Popup cleaners dont rotate.

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Kjhoffman

Gold Supporter
Jul 4, 2017
88
Bradenton
I have infloor cleaning system that is probably in need of maintenance/repair. There are 2 popups that are always in the up position. No other cleaners popup. From what I've seen in the forums and other research i am thinking i have some stripped gears in the valve. My pressure is running a constant 22 psi and I have pump running at anywhere between 1200 and 2800 rpm and no difference in the cleaners. My question is can someone help me ID the cleaner valve and thoughts as to what may need to be replaced ? It is a top feed system, and it is marked with QuikClean but I cant get close enough to see if any other markings on it. Ive attached photo. My search for quikclean only comes up with replacement popups but not the actual valve assembly.

thanks
 

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The QuikClean system I find is made by Cooke industries.
It also looks like they've changed the design of the valve.

After more research, looks like it's an A&A system. Here is a valve parts breakdown.
Quick-Clean Water Valve Parts

Having said that, what makes you think that the valve isn't working?

Have you tried removing some of the heads and cleaning them?
 
thanks. I havent tried that yet. I am assuming just because of the age of the system that some gears gave out. Would dirt in popup heads impact other popups as well ? Not too familiar with the ifcs but have a feeling Im about to start learning as I begin "surgery". I have owned home for 12 years and aside from having 2 popups replaced when I moved in Ive never had to touch the cleaning system. Im not even sure how to remove the heads.
 
Do the heads stay up even with the pump off?
If so, gently touch the top of the popup with your pool pole or pool brush. Sometimes, that will allow the head to fully retract.

If you haven't replaced any heads in 12 years, chances are at least some are worn out and need to be replaced. But check them first as sometimes they will stick.

Are you saying the system doesn't rotate from one zone to another?
If so, the gearset in the water distribution valve is either struck or one or more gears are stripped.

The heads get removed using a service tool specific to the model popups you have.
Post a pic of one of the popups.
 
If the heads retract when the pump is off, the popups are not the issue (although they could be showing signs of wear).
Most likey, there is an issue in the water distribution valve. You will need to open the water valve to check its inner workings.

When you open the water valve, take pictures during each step. This will help diagnose the issue and aid in reassembly.

How many pipes come out the bottom of your water valve? Should be either 5 or 6.
The gearsets are different between the 5 port and the 6 port. Additionally, your water valve will either have the acrylic balls (old style) or the T-valve assembly (current and replacement). If it has the acrylic balls, handle them carefully as they are no longer available and if broken, you'd need to replace all of them with the T-valve assembly.
 
thanks.I have a 6 port system. I believe it has the acrylic balls inside as I recall the pool guy opening it when I first moved into the home.I'll open up and see as suggested, and will likely purchase the rebuild kit. Is there any advantage to convert from balls to tvalves ?
 
Be sure to have silicone pool lube available before you open the water valve. There is an o-ring used to seal the upper and lower half of the valve as well as an o-ring on the union in the upper pipe.

Mine has acrylic balls still - installed in 1999. I see no reason to change unless there is an issue with the acrylic balls. Some minor pitting or superficial scratches/haziness is normal. Installing the T-valves requires doing all of them at once. The T-valve assembly gets glued in.

If you need a gearset, search online as there are several suppliers that show varied prices.
Infloorpoolparts and aapoolproducts seem to have okay prices.
If needed, I'd suggest the whole gearset kit instead of the gear only kits - as yours is at least 12 years old.
The newer gearsets have 2 opposing gears that contact the teeth in the lower housing - and this gearset tends to last longer.
 
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