AUTOMATIC POOL VACUUMS
Automatic pool cleaners will decrease the water flow by restricting the suction of the circulation pump. Most automatic type pool cleaners operate from the suction provided by the circulation pump.
Some automatic pool vacuums are plugged into the skimmer suction port. The main floor drain is then re- stricted some, so that the auto vac has enough vacuum to operate. It can then move freely and not become stuck to the main drain port.
Typical
Automatic
Pool Cleaner
Often times, when these auto vacuums begin to wear, they require more suction from the pump to operate. Diverting all vacuum through the auto vac may help it run better but will restrict the overall water flow through the entire system and the heater.
If you have a low water flow situation where the heater is not getting enough water through the condenser coil, remove the pool vac and open all skimmer and main floor drain vacuum valves to provide maximum flow.
The auto vac manufacturer has a special valve that plugs into the skimmer before the auto vac hose. These spe- cial valves will properly regulate the water flow through the auto vac without creating too much vacuum restric- tion on the skimmer suction port.
The hose connecting the auto vac to the skimmer should be checked for the presence of suction leaks that allow air into the system. (See damage caused by vacuum leaks previously). As the auto vac hose gets older and sun damaged, it may develop an air vacuum leak or known as a "suction leak".
In all cases, you should do what ever necessary to gain the proper water flow through the heat exchanger. Once the pool vac is working, make sure you have the proper water flow through the heater at all times. If the low flow created by an auto vac is causing a problem with the unit, it is not considered a warranty condition.
CAUTION
When manually vacuuming the pool or performing ser- vice to the filtering system, "shut the heater off !" When the vacuum hose is plugged in, it may cause the pump to loose prime due to the air in the hose. You may also need to restrict the main drain suction port to gain more vacuum to the vacuum hose and head. This will lower the overall flow through the unit and cause it to cycle on & off, possibly causing damage. Shut the heater off whenever there is a chance of restricted wa- ter flow or loss of prime.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
As part of routine maintenance you should schedule a licensed air conditioning contractor or the factory ser- vice department to check the refrigeration circuit and components of the heat pump against factory specifica- tions. An improper adjustment or diagnosis by others may limit your warranty. You can call the factory ser- vice department for a list of factory authorized service centers in your area. Have all the refrigeration compo- nents checked against the factory specifications. You can request this information from the factory service department.
Verify correct installation according to the owners and installation manuals. Verify water flow through the heat exchanger and filtering system. Check all chlorinator placement and pool water balance. Test the supply volt- age, amperage draw, wire size against factory specifi- cations and local codes. Test the operating refrigerant pressures and corresponding components to factory specifications. Adjust refrigerant according to the sub cooling reading and factory specification.
Clean and flush the evaporator coils to remove debris, salt and mineral build up at least twice a year. Clean more often if you live in a costal and or sandy environ- ment. Clean them with a mild soap and a very soft brush. Do not use a pressurized garden hose. The air handling compartment below the fan must be cleaned of debris regularly. Contact an air conditioning con- tractor for proper methods of cleaning the evaporator coils. Remember to make sure the irrigation sprinkler system does not spray on the unit!
The fan motor should be oiled when the unit is serviced otherwise once per year or more if needed. Coastal in- stallation should oil the fan motor 4 times per year or
17 more depending on exposure.
