Zodiac BARACUDA 1500 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
TL-2225 Rev B
AUTOMATIC
ABOVEGROUND
POOL CLEANER

Page 2 ENGLISH Zodiac®Baracuda®1500 Automatic Aboveground Pool Cleaner |Owner’s Manual
Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of your new 1500 automatic pool cleaner. Powered by Baracuda
technology, the 1500 is designed and manufactured for easy installation, and years of carefree operation.
Before installing the cleaner, please take a few moments to become familiar with its components and to
review the items listed under Important Information.
Cleaner
Body
Disc
Hose Section
Valve Cuff 45° Elbow
4 ½ in. Connector
Wheel Deflector
(US/Mexico Only)
FlowKeeperTM Valve
17
Hose Protector Net
(Canada only)

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Owner’s Manual |Zodiac®Baracuda®1500 Automatic Aboveground Pool Cleaner
Important Information
Notice for Vinyl Liner Pools: Before installing your new 1500, examine the interior of your pool carefully.
If the 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 cleaner before having
a qualified professional perform the necessary repairs or liner replacement. Zodiac will not be
responsible for liner damage caused by a cleaner which is in disrepair, pattern removal from a vinyl
liner, or a cleaner used in a pool having an aged or deteriorated liner. Please see Limited Warranty.
• Clean the skimmer basket, pump basket and pool filter before installing the cleaner and
on a regular basis thereafter.
• Always disconnect the cleaner from the skimmer before cleaning or backwashing the pool filter. After
cleaning, let the filtration system run for at least five (5) minutes before re-connecting the cleaner.
• Remove the cleaner from the pool before chemical or shock treatments. Wait a minimum
of four (4) hours after super chlorination before re-installing the cleaner.
For customer service or support:
Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc. Zodiac Pool Systems Canada, Inc.
2620 Commerce Way 2115 South Service Road West, Unit 3
Vista, CA 92081-8438 Oakville, ON, Canada L6L 5W2
1-800-822-7933 1-888-647-4004
www.zodiacpoolsystems.com www.zodiacpoolsystems.ca
WARNING
RISK OF SUCTION ENTRAPMENT HAZARD, WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH. READ THIS MANUAL IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE INSTALLING AND OPER-
ATING THE CLEANER. Ensure that your vacuum suction ttings installed in your pool for connection
of your suction-side pool cleaner are certied as being compliant with applicable safety standards such
as IAPMO SPS 4. Do not block the suction ttings in the pool, the suction opening on the cleaner, or
the cleaner hoses with any part or your body. Do not expose your hair, loose clothing, jewelry, etc. to
any suction outlet ttings in the pool/spa or on the cleaner.
To ensure prompt warranty service, should it be required, please:
• Complete and return the Warranty Card.
• Record your purchase information.
• Attach a copy of your purchase receipt to this document.
Date of Purchase: ___________ Purchased From: __________________________________
Serial Number (Located on underside of cleaner) ___________________________________
If service is required, simply present your manual with the attached receipt at any Zodiac warranty center.

Page 4 ENGLISH Zodiac®Baracuda®1500 Automatic Aboveground Pool Cleaner |Owner’s Manual
Installation
Prepare the Pool
Inspect the interior of the pool. If the liner is brittle, has wrinkles, root or metal corrosion from the
underside, or damage to the supporting base or walls, do not install the cleaner until a qualified
professional makes any necessary repairs.
1. Manually vacuum the pool if excessive debris is evident,
and make sure the pool filter and pump basket are clean.
2. Adjust the return lines to blow down-
ward to break up surface circulation and
ensure complete cleaning coverage.
• Loosen the fitting lock ring
• Redirect the eyeball downward
• Retighten the lock
If the return fitting cannot be adjusted,
the fitting must be replaced with a Zodiac
return line diverter (part #W90155 for 2 in. or
#W24100 for pools without return fittings).
Assemble the Cleaner
Stretch the disc over the foot pad
with the word “TOP” facing up. The
disc should fit securely in the groove
and rotate freely on the pad.
For US/Mexican installations, slide the
wheel deflector onto the end of the hose
that attaches to the cleaner.
Assemble the Hose
For corner or end installations, connect enough
hose to reach the farthest point of the pool and
then add one (1) more section.
For center installations, connect enough hose to
reach the farthest point of the pool and then add
two (2) more sections.
1 Hose
Section
Skimmer Skimmer
2 Hose
Sections
Skimmer
or Wall
Vacuum
Line

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ENGLISH
Owner’s Manual |Zodiac®Baracuda®1500 Automatic Aboveground Pool Cleaner
Connect the Cleaner
1. Submerge the cleaner and flood it
with water.
2. When bubbles stop coming from the
cassette pipe, connect the hose to
the cleaner.
3. Turn on the filtration system and fill the
hose with water by placing the end in
front of a return inlet until it is flooded.
Turn off the pump.
Connect the Hose
FlowKeeper
Adjustment
45 Elbow
45 Elbow
4-1/2"
Connector
FlowKeeper
Valve
Valve
Cuff
FlowKeeper
Valve
Valve
Cuff
4-1/2"
Connector
Hose
Protector
Net
Hose
Protector
Net
Skimmer Installation
Hose Protector
(Canada only)
WARNING
RISK OF SUCTION ENTRAPMENT HAZARD, WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH. READ THIS MANUAL IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE INSTALLING AND OPER-
ATING THE CLEANER. Ensure that your vacuum suction ttings installed in your pool for connection
of your suction-side pool cleaner are certied as being compliant with applicable safety standards such
as IAPMO SPS 4. Do not block the suction ttings in the pool, the suction opening on the cleaner, or
the cleaner hoses with any part or your body. Do not expose your hair, loose clothing, jewelry, etc. to
any suction outlet ttings in the pool/spa or on the cleaner.
The FlowKeeperTM Valve must be used on all
installations. The valve regulates flow to ensure
the pool pump and cleaner run properly. It is pre-
set at
the factory to optimize the performance of the
cleaner, but offers three (3) settings to adjust the
flow. The lower the setting number, the lower the
flow. To adjust, pull the handle and move setting
up or down. The red tab can be used to open the
valve and stop the cleaner.
Install the FlowKeeper Valve with the arrow
facing down towards the skimmer pipe.
Using the parts as indicated, connect the hose
to the skimmer. For Canadian installations, the
hose protector attaches to the hose section that
goes into the skimmer.
Be sure to keep the hose and cleaner completely
submerged to keep air out of the system.
Once the hose is connected, turn on the
pool pump and begin cleaning. Installation
is complete.

Page 6 ENGLISH Zodiac®Baracuda®1500 Automatic Aboveground Pool Cleaner |Owner’s Manual
Cycling on and off with the pool filtration system, the 1500 moves randomly around the pool,
vacuuming and cleaning the pool floor as it goes. The cleaner is not designed to climb the pool walls.
As water flows through the cleaner, dirt and debris are pulled directly into the filtration system.
To maintain cleaner performance:
• Thoroughly clean the skimmer basket, pump basket and filter regularly. Always disconnect the
cleaner before backwashing. Run the filtration system for at least five (5) minutes before re-connecting.
• Remove the cleaner from the pool before super chlorinating or adding pool chemicals. Wait at least
four (4) hours before re-connecting the cleaner.
• Never coil the hose. Straighten a coiled hose with warm water or by laying it in the sun for a day.
A kinked or coiled hose will adversely effect the 1500’s coverage of the pool.
• When not in the pool, keep the disc flat to avoid warping.
• Periodically inspect cleaner parts for wear.
Clearing the Diaphragm
A quick access system allows easy access
to inspect and clear the diaphragm.
To remove:
1. Turn handnut counter-clockwise to
release the cassette. Pull cassette
out of the cleaner.
2. Unscrew the diaphragm chamber from
the cassette pipe. Pull out the inner
pipe and diaphragm.
3. Pull off the diaphragm. Inspect it for debris or
wear, and rinse it thoroughly with water. Replace
if necessary.
To install:
1. Verify that the retaining ring is on the diaphragm.
2. Push diaphragm onto inner pipe.
3. Pull inner pipe and diaphragm through
chamber until diaphragm seats against the lip.
4. Tighten cassette and reinstall on cleaner.
Storage and Winterizing
Never coil the hose. Always store the cleaner out of direct sunlight. When storing for the winter, drain all
water from the cleaner. Remove all connectors and adapters from the skimmer. Store disc flat, and hose
sections disconnected, drained and straight.
Operation and Maintenance
Diaphragm
Inner Pipe
Retaining
Ring
Diaphragm
Chamber
Cassette
Pipe
Chamber

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Owner’s Manual |Zodiac®Baracuda®1500 Automatic Aboveground Pool Cleaner
If you experience a problem with your 1500, please follow the troubleshooting steps below to restore
performance. Should you need further assistance, contact Zodiac Customer Service. Please have your
serial number and date of purchase available when you call.
Troubleshooting
Problem Solution
Cleaner does not move or moves slowly. Note: In water 60° F (16° C) or less, it may be necessary
to increase flow to compensate for the reduced flexibility
of the hose and diaphragm.
• Confirm that the main drain is closed, if there is one.
• Ensure FlowKeeperTM Valve is installed with arrow
pointing down towards skimmer pipe.
• Adjust FlowKeeper Valve to increase flow to cleaner.
• Clean baskets and filter.
• Check diaphragm for damage or wear.
• If the pool has multiple skimmers, verify that the
skimmer not connected to the cleaner is closed.
• Check for air in system. If water level in pump basket
drops or you see excessive air bubbles in the pump
basket or coming from the return lines, there is air in
the system. Check hose connections, tighten all fittings
at pump and check gasket in pump basket for wear.
Cleaner patterns, does not cover entire pool. • Ensure return fittings are directed down. Add a
return diverter if necessary.
• Make sure hose is not kinked or coiled. Lay in sun to
straighten if necessary.
• Confirm proper hose length.
• Adjust FlowKeeper Valve to increase flow to cleaner.
Cleaner gets stuck at steps. • Confirm proper hose length. Shorten if necessary.
• Lower the FlowKeeper Valve setting to reduce
flow to the cleaner.
• Install large (16 in.) wheel deflector, part #W83226.
Cleaner moves extremely fast or climbs walls. • Lower the FlowKeeper Valve setting to reduce
flow to the cleaner.
• Open a second skimmer if there is more than one.

Page 8 ENGLISH Zodiac®Baracuda®1500 Automatic Aboveground Pool Cleaner |Owner’s Manual
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14
1
2
4
5
3
6
7
8
10
11
TOP
9
1500 Parts Diagram
No. Part Description Qty.
1. W83226 Large 16 in. Wheel Deflector (US/Mx only) 1
2. W72070 Cassette Pipe w/Handnut 1
3. W74000 Compression Ring 1
4. W69510 Diaphragm Chamber 1
5. W41099 Frame Assembly 1
6. W56525 Inner Extension Pipe 1
7. W81600 Diaphragm Retaining Ring 1
8. W81710 Diaphragm 1
9. W72048 Cassette Assembly Complete 1
10. W72865 Footpad 1
11. W48139 Disc 1
12. W60050 FlowkeeperTM Valve 1
13. W70264 A/G Valve Cuff 1
14. W33205 4 ½in. Connector 1
15. W70244 45° Elbow (US/Mexico) 1
W70244 45° Elbow (Canada) 2
16. W38205 Hose, 1 Meter, White 10
17. W33800 Hose Protector Net (Canada Only) 1
17

Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc.
2620 Commerce Way, Vista, CA 92081
1.800.822.7933 | www.ZodiacPoolSystems.com
Zodiac Pool Systems Canada, Inc.
2115 South Service Road West, Unit #3, Oakville, ON L6L5W2
1.888.647.4004 | www.ZodiacPoolSystems.ca
ZODIAC®is a registered trademark of Zodiac International, S.A.S.U., used under license.
All trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.
ZODIAC® est une marque déposée de Zodiac International, SASU, utilisée sous licence.
Toutes les autres marques citées sont la propriété respective de leur propriétaire.
©2011 Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc. TL-2225 Rev B