Help with Caretaker 99 pop up system

[Koop]

I just bought a house and it has the Caretaker 99 pop up cleaner system. The only pop up that semi-works is the one on the first step. All of the other pop ups stay completely flush with the floor of the pool. I was wondering if the gearbox could be the problem or if it is just a crappy system that gets bad reviews and I should just abandon it completely until we get the floor of the pool redone. The pressure valve at the gearbox looks really old and it only says that there is 7 lbs of pressure when the pump is on. I admit that I don't know much about pools or there cleaning systems but I am more that happy to learn. I appreciate any help that I could get with this matter. Thanks

 

[AquaDoctorLLC]

It's possible sand or dirt has the other heads in lockdown. You can carefully try to lift the heads one at a time & see if they pop up on their own.

The gears in them are notorious for stripping. When they work (I'd say the 9% of the time) they are FABULOUS. The other 91% I wouldn't give you a nickel for.

 

[PoolGuyNJ]

I think your percentages are bit exaggerated Doc. Caretakers usually last a long time. If only one head pops up, 99% of the time its the gear box. Its either got some debris in the mechanism or it's stripped. Most times, it's the former. If it was a Paramount, then it would likely be the latter.

Scott

 

[JamesW]

There is an in-line strainer screen right above the distributor head. Open the union and check that to make sure that it is clean.

Also, make sure that your cartridge filter is clean.