PoolVac XL Automatic Suction Cleaner - Vinyl Pools (Open Line)

Hello Wendy, This is an email regarding Case # 00465066. Thank you for contacting Hayward Support for assistance. Our apologies for the delay in responding to your enquiry. For a suction cleaner, such as the Pool Vac XL, to vacuum as well as move, depends on several factors to operate. First, there must be enough water flow past the “turbine”. Use the “vacuum gauge adaptor” or “flow gauge” supplied with the cleaner to measure the vacuum in the cleaner hose. You should have 1" vacuum per section of hose. If you happen to have the new “flow gauge” adjust the flow so the reading is at least ½ way between maximum and minimum. Follow the directions in the Hayward owners guide. The amount of suction force to vacuum and drive the cleaner is very dependent on the filter pump's ability to pump water out through the filter and back to the pool. This creates the draw of water or vacuum on the skimmers, main drains, or dedicated suction ports. Most suction cleaners are connected to either a skimmer or dedicated suction port to access this vacuum force. Ensuring that the skimmer baskets are cleared, if you are using a skimmer for your cleaner's hose connection is really important. Also, ensuring that the pump's strainer basket it clear and that the filter is not causing undue restriction on water flow can both increase the amount of suction force that is delivered to the pool cleaner to do its job. Traction is important too. The 4 small "shoes" connected to the pods must be able to grip the pool surface. Make sure that the "shoes" are not worn out and that the surface of the pool is not slippery because of an algae buildup. Also make sure you have the correct “shoes” for the surface of your pool. The right shoes are standard/slotted for plaster, gunite, and Pebble-Tec; cork for vinyl liner pools and fiberglass pools; and ceramic shoes for tile pools. There is an obstruction in the cleaner. Remove the consumer inspection plate at the bottom of the cleaner (one self contained screw needs to be loosened) and see if a rock, twig or large piece of debris has stuck between the bearings and turbine. Shake the head of the cleaner to dislodge any internal debris. The turbine, a-frame and "pods" must be working correctly. Any wear in the "drive train" can cause problems. To check for wear hold the left and right "pods" in your hands and firmly try to rock the “pods”. All force on the “pods” should be transferred to the “turbine” and no play should be evident in the pods. If there is more than ¼” of play, parts need replacement. Contact your Hayward Authorized dealer for repair. Contacting a Hayward Authorized Service Center is the first step in addressing a repair or processing a warranty claim. Please contact your local Hayward Authorized Service Center to set up a service call. They handle repairs and warranty issues. To locate Hayward Authorized Service Centers in your area using your zip code, just navigate to our website: https://hayward.com/dealerlocator Dealer Locator (hayward.com)