Water TechniX Viper Suction Pool Cleaner Installation Guide
This guide provides detailed instructions for installing and maintaining your Water TechniX Viper Suction Pool Cleaner. It includes assembly, in-pool installation (specifically for Australian skimmer box connections), maintenance, troubleshooting, and general usage tips.
Contents
- Safety and Warnings
- General Information
- Cleaner Assembly
- Exploded Parts List
- Diaphragm Cleaning and Replacement
- In-Pool Installation (AU Skimmer Box)
- General Tips for Usage
- Troubleshooting
- Warranty Information
Safety and Warnings
SUCTION HAZARDS AND DROWNING RISKS:
- If your pool is equipped with one, you MUST cover your dedicated suction port/vac port/automatic pool cleaner port when not in use by the cleaner.
- DO NOT play with cleaner or apply cleaner or hose to body, clothing, or hair. The hose and cleaner can take hold of your body, hair, or clothing. The suction from the hose or cleaner, or just the hose or cleaner alone, can trap a swimmer underwater. NEVER ALLOW ANYONE TO ENTER THE POOL when the cleaner is in use.
- DO NOT allow anyone, especially children, to use or play with or around the cleaner or hose. Educate the pool users about the dangers of the hose, cleaner, and suction ports.
MOVING PARTS:
- ALWAYS TURN OFF PUMP before cleaning or maintaining the cleaner.
- Moving parts and suction can cause injury.
- TURN OFF PUMP before swimming.
- Remove cleaner and hose from the pool if they may interfere with swimmers.
Carefully follow all instructions contained in this manual. Failure to do so may inhibit the cleaner's operation or damage your pool. The manufacturer disclaims any liability for repairs or replacement to any structures or components in the customer's pool.
General Information
Prior to Installation
This cleaner is not designed for initial cleaning after pool construction or at the start of the season. Check your vinyl pool for wear, tears, roots, branches, rocks, or other obstructions under the liner. Gunite, plaster, and tile pools must be free of deterioration, cracked or loose tiles, or any other conditions that could damage the cleaner. All pools must be cleaned of algae and debris prior to the cleaner's first use.
Before installation, ensure your entire filter system is clean. This includes cleaning the filter, and emptying, backwashing, and rinsing all baskets. The cleaner will not operate properly with a dirty or clogged filter system.
After Installation
After installation, carefully assess the cleaner's operation. Minor adjustments may be needed to ensure proper performance and to prevent the cleaner from damaging or causing undue wear to the pool surface. Vinyl pools especially are at risk of abrasion, pattern wear, pattern or ink removal, or serious scratches from the cleaner running into objects or debris in the pool. The manufacturer disclaims any liability for damages caused to vinyl pool patterns or liners.
Cleaner Assembly
Attach Finned Disc
Attach the finned disc (#11) to the bottom lip of the cleaner by sliding it around and over the lipped circular opening. The word "TOP" should be facing opposite the floor. The finned disc should spin freely after it is attached.
Insert Diaphragm Assembly
If not already installed, insert the long tube, ring, and diaphragm (#13, #14, and #15) assembly into the centre of the cleaner with the yellow diaphragm towards the bottom of the cleaner.
Attach Bumper Ring
Attach the bumper ring (#2) by pushing the flanged end of the hose connector (#1) onto the top hose opening of the cleaner body.
Exploded Parts List
Item No. | Description |
---|---|
1 | Hose Connector |
2 | Bumper Ring |
3 | Plastic Ring |
4 | Chamber Assembly |
5 | Left Cleaner Body |
6 | Right Cleaner Body |
7 | Float |
8 | Weight |
9 | Back Housing |
10 | Front Housing |
11 | Finned Disc |
Item No. | Description |
---|---|
12 | Foot Pad |
13 | Long Tube |
14 | Plastic Ring for Diaphragm |
15 | Diaphragm |
16 | Automatic Regulator Valve (Not used for AU Skimmer Box) |
17 | Hose Weight |
18 | Elbow Connectors (Optional for AU Skimmer Box) |
19 | Intake Adaptor (Not used for AU Skimmer Box) |
20 | Hose Protector Sleeve |
21 | Female/Male Hose Sections |
22 | Female/Female Hose Section |
Diaphragm Cleaning and Replacement
Your cleaner's diaphragm (#15) may become clogged or damaged over time. If you notice decreased performance, check the diaphragm for debris or damage.
Remove Cleaner from Pool
Remove the cleaner from the pool and unhook the hose from the top of the cleaner.
Remove Diaphragm Assembly
To remove the yellow diaphragm, unscrew the bumper ring (#2) and hose connector (#1) by twisting the white ring directly beneath the blue bumper ring in a counter-clockwise direction while holding still the white ring closest to the cleaner body. Unscrew the assembly until you can remove it from the cleaner. Set the bumper ring assembly to the side.
Extract Diaphragm
You will now see a chamber assembly (#4) that sits inside the main cleaner body. Firmly push the protruding blue long hose downwards until the yellow diaphragm (#15) and the attached blue long tube (#13) detach from the chamber assembly. You may need to pull on the old diaphragm to release the tube and diaphragm from the main cleaner body.
Clean or Replace Diaphragm
If the diaphragm is dirty but undamaged, clean it by rubbing with a rag under warm water. If the diaphragm is damaged, replace it with a new diaphragm. Pull the yellow diaphragm from the bottom of the blue chamber assembly. Remove the blue plastic locking ring (#14) from the old diaphragm and place it on the new diaphragm. Slide the new diaphragm over the blue tube until it sits tightly against the ridge.
Reinsert Diaphragm Assembly
Slide the blue tube into the chamber assembly with the diaphragm at the bottom. Push the diaphragm into the cleaner until the long blue tube and diaphragm are secure.
Reattach Bumper Ring
Screw the bumper ring assembly onto the top of the main cleaner body.
In-Pool Installation (AU Skimmer Box)
Preparation
Ensure your pool is generally clean, free from large debris, and your pump and filtration system are clean. Empty your skimmer basket and pump basket.
TROUBLESHOOTING TIP:
If your cleaner does not have enough power, stays in one area, or does not move at all, clean your pump and filtration system thoroughly.
Assemble Hose Sections
Connect the individual hose sections together. Determine the proper amount of hose needed by starting at your skimmer box, extending the hose to the farthest point of your pool, and then adding one extra section. The female end of the hose should be at the end that will connect to the skimmer.
TROUBLESHOOTING TIP:
If one area of your pool is consistently not being cleaned, your hose may not be long enough. Add an additional hose section if necessary.
Attach Hose Weight(s)
Place the hose weight(s) (#17 from parts list, if applicable) onto the hose. You will generally need one hose weight if your pool depth is less than 2.5 metres (approx. 8 feet), and two if the pool depth is more than 2.5 metres.
TROUBLESHOOTING TIP:
With correct hose weights, your cleaner should sit at approximately a 45-degree angle on the bottom of the pool. If your cleaner isn't working correctly, the hose is sinking too much, or the cleaner is stuck in one area, adjust the hose weights' location, or add/decrease the number of hose weights.
Connect to Skimmer Vacuum Plate
This step is crucial for AU pools.
- Carefully place your pool's vacuum plate (also known as a skimmer plate or vac plate) into your skimmer box. Ensure it sits securely over the skimmer basket opening.
- Attach the female end of your pool cleaner hose directly to the designated port on the vacuum plate. Ensure a snug, airtight fit to prevent air from entering the system.
- Optional: If your specific vacuum plate or skimmer setup requires an adapter or an elbow connector to properly angle the hose out of the skimmer, attach that component to the vacuum plate first, then connect the hose to it.
TROUBLESHOOTING TIP:
If your cleaner stays at the surface, pulls in air from the surface, or has weak suction, double-check that the vacuum plate is sealed correctly in the skimmer and that the hose connection to the plate is airtight.
Submerge Cleaner and Hose
Attach the hose to the cleaner's top inlet. Slowly lower the cleaner into the pool, feeding the hose gradually into the water. This allows the hose to fill with water and purge air. Make sure there is not excessive air in the hose; it should mostly sink.
Start Pool Pump
Once the cleaner and hose are fully submerged and connected to the vacuum plate in the skimmer, turn on your pool pump. Observe the system to ensure it runs smoothly and the cleaner begins to move and clean effectively.
TROUBLESHOOTING TIP:
If your cleaner is not covering the whole pool, stays in one area, or does not clean well enough, check your skimmer and pump baskets for debris, and adjust your pool's return line eyeball diverters if they are pushing the cleaner away from certain areas.
General Tips for Usage
- Once installed, your cleaner is designed to run for 4-6 hours and should be able to clean an average-sized pool in that time.
- Your pool needs to be in good condition to use this cleaner. If there are broken tiles, plaster, or tears in the vinyl, the cleaner may cause further damage.
- The cleaner is not designed to clean pool features, waterfalls, steps, or ladders. These areas will need to be cleaned manually with a brush.
- The cleaner is not designed to run and clean under a solar cover.
- Run your cleaner 2-3 times a week for optimal results.
- Do not wait until your pool is excessively dirty to run the cleaner. It should be considered a preventative maintenance tool for a consistently clean pool.
- The cleaner is meant to vacuum small debris and dirt. Larger debris and fallen objects will need to be removed manually.
- This cleaner is not meant to replace chemical treatments. Continue your regular chemical treatments; remove the cleaner from the pool during shock treatments.
- Before swimmers enter the pool, turn off the pump, detach the hose from the skimmer vacuum plate, and then move the cleaner and hose to an unused side or corner of the pool.
- Your cleaner should ideally stay in the pool at all times, EXCEPT when it may endanger swimmers. Dry storage can wear the cleaner/hose more quickly than storage in a correctly balanced pool.
Troubleshooting
If your Water TechniX Viper Suction Pool Cleaner is not operating as expected, please refer to the common issues and solutions below.
Cleaner Does Not Move or Has Low Suction
- Check Filter System: Ensure your pool pump and filtration system (filter, skimmer basket, pump basket) are clean and free of debris. A dirty filter system can significantly reduce suction.
- Hose Length: Verify the hose length is appropriate for your pool. If the hose is too short, the cleaner may not reach all areas or get stuck. If too long, it can tangle.
- Hose Weights: Ensure hose weights are correctly placed and sufficient. The cleaner should sit at approximately a 45-degree angle on the pool bottom. Adjust location or number of weights as needed.
- Air in System: Check for air leaks in the hose connections, vacuum plate seal, or skimmer. Air entering the system will reduce suction. Ensure the hose is fully submerged and purged of air before starting the pump.
- Diaphragm Condition: Inspect the diaphragm (#15) for clogs or damage. Clean or replace it as per the "Diaphragm Cleaning and Replacement" section.
- Valve Adjustment: Adjust your pool's return line valves to ensure proper water flow and distribution. If the return line pushes the cleaner away from an area, consider installing or adjusting an eyeball diverter.
Cleaner Stays at Surface or Pulls Air from Surface
- Vacuum Plate Seal: Ensure the vacuum plate is securely seated in the skimmer and creating an airtight seal.
- Hose Connection: Verify the hose is tightly connected to the vacuum plate.
- Automatic Regulator Valve (if applicable): If your setup includes an automatic regulator valve, ensure it is installed correctly and functioning. (Note: This is less common with direct vacuum plate connections but good to check if present).
Cleaner Not Covering Entire Pool
- Hose Length: As mentioned, check if the hose is long enough to reach all areas of the pool.
- Hose Weights: Incorrect hose weighting can cause the cleaner to favour certain areas or get stuck.
- Water Flow/Return Lines: Adjust return line eyeball diverters to prevent them from pushing the cleaner away from certain areas.
- Obstructions: Ensure there are no large debris, toys, or pool features (steps, ladders, waterfalls) obstructing the cleaner's path.
Cleaner is Damaging Pool Surface
- Pool Condition: Ensure your pool surface (vinyl, plaster, tile) is in good condition, free from tears, cracks, or loose components that the cleaner could snag on or further damage.
- Debris: Remove large or sharp debris from the pool before running the cleaner.
Warranty Information
Please refer to the separate warranty card or contact Water TechniX customer service for detailed warranty information regarding your Viper Suction Pool Cleaner. Retain your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
For customer support or warranty inquiries, please visit our website or contact us at:
Website: https://mrpoolman.com.au
Email: support@mrpoolman.com.au
Phone: 1300 511 901