8
SANDSHARK
™
Automatic Vacuum Pool Cleaner Installation & User’s Guide
CLEANER ADJUSTMENTS & OPERATION
Too Much Vacuum Flow?
Not Enough Vacuum Flow?
In-Line Leaf Canisters
Dedicated Suction Line / Vac Port / Vac Fitting
Skimmer Vac Plates
Skimmer Vac Plate Vacuum Control Adjusters
Valves (Pump, Skimmer, and Main Drain)
and Vacuum Adjustments
Some pool owners use one of a variety of manufacturer’s
skimmer vac plates. Some have a vacuum control
adjuster, and some do not. The adjuster could be a
screw-type, a spring loaded apparatus, or a dial design.
For those vac plates with adjusters, it is important
to adjust them when fine tuning the vacuum for the
cleaner.
Some pool owners connect the hose to a skimmer vac
plate, which allows the skimmer basket to remain in
the skimmer. If this method is used, empty the basket
frequently. Also make sure that the vacuum regulator
provided is completely submerged so that it will not suck
air and damage the pump.
Some pools have a dedicated wall fitting just for
vacuuming. If the wall fitting connection is used, you
may notice that the clear pump lid shows signs of
bubbles or what appears to be the presence of air. To
eliminate this, slightly open the main drain valve to
supplement the water intake. The cleaner may slow
down a bit when you change the suction.
If your pool is exposed to large quantities of leaves, we
suggest purchasing and installing an in-line leaf canister
(P/N R211084K). A leaf canister will provide more debris-
loading capacity and also provides a water by-pass when
the canister is full. It is very important that the pump not
starve for water!
You don’t have enough vacuum if the cleaner does not
climb the pool walls, moves sluggishly, or not at all. Be
sure the filter system is clean and the regulator and all
valves are adjusted to give you maximum vacuum. If the
cleaner is still not moving, your pump may not be strong
enough to operate the cleaner. Please refer to the
“Troubleshooting Section” on page 13.
You have too much vacuum if the cleaner climbs up
the pool wall past the water line to the point that the
cleaner sucks air and the pump loses prime. Frequent
loss of prime will damage the pump. To correct this,
adjust the regulator by turning the adjustment knob
counterclockwise. This will decrease the suction. If the
cleaner still climbs out and sucks air, open the main
drain valve slightly.
You may need to spend some time adjusting the
skimmer and main drain valves in order to obtain the
best vacuum setting for good cleaner operation.
Once you have found the correct valve settings for best
operation, we suggest you mark the valves to ensure
repeated success.
At first, set valves to give maximum vacuum to the
skimmer or vac fitting you have elected to use.
