Troubleshooting

 

 Heaters 
  My heater will not ignite
  

 

  1. Is the system switch on?
  2. Is the thermostat up to temperature?
  3. Is the pump running with a clean filter less than or equal to 16 psi on pressure gauge?
  4. Is the gas valve in the on position?
  5. Is the pilot lit?
  6. Is the gas supply valve open?
  7. Are all plumbing and filter valves open?
  8. If a bypass is installed, is it properly adjusted?
  9. Contact a qualified technician if you still cannot find the problem.

 

  The pilot won't light?
  

 

This could be due to low gas pressure, inadequate air supply, or improper venting. Make sure gas is turned on; with propane, make sure the tank has fuel. Also check for water run-off from roof or sprinklers.

 

  Heater won't reach the desired temperature?
  

 

The thermostat may be set too low. If the heat loss is greater than the heater input - the heater may be too small, outside air temperature is too low, inadequate gas supply. You may want to install a solar cover to slow heat loss.

 

  The heater cycles on and off before it reaches the desired temperature?
  

 

Inadequate water flow due to a dirty filter, closed valve, external bypass needs adjusting, reversed water connections, or pressure switch out of adjustment. It is also possible that your thermostat is out of calibration or needs replacing.

 

  Why do I need to frequently relight my pilot?
  

 

See previous two questions for additional information. Also check for water run off from above or sprinklers directed at heater. A high wind stack may be needed due to heater location. Further troubleshooting will require a service technician.

 

  I hear "clicking" or "sparking," but my heater will not ignite
  

 

 

Review the Owner's Manual if you do not find your answer, turn the heater off and contact a qualified servicer.

 

  The heater is leaking water
  

 

The heat exchanger may be leaking because of chemical or sanitizer damage. The damage may be from winter freeze - usually leaking upon spring start-up. Contact a qualified pool service technician.

 

  The heater appears to leak only when the burner is lit
  

 

This may be caused by condensation (occurring when heating very cold water); a missing or damaged bypass; or excessive water flow through the heater from an oversized pump.

 

  Heater top blackened and/or emitting dark exhaust?
  

 

Either low gas pressure and/or inadequate air supply and venting, review the installation requirements in the Owner's Manual. Both conditions may need to be evaluated by a qualified service technician.

 

  The heater has damage due to excessive heat. Why?
  

 

One, or a combination of the following: low gas pressure, downdrafting, air supply, and venting. The heater may need a high wind stack, if installed near a vertical wall or windy area. Contact a qualified service professional.

 

  I have rust returned into my pool?
  

 

Sanitizers or chemical imbalance can deteriorate protective coatings on heater components and create rust. Rebalance chemicals and replace damaged components.

 

  My heater whistles
  

 

Low gas pressure can cause whistling in the burners. Check your Owner's Guide or contact your installer.

 

  Do Hayward heaters need heat sinks or a fireman's switch?
  

 

No. Hayward heaters cool down immediately after shut down.

 

  What should my heater be set on?
  

 

All heaters should be installed on a non-combustible material, such as concrete or block.

 

  Can Hayward heaters be installed indoors?
  

 

Yes, specific conditions apply. Please consult your Owner's Manual for complete details.

 

  How much fuel does my heater use?
  

 

Propane heaters use one gallon of fuel per hour for each 91,000 BTU's of heater input.

 

Example: A 250,000 BTU heater uses: 250,000/91,000 = 2.75 gallon per hour

Natural gas heaters use one therm (100,000) BTU per 100,000 BTU's heater size. Your gas is usually billed by therms.

 

  How can I save on my heating costs?
  

 

  • Purchase an energy efficient model.
  • Use a pool blanket on your oasis when not in use.

 

 Filters 
  My sand filter is running at high pressures
  

 

  • Follow the backwashing instructions in your Owner's Manual. The sand bed may be clogged with mineral deposits that will not backwash away. Some calcium based chlorines and other alternative sanitizers will build up in your sand bed, and will require more frequent backwashing and changing of the sand.
  • Before you replace all the sand in your filter, try removing approximately 1" of the top layer of the sand, replace with the exact amount of sand you removed. Normal life span of the sand is about 4 - 5 years.
  • You may have to clean your filter system with a special filter cleaner, check with your pool dealer for proper procedures.
  • Check to see if there is a closed or partially closed valve along your return piping, open the valve.
  • Your pump may be too small to provide sufficient flow for proper backwashing. Your filter will function, but a lower design flow rate will cause your system to backwash improperly. Check the output of the pump to be sure that it equals your filter's design flow rate. Replace the pump if it is too small.

 

  My sand filter is running in short cylces
  

 

  • Improper backwashing could be the reason. Always backwash until the water runs clear in the valve's sight glass, usually about two minutes.
  • You may have live algae causing the filter to clog. By testing the water balance with a test kit and super chlorinating, you should solve this problem.
NOTE: Some test kits may provide inaccurate results, we suggest taking a water sample to your pool dealer for evaluation. Be sure to take a water sample before shocking the pool.

 

  There is sand at the bottom of the pool
  

 

  • The sand you are using could be too small, which will go through the filter system, then back into the pool. Remove the sand and replace it with the proper grade of sand - #20 Silica or 45-55mm pool sand, which can be found at your local pool dealer.
  • Your pump may be too big for your filter. During backwashing the pressure can cause the sand to rise high enough to overflow into the standpipe, allowing sand to flow back into the pool. Refer to your Owner's Manual for the correct amount of sand for your filter (Owner's Manuals are available online under the product page for your filter).
  • There could be a loose lateral located at the bottom of your filter. Tighten any loose laterals, replace if broken.
  • Most calcium based chlorine, both powder or tablets, contain from 30 - 35% of what is called inert materials. This is calcium residue or dust, which many pool owners mistake for sand. You can confirm this by following these steps: During vacuuming, use a hand vac and pole. As the vac head approaches, , the sand will lay on the bottom, and will allow itself to be picked up. Most calcium residue will scatter away from the vac head as you try to pick it up.
  • If you have this problem, we recommend that you put extra water in your pool and vacuum to the waste line. If you vacuum to the filter, some of it will be trapped on the sand surface, allowing dust to get back into your pool.

 

  My cartridge filter will not clear algae from the pool
  

 

The three filter types will clear up algae, provided it is not in a live state. Consult your local pool dealer for the proper chemicals to help rid the algae. Most cartridge filter problems are caused by dirty, clogged or abused elements. Either clean the elements, or replace if torn or damaged.

 

  My DE filter is running at high pressures and has a slow
   flow of water returning back to the pool
  

 

The DE filter is loaded with too much debris or algae and needs backwashing or regeneration. If this problem persists and you notice the filter gauge pressure risingt from 7 - 10 psi above your beginning pressure, you need to regenerate your filter. Refer to your Owner's Guide for further instructions or consult your pool dealer for service.

Your pump output might exceed the design flow rate of the filter. Make sure the pump is correctly sized for your filter.

If there is algae in the pool, super chlorinate, backwash or bump/drain and recharge as needed. Make sure you are properly backwashing on your vertical grid filter. Refer to your Owner's Manuals for instructions (Owner's Manualsare available online under the product page for your filter).

 

  My DE filter short cycles even after I backwash or
   regenerate and recharge
  

 

  • The filter elements may be clogged because of an accumulation of chemical deposits. Clogging is accelerated if chemicals are fed through the skimmer, operating your filter too long without DE after starting the pump, or operating the filter without DE. DE must be added as soon as the filter is full of water, and the pump is putting out a steady stream of water. Refer to your Owner's Guide for the amount of DE your filter requires.
  • Biguanide based sanitizers (i.e. Baquacil, SoftSwim) can cause short cycling.

 

  My DE filter is leaking back into the pool
  

 

  • Be sure that the suspected material on the pool floor is actually DE. Pollen, chemical residue and plaster dust often look like DE.
  • You may have a tear in your filter elements, replace if necessary. Make sure that you assemble the internal parts properly!
  • Check for air leaks, as this will cause the system to leak DE back into the pool. If there are air leaks, install a check valve between the pump and the filter valve.

 

  My DE filter has short cycles when vacuuming
  

 

This is normal if the pool contains very dirty water. Backwash or regenerate and recharge more often. If there is a presence of live algae, add enough chlorine sanitizer to control this growth, then vacuum. The presence of alum or floccing agents will clog the filter. Vacuum so as to bypass the filter. Do not use floccing agents with DE filters.

 

  Will backwashing or regenerating my DE filter
   thoroughly clean my filter?
  

 

No, you must thoroughly clean the elements at least once a year. You can clean your filter elements using automatic dishwasher detergent. Remove the elements from the filter, according to the instructions in your Owner's Guide, and hose them off with a forceful stream of water from your garden hose. Fill a large plastic container with the detergent, using about a 1/2 cup and warm water. Soak the elements for approximately 3 - 4 hours. After soaking, rinse off the elements again. Re-assemble your filter according to the instructions in your Owner's Guide. Note:do not soak elements in muriatic if the pool uses Biguanide products. This will damage the filter.

You may choose to clean the elements with muriatic acid or other commercial filter element cleaners, mix according to the package instructions. Use extreme caution when handling any cleaning agents, as they can be harmful to the eyes, skin and clothing. After cleaning, thoroughly rinse all elements with cold water.

 

  How often do I need to change the DE?
  

 

Whenever you backwash your DE filter allowing the dirt and DE out the waste line or when you regenerate and drain your Perflex or ReGenX filter.

 

  The pool won't stay clear
  

 

  • Your pool chemistry may be out of balance, allowing algae to multiply.
  • The flow rate through the filter may be low due to clogged or undersized piping. Cleaning the lines or changing to larger pipes will correct this problem.
  • Your filter operation time may not be long enough to compensate for heavy use or hot weather. Try running your filter for 24 hours to clear the water, then adjust to less running time.
  • Your pump may be hooked up to the wrong port on the multiport valve. If incorrectly installed, the filter will be flowing in reverse. Be sure the pump is connected to the port marked "pump" on the valve.
  • You could be backwashing too often. Backwash only when the pressure rises 7 - 10 psi over the starting pressure, or when the return flow back into the pool becomes low.

 

  My filter is noisy
  

 

An oversized pump may cause noise in your filter valve due to excessive flow. To test, hold your hand partially in front of any returns at the pool wall. If the noise subsides, this will confirm that the problem is excessive flow. It can be remedied by by installing smaller eyeball fittings in the return(s), changing the pump impeller size in the pump, or change to a 2-inch control valve.

 

  My Vari-Flo valve leaks to waste
  

 

The valve seat gasket inside the valve has become worn or loose. You may choose to do this yourself or contact your local pool dealer for service. How do you replace the gasket? You will need a new gasket, obtained from your local dealer, some Krazy Glue, and a sharp 1/8-inch wide flat bladed screwdriver. NOTE: Mark the top and bottom of the valve with a marking pen. It's very important that you do not change the location of the cover when re-assembling. Remove the cover, usually six screws. Using the screwdriver, scrape out every last part of the gasket and cement, in order to get back to a clean flat surface. Put a fair amount of crazy glue on the flat side of the gasket. Place the gasket, flat side down, back into place - let dry for one hour minimum.

 

 Cleaners 
My cleaner doesn't move

The hoses are twisting

Cleaner won't climb the wall of my vinyl liner pool

The cleaner sticks at the steps

My cleaner floats above the pool floor

My cleaner moves slowly

The pods at the front of the cleaner are worn

Cleaner climbs to the surface and sucks air

The bottom of my cleaner is worn

The top of my cleaner won't turn

Air comes into my pool when the cleaner is installed and stops after the cleaner is removed

The flappers/wings have fallen off
  My cleaner doesn't move
  

 

Cleaners depend on several factors to make them operate. There must be enough water flow past the turbine. Use a vacuum gauge to measure the vacuum in the cleaner hose. You should have 1" vacuum per section of hose.

Second, the four small "shoes" 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 a buildup of algae. Note:some algae is clear, be sure to feel the underwater pool surface.

Third, the shoes 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.

As a test, hold the cleaner by the hose. Keep the cleaner below water with the pump running. Hold the cleaner off the bottom of the pool and observe, the cleaner should: rotate right - not rotate - rotate left - not rotate - rotate right - etc. All the time, the "pods" should be kicking. If you can reach under the cleaner and stop the pods with your hand, there is either excessive wear on the internal parts or inadequate suction. Remember to check the vacuum reading before calling your dealer for assistance.

 

  The hoses are twisting
  

 

Cleaner hoses cannot be coiled up for storage. If you have coiled them, take the sections apart, lay them straight, and leave them outside for an entire day and night. Once the curls are removed, the hose should be usable.

 

  Cleaner won't climb the wall of my vinyl liner pool
  

 

Depending on the angle of the pool floor to the pool walls, the cleaner may not be able to "climb" the "slope." Picture the cleaner on the pool bottom at the intersection of where the pool wall meets the bottom at a sharp angle, (like the walls in your house.) The cleaner will not be able to make the transition, don't worry, it's not supposed to. After all, the dirt is on the bottom.

 

  The cleaner sticks at the steps
  

 

The hose might be too short.
  1. Check to see that the hose extends two full sections past the furthest point in the pool.
  2. Check to see that the return line(s) are not affecting the cleaner's movement.
  3. Use the vacuum gauge to measure the vacuum in the cleaner hose. You should have 1 inch of vacuum per section of hose.
  4. Check the shoes, wings and flaps for wear.
  5. Check the rear flap adjuster, and move it to the I position.
As a test, hold the cleaner by the hose. Keep the cleaner below water with the pump running. Hold the cleaner off the bottom of the pool and observe, the cleaner should: rotate right - not rotate - rotate left - not rotate - rotate right - etc. All the time, the "pods" should be kicking. If the cleaner is not doing the "test" movements, call or take your cleaner to your local dealer.

 

  My cleaner floats above the pool floor
  

 

The cleaner is heavier than water, and should not float.
  1. Make sure that all the air was removed from the cleaner head and hoses during installation.
  2. Make sure that the hose extends two full sections past the farthest point in the pool.
  3. Use the vacuum gauge to measure the vacuum in the cleaner hose. You should have 1 inch vacuum per section of house.
  4. Check to see that the return line(s) are not affecting the cleaner or the cleaner hose.
  5. Check for signs of air returning to the pool through the return line(s). Look for air bubbles attached to the cleaner hose and head. If present, pull sharply on the cleaner hose to release bubbles. Then, correct the source of the air leak to prevent further "floating."

 

  My cleaner moves slowly
  

 

 

  1. Check the shoes, wings and flaps for wear.
  2. Check for obstructions in the cleaner.
  3. Use the vacuum gauge to measure the vacuum in the cleaner hose. It should be 1 inch vacuum per section of hose. If the cleaner still moves slowly, call or take it to your local dealer.

 

  The pods at the front of the cleaner are worn
  

 

The cleaner is sticking at the steps or against a wall. See cleaner sticking at the steps?

 

  Cleaner climbs to the surface and sucks air
  

 

  1. The vacuum is probably too high. Use the vacuum gauge to measure the vacuum in the cleaner hose. You should have 1 inch vacuum per section of hose.
  2. Check the rear flap adjuster, and move it to the I position.
  3. Check the shoes, wings, and flaps for wear.
  4. As a test, hold the cleaner by the hose. Keep the cleaner below water with the pump running. Hold the cleaner off the bottom of the pool and observe, the cleaner should: rotate right - not rotate - rotate left - not rotate - rotate right - etc. If the cleaner is not turning, call or take your cleaner to your local pool dealer.

 

  The bottom of my cleaner is worn
  

 

The shoes are worn, and the vacuum in the cleaner hose is probably too high. Use the vacuum gauge to measure the vacuum in the cleaner hose. You should have 1" of vacuum per section of hose. Replace worn shoes.

 

  The top of my cleaner won't turn
  

 

You will not be able to turn the cleaner top when the cleaner is full of water. Drain the water from the cleaner head, and try to rotate the top both left and right - there might be some debris in the gears. If the top does not turn, call or take the cleaner to your local pool dealer.

 

  Air comes into my pool when the cleaner is installed, and stops after the cleaner is removed?
  

 

There is a leak on the suction side of your filter system that only shows up when you stress the system. i.e. - install your manual vacuum cleaner or an automatic vacuum cleaner. Check for obvious leaks at the pump housing, check the lid and o-ring. If the air persists, contact your local pool dealer.

 

  The flappers/wings have fallen off
  

 

There is excess wear on the bottom of the cleaner, and the wing hooks have probably broken off the pods. The shoes are worn, and the vacuum in the cleaner hose is probably too high. Use the vacuum gauge to measure the vacuum in the cleaner hose. You should have 1" of vacuum per section of hose. Replace worn components.

 

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