Polaris cleaner keeps getting tail pulled and stuck in the main return

[OfficeReefer]

Over the past few months, I have noticed that my older polaris cleaner tail gets sucked or pulled into the main return, where it remains until I pull it out. It used to have a sponge on it and retainer, but has since disappeared into the return.
Since I have owned the pool, the cleaner has never had this occur, even when full. The main filters were replaced a few months ago and should not be that dirty. The pump basket and return baskets have been cleared, but symptoms persist.

I thought increasing the VSP overall might help, but doesn't seem to make a difference to the cleaner getting stuck once its cycle completes and the pool shuts off for the night. Anyone have any thoughts on what I could check or has had this occur before?

Thank you!

 

[ajw22]

You should not have that much suction on your main drain.

Do you have a valve at your equipment pad to balance suction between the main drain and skimmers?

 

[ajw22]

Are one of these pipes to the main drain and the other to the skimmer?

If so, adjust the valve to block the main drain pipe a bit to lower the suction at it.

 

[OfficeReefer]

Hello, @ajw22 and Happy Holidays! I hope you are doing well.

Let me go and check. It's possible that this was bumped or something but is likely in the same position. It's weird for sure. The tail seems to sweep around for the most part but for whatever reason will end up in the drain if left on for the evening. If I turn it on after the filter pump kicks in, it will not get stuck, so long as the cleaner is left on.

 

[1poolman1]

Over the past few months, I have noticed that my older polaris cleaner tail gets sucked or pulled into the main return, where it remains until I pull it out. It used to have a sponge on it and retainer, but has since disappeared into the return.
Since I have owned the pool, the cleaner has never had this occur, even when full. The main filters were replaced a few months ago and should not be that dirty. The pump basket and return baskets have been cleared, but symptoms persist.

I thought increasing the VSP overall might help, but doesn't seem to make a difference to the cleaner getting stuck once its cycle completes and the pool shuts off for the night. Anyone have any thoughts on what I could check or has had this occur before?

Thank you!

There should be no opening in the main-drain cover large enough to get the sweep tail into in the first place. You need a new cover. That's a dangerous condition as a person could get stuck to that suction port.

 

[OfficeReefer]

@ajw22 I believe that same actuator was in the same position but I did adjust it about 45 degrees. I am unsure if it has helped but will let you know.

@1poolman1 the pool was built this way. If it not up to spec, then I have an issue with its design.

 

[ajw22]

@1poolman1 the pool was built this way. If it not up to spec, then I have an issue with its design.

You have a channel drain and that setup is entrapment proof unlike round drain covers.

But you should have a grate over the slots and not an opening where the tail can fall into.

Does your Polaris have the foam scrubber? The foam scrubber wears over time and gets smaller and needs to be replaced.

I think a new tail foam scrubber is too large to fall into the slot. The scrubber has worn to where it slides into the slot. The fix is to replace the foam scrubber.

Get a genuine Polaris scrubber. My experience is the cheap generic scrubbers are made of softer foam and don't last near as long as the genuine Polaris. They cost me $5 each at my local Pool Store.

 

[OfficeReefer]

I don't think anyone found it an issue in Texas and unfortunately, the warranty applied to the first owner. It is how you see it and rarely is an issue, except for toys from time to time.

The polaris used to have a scrubber, but either I put it on wrong or something and it ended up in this vent.

 

[1poolman1]

@ajw22 I believe that same actuator was in the same position but I did adjust it about 45 degrees. I am unsure if it has helped but will let you know.

@1poolman1 the pool was built this way. If it not up to spec, then I have an issue with its design.

Get yourself a "Swasher" sweep tail off Amazon. About $40.00 for the complete tail. Mine's been in my pool for about 4 years with virtually no wear, doesn't spray out of the pool, and is likely too big to get caught.

 

[OfficeReefer]

Thanks for the suggestion and tips @1poolman1 I'll check that item out.

@ajw22 here's the current settings but didn't help much. I don't feel the tail is moving quite like it was before, so I am going to attempt to adjust.

 

[tkjpool]

Over the past few months, I have noticed that my older polaris cleaner tail gets sucked or pulled into the main return, where it remains until I pull it out. It used to have a sponge on it and retainer, but has since disappeared into the return.
Since I have owned the pool, the cleaner has never had this occur, even when full. The main filters were replaced a few months ago and should not be that dirty. The pump basket and return baskets have been cleared, but symptoms persist.

I thought increasing the VSP overall might help, but doesn't seem to make a difference to the cleaner getting stuck once its cycle completes and the pool shuts off for the night. Anyone have any thoughts on what I could check or has had this occur before?

Thank you!

have you figured out why this was happening/and a fix? My older Polaris is now doing the same