FAQs

1. The suction lines could be clogged.
2. The valves could be set in the “off” position.

The problem of low pressure is usually a clogged pump basket (the basket connected to the pool pump) or skimmer baskets full of leaves. Clogged baskets restrict the flow of water into the filter, which causes low pressure. A clogged impeller (blade inside the pump) can also cause low pressure. This should not happen if your pump basket is kept free of debris and in good condition. If you have a suction type cleaner and have this problem often try adding an in-line leaf catcher between your first and second hoses from the wall.

There might even be a need for a PRESSURE TYPE cleaner if you have an over abundance of leaves.

Pumps should be sized to the pool plumbing, filter and size of pool. Newer pumps are much more efficient than older pumps (old brass type pumps) that were installed just 8-10 years ago. Because of the more efficient pumps, plumbing is usually too small in size to let a larger horsepower pump prime up and operate at its full potential. In most cases it actually moves less water than the older, smaller horsepower pumps. If the plumbing and number of jets will allow the use of a larger horsepower pump, you need to make sure that the filter is large enough to handle the extra force/pressure that the pump will create. also you do not want to have so much flow in a pool that it becomes unsafe. The ideal solution to this question is to add a variable speed pump to your pool. What that means in a newer money saving efficient Magnet Drive pump.

For the last 20 years, Zodiac has been using a patented technology associating polyamides and titanium, both of which are totally free from the effects of corrosion. Today over 120,000 appliances have been installed without any corrosion defects. When a salt water chlorination method is being used, it may be important to install a check valve between the heater outlet and the salt water chlorinator to prevent high concentrations of chlorinated water from back siphoning into the heater.

Pool coverNo, it is perfectly possible to heat an “open air” pool without a cover or a shelter. The power and fuel requirements is similar to heating a house with the windows open! This is why we recommend the use of an insulating cover to limit heat loss to the open air when the pool is being heated. A covered or sheltered pool will reduce the heater power and fuel costs.

1. Check the suction side piping union. While the pump is running, try to tighten the union. If this does not stop the air leak, turn off the pump. Loosen both unions and slide the pump out of the way. Remove, clean and re-install both union o-rings.
2. Reposition the pump next to the piping and secure the union nuts to the pump. With clean union o-rings, hand tightening of the unions should create a seal. If the unions still do not seal, gently tighten with a large pair of tongue and groove pliers. DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN.

1. Air in system. Check the pool or spa water level to ensure it is at the proper level and that air is not being drawn into the suction plumbing.
2. If the water is at normal level, turn off the pump. Remove the strainer cover and check for debris around the o-ring seat, as this will cause air leaks in the system.
3. Clean the cover o-ring and put the lid back in place.
4. Hand tighten the cover to make an air tight seal.
5. Do not use any tools to tighten the cover. Turn the pump back on.

1. Verify that the skimmer baskets, pump basket and other screens are clean. Clean as necessary.
2. Check filter and clean as necessary.
3. Check valve positions. Adjust as necessary. Note: Multiple pieces of equipment operating at one time (for example, waterfalls, spa jets, and surface returns) will affect the cleaning system and may prevent it from working properly.
4. Check the cleaning system manual to ensure that the system is adjusted according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

1. Ensure that there is adequate room around the motor to circulate air and keep the motor cool.
2. Have a qualified electrician check for loose connections and check the voltage at the pump motor while it is in operation. The voltage must be within 10% of the motors data plate rating. If the voltage is not within 10%, contact a qualified electrician and/or the local power service provider.

1. The pump impeller and diffuser are showing signs of normal wear. Have a qualified service technician check the impeller and diffuser and replace as necessary.
2. If the pump is part of a relatively new installation, it could be an electrical problem. Contact a qualified service technician. Have the technician check for loose electrical connections and check the voltage at the pump motor while in operation. The voltage must be within 10% of the motor’s data plate rating. If the voltage is not within 10% contact a qualified electrician and/or the local power service provider.

• Check pump basket for debris.
• Check for air leaks on suction side.
• Check for restrictions or blockage in either suction or return lines.
• Filter needs to be cleaned or replaced.
• Pool water level too low.
• Pump is not primed correctly.
• Pump impeller vanes are blocked.
• Strainer baskets not being used and/or not being cleaned regularly.
• Pump operating under speed (low voltage) or at low speed.

How do I dispose of used cartridges?

• The minerals inside Nature2 are harmless, so it is safe for disposal with other household trash.

What affects cartridge life?

• Nothing — including filter run time, heavy use and water temperature.

When do I replace the cartridge?

• Cartridges for pools last up to six months. Change your spa cartridge every four months.

How do I know if Nature2 is working?

<li “>Visual clarity and an unmatched water sparkle are two ways you’ll know Nature2 is working properly. The Envoirnmental Protection Agency performed rigorous tests to insure it works without fault every time for your peace of mind.

Is Nature2 a filter?

• No. A filter simply removes particles and debris. Nature2 sanitizes pool water by destroying bacteria which are too small to be caught by a filter. You still need a filter when using Nature2 system.

Is Nature2 an “ionizer”?

• No. Ionizers electrically discharge copper (or metal alloy) ions into water. Ionizers deliver ions via an electrical current (electrodes) or salt dissolution.

Is Nature2 compatible with other products?

• Nature2 can be used with every type of chemical treatment program available except biguanide products, sodium bromide and copper-based algaecides.

After it’s installed, will pool maintenance change?

• Yes, you will reduce chemical use and maintenance time. Basket cleaning, vacuuming and water testing will be the same as before, but the water balance will be easier, meaning there’s simply less to do.

Which products should be avoided when using, or planning to use, Zodiac Nature 2?

• Bromide and its derivatives.
• Chlorine-free disinfectants of the PHMB type (or “biguanides”): Baquacil, Revacil, Oxyline.
• Other products containing copper.

How do I tell which Caretaker system I have?

Find the water valve. It is either near your pool equipment or pool. Zodiac offers two cleaning valve styles:

1. Caretaker 5-Port Hydraulic Valve: Black dome-shaped water valve with 5 pipes coming out of the bottom and a pressure gauge on the top
2. Caretaker 8-Port Electronic Valve: Black cylinder-shaped water valve with 8 pipes coming out of the bottom side. This valve was previously known as Ultraflex and Ultraflex 2. These valves have a motor inside with a lid on top. To determine which Ultraflex you have look at the valve lid. If there is a circular knob in the center of the lid then you have an Ultraflex. If the lid has two tab handles on the outer edge then you have an Ultraflex 2 system.

How do I inspect cleaning heads?

The cleaning head must be in the full down position to remove.

1. Attach the Head Removal Tool to the pool pole.
2. Snap Removal Tool into the head.
3. Turn counter-clockwise to release head from collar. Turn clockwise if you have pre-1992 threaded cleaning heads.
4. Pull and lift head out of collar.
5. Inspect head, nozzle and collar for debris.

The Caretaker 8-Port Valve fan does not run.

Verify that valve is rotating and valve cover is in place. Turn knob on the controller to 15 seconds and check for 24ACV on the brown and green wire of the motor. Every 15 seconds you should get voltage there for 3-4 seconds. If voltage is not there check for a nick or cut in the wire, or for the controller PCB not sending voltage out. Check the brown and green wires at the controller box PCB.

How do I access the Caretaker 8-Port Valve (UltraFlex 2) electronics?

To access the 8-Port (UltraFlex2) controller electronics, unscrew the 2 controller box cover screws and remove the cover. Remove the valve lid to access the motor assembly and sensor PCB. ALWAYS turn off power at source before making wiring or connection adjustments.

How do I reset the Caretaker 8-Port Valve (UltraFlex2)?

The controller is equipped with a fuse reset button on the transformer. With power turned off at the main circuit breaker, press the button to
How should I verify cable and connections?

The cable used to connect the controller to the motor assembly in the valve, must be 18 – 22 gauge, color-coded cable. Preferably Zodiac-supplied cable should be used. The color sequence of the wiring must be correct and the same at both the controller and motor connections. For example, blank wire in #5 position at both locations, white wire in #4 position, etc.

Why is the controller LED light flashing?

The system is in error mode. The controller will go into error mode (quick flashing LED light) for one of two reasons:

1. The controller is sending voltage to the motor and after 10 seconds the motor has not advanced. This indicates a faulty wire or a bad motor.
2. The motor receives voltage and rotates through all of the zones without stopping. This will lead to an error mode after 10 seconds and indicates a bad sensor on the motor. Keep in mind that the sensor inside the valve is light sensitive and the lid should remain on during troubleshooting. To reset the error mode, reset the breaker that feeds power to the unit.

The Caretaker 8-Port valve is leaking.

1. Check for debris underneath the top plate or around the face seal O-ring and clean if necessary.
2. Verify that top plate is tight. Retighten or replace O-ring if necessary.
3. Check Shaft Seal for leaking, replace if necessary.
4. Verify that the drain plug on the side of the valve is removed, so if any water gets into the valve, it will not flood the motor.

The Caretaker 8-Port valve does not pause at an outlet port.

1. Verify that valve cover is properly in place.
2. Sensor could be defective or damaged, replace.

Note: If the sensor is defective order (part# 3-7-6) for Ultralfex or (part# 2-7-304) for the Ultraflex II from dealer.

The Caretaker 8-Port valve does not cycle.

1. Clean the filter, pump basket, and skimmer baskets. Backwash filter if necessary.
2. Make sure all auxiliary valves such as surface returns, waterfall, spa overflow, are closed.
3. Verify that the valve is not in pause mode.
4. Check power connections at controller, pressure switch and valve. Make sure GFI is not tripped.
5. If the red LED light is on but the valve is not rotating check under the pressure plate for restrictions such as debris or a damaged O-ring or Tee Assembly.
6. Verify voltage is making it to the motor and that the lid is on to prevent any light from disrupting sensor communication.

How do I tell which Caretaker system I have?

Find the water valve. It is either near your pool equipment or pool. Zodiac offers two cleaning valve styles:

1. Caretaker 5-Port Hydraulic Valve: Black dome-shaped water valve with 5 pipes coming out of the bottom and a pressure gauge on the top.
2. Caretaker 8-Port Electronic Valve: Black cylinder-shaped water valve with 8 pipes coming out of the bottom side. This valve was previously known as Ultraflex and Ultraflex 2. These valves have a motor inside with a lid on top. To determine which Ultraflex you have look at the valve lid. If there is a circular knob in the center of the lid then you have an Ultraflex. If the lid has two tab handles on the outer edge then you have an Ultraflex 2 system.

How do I inspect cleaning heads?

The cleaning head must be in the full down position to remove.

1. Attach the Head Removal Tool to the pool pole.
2. Snap Removal Tool into the head.
3. Turn counter-clockwise to release head from collar. Turn clockwise if you have pre-1992 threaded cleaning heads.
4. Pull and lift head out of collar.
5. Inspect head, nozzle and collar for debris.

The Caretaker 5-Port Valve does not cycle.

1. Clean the filter, pump basket, skimmer, and valve cup strainer.
2. Make sure all auxiliary valves such as surface returns, waterfall, and spa overflows are closed.
3. Turn pump on and off several times to clear system.
4. Remove valve, turn upside down, and spray pressurized water up into the valve.
5. Order a valve rebuild kit if necessary.

Most heat pumps have a digital control thermostat, which allows you to set the exact pool temperature required. The heat pump also has a water pressure switch for sensing flow, which allows the heat pump to start and stop according to the filtration cycle.

If the heat pump is being controlled by a control system, it can be operated through a low voltage connection on the controller.

There is also the option to use the heat pump to operate a filter pump automatically in Maintain Heat Mode. This option will require additional equipment. Please see your local installer, dealer, or electrician for assistance with this method.