-Z Vac, we recommend the use of blue sectional hose
by Kreepy Krauly.
VIII. Customer ervice
Your satisfaction is important to us, so we’re happy to help you get the best performance possible
from your new E-Z Vac. This manual covers the standard performance adjustments, which may
apply to your pool. If you still need help, call your Pentair Pool Products dealer or call our
Customer Helpline at 800-443-5711. Please have your E-Z Vac serial number ready when you
call.
Disclaimer of Liability –
About Your Pool and E-Z Vac.
There are a multitude of factors that contribute to the life of your pool. The E-Z Vac product is a
very passive product that will have no impact on pool life.
Please be aware that over time, deterioration, discoloration, weakness and brittleness of vinyl liners
can be caused separately by, or in combination with, age, the environment, an imbalance in pool
water chemistry, sunlight and the pool’s surroundings. In addition, vinyl-lined pools are affected by
the workmanship, composition and installation of the liner; and the workmanship and quality of
construction of the supporting walls and pool base. These are all factors which can contribute to
liner failure. The existence of any of these types of conditions in your pool is not caused by the use
or operation of E-Z Vac. The manufacturer disclaims any liability for repairs or replacement to any
of these structures or components in the customer’s pool.
E-Z Vac cleans any aboveground pool that has a banked or radius cove height of at least
6 inches (floor-to-wall angle). Pool coves of less than 6 inches, or the absence of a cove,
will inhibit the cleaner’s operation. ee Figure 1 on page 3.
The pool owner must assume all responsibility for the condition and maintenance of the pool’s
surface, water and deck.

13
K12653
Swivel Head Assembly
K12041
Valve
Cone
K12662
Automatic
Regulator
Valve
K12654
Drive Tube
Top/Bottom (1)
K12650
Main Body Only
(Excludes
Flapper)
K12652
Foot Pad
K12657
Hose
Weight
K121680
Eyeball
Diverter
“Insist on Genuine E-Z V c
P rts to Protect Your W rr nty”
IX. Parts and Accessories
K12651
Aboveground
Seal
K12655
Bumper Strap
with Weight
K12087
Bearing Washer
K12653C
Swivel Cone and
Bearing Washer
K12649
Baffle Plate
K121683
Eyeball Diverter Outer Ring
K121620
Wire Diverter
K12075
Strainer Guard
K122022
Hose Float
K12094
Manual Bypass for Automatic
Regulator Valve
HOSE
K50656
COMPLETE VAC M
HOSE ASSEMBLY –
BL E (32 ft. total length)
• 11 Sections Male/Female
Hose (32'')
• 1 Section Female/Female
Hose (32'')
K21241B
3'' Female Blue Hose Connector

14
Notes

Pentair Pool Products, Inc., 1620 Hawkins Avenue, Sanford, NC 27330
1-800-443-5711
E- ail: [email protected]
Internet: www.pentairpool.co
10M/Jan 04 Part #K50677 R v. A
Print d in th U.S.A. © P ntair Pool Products, Inc.
Pat nt Numb r 4,023,227; 5,706,540 and Oth r U.S. and For ign Pat nts and Pat nts P nding