Speck pumps BADU Vac 1 User manual

Swimming Pool Technology
Swembadtegnologie
BADU®Vac I
Automatic Pool Cleaner
Fast Start-up,
Safely Operate and
Efficiently Clean.
Installation and
Operation Manual

I. Preparation of Your Pool
Before assembling and installing your cleaner, 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.
II.Assembly
Remove the body and all of its parts from the box and check to make sure that all components were
included. Refer to Figure 1.
Components Check List
1. Body
2. Dive float restrictor
3. Eyeball diverter and
outer ring (Optional extra)
4. Hose weights (Set of 3)
(Optional extra)
5. Automatic regulator valve
(Optional extra)
6. Regulator Valve 2” (50mm)
Hose Cone (Optional extra)
7. Roller bumper strap
8. Pleated skirt
9. Hose-10 meters total length
(not shown)
1
Figure 1

Step 1. Attach the Skirt
To install the skirt locate the words “Up” and
face them towards the main body, slip the
skirt over the foot pad-(flat side down towards
pool floor)-and full gently until it seats itself
on the other side in its groove as illustrated
in Figure2. Skirt must be installed flat side down,
pleated side up.Once in place, the skirt should rotate
and turn freely.
The skirt is not reversible. The raised pleats on the
pleated skirt must face upward. The flat side of the
skirt should face down to rest against the pool surface.
Step 2. Attach the Roller Bumper Strap
Snap the roller bumper strap into the lower U-shaped
brace between the dive floats. Make sure the locking
tabs on both sides of the roller bumper strap snap
securely into place. See Figure 3.
Step 3. Attach The Dive Float Restrictor
Insert the bottom end of the strap into the slot
provided on the main body. Insert the top end of the
strap into the locking clip attached to the swivel head.
See Figure 4.
2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 2

Step 4. Attach the Hose Weights
and Assemble the Hoses
The cleaner hose comes in sections which
must be assembled. You’ll need enough sections
to reach from where the cleaner is connected,
to the farthest part of your pool, plus one section.
You will also have to attach hose weights to the hose
to neutralize the hose’s buoyancy in water.
The number of hose weights required is determined by
the maximum depth of your pool. The deeper your
pool, the more weights is needed. The number of
hose weights appropriate for your pool are explained
in Table A.
Note: Not all pools will require the hose weights.
Twist and push the female ends onto the male ends
after dipping the ends into the pool to wet them.
See Figure 5. Continue until you’ve connected all the
sections you need. After connecting the hose weights
to the hose as described in “Table A”, then connect the
hose to the cleaner. See Figure 6.
One of the hose sections has 2 female ends and a hose protector. This section should be fitted last
with one end attached to the pool’s vacuum connection (the weir or automatic regulator valve)
and the other side attached to your first hose.
Your fully assembled cleaner should look like this.
3
Figure 5
Figure 6
Pool depth
1,2m or less
More than 1,2m,
but less than 2,1m
More than 2,1m,
but less than 3,6m
More than 3,6m
Weight Placement
1 weight: 4 to 12 inches
from body’s swivel head.
2 weights: one 4 to 12
inches and one 6 feet
from the swivel head.
3 weights: one 4 to 12
inches and one 6 feet
and one 10 feet from the
swivel head.
4 weights: * one 4 to 12
inches, one 6 feet, one 10
feet, and one 12 feet from
the swivel head.
Table A

III. Installation
The cleaner is designed to work in wide variety of swimming pools. That’s why we’ve included certain
items (such as a 2” hose cone and valve cap for the automatic regulator valve) with your cleaner.
These may or may not be needed, depending on the particular features of your pool.
Both the standard in-skimmer installation and an optional vacuum line installation are covered in this
manual. Check to see which most closely fits your pool configuration and follow the directions.
Standard Installation
For pools with one skimmer, using the automatic
regulator valve.
The advantage of this installation is that the automatic
regulator valve automatically balances the water flow
between the skimmer and the cleaner. We strongly
recommend the use of automatic regulator valve
for maximum safety and performance. The valve
automatically adjusts to changes in the amount of water
flow to provide the cleaner with the power necessary
to ensure proper cleaning performance.
1. Switch the pool pump off.
2. Close the main drain and all suction lines, except
the line from the skimmer to which the cleaner
will be connected.
3. Remove skimmer basket.
4. Press the 2” (50mm) Hose Cone into the vacuum
connection in the bottom of the skimmer, as shown
in figure 8.
5. Press the automatic regulator valve into the
2” (50mm) Hose Cone.
The end of the valve that is marked “Attach Hose This End” must point up. See Figure8.
6. Place the cleaner 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.
7. Insert the end of the hose through the skimmer opening and connect the hose directly
onto the automatic regulator valve.
4
Figure 8
Figure 7

IV. Adjustments
After completing the installation, turn the pool pump on. Allow the pump to run for a couple of minutes
to ensure all air cycles out of the system. The cleaner should be moving about the pool at a rate of
3-4 meters per minute. Check each of the following initial adjustments to the cleaner 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 be longer when the pump is off.
With the cleaner operating, position it at the furthest point of the pool from where it’s attached.
(It is easy to position the cleaner the pool by moving it about with your pool pole and brush.)
The cleaner’s hose should be long enough to reach 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 placements. Save extra hose sections for use as
needed for replacement. NOTE: Turn pool pump off when adding or removing hose sections.
Hose Balance
To determine correct hose balance, turn the pump off and observe the cleaner. Hose balance is
correct when the cleaner’s seal rests flat on the pool floor and the diver tubes make a 45° angle
with the floor, as shown in Figure 9. The cleaner achieves the best cleaning coverage when the hose
neither weights down nor pulls up on the unit. Adjust hose weights one inch at a time as needed,
until proper hose balance is achieved. In pools with both shallow and deep areas, adjust hose
weights first in the deep area and then in the shallow area.
1. Hose Too Light.
If the hose rises towards
the surface at an angle
greater than 45°, move the
weights closer to the
cleaner, or move the first
two weights closer to each
other.
2. Correct Hose Balance.
3. Hose Too Heavy.
If the hose sags downward
to an angle less than 45°,
move the weights away
from the cleaner, or
separate the first two
weights away from each
other.
5
Figure 9

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 the cleaner to remain in one section of the pool. To correct this, use the
eyeball diverter (optional extra) included with your cleaner, or point your return line fitting in another
direction.
To install the eyeball diverter:
• Note: The eyeball diverter does not fit all pool return line fittings!
• Firstmakesureyourpool pump is off. Remove the original eyeball from the return line at
the pool by unscrewing the lock ring.
• ReplacetheoriginaleyeballwiththeBADU®Vac
I 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 Positions
Position the diverter opening to redirect the return line
water flow so it does not interfere with the cleaner’s
movement.
Try different positions to see which works best in
your pool:
• Flowdirectedalongthesideofpool(thetileline).
• Flowdirecteddownward.
• Flowdirectedagainstthehosewillhelpsteerthe
cleaner away from obstructions such as
stairs and ladders.
After installing the eyeball diverter, turn the pool pump on. The BADU®Vac
I should begin moving
across the pool floor vacuuming up debris in its path.
6
Figure 10

VI. Troubleshooting
Because of the individual characteristics of your pool, some additional adjustment may be required
to get the best performance from your BADU®Vac
I .
If there seems to be a problem, check these common causes of cleaner problems.
Is bottom main drain closed? Close the drain
Is filter clean? Clean the filter
Is pump strainer basket clean? Clean the basket
Is debris blocking the bottom
of the cleaner? Remove the debris
Are there any leaks/cracks in the hose? Replace the leaky/cracked sections
Is automatic regulator valve
free of debris? Clean the valve
7
SOLUTIONSCHECKS

8
SOLUTIONS
1. If the cleaner is working slowly,
runs then stops or not moving
or not pulsating at all.
• Checktoensurethatthemaindrainand
all suction lines are closed, except for the
suction line to which the cleaner is
attached.
• Checkfordebrisintheweirorpump
basket and check that all the baskets are
in a good condition and are not broken.
• Checkfordebrisinthecleaner’shammer.
Debris may prevent hammer movement or
restrict flow.
• Poolpumpandfiltersystemmaybetoo
small (incapable of providing 75 L per
minute water flow). Consult your pool
professional.
• Checkthatthevacuumlidisflushwith
the weir and not damaged.
• Checkthatthefilterhasbeenback
washed and rinsed thoroughly.
PROBLEMS
2. If the cleaner stays in one end
of the pool.
• Checkthereturnlinewaterflowand
redirect as necessary with and eyeball
diverter.
• Checkthathoseislongenoughto
reach to end of pool.
• Checkthatthecleanerhasproper
hose balance.
3. If the cleaner stays on the main
drain.
• Checktoensurethatmaindrainis
closed. A pool professional may need to
assist you.
• Checktoensurethatamaindraingrate
is installed.
• Ifmaindrainisnotflushwiththepool
floor, consult your pool professional.

SOLUTIONS
4. If the cleaner slows or stops and
air bubbles enter the pool at the
return line.
Find and correct the air leak that is causing the
pump to lose its prime by doing the following:
• Checkthehosestoensurethereareno
leaks.
• Checkthevacuumlidattheautomatic
regulator valve connection. It should be
submerged in the water so no air enters
the system. Top up the water level if it is
neccesary.
• Checkthepumplidforlooseness,cracks,
and worn or missing O-rings. If you need
assistance, contact your pool professional.
PROBLEMS
5. It the cleaner pulls air from, or
remains at, the water surface.
• Checktoensurethedivefloatmechanism
is operating freely and the dive float
restrictor is installed. (See page 2 for how
to install dive float restrictor.)
• Checktheautomaticregulatorvalvefor
its proper installation and ensure it is not
clogged with debris.
• Makesurethewaterlevelisatleast
7-8 cm’s below the pool deck.
• ChecktoinsuretheBADU®Vac
I is
operating at the proper speed of
2-4 meters per minute.
6. If the cleaner stays at the shallow
end steps.
• Checkthereturnlinewaterflowand
re-direct as necessary with an eyeball
diverter.
• Checktheautomaticregulatorvalvefor
its proper installation and ensure it is not
clogged with debris.
• Checkthatthehosesarelongenoughto
reachthefurthest point ofthe pool,including
the pool steps.
• Checkthatthecleanerhasproperhose
balance in the shallow end.
9

10
SOLUTIONS
6. Continued • Checkthatthecleanerhasproperhose
balance in shallow end.
• Checktoensureyourcleaneris
operating at the proper speed of
2-4 meters per minute.
• Checktoensurethedivefloatmechanism
is operating freely and the dive float
restrictor is installed. (See page 2 for how
to install dive float restrictor.)
• Shortenthedivefloatrestrictorby1cm.
(Pull out upper end of the restrictor from
the locking end clip attached to the
swivel head. Cut 1cm off, then return the
restrictor into the locking end clip.)
PROBLEMS
7. When the cleaner tracks in a
repetitive pattern.
• Checktheswivelonthetopofthe
cleaner. It should turn freely.
• Checkthereturnlinewaterflowand
re-direct as necessary with an eyeball
diverter.
• Checkthecleaner’shoses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 cleaner out of
the pool because it will retain the coil
shape, forming a bend or kink.

11
SOLUTIONS
8. The pool cleaner climbs above
the water level.
• Checkifthereistoomuchsuction.
• Checkiftheautomaticregulatorvalveis
free of debris.
• Adjusttheautomaticregulatorvalvesetting.
PROBLEMS
9. The pool cleaner does not climb
the walls easily.
• Checkifthereissufficientsuction.
• Adjusttheautomaticregulatorvalvesetting.
• Checkthatthefilterandbasketsare
clean.
10. The pool cleaner falls on it’s side. • Checkthatthehammerchamberisfree
of debris.
• Checkthattheswivelheadofthepool
cleaner is moving freely.

To Remove Debris from the Hammer.
• Sometimesdebrismayclogthebottomofthe
cleaner and prevent hammer movement or restrict
flow. The hammer is located inside the main body
and must move freely at all times.
You can see the hammer through the opening in
the hammer cover, when you turn the cleaner
upside down as shown in Figure 11.
Jiggle the hammer with your finger or flush the
cavity with a hose to fore out any debris lodged
inside the main body.
• Ifdebrisisstilllodgedinside,youmustremovethehammer. First, remove the pleated skirt.
Unscrew the hammer cover and then remove it from the main body.
In succession, take out the screw from the hammer cover. Lastly, remove the hammer from
the main body. See Figure 12.
• Oncethedebrisisdislodged,insertthehammerbackintothemainbodyandsnapthe
hammer cover back into position. Be sure that it is securely in place and tighten the screw.
Do not over tighten the screw, you might damage the hammer cover. See Figure12.
Figure 11
Figure 12
12

VII.Maintenance
The cleaner requires almost no maintenance. Visually inspect your cleaner from time to time to make
sure that:
• Thehammerismovingfreelyandisnotobstructedbydebris.
• Thefootpadisnotexcessivelyworn.Whenthetractionpadsonthebottomhaveworndown,
it is time for replacement.
When storing the cleaner, do not coil the hose.Lay the hose flat in an area protected from direct
sunlight. If hose sections are disconnected, try not to disturb the hose weight locations.
The BADU®Vac
I hoses is specially designed to ensure optimum performance from the cleaner.
Should replacement be required, insist on genuine BADU®Vac
I hoses.
Disclaimer of Liability - About your Pool and the Cleaner
There are a multitude of factors that contribute to the life of your pool. The BADU®Vac I Automatic
Pool Cleaner is very passive product that will have no impact on pool life.
Please be aware that over time, deterioration, discoloration and brittleness of any pool finish can be
caused separately by, or in combination with, age, an imbalance in pool water chemistry, improper
installation and other factors. An automatic pool cleaner, such as the BADU®Vac
I , will not remove
or cause wear on “good” pool plaster. In fact, the opposite is true – pool plaster will eventually cause
wear on the cleaner.
The same situation holds true for vinyl-lined in ground swimming pools, because vinyl liners are
also affected by environment and factors such as pool water chemistry, sunlight and the pool’s
surroundings. Therefore over time, vinyl can become brittle and weak. 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 type of conditions in your pool is not caused
by the use or operation of the BADU®Vac
I . The manufacturer and Speck Pumps SA Pty Ltd as the
distributor disclaims any liability for repairs or replacement to any of these structures or components
of the customer’s pool.
The pool owner must assume all responsibility for the condition and maintenance of the pool’s
surface, water and deck.
13

Parts List
14
8013000016
8013000002
8013000018
8013000008
8013000004
8013000007
8013000005
8013000009
8013000010 8013000012 8013000015
8013000011
8013000013
8013000014
8013000006

WARRANTY CARD
BADU®Vac I
Your BADU®Vac I Automatic Pool Cleaner is guaranteed to be free of defects in workmanship
and materials for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase.
The warranty is limited to the replacement or repairs of defective parts only and excludes:
• Allwearingpartswhichmustberegularlycheckedandreplacedwhenworn.
These include the foot pad, dive float restrictor, skirt and hammer plate.
• AnydiscolorationorfadingofBADU®Vac
I parts.
• AnydamagetotheBADU®Vac
I resulting from improper or abnormal use or
conditions, inadequate care and maintenance, and all such acts or omissions
beyond our control.
The warranty is not transferable and replaces all other guarantees, representations,
or warranties whether expressed or implied relating to the BADU®Vac
I including its
merchantability and fitness for purpose.
This warranty is valid only within the border of the Republic of South Africa.
NAME:
ADDRESS:
CODE:
TEL. NO.: ( )
NAME OF DEALER:
DATE OF PURCHASE:
SERIAL NUMBER:
15

EAST RAND BRANCH
P.O. Box 2425
Bedfordview, 2008
4 Bart Street
Wilbart
Germiston, 1609
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
CAPE TOWN BRANCH
P.O. Box 14703
Kenwyn, 7790
Cnr. Clifford Street &
Harris Drive, Sunset Park
Ottery, Cape Town, 7800
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
DURBAN BRANCH
P.O. Box 267
Pinetown, 3600
Unit 1 & 2, Goodwood Park
10 Goodwood Road
Westmead, Pinetown, 3610
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
PRETORIA BRANCH
P.O. Box 2425
Bedfordview, 2008
Unit 4, 123 Mosaic Street
Silvertondale, Pretoria
0184
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
WEST RAND BRANCH
P.O. Box 2425
Bedfordview, 2008
80 Schooner Street
Lazer Park, Honeydew
2040
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.speck-pumps.co.za [email protected]