Kreepy staying afloat rather than down

pre · May 26, 2015

Would much appreciate some input. I've recently noticed my Kreep Krauly is remaining afloat and off-kilter rather than staying suctioned to the plaster. Usually it moves around alright, but today, it's slowed down quite a bit, as well as staying afloat...

I've taken some pictures and a short clip to show the condition of the Kreepy -- it's only ~2 years old. The pool is 25,000 gallons, DE filter with solar panels. Pressure seems fine, ~5-10 psi when bypassing roof panels, ~15 if going through panels. Attached to 3' hoses to the skimmer with a regulator valve with 3 weights as suggested by the manufacturer -- ~5 inches, ~5-6 feet, and ~10 feet.

I don't see anything cracked, and the flapper/hammer seems to be moving fine inside the body, nor debris caught in the body...

Youtube video/pictures

Any tips appreciated!

gtemkin · May 26, 2015

Check that your pressure regulator slide moves up and down freely and that the internal spring returns the slide to it's fully closed position. It's common to have leaves and stems jam the slide up, preventing the full suction of the pump from getting to the Kreepy. There's a few other things it could be but check the regulator first.

pre · May 26, 2015

gtemkin said:
Check that your pressure regulator slide moves up and down freely and that the internal spring returns the slide to it's fully closed position. It's common to have leaves and stems jam the slide up, preventing the full suction of the pump from getting to the Kreepy. There's a few other things it could be but check the regulator first.

Thanks for the tip.

Fortunately the valve is clear and slides well.

Played around with the hoses and none seem to be cracked or suctioning/pulling on air if I pull them out one by one with the pump running...

gary300 · May 27, 2015

Inspect the Pleated Seal and the Foot Pad for wear. My Kreepy was doing all kinds of bad things, and upon replacing these items, it works good a new now.

pre · May 27, 2015

gary300 said:
Inspect the Pleated Seal and the Foot Pad for wear. My Kreepy was doing all kinds of bad things, and upon replacing these items, it works good a new now.

Please see pictures at Youtube link:
Youtube video/pictures

Just took a look and both are fine, no cracks, fixed in place fine

gtemkin · May 27, 2015

....another thing to check is that the swivel bearing where the hose attaches the the body is not binding. That can cause off kilter operation because the hose will be twisting the KK at various times as it's circulating around.

pre · May 27, 2015

gtemkin said:
....another thing to check is that the swivel bearing where the hose attaches the the body is not binding. That can cause off kilter operation because the hose will be twisting the KK at various times as it's circulating around.

Thanks for the advice, I'm able to spin/turn the swivel cone, but it doesn't seem to have much lateral/sideways give -- here's a video, uncertain if this is normal operations?

Kreepy swivel cone and bearing

Here's one snapshot from the video

gtemkin · May 28, 2015

I think that's fine as long as it spins. Not sure what else to recommend. May want to play with your weights some more. I know I've had to move more weight closer to the KK than the manual suggests. Not sure what kind of online/phone support KK has.