Polaris 180 Cleaner Erratic Operation Troubleshooting

[Wolfhound89]

I recently replaced the wheels and drive gear on my Polaris 180 Cleaner in order for it to move better. Now it moves better however, it moves erratically and does not pick up any leaves. Just rolls over them. I am trying to troubleshoot this issue and have come up with some questions in hopes that it may guide me in the right direction.

1. Is there a minimum pressure on the filter in order for it to operate properly?
2. Currently running between 10 – 13 psi on the pool filter
3. Unit operates sporadically with pump on, do I need to look at pump speed setting?
4. Moves around pool when operating but does not suck up any leaves
5. Port on side of the pool seems to burp or have air pockets, coincides with erratic cleaner operation

Thank you for any assistance.

 

[Mayorb]

The Polaris requires 28-32 psi to drive it. This added pressure is supplied by the booster pump, which is plumbed in downstream of the filter.
There is no speed setting for the booster pump. Is the sound of the booster pump consistent, or does it's pitch fluctuate? If the latter, you may have a suction leak at or before the main pump.
Check the main pump lid o-ring making sure it has not dried out or has cracks. Once primed you should see few to zero bubbles under the pump basket lid.
See if that helps.

 

[Wolfhound89]

Thank you for the reply. Sorry I have not been quicker to respond.

My booster pump itself runs fine, I do not notice any change in pitch of the booster pump. If the inlet side of the booster pump does not have constant flow then I would assume that the Polaris is not receiving a constant flow.

Thank you again. I am going to clean out my filter this weekend. The pool was in when we bought the house two years ago and the filter has only been cleaned once. From reading in the forums I should be cleaning more often.

 

[mknauss]

You should clean any filter when pressure rises 25% over clean pressure.

Have fun!

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[Wolfhound89]

mknauss, Thank you for the information and reminder to populate my signature block.

When it comes to the pressure I do have a question when it comes to 25% pressure. How do I tell this when I only have one pressure gauge in my system? It happens to be on the filter housing at it however around 10psi.
Thank you for the assistance.

 

[mknauss]

That is the only pressure gauge you need. When the DE filter is first charged, after a backwash or complete breakdown and cleaning, you record the pressure at a known pump rate. Then when that pressure reaches 25% greater than when the filter was clean, it is time to backwash.

You must check the radio box in the lower left corner of the Quick Reply box that says Show your Signature. Otherwise, your signature does not show up.

Take care.

 

[Wolfhound89]

Thank you for all the assistance. I have replaced the filters and now with a steady flow of water into the booster pump things are working much better.

 

[Wolfhound89]

Thanks again for all the assistance. Things have been running great.

I do have one quick question regarding my cleaner. What does it mean when it keeps going in a circle and getting wrapped up in the supply line? Is this an issue with the wheels on the unit?

Thanks.

 

[Mayorb]

Have you checked the head unit for clogs in the thrust jet and vacuum jets? Take a look at the backup valve also and check for proper cycling.

 

[Wolfhound89]

I have not checked for any clogs. I will have to do that after Christmas. I am not sure what proper operation of the backup valve is as well as proper cycling. So, I need to edcuate myself on these. Thank you.

 

[Wolfhound89]

I did not find any clogs when I inspected the cleaner today. I took the cleaner out of the water and walked it to the end of the length of the hose. It took it about 10 minutes to wrap itself up again towards the connection to the side of the pool.

Thank you for the assistance.