Zodiac W03000 G3 Automatic Suction-Side Pool Cleaner Vacuum

Introduction

Congratulations on the purchase of your new G3 automatic pool cleaner. Built with proven Baracuda® technology, the G3 is designed and manufactured for easy installation, and years of carefree operation. Before installing the cleaner, please take a few moments to become familiar with its components and to review the items listed under Important Information below.

Important Information

WARNING RISK OF SUCTION ENTRAPMENT HAZARD, WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. Ensure that your vacuum suction fittings installed in your pool for connection of your suction-side pool cleaner are certifi ed as being compliant with applicable safety standards such as IAPMO SPS 4. Do not block the suction fittings with any part or your body. Do not expose your hair, loose clothing, jewelry, etc. to any suction outlet fittings in the pool/spa.
Notice for Vinyl Liner Pools: Before installing your pool cleaner, examine the interior of your pool carefully. If the vinyl liner is brittle or has stones, wrinkles, roots or metal corrosion in contact with the underside of the liner, or has damage to the base material or supporting walls, do not install the cleaner before having a qualified professional perform the necessary repairs or liner replacement. Zodiac will not be responsible for liner damage caused by a cleaner that is in disrepair, pattern removal from a vinyl liner, or a cleaner used in a pool having an aged or deteriorated liner. Please see Limited Warranty.

• To help prevent suction entrapment accidents, wall vacuum fittings should have a safety vac lock installed. Contact your builder or retail pool professional for details.
• Clean the skimmer basket, pump basket, and pool filter before installing the cleaner and on a regular basis thereafter.
• Always disconnect the cleaner from the pool wall or skimmer before cleaning or backwashing the pool filter. After cleaning or backwashing, let the filtration system run for at least five (5) minutes before re-connecting the cleaner.
• Remove the cleaner from the pool before chemical or shock treatments. Wait for a minimum of four (4) hours after super chlorination before re-installing the cleaner.

Installation

Prepare the Pool

1. Manually vacuum the pool if excessive debris is present, and make sure the pool filter and pump basket are clean.
2. Close the pool main drain line.
3. Adjust the return lines to blow downward to break up surface circulation and ensure complete cleaning coverage.
   • Loosen the fitting lock ring
   • Redirect the eyeball downward
   • Retighten the lock ring
     If the return fitting cannot be adjusted, the fitting MUST be replaced with a Zodiac return line diverter (part #W90153 for 1-1/2″, #W90155 for 2″ or

     W24100 for pools without return fittings).

Assemble the Cleaner

Stretch the finned disc over the foot pad with the fins pointing up. The disc should fit securely in the groove and rotate freely on the pad. For US/Mexico installations only. Slide the wheel deflector over the extension pipe, and clips it up, until it snaps into place. The deflector should rotate freely.

Assemble the Hose

For corner or end installations, connect enough hose to reach the farthest point of the pool and then add one more section.  For center installations, connect enough hose to reach the farthest point of the pool and then add two more sections.

Position the hose weight(s): one for US/Mexico installations, in the middle of the first hose section or about 20″ back from the end of the hose; and two for Canadian, in the middle of the second hose section or about 60″ (1.5 m) back from the end of the hose.

Connect the Hose

WARNING
RISK OF SUCTION ENTRAPMENT HAZARD, WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. Ensure that your vacuum suction fi things installed in your pool for connection of your suction-side pool cleaner are certifi ed as being compliant with applicable safety standards such as IAPMO SPS 4. Do not block the suction fittings with any part of your body. Do not expose your hair, loose clothing, jewelry, etc. to any suction outlet fi ttings in the pool/spa.
Turn on the filtration system and fill the hose with water by placing the end in front of a return inlet until it is flooded. Turn off the pump.

To connect to a dedicated suction line:

1. Insert the male end of the hose into the large end of the 45° elbow.
2. Connect the elbow to the safety vac wall fitting.
3. Angle the elbow upward toward the water’s surface.

To connect to a skimmer:
The FlowKeeper™ valve must always be used in single skimmer installations. The valve regulates flow to ensure the pool pump and cleaner run properly. It is pre-set at the factory to optimize the performance of the cleaner but offers three settings to adjust the flow. The lower the setting number, the lower the flow. To adjust, pull the handle and move the setting up or down. The red tab can be used to open the valve and stop the cleaner. If the pool has more than one skimmer, connect the hose to the one closest to the pump. The parts used to connect the hose, and the sequence in which they are installed depends on the type of skimmer.

1. Remove the skimmer basket.
2. Insert the valve cuff and connect the FlowKeeper with the arrow pointing down towards the skimmer pipe.
3. Attach the hose protector net to the hose section that goes into the skimmer.
4. Choose the fitting combination that best suits the skimmer to complete the connection.

Test and Adjust for Proper Flow

Keeping the hose submerged, attach the Flow Gauge to the hose and turn on the pump. Verify that the red indicator in the gauge (viewed from the side) is at the Number 3 setting.

If necessary, use the valves in the pool equipment area to adjust the flow.

• For skimmer connections on pools with one skimmer , flow is automatically regulated by the FlowKeeper™ Valve. The red indicator should be at the proper setting.
• For skimmer connections on pools with more than one skimmer, leave the valve for the skimmer connected to the hose open and slowly close the other until the proper setting is reached.
• For dedicated suction line connections, leave the vacuum line open and slowly close the skimmer line until the flow is at the proper setting.

If the flow is in the low range (0-2):

• Check and clean the pool filter and baskets if necessary.
• Verify that the valves controlling the suction lines are in the correct position.

If the flow is in the high range (4-6):

• Verify that the valves controlling the suction lines are in the correct position.
• Lower the flow setting on the FlowKeeper Valve.
• Open the main drain slightly to further reduce flow.

Connect the Cleaner

Turn off the pump. Keeping the hose underwater, remove the Flow Gauge.

1. Submerge the cleaner and flood it with water.
2. When bubbles stop coming from the extension pipe, connect the hose to the cleaner.
3. Allow the cleaner to drift to the bottom of the pool.
4. Turn on the pool pump and begin cleaning.

Operation and Maintenance

Fine Tuning Cleaner Performance

The G3 cycles on/off with the pool filtration pump vacuuming and cleaning all surfaces randomly throughout the pool. The coverage of the G3 is dependent on the pool’s shape and available water flow. In some applications, adjustments may be necessary to optimize cleaning coverage. The hose weight is positioned to compensate for the buoyancy of the hose. A properly balanced hose will create a 45-degree angle to the cleaner and the bottom of the pool.

In pools, 8-1/2 feet or deeper, an extra hose weight (part #W83247) may be necessary. Add the second weight 5 to 8 feet from the cleaner.
A return line can be used to guide the cleaner away from steps or areas with V-shaped corners, and reduce patterning. Direct the return to gently push the cleaner hose by positioning the return directional so it aims towards the wall on the opposite side of the pool, and surface movement is visible 8 feet out from the return. In this example, any return within the grey area can be used.

Routine Maintenance

To maintain performance:

• Never coil the hose. Straighten a coiled hose with warm water or by laying it in the sun for a day. A kinked or coiled hose will adversely affect the G3’s coverage of the pool.
• When not in the pool, keep the disc flat to avoid warping.
• Periodically inspect cleaner parts for wear.
• Thoroughly clean the skimmer basket, pump basket, and filter regularly. Always disconnect the cleaner from the pool wall or skimmer before cleaning or backwashing the pool filter. After cleaning or backwashing, let the filtration system run for at least five (5) minutes before re-connecting the cleaner.
• Remove the cleaner from the pool before chemical or shock treatments. Wait for a minimum of four (4) hours after super chlorination before re-installing the cleaner

Clearing the Diaphragm

Use the Quick Access Cassette system to quickly clear the diaphragm or check it for damage.

To remove:

1. Unscrew the cassette and pull it out of the cleaner.
2. Loosen the cassette chamber; pull the inner pipe and diaphragm from the bottom of the cassette chamber.
3. Pull off the diaphragm. Inspect it for debris or wear, and rinse it thoroughly with water. Replace if necessary.

To install:

1. Verify that the retaining ring is on the diaphragm.
2. Push the diaphragm onto the inner pipe.
3. Pull the inner pipe and diaphragm through the bottom of the cassette chamber until the diaphragm seats against the lip.
4. Tighten the cassette outer pipe and replace the cassette body.

Replacing the Foot Pad

The foot pad should be replaced when the depths of the channels between the treads are 1/8″ or less

To remove:

Press down on the locking tab while pulling the foot flange toward you and up.

To install:

Insert the foot flange into the body, push down, and lock it into place.

Storage and Winterizing

Never coil the hose. Always store G3 out of direct sunlight. When storing for the winter, drain all water from the cleaner. Remove all connectors and adapters from the dedicated suction line or skimmer. Store finned disc flat, and hose sections disconnected, drained, and straight.

Troubleshooting

If you experience a problem with your G3, please follow the troubleshooting steps below to restore performance. If further assistance is required, contact Zodiac Customer Service. Please have your serial number and date of purchase available when you call.

G3 Parts Diagram

FAQs

Are hoses included with the G3?

Our pool is 21 feet wide and 42 feet long, so we needed to buy extra hoses for the cleaner to reach the entire pool. Nevertheless, we can always leave the cleaner at one end one day and swap it to the other end later or the next day. The cleaner is a workhorse.

Is it possible to swap a G2 for a G3 without making any specific modifications? They’re interchangeable, right?

The G2 and G3 should be able to be swapped out without any issues. Before fastening the G3, examine the location of the hose weight on the first hose behind it and the suction at the end of the last hose. Purchase the TWISTER and install it between the first and second hose sections at the wall or basket strainer connection if you want a FANTASTIC addition—I would HIGHLY recommend it. The hose curling will be TOTALLY eliminated, and the vacuum will be able to reach every part of the pool.

What is the difference between G3 and G3.1?

The G3.1 has a new design for the suction hose. The G3.1 is designed to be used with a 1.25″ hose, while the G3 can be used with a 1.25″ or 1.5″ hose.

How do I know if I have a 1.25″ or 1.5″ hose?

If you have a 1.5″ hose, it will have an outside diameter of approximately 1 5/8″. A 1.25″ hose will have an outside diameter of approximately 1 3/8″.

What if I don’t know what size of hose I have?

If you are unsure, please measure your existing suction hose (from the cleaner to the pool wall) and compare it to the measurements listed above for 1.25″ and 1.5″ hoses. If you do not know what size suction hose you have, please contact your local pool supply store for assistance in identifying the correct size suction hose for your application or visit www .zodiacpoolcleaners .com/hoses for more information on Zodiac hoses and accessories

Does my existing pump need to be replaced?

No, your existing pump does not need to be replaced in order to use your new Zodiac automatic pool cleaner. However, if you are using an older pump that was installed prior to 2002, it may not be strong enough to handle the additional load of your new cleaner and may need to be replaced with a newer, more powerful pump (see specifications below). If you are unsure about what type of pump you have or whether it is strong enough for use with your automatic pool cleaner, please contact your local pool supply store for assistance in identifying the correct pump for your application or visit www.zodiacpoolcleaners.com/pumps for more information on Zodiac pumps and accessories

What type of pump should I use with my automatic pool cleaner?

Use only a single-speed, single-stage pump rated at least as high as the following minimums: Pump Size (GPM) Pump Horsepower Minimum Flow Rate (GPM) Minimum Head (ft.) 2 7 4 0 3 10 5 0 4 15 6 0 5 20 7 0 6 25 8 0 7 30 9 0 8 35 10 0 9 40 11 0 10 45 12 0 11 50 13 0 12 55 14 0 13 60 15 0 14 65 16 0 15 70 17 0 16 75 18 0 17 80 19 0 18 85 20+ 0 19 90 21+ 22 95 23+ 24 100 25+ The above ratings are based on water temperatures up to 104°F /40°C and air temperatures up to 100°F /38°C. For higher water temperatures or air temperatures exceeding 100°F /38°C, please contact Zodiac Technical

How long can I run my automatic pool vacuum?

How long should a pool vacuum be run? If you have a manual vacuum, you will use it for however long it takes to clean your pool. Depending on the size of your pool, an automated vacuum will run for anywhere between two and six hours

How often should I run my suction pool cleaner?

You can run the cleaner once a month if it’s winter and you’ve kept the pool cover on the entire time. Run the cleaner at least twice a week if you only use the pool occasionally during the summer and cover it the rest of the time.

Why is my automatic suction pool cleaner not moving?

Check the cleaner hose if your suction pool cleaner isn’t working. It should be tightly fastened to the cleaner line or the suction line in the skimmer. The next step would be to ensure there are no air leaks in the hose if you check these and they are all attached.

How does a suction-side pool cleaner work?

In order to move around the pool, suction side cleaners are attached to the primary filtration pump. The pool surface is scrubbed by these cleaners, who also remove undesired dirt and debris. The filtration system in your pool then returns the debris to the pump basket.

Can you leave an automatic pool vacuum in the pool overnight?

The cycle might only need to be run two or three times per week. The unnecessary exposure to the elements that result from leaving the machine in the water at that time The seals might deteriorate more quickly as a result of this exposure, which could lead to leaks and harm to the electrical parts.

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