Zodiac Baracuda Pacer User manual

™
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
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Dear Customer,
Thank you for buying a BARACUDA®PACER.It is thanks to you that we have
become a worldwide market leader.
Your BARACUDA®PACER features a lightweight,streamlined counterweight
assembly which improves speed and manoeuvrability.
•Your BARACUDA®PACER has no moving parts to jam, wear,or come adrift.
No nuts,bolts,screws,gears or wheels to corrode.
•Its innovative diaphragm system sucks up dirt,debris,bugs,leaves, and even
pebbles.
•TheAdjustable Inner Body (AIB),incorporated into all BARACUDA®models,
increases efficiency and makes diaphragm maintenance quick and easy.
•The ingenious deflector wheel virtually eliminates cleaning problems caused by
severe angles and pool steps.
•Your BARACUDA®PACER will quickly and quietly clean an average pool wall-to-
wall,top-to-bottom in a normal filtration cycle (excluding steps and martini seats).
•In the event of requiring repairs/spares,please take your BARACUDA®PACER
to your closest Pool Shop or alternatively please phone our Customer Care
Hotline [phone] and we will direct you to the BARACUDA®Service
Centre nearest to you.
IT’S EASYTO INSTALL. JUST READTHE INSTRUCTIONS IN
THE MANUAL CAREFULLY.
THE CONTENTS OFYOUR BARACUDA®PACER BOX IS AS FOLLOWS:
•One BARACUDA®PACER Machine Head
•One Hinged Ribbed Segmented Disc
(located at the bottom of the box)
•OneAutoWeirValve
•One HoseWeight (not In Head)
•One Hose Protector Mesh (not In Head)
•Eight Hose Sections (not In Head)
•One Medium DeflectorWheel
(For parts identification, refer to Section 7)
This pool cleaner is covered by
one or more of the following
patents.93/3061,84/10036,
86/1841,86/6841 and 89/6105,
Registered design number 89/1160
BARACUDA®is a
RegisteredTrade Mark.
PACER®is aTrade Mark.
Specifications and equipment
subject to change without
prior notice.

INDEX
Page No.
SECTION 1 – INSTALLATION
Step One Preparing your pool and filtration system 2
StepTwo Assembling your BARACUDA®PACER 2
StepThree Assembling the Hoses 3
SECTION 2 – CORRECT SETTINGS
Adjustment Suggestions: AutoWeirValve 4
Correct Balancing 5
Pool Coverage 5
SECTION 3 – REMOVAL & RE-FITTING
OF DIAPHRAGM
A.I.B.(Adjustable Inner Body) – Explanation 6
Step One Procedure to Remove Diaphragm 6
StepTwo Procedure to Refit/Reset Diaphragm 7
SECTION 4 – HOWTO KEEPYOUR
BARACUDA®PACER HAPPY 8
SECTION 5 –TROUBLE SHOOTING 9-10
SECTION 6 – OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES 11
SECTION 7 – PARTS IDENTIFICATION
Exploded Diagram – BARACUDA®PACER 12
SECTION 8 – ATYOUR SERVICE 13
1

SECTI
ION 1
SECTION 1 – INSTALLATION
Diagram 1
STEP 1: Preparing your pool and filtration system
IMPORTANT
To ensure the best performance from your BARACUDA®PACER, the
filtration system must be operating at its MAXIMUMWATER FLOW
before installation.
Installation is easy if you follow these simple preliminary steps:
1. Empty the weir basket.
2. Clean the pump basket.
3. Backwash the filter until sight glass is clear.
4. Adjust all return jets (whether your pool has one,two or more)
to point downwards and towards each other so that you DO NOT
see a circular water flow or waves on the surface of your pool.
1. Start by removing the main
body of the BARACUDA®
PACER from its box,together
with the segmented disc.Slide
the segmented disc onto the
flexi-foot as in Diagram 1.You
should always start at one of the flat
edges on the flexi-foot.Make sure that
the disc fits tightly onto the flexi-foot,
and rotates once installed.
3. Every BARACUDA®PACER pool cleaner
is supplied with a medium deflector wheel.The
purpose of this wheel is to
protect the outer extension pipe,
main body and also to guide the
BARACUDA® PACER away from
swimming pool steps or stairs.
Position the deflector wheel on
the outer extension pipe as in
Diagram 3.Then push down firmly
on the deflector wheel,the deflector
wheel will click into place.Make sure the
top clips are seated in the groove.Ensure
that the deflector wheel rotates freely.
Diagram 3
Diagram 2
STEP 2: Assembling your BARACUDA®PACER
Main Body
2
Segmented Disc
2. Position the
Disc underneath
the Stop Block (A)
then position under
the Disc retaining Lug (B).
(A)

SECTION 1 – INSTALLATION
STEP 3: Assembling the Hoses
1. Always insert the male hose cuff into the female cuff. Hoses must connect
fairly tightly. The ideal length of hose is from the weir to the furthest point of the
pool plus one extra section of hose.If the weir is opposite the steps,use the
lowest step as furthest point (See Diagrams 4 and 5).To ensure the best
performance from your
BARACUDA®PACER,please
ensure that only genuine
BARACUDA®hoses are used.
2. Fit the hose weight
to the first section of the
hose ±1 metre from the
BARACUDA®PACER head
(Refer to Section 2 –
Correct Settings).
3. Fit the Hose Protector
Mesh over the cuff of the
hose to prevent the hose
from wearing at the weir.
Position the protector mesh so that ±10cm is exposed outside the weir.
4. Bleed all the air
from the hose by
placing one end over
the return jet – thus
filling the hose length
with water.
5. Keeping the hose-
ends underwater, move
it from the return line
to the weir and
connect the female cuff
to the BARACUDA®
AutoWeirValve.Ensure
that the BARACUDA®
AutoWeirValve is firmly attached to the hose.(Diagram 6)
Weir
Weir
NOTE: To obtain maximum
diaphragm efficiency, please
ensure a genuine BARACUDA®
AutoWeirValve is used.
Diagram 4: Ideal Hose Length
Diagram 6
Diagram 5: Ideal Hose Length
3
2 3

SECTION 2 – CORRECT SETTINGS
ADJUSTMENT SUGGESTIONS
AUTO WEIRVALVE
The Baracuda®AutoWeirValve is preset at the factory to obtain
maximum pool cleaning efficiency.Your Baracuda®Pacer is preset on
setting 1. However,if you do experience difficulties,it can be manually adjusted
to one of the three settings (high,medium or low).You will only need to adjust
theAutoWeirValve if the following occurs:
4
The Baracuda®pool cleaner is Reduce AutoWeirValve to
performing too fast and/or climbing medium or low setting.
above the level of the water.
The Baracuda®pool cleaner is Increase AutoWeirValve to
performing slowly and/or is not medium or high setting.
climbing the pool walls.
PROBLEM SOLUTION
2
1
13
23
23
You no longer
need to remove
the Baracuda®
AutoWeirValve
from the weir.
Simply depress the red pivoted
arm (A),until it locks
open the flow door.
To recommence pool cleaner
operation,release the pivoted
arm (A) by pressing down
on the flow door (B).
It’s that simple!
TURNINGYOUR BARACUDA®
PACER OFF IS MADE EASY
WITHTHE
AUTO
WEIR
VALVE.
1. LOW
SETTING 2. MEDIUM
SETTING 3. HIGH
SETTING
This end
plugs into weir Hose attaches
to this end
A
B
Water flow

CORRECT BALANCING
proper balancing must be accomplished in the DEEPEST area of the pool.The
buoyancy of the hose tends to LIFT the BARACUDA®PACER™ especially in
deeper water. The hose weight is provided to help neutralise the buoyant effect
of the hose.
POOL COVERAGE
Normally it is undesirable for the return line water flow to affect the natural
movement of your BARACUDA®hose. However,the return line pressure can be
used to balance cleaning coverage or to guide the cleaner away from steps and
corners.
A return line located anywhere along the shaded area can be utilised to gently
push the hose,allowing your BARACUDA®PACER to free itself from in-pool
obstacles (Diagram 8).
SECTION 2 – CORRECT SETTINGS
5
Diagram 7: Positioning of the hose weight
Diagram 8

SECT
6
SECTION 3 – REMOVAL AND REFITTING
OF DIAPHRAGM
Diagram 9
9.a
9.c
The technologically
advanced AIB incorporated
into your new BARACUDA®
PACER makes it quick and
simple for you to:
•remove debris from the
throat of the diaphragm
and inner extension pipe
•reset the gap of the throat
of the diaphragm
•replace the diaphragm
•inspect the outer extension
pipe swivel, to ensure that it
is turning freely.
ADJUSTABLE INNER BODY (A.I.B.)
PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW
THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Step 1: Procedure to remove diaphragm.
Separate pool cleaner from hose.
Remove deflector wheel (Diagram 9.a).
Loosen hand-nut one and a half turns anti-clockwise
(Diagram 9.b).
Grasp diaphragm lip at edge of suction hole and pull.The inner
extension pipe and diaphragm will be released in one piece
(Diagram 9.c).
Pull diaphragm off the inner extension pipe. If there is a
blockage,carefully remove it.Do not use any sharp objects as
this may damage the diaphragm.
Inspect diaphragm closely for perforations or cracks.
Even small holes will compromise its operation.If the diaphragm
is damaged in any way, replace before refitting.
9.b

CTION 3
SECTION 3 – REMOVAL AND REFITTING
OF DIAPHRAGM
Diagram 10
10.a
10.c
10.b
Step 2: Procedure to refit
diaphragm.
Slide the inner extension
pipe with the diaphragm into
the suction hole until the
diaphragm fits snugly into the
groove provided (Diagram10.a).
Make sure the diaphragm
is vertical and that the gap of
the throat is not excessive.
Tighten hand-nut securely.
Reset diaphragm.
If the gap of the throat is
excessive (more than 5mm),
yet the diaphragm is not torn
or damaged,push down lightly
on the inner extension pipe
so as to close the gap slightly
and hold in place before
tightening the hand-nut
(Diagram 10.b).Replace
deflector wheel (Diagram 10.c).
Re-install pool cleaner and
switch on pump.
NOTE:
The procedure of removing
and refitting the diaphragm
could,in itself, rectify a
performance problem, eg.
working erratically,as it
resets the diaphragm to its
correct length.
7

SECTION 4 – HOWTO KEEPYOUR
BARACUDA®PACER™ HAPPY
However good an automatic pool cleaner is, remember that it was developed to
assist you with the maintenance of your swimming pool.From time to time it will
need a little assistance from you.Here’s what you can do to help:
1. Weir basket,pump strainer basket,cartridge filter,skim filter, sand filter
(whichever is applicable) should be thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis to
ensure optimum pool cleaner efficiency.
NB: ALWAYS disconnect the hose from the weir or vacuum line
BEFORE backwashing your filter.
2. Always store your BARACUDA®hoses in a straight line – never coil or leave
hose coiled in the sun.
3. Periodically inspect parts for wear. The flexi-foot,disc,and deflector wheel
are the most critical. As the disc wears,it begins to curl at the outer edges.
When the depth of the channels between the treads on the flexi-foot are
3mm or less,replace the flexi-foot.
4. In the event of an object becoming stuck in the diaphragm,clear it quickly
and easily by following the simple instructions laid out for maintenance under
Section 3 – Removal and Refitting the Diaphragm.
IMPORTANT
Sunlight (ultraviolet rays),water and swimming pool chemicals can take their toll
on your automatic pool cleaner. To extend the lifespan of your BARACUDA®
PACER and hose:
1. Ensure that your PH is at 7,2 – 7,6 at all times as recommended.
A low PH is detrimental to most types of plastics and rubbers and will
seriously damage your Automatic Pool Cleaner.
2. Remove your BARACUDA®PACER from the pool before chemical shock
treatment and re-install it after a minimum of four hours
RECOMMENDEDWATER BALANCE
Chlorine:
1,0 – 1,5 ppm
pH Level:
pH Fibreglass: 7,0 – 7,2 pH Marbelite: 7,2 – 7,6
Total Alkalinity:
80 – 120 ppm
NOTE: Due to the harsh environment in which your pool cleaner operates, your BARACUDA®
PACER may discolour during normal use over a period of time. This,however, will not affect
the cleaning performance of your unit.
8

SECTION 5 –TROUBLE SHOOTING
Toll-free customer care hotline [phone] www.zodiac.co.za
PROBLEMS CHECKS SOLUTIONS
The BARACUDA
®
PACER Is the hose long enough? Add more sections of hose.
does not reach the
shallow end of the pool
or moves in a fixed
pattern.
Is the hose affected Adjust the return outlet
by the return flow? towards the bottom of the
pool to make sure that the
jet of water does not influ-
ence the direction of the
BARACUDA
®
PACER hose.
Are the hose lengths Make sure that the hose
straight? lengths are in good condition.
Never roll up/coil hoses.
The BARACUDA
®
PACER Is there too much Check that theAuto
climbs above the water suction? WeirValve is not blocked by
level. leaves,preventing the
water from flowing through
theAutoWeirValve.
The BARACUDA
®
PACER Is there sufficient suction? Make sure the filter is clean.
does not climb the
walls easily.
The BARACUDA
®
PACER Is the float damaged? Return to your nearest
falls on its side. BARACUDA
®
PACER Dealer
for checking.
Is the counterweight Lack of equilibrium inside
firmly fixed to the main the floating system.The
body? BARACUDA
®
PACER should
be returned for checking.
Is the outer extension Return to your nearest
pipe swivelling freely? BARACUDA
®
PACER
Dealer for checking.
9

SECTION 5 – PROBLEM SOLVING
PROBLEMS CHECKS SOLUTIONS
The BARACUDA
®
PACER Is the sand filter clean? Backwash the filter
works slowly or not at all. thoroughly.
Are the baskets clean? Remove baskets,clean
thoroughly. (Baskets must be
in good condition).
Is the vacuum lid sitting Remove and re-install.
flush in the weir?
Are theAutoWeirValve Make sure that the
and the hose secure? connections are sealed.
Is the Diaphragm Refer Section 3.
operational? (Removal and refitting
of diaphragm pages 6 – 7).
The BARACUDA
®
PACER Is there a leak in the Possible problem areas:
is working slowly and air system? • Possible leak at pump lid.
bubbles are noticable at • Check the pump lid o-ring.
the return jet. • Possible leak in the hose.
Is theAutoWeirValve Check level of water.
below water level?
The BARACUDA
®
PACER Is the deflector wheel Ensure that the deflector
is sticking in corners or properly installed? wheel is fixed in position
at the steps. and rotates freely.
Use the return flow jet to
push hose away from steps.
(Refer to“Pool Coverage”
page 5).
Check hose length Shorten the hose so that it
(Refer Section 1 page 3) does not reach the steps.
Toll-free customer care hotline [phone] www.zodiac.co.za
10

SECTION 6 – OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
3. AIM FLOW DIVERTER
To allow pool cleaner to
clean close to return flow.
5. IN-LINE LEAF EATER™
An in-line filter which collects leaves,
seeds,twigs and grit before it reaches the
weir. Connects 300 mm from weir
in-line with the hoses.
4. LARGE DEFLECTORWHEEL
If unit sticks in difficult corners,eg.steps.
1. WEIR ADAPTOR
Fits suction inlets from 40 to 60 mm.
2. WEIR COMBINATIONS
AutoWeirValve and weir elbows illustrating some of
the different combinations that can be used.
11
2 3
2 3
2 3

SECTI
1
DESCRIPTION
1. Compression Ring
2. Inner Body
3. Flexi-foot
4. Disc
5. Inner Extension Pipe
6. Diaphragm Retaining Ring
7. Diaphragm
8. Outer Extension Pipe
with Hand-nut
9. DeflectorWheel
10. Main Body 10a. Float
10b. Weight
11. HoseWeight
1
2
37
6
5
10a 10b
10
11
9
8
4
SECTION 7 – PARTS IDENTIFICATION
12

SECTION 8 – ATYOUR SERVICE
If you are having a problem you cannot solve, mail or fax us the following information,
along with a sketch of your pool shape,indicating the location of all weirs,vacuum lines,
inlets,stairs, ladders,spas,waterfalls, etc or other significant features,and briefly describe
the problem.
(Send a photocopy and retain this page for future use.)
Mail to: Zodiac Pool Care SouthAfrica,(Pty) Ltd,Private Bag X127,Halfway House 1685,or
Fax to: [phone]
Your Name Tel.No.
Postal Address
Code
Serial No Purchased from Purchase Date
Pool Surface (Tick one): Plaster ■■Vinyl ■■Fibreglass ■■
Other
Pool size (L) Pump Size
Type of Filter (Tick one): Sand ■■D.E. ■■Cartridge ■■
Filter Size (or Model No.)
Briefly describe the problem:
Toll-free customer care hotline [phone] www.zodiac.co.za
13

Toll-free customer care hotline [phone] www.zodiac.co.za
WARNING!
In terms of Section 2 of the Import and Export ControlAct of
1989 (Act 45 of 1983),it is illegal to export automatic pool cleaners
and parts thereof. Section 4 of theAct provides that anyone
convicted of exporting automatic pool cleaners and parts thereof
may be sentenced to a 10 (ten) year term of imprisonment
and a fine of R40 000 (forty thousand Rand).
Copyright Reserved (c) 2002