Zodiac Baracuda G3 User manual

AUTOMATIC INGROUND
POOL CLEANER
Owner's Manual
and Quick
Installation
Instructions

2
THANK YOU FOR PURCHASING THE BARACUDA®G3™.
YOUR BARACUDA G3 HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED TO BE EASILY
INSTALLED AND TO PROVIDE YEARS OF LOW MAINTENANCE OPERATION.
PRIOR TO INSTALLING YOUR NEW BARACUDA G3, PLEASE DO THE FOLLOWING:
1) Complete and return the warranty card.
2) Record your purchase information on the spaces provided below.
3) Attach your invoice (or a copy) to this page.
These actions will insure prompt warranty service, should it be required. Simply present your owner’s manual, along with the invoice at any of our
authorized warranty centers nationwide.
RECORD YOUR Baracuda G3 POOL CLEANER DATA HERE:
Date of Purchase_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Purchased From _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City __________________________________________________ State/Province _______________________ Zip/Postal Code____________________
Serial No: ________________________________________________________ (serial number located on underside of machine head)
BARACUDA G3 LIMITED WARRANTY
This Baracuda G3 was carefully inspected before shipment from our warehouse. Upon unpacking, if any part proves defective or missing, please notify Zodiac Pool
Care, Inc. immediately. Please consult owner’s manual for complete instructions on the installation and operation of your Baracuda G3.
ZODIAC POOL CARE, INC. WARRANTS THE BARACUDA G3 POOL CLEANER AGAINST ALL MANUFACTURING DEFECTS AND ALL WEAR
AND TEAR FOR THE FIRST TWO (2) YEARS INCLUDING THE BARACUDA G3 HOSE. ALL WARRANTIES ARE EFFECTIVE FROM THE DATE
OF PURCHASE.
Should this product prove defective in workmanship, materials or wear during the applicable warranty period, the consumer’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be such
repair or replacement of the product as provided below.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY EXCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
1. Discoloration of the Baracuda G3 pool cleaner. This is caused by reaction to ultraviolet rays and the chemicals used in the pool water. Discoloration does not affect
the operating ability of the Baracuda G3. Therefore, this Limited Warranty does not cover the replacement of discolored parts.
2. Damage to or malfunction of the unit resulting from excess chlorination or improper water chemistry balance.
3. Replacement of parts which fail or become defective as a result of improper installation, negligence, misuse, abuse or tampering by unauthorized repair personnel.
4. Age, pool water imbalance, and improper installation can cause vinyl pool liners to become brittle or unduly wrinkled. Corrosion of the supporting walls and/or
irregularities in the pool base may also cause liner failure. The use of this product in such an environment is at the pool owner’s risk. Therefore, the pool owner
hereby releases the manufacturer from any and all claims for damage where these conditions exist.
5. The Baracuda G3 is designed for use in inground pools only. If unit is used in any other application, the pool owner hereby releases the manufacturer from any and all
claims. This misuse will void all warranty on the unit. The Baracuda G3 Pool Cleaner doesn’t work under pool cover.
6. The Baracuda G3 is not warranted for use in pools sanitized or treated by biguanide products such as Baquacil*, Revacil** or Softswim***.
THE LIMITED WARRANTY PROVIDED HEREIN IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE WRITTEN WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO THE
BARACUDA G3 POOL CLEANER. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES IMPOSED BY APPLICABLE LAW, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WITH RESPECT TO EACH COMPONENT OF THE
BARACUDA G3 ARE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THE EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO SUCH COMPONENT. SOME
STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO
YOU.
In no event shall Zodiac Pool Care, Inc. be liable in contract or in tort, or under any other legal theory, for lost profits or revenues, loss of use or similar economic loss,
or for indirect, special, incidental, consequential or similar damages, even if it has been advised of the possibility of such claim. Some states do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
No claim under this Limited Warranty will be recognized unless the registration card, included in your box, is completed and returned within fifteen (15) days of the
purchase date. Only the original purchaser may submit a claim under this Limited Warranty. Purchaser’s claims against Zodiac Pool Care, Inc. shall be limited to
those claims which may be asserted under the Limited Warranty relating to any defect, malfunction or wear of the Baracuda G3.
To obtain warranty replacements or repair, call for authorization at [phone]. When calling, always supply serial number, evidence of purchase date, retailer
and a brief description of the problems/defects encountered. Zodiac Pool Care, Inc. reserves the right to repair or replace all defective or worn parts covered by this
Limited Warranty and return same to purchaser, freight collect.
Zodiac Pool Care, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any warranties or representations made by other individuals or businesses beyond the express terms contained in
this Limited Warranty.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
* Baquacil is a trademark of Zeneca, Inc.
** Revacil is a trademark of Biolab, Inc.
*** Softswim is a trademark of Marera, Inc.
For sale and use in the United States, Canada and Mexico only. This pool cleaner is not warranted or guaranteed outside of the United States, Canada or Mexico.
This pool cleaner is covered by one or more of the following U.S. and Canadian patents and Canadian registered design:
U.S. patent nos. 4,642,833 – 4,742,593 – 5,315,728 – 5,421,054.
Canadian patent nos. 1,254,105 and 1,256,262.
OTHER PATENTS PENDING.

3
HOW YOUR BARACUDA®G3™WORKS
Your pool pump pulls water from the main drain and the skimmer through a strainer basket, then pushes
the water through the filter system and back into the pool through the return inlets.
The Baracuda G3 connects to the skimmer or vacuum line with the hose sections provided. Water flows
through the diaphragm of the Baracuda G3 at a rate of 14 to 19 GPM.
The "Pool Pulse" provides a way to measure the amount of water flow. The "Flowkeeper Valve"
provides a way to regulate the amount of water flow.
Diverting or re-directing the return inlets downward breaks up the circulation pattern of water within the
pool. This allows random cleaning around the pool.
Most common problems can be eliminated, by reading through the entire manual before installing your
new Baracuda G3.
RETURN
INLET
MAIN
DRAIN
SKIMMER
PUMP
STRAINER
BASKET
PUMP
FILTER
SKIMMER & MAIN
DRAIN VALVES
RETURN
INLET
All diagrams are provided for reference and for terminology
used throughout this manual. Your pool may vary.

OPERATIONS GUIDE
Warranty Information...................................................................................2
How it Works...............................................................................................3
Pool Preparation......................................................................................... 5
Assembly.................................................................................................... 6
FlowKeeper™Valve......................................................................................6
Pool Pulse™...................................................................................................7
Hose Assembly & Balance ..........................................................................8
Installation....................................................................................................9
Adjustments ...............................................................................................13
Care and Maintenance................................................................................14
Accessories ................................................................................................16
Troubleshooting.........................................................................................17
Parts Diagram............................................................................................18
Let Us Help ...............................................................................................19
Check that the following parts are included:
(1) Cleaner head
(2) 45-degree installation
adapter elbows
(1) FlowKeeper™
Valve (1) Finned disc
(1) Pool Pulse™
(1) 41/2" Connector
(1) Hose weight
(12) Hose Lengths (1) Hose protector net
If assistance is required, call 1-888-786-7797
Important: for Vinyl Liner Pool Owners
Vinyl liners are subject to deterioration or damage due to age, the effect of
chemicals, corrosion or failure of the supporting walls; as well as improper
installation, maintenance or cleaning of the supporting walls or base.
Before installing the Baracuda®G3™, examine the interior of your pool carefully.
If your 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 Baracuda G3 before having a qualified
professional perform the necessary repairs.
The Baracuda G3 is not warranted for use in pools sanitized or treated by
biguanide products such as Baquacil*, Revacil** or Softswim***.
(1) Universal
Valve Cuff
4

POOL PREPARATION
To ensure proper performance and eliminate unnecessary adjustment, please do the following before
installing your new Baracuda®G3™.
❑Close the main drain - (This allows the flow to be regulated by the "Flowkeeper™Valve")
❑Manually Vacuum the pool - (This eliminates unnecessary adjustment later)
❑Clean the pool filter and empty the skimmer and pump strainer baskets - (filter pressure rises as
debris is cleaned from the water thus reducing flow)
❑Divert the pool return inlets downward - (IMPORTANT!)
Your Baracuda G3 must move randomly throughout the pool. Water circulating at the surface will
influence the hose limiting coverage.
5
TOP VIEW SIDE VIEW
BEFORE ADJUSTMENT
AFTER ADJUSTMENT
To adjust the return inlet: loosen the lock ring and redirect the eyeball downward, then retighten the lock ring. If
the eyeball is difficult to adjust, insert a screwdriver inside the eyeball and gently adjust downward.
If the return inlets cannot be pointed downward, then you MUST install Baracuda return line diverters. They are
available through your Baracuda dealer (see page 17).
FOR POOLS WITH RETURN INLET
DIRECTIONAL FITTINGS
Replace the directional
eyeball with Baracuda
retrofit eyeball return
line diverter
(Part #90153 for
11/2" return lines;
Part #90155 for
2" return lines),
and reinstall
eyeball retaining
ring (see pg. 17).
IF UNABLE TO ADJUST RETURN INLETS
OR FOR POOLS WITHOUT RETURN INLET
DIRECTIONAL FITTINGS
Use Baracuda universal
return line diverter
(Part #24100). Pinch
wires together and
insert fully into
return inlet.
TOP VIEW SIDE VIEW

6
ASSEMBLY
FINNED DISC AND FOOTPAD INSTALLATION
Bottom View
Slide the finned disc over the foot pad. Be sure it fits properly in the grooves provided.
The fins on the disc face upward.
Rear View
FLOWKEEPER™
The pool pump provides more gallon per minute
flow than your Baracuda®G3™requires. That's why
we provide a way to regulate the flow. The
Flowkeeper™Valve is self adjusting and provides a
by-pass, so that the pool pump and the Baracuda
G3 run properly. In single skimmer installations the
Flowkeeper™Valve MUST BE used.
The Flowkeeper™Valve comes pre-set at #4. The
last fully exposed number is the setting the valve is
at. The slide plate can be raised (to increase flow to
the Baracuda G3) or lowered (to reduce flow to the
Baracuda G3), by either pulling up on the plate or
"walking" the plate down to a lower setting.

7
IDEAL TOO HIGH TOO LOW
POOL PULSE™
The Pool Pulse™is a flow meter that measures the volume of water flowing through your Baracuda®G3™
cleaner. It must be used to properly set the flow on wall vacuum and dual skimmer installations and can
be used as a diagnostic tool when the cleaner isn't running properly.
Always use the Pool Pulse™with the proper hose length for your pool. Keep the end of the hose
underwater, remove the cleaner head, submerge the Pool Pulse™and attach it to the end of the hose. The
blue indicator door should move into the clear wedge area indicating a flow in the ideal range.
If the flow is in the low range, review the preparation procedures (page 5). A dirty pool filter, clogged
baskets and improperly set valves are usually the main cause of low flow. Other types of hydraulic
problems may require a professional pool repairman.
If the flow is in the high range, review the installation procedures. The Flowkeeper™valve must be
used on single skimmer installations to maintain ideal flow. With dual skimmer or wall vacuum
installations, confirm that the valves controlling these lines are properly set. Slightly open the main
drain if necessary.

8
FOR CORNER OR END INSTALLATIONS
If your skimmer or wall vacuum fitting is located at the corner or end of your pool,
use enough hose sections to reach the farthest point in the pool, plus one (1) section.
FOR CENTER INSTALLATIONS
If your skimmer or wall vacuum fitting is located at the center of your pool,
use enough hose sections to reach the farthest point in the pool, plus two (2) sections.
Note: You may not use all or you may need more hose sections,
with either installation method, depending upon your pool size.
HOSE ASSEMBLY
SKIMMER / WALL
VACUUM FITTING SKIMMER / WALL VACUUM
FITTING
SKIMMER / WALL
VACUUM FITTING SKIMMER / WALL VACUUM FITTING
BALANCE
Your Baracuda®G3™came with a hose weight, which will compensate for the buoyancy of the hose. A
properly balanced hose will create a 45-degree angle from the cleaner head and the bottom of the pool.
Slide the hose weight on the female end of the first section of hose and position it half way up from the
cleaner head. See Adjustments (page 13) for additional information.

9
(2) 45°installation
adapter elbows
(1) FlowKeeper™
Valve
(1) 41/2" Connector
(1) Universal
Valve Cuff
(1) Hose protector net
FOR POOLS WITH WALL VACUUM FITTINGS
No FlowKeeper™Valve required
Insert the end of the hose into
the universal valve cuff.
Insert that end of the hose into the large end of one
45°elbow. Then insert the small end of the 45°
elbow into the universal valve cuff. The 45°elbow
should be angled toward the surface.
INSTALLATION
FOR POOLS WITH ONE SKIMMER
Turn the filtration system off.
Using the parts shown below, choose a fitting combination best suited for your skimmer.
You may have parts left over.
Do not install in the skimmer at this time.
FOR POOLS WITH TWO SKIMMERS
No FlowKeeper™Valve required
Example B
Example A

Fill the hose with water by
placing the end over a return inlet.
Turn on the filtration system.
10
Submerge the Baracuda®G3™pool cleaner head. When bubbles stop
coming from the extension pipe, attach the cleaner head to the female end
of the hose.
INSTALLATION
FOR ALL INSTALLATIONS

Remove the skimmer basket, attach the regulator valve combination to the hose and install into the
skimmer. Turn on the filtration system. Your installation is now complete.
11
Remove the skimmer basket from the deep end
skimmer. Attach the cuffed hose end to the suction
port of the skimmer.
Insert the cuff hose end into the wall
vacuum fitting. The 45°elbow should
be angled toward the surface.
41 /2" CONNECTOR UNIVERSAL VALVE CUFF
HOSE PROTECTOR FLOWKEEPER™
VALVE
FOR POOLS WITH WALL VACUUM FITTINGS
FOR POOLS WITH TWO SKIMMERS
INSTALLATION
FOR POOLS WITH ONE SKIMMER

12
IDEAL TOO HIGH TOO LOW
Remove the cleaner head. Attach the
Pool Pulse™to the end of the hose.
Keep the Pool Pulse™under water.
Turn on the filtration system.
For pools with two skimmers, leave the selected skim-
mer open and slowly close the other skimmer until the
blue indicator of the Pool Pulse™falls into the ideal
range (when viewed from the side).
For pools with a wall vacuum fitting, leave the wall
vacuum fitting fully open and slowly close the skimmer
valve until the blue indicator of the Pool Pulse™falls
into the ideal range (when viewed from the side).
Remove the Pool Pulse™. Submerge the cleaner head.
When the bubbles stop coming from the extension pipe,
attach the hose end. Your installation is now complete.
INSTALLATION
FOR POOLS WITH TWO SKIMMERS
AND FOR POOLS WITH WALL VACUUM FITTINGS

13
ADJUSTMENTS
Balance - Pools that are 8 1/2 Feet or Deeper
An additional hose weight (PN 43260) may be necessary to balance the Baracuda®G3™cleaner head. If
the Baracuda G3 is not balanced correctly in the deep end of the pool, (as shown below) turn off the
pump, add a second hose weight (approximately 4 to 7 feet) away from the first weight. Place the
Baracuda G3 in the deep end, turn on the pump and determine whether the correct balance has been
achieved. If not, re-position the second hose weight accordingly. Additional hose weights may be
purchased from your Baracuda G3 dealer if required.
A return line located anywhere
along the shaded area can
be utilized to gently
push the hose allowing
the Baracuda G3 to
free itself from in-
pool obstacles.
Technique
Position the return
line directional so
that you can only
detect water move-
ment on the surface
8 feet out from the
wall, and aim it at
the center of the
opposite wall.
Coverage
Normally it is undesirable for the return line water flow to affect the natural movement of the Baracuda
G3 hose. However, the following illustration shows how return line pressure can be used to balance
cleaning coverage or to guide the cleaner away from step areas with “V”shaped corners.

14
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
To maintain quality performance and increase the lifespan of your Baracuda®G3™, please do the
following:
1. The skimmer basket, pump basket and pool filter should be thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis.
Always disconnect the hose from the skimmer before backwashing.
2. NEVER COIL THE HOSE when the cleaner is removed from the pool. A coiled hose can be
straightened with hot water or by laying it on a warm pool deck for several hours.)
INCORRECTCORRECT X
3. REMOVE THE BARACUDA G3 BEFORE SUPER CHLORINATING OR ADDING POOL
CHEMICALS. Reinstall the Baracuda G3 when the imbalance is corrected or after a minimum of 4
hours from super chlorination.
4. Periodically inspect parts for wear. The footpad and disc are the most critical. When the depth of the
channels between the treads of the footpad are 1/8" or less, replace the footpad.
To remove the foot flange (PN 69527) unthread and remove the cassette (Fig. 1 & 2). Holding the
Baracuda G3 as shown (Fig. 3), press down on the yellow clip while pulling the foot flange toward you.
Pull off the old footpad and stretch on the new one. Insert the locking clip of the foot flange into the
large opening (Fig. 4), push forward to lock into place (Fig. 5) insert the cassette and tighten (Fig. 6).
FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3
FIGURE 4 FIGURE 5
FIGURE 4

15
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Quick Access Cassette System
Foreign objects, such as children’s toys, tree branches and rocks, should be removed manually from
your pool prior to operating your Baracuda®G3™. If a blockage should occur, the Quick Access Cassette
System will allow you to check the diaphragm for damage and remove the blockage in minutes at
poolside.
Unscrew cassette (Fig. 1) and remove from head (Fig. 2). Loosen swivel pipe (Fig. 3). Pull out diaphragm &
inner pipe (Fig. 4). Pull diaphragm from inner pipe (Fig. 5) and inspect for blockage or cuts. Remove
blockage and rinse. Do not use sharp objects as damage to diaphragm may occur. Contact technical service at
1-888-786-7797 for an authorized warranty station for parts replacement.
To reassemble: Be sure retaining ring is on diaphragm, push diaphragm onto inner pipe (Fig. 6). Insert inner
pipe into diaphragm chamber and seat diaphragm against lip (Fig. 7). Tighten cassette assembly (Fig. 8).
Insert cassette into head (Fig. 9) and tighten handnut (Fig. 10).
FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3
FIGURE 4 FIGURE 5
FIGURE 6 FIGURE 7 FIGURE 8
FIGURE 9 FIGURE 10

16
ACCESSORIES
PART ILLUSTRATION PART NO. DESCRIPTION
1. 24000 Ladder Guard
Always use on
stainless steel
in-pool ladders
2. 24100 Return Line Diverter
Use when no other
return inlet directional
fittings exist.
(see page 6).
3A. 90153 Retrofit Eyeball Return
(for 11/2" return inlet) Line Diverter
Use to replace standard
3B. 90155 directional inlet eyeballs
(for 2" return inlet) (see page 6).
4. 26705 The
with 41/2"
Hose Connector
Use when heavy debris
or leaf situations exist.
5. 46155 Large Wheel Deflector
6. 43260 Additional 37g Hose Weight
May be required to properly
balance the Baracuda G3
cleaner head.
4
3A
2
1
3B

17
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM SOLUTION
Baracuda®G3™stops & starts Check diaphragm for blockage or damage. Adjust worn
diaphragm by loosening cassette swivel, gently
pushing down on inner pipe & retightening cassette
swivel.
Baracuda G3 is patterning Add return diverters or divert return inlets downward.
Lay hose in a straight line in the sun to relax memory.
Confirm proper hose length - add 1 to 2 hose sections.
Baracuda G3 isn't covering Add return diverters or divert return inlets downward.
opposite end of pool Use flow to move cleaner to opposite end. Move hose
weight away from cleaner head slightly. In deep pools
add additional weight.
Baracuda G3 stuck at steps Utilize return flow (see adjustments). Confirm proper
hose length. Adjust flow to cleaner. Adjust hose weight.
Baracuda G3 stuck under ladder Install ladder guard (PN 24000).
Baracuda G3 flips over Contact tech services for local warranty station.
Baracuda G3 won't climb walls Cleaner may not climb walls of some vinyl pools. Use
Pool Pulse™and raise flow. Confirm proper hose length.
Adjust hose weight.
Baracuda G3 doesn't move Use Pool Pulse™to insure proper flow. Clean baskets &
filter. Check diaphragm for damage. Check hose
sections for leaks by lifting each section above water.
Baracuda G3 won't leave edge Use Pool Pulse™to lower flow. Utilize return flow to
or rim of pool move cleaner. Adjust hose weight.
Solar blanket installation Coverage will be limited due to blanket.
Note: In cold water of 60˚or less, water flow through the Baracuda G3 must be increased to
compensate for the reduced flexibility of the hose and diaphragm.
IF ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED, CALL 1-888-786-7797

PARTS DIAGRAM
22
PART NO. DESCRIPTION QTY.
1. 69541 Left G3 Main Body 1
2. 69542 Right G3 Main Body 1
3. 90695 Stickers - Baracuda G3 2
4. 56124 Float - Baracuda G3 1
5. 41079 Weight - Baracuda G3 1
6. 69545 Retaining Collar - Baracuda G3 1
7. 69539 Cassette Chambers Upper and Lower 1
8. 81710 Diaphragm Cassette 1
9. 81600 Retaining Ring 1
10. 56525 Inner Ext. Pipe - Natural 1
11. 69540
Cassette OEP NMC Blue w/Handnut NMC Blue 1
(Available on a trade-in basis only by customers)
12. 74000 Compression Ring 1
13. 69527 Foot Flange 1
14. 69525 Bumper Fin - Baracuda G3 1
15. 72880 Foot Pad - Teal 1
16. 46666 Finned Disc - Teal 1
17. 60215 Baracuda G3 FlowKeeper™Valve 1
18. 33160 4 1/2" Connector - Aqua 1
19. 44805 Pool Pulse™1
20. 22425 45ºElbow 2
21. 53900 Inground Valve Cuff 1
22. 33800 Hose Protector Net 1
23. 43260 Hose Weight - Aqua 37G. 1
24. 20460 Hose Kit - 12x1 Meter - Aqua 1
25. 72043 Baracuda G3 Cassette Assembly Complete 1
18
17
19
23
21
20
18
4
9
8
2
5
6
14
3
1
13
15
10
7
12
11
25
24 16

INDICATE PROBLEM: _______________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
LET US HELP! BARACUDA®G3™
If you are having a coverage problem you cannot solve, mail or fax us the following information along with
a sketch of your pool shape indicating the location of all skimmers, vacuum lines, inlets, stairs, ladders,
swimouts, spas, waterfalls, filter systems or other significant features and a brief description of the problem.
MAIL TO: ZODIAC POOL CARE, INC.
2028 N.W. 25th Avenue, Pompano Beach, FL 33069 or fax to: [phone]
CUSTOMER NAME: ____________________________________________ TELEPHONE NO.: ( _______ ) ___________________
ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________________________________________
CITY: STATE/PROVINCE: ___________ ZIP/POSTAL CODE: _______________
SERIAL NO.: __________________________________________________ PURCHASED FROM: __________________________
POOL SURFACE (circle one): CONCRETE VINYL FIBERGLASS OTHER: _____________________________________
POOL SIZE: ___________________________________________________ PUMP SIZE (H.P.): _____________________________
FILTER (circle one): SAND D.E. CARTRIDGE FILTER SIZE (or Model No.) _____________________

ZODIAC POOL CARE, INC.
2028 N.W. 25th Avenue
Pompano Beach, FL 33069
1-888-786-7797
http://www.baracuda.com
91020