In our previous article, we have already talked about why you should invest in a Variable Speed Pump so there’s no doubt that a variable speed pump is a superior choice and will save you money in the long run. Here we want to take a closer look at how much money a variable speed pump can actually save you and how it is calculated. There is so much discussion nowadays about energy efficiency and one thing you may not realise is just how much of an impact your pool equipment can make on your energy usage. This pie chart from Energy Rating’s E3 study shows that your pool pump can take up 18% of your household electricity consumption.

How does it work?

Single-speed pumps operate at only one fixed rate, even though that speed may not be necessary for a particular task. This means most of the time, you pay for the energy more than you really consume by using a single-speed pump. Variable speed pumps allow you to run filtration at different motor speeds (different flows) during the day. They allow you to run your pool at the optimum speed to get the job done. This creates less friction on your piping, filter, and accessories allowing your pool to run at a much lower energy level, as well as less wear and tear, saving you money and increasing the lifespan of your equipment. You can begin your filtration cycle with a similar speed to that of the single-speed pump, then run it for a longer amount of time at a slower speed to achieve the same turnover result.

How much are you saving?

The amount of electricity used by a pool pump is measured in units of Watt-hours (Wh) or Kilowatt-hours (kWh), where 1 kilowatt = 1,000 watts (W). The amount of electricity a pool pump uses depends on how many hours a day the pump is run and for how many days per year the power consumption of the pump, measured in watts, as well as the size of the pool. Here's how the calculation goes: Step 1: Volts (230 volts in Australia) x Amperage = watts Step 2: Watts/1,000 = kWh used by the pump Step 3: kWh x run time per day =kWh per day Step 4: Electrical rate x kWh per day=electricity running cost of your pump per day Credit: https://www.mrpoolman.com.au/blogs/news/standard-pool-pumps-vs-eco-pool-pumps-by-the-numbers

Check out the table below for a specific comparison:

But we would say the most significant difference might be the time of operation. The operation cost that keeps a variable speed pool pump 24-hours a day for a month will make any single speed pump run only 3-hours a day. Although the upfront cost of a variable-speed pump is higher, the cost savings in long-term care are a lot greater due to the reduction in energy bills. We recommend looking for a variable speed pool pump that has an energy rating of at least 8 stars. To see a list of pool pumps registered in a voluntary energy-rating scheme run by the Australian Government, please click here. This bar chart that illustrates the annual energy consumption of pool pumps by star rating shows you the difference your VS pump can make in energy consumption based on its star rating.

Credit: Decision Regulation Impact Statement: Swimming pool pumps

Always consult your local pool professionals to determine the most suitable pool pump for your needs.

Video Transcript:

The Zodiac suction pool cleaner is the number one selling pool cleaner in Australia.

It's powered by Zodiac diaphragm technology. There's no wheels, cogs or noisy hammers, which means whisper-quiet operation and low-cost maintenance.

Before we start troubleshooting your Zodiac pool cleaner, it’s important to ensure that your filtration is back-washed or cleaned.

Now, if you remember from lesson one, it’s also very important to make sure that your skimmer basket and your pump basket are cleaned out properly. This will ensure enough suction flow so that your Zodiac pool cleaner will work properly.

Okay, it’s time for troubleshooting, where we will find solutions to your most commonly asked questions.

What if my cleaner stops and starts?

If your Zodiac pool cleaner stops and starts, the first thing you might want to do is check the suction flow coming through the hose. You will need your pump on for this operation.

Included with this Zodiac pool cleaner is a pool pulse, and it has numbers on it. What we want to do is put this on the end of the hose under the water with the suction flow coming through and have it sit on around number two.

If this doesn't come up to number two, then the second thing we might want to check is the AD valve in the skimmer box. The AD valve comes factory set on number two. If we want more suction, we put it up to number three. This might also help if your pool cleaner isn't sufficiently climbing the walls.

Once we've done that and the pool cleaner still isn't working properly, then we might want to check the hose for leaks. What we do there is actually lift the hose out of the water at each joint, listening for any leaks. We want to do that all the way around the hose.

The next thing we might want to check is the diaphragm inside the Zodiac cleaner. Now, it's a good idea to turn your pump and filter off at this stage, as you don't want the hose leaking any air through while we're checking.

So take the Zodiac diaphragm out and actually check it for any tears or blocked debris. If it’s looking okay, put it back in and call your local pool professional because there might be something more seriously wrong with the system. There could be an air leak in your filtration system or it might be that you've got something blocked inside the pipe work going back to your filtration system.

What if my cleaner is patterning and not covering the pool properly?

If your cleaner is patterning and not covering the pool properly, we suggest that you ensure that the water flow from all return inlets is directed downward and toward each other or downward and toward the centre of the pool.

This will help to prevent water flow from affecting the natural movement of the Zodiac hose. If you can't divert the water far enough down in the pool, or the eyeballs you do have don’t divert down far enough, it might be an idea to get an Aim Flow Diverter like this one from your local pool professional. The Aim Flow Diverter pushes into the return line to divert the water to the bottom of the pool, like so.

You should also take the cleaner out of the pool and lay the hose in a straight line in the sun to relax the memory. Leave it there for the best part of the day. When you place the cleaner back in the pool, check that you have the proper hose length. If the pool cleaner is still patterning and not covering the pool properly, then you might need to add one or two extra hose lengths, as mentioned in lesson one.

Also, it's important to adjust that hose weight, so it’s sitting at the end of the first length of the hose, the leader hose.

What if my cleaner flips over?

If your pool cleaner flips over, use the pool pulse to check the correct suction flow and check the swivel on the cleaner to clear any jams.

What if my cleaner is not cleaning the pool?

If you live in a high-leaf area, or an area that has large debris, such as gum nuts, you should consider a Polaris pool cleaner. A Polaris will pick up any large debris the suction cleaner will have difficulty with.

If you are still having problems after referring to your manual and troubleshooting your cleaner, it may be possible that the cleaner is not suitable for your pool.

Expert Tips

Always ensure that you disconnect your Zodiac pool cleaner before backwashing your filter.

So let's just recap on those points again.

If your cleaner stops and starts:

• Check the suction flow using your pool pulse

• Check the AD valve

• Check the pool cleaner hose for any air leaks and

• Check the diaphragm in your Zodiac pool cleaner

If your pool cleaner is patterning and not covering the pool probably:

• Check the water flow from all the returning inlets is directed correctly

• You may need to install an Aim Flow Diverter into the pools return inlet

• Lay the hose straight in the sun to relax the memory and

• Also, ensure that you have the correct hose length and adjust the hose weight

• If your pool cleaner flips over, use the pool pulse to check the correct suction flow and check the swivel on the cleaner to clear any jams

• And lastly, if your pool cleaner is not cleaning the pool, consider an alternative cleaner such as a Polaris.

Bottom Line

Troubleshooting your Baracuda pool cleaner can seem daunting, but it can be a straightforward process with the proper knowledge and tools. Some common issues that may arise include insufficient air flow, clogged suction or leaks to malfunctioning parts such as the diaphragm. You can easily identify and fix these issues by following the steps outlined in this article.

However, in some cases, troubleshooting your Baracuda pool cleaner may require the help of a pool professional. If you have tried all the suggested solutions above and are still experiencing problems, it may be time to seek expert assistance. A pool professional can provide the guidance and support you need to keep your pool clean and healthy throughout the season.

Check our certified pool professional page to find a trusted pool service provider in your area and get the help you need to keep your pool in mint condition.