So we already have a robot--I like it just fine, but we wanted the Kreepy Krauly shark to live in the pool for winter and have it set up for automatic cleaning. We have a suction side dedicated line and a VS pump. So we hooked up the hose and when we turn on the pump to try and determine the RPM for where it needs to be set--the pump goes full power to 3450 (even though we started it at say...700. It stays low for a few seconds, then full speed. I'm not sure why it's doing this. We took off the reader thing, so it's not due to restriction. Any ideas what we are doing wrong?
set up for Kreepy Krauly suction
- Thread starter utmom
- Start date
- May 23, 2015
- 25,779
- Pool Size
- 16000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
The pump is losing prime (or sensing a loss of prime) and it’s trying to reprime.
Can you post a picture of your equipment pad layout with suction side components and tell us what your filter pressure is when you are running normally as well as with the suction cleaner going.
Can you post a picture of your equipment pad layout with suction side components and tell us what your filter pressure is when you are running normally as well as with the suction cleaner going.
Is the pump equipped with svrs?
Try starting the pump after the KK is hooked up.. the pump is “thinking”
Try starting the pump after the KK is hooked up.. the pump is “thinking”
I'll post a picture in the morning, dark now. We've never hooked up a suction side (new pool....inexperienced us) just used the robot so we are totally lost. We are not even sure how to set the schedule for it.
We first tried to get the suction on, the only way to turn the valve was to put the pool to "drain". This seemed to make the pump go full speed (but it does make sense from the comment above about going into prime--I thought I saw it said prime on the display).
So next, we turned the pool filter on, as we normally would when running. We adjusted the valve so it's pulling half or maybe 75% from suction and the rest skimmer. The cleaner gauge initially showed on target for suction but we noticed it wasnt really climbing the wall, just attempted, then floated back to the bottom. So we turned the valve a touch more to increase the suction, and now it loves the wall....maybe too much! It seems to be moving around ok.
I'm guessing we are on the right track?? Any input? Is this how it's normally operated? The "drain" option does not use the skimmer at all, at least I don't think it did. Now how we've got it going, it is sucking from the dedicated suction line as well as skimming.
Now we are kind of stumped as to how we will get the valve to turn to where we've set it for cleaning, on the days and times we want, and then presumably go back to normal for typical filtering. Assuming we are even on the right track.
We first tried to get the suction on, the only way to turn the valve was to put the pool to "drain". This seemed to make the pump go full speed (but it does make sense from the comment above about going into prime--I thought I saw it said prime on the display).
So next, we turned the pool filter on, as we normally would when running. We adjusted the valve so it's pulling half or maybe 75% from suction and the rest skimmer. The cleaner gauge initially showed on target for suction but we noticed it wasnt really climbing the wall, just attempted, then floated back to the bottom. So we turned the valve a touch more to increase the suction, and now it loves the wall....maybe too much! It seems to be moving around ok.
I'm guessing we are on the right track?? Any input? Is this how it's normally operated? The "drain" option does not use the skimmer at all, at least I don't think it did. Now how we've got it going, it is sucking from the dedicated suction line as well as skimming.
Now we are kind of stumped as to how we will get the valve to turn to where we've set it for cleaning, on the days and times we want, and then presumably go back to normal for typical filtering. Assuming we are even on the right track.
Mom,
I am confused...
I would have assumed that pool owners in Utah, would have their pools closed and covered in the winter.. With the pool not closed, I'm shocked that your plumbing has not frozen.....
A suction side cleaner would require you to run the pool just as you would in the summer... It should be in the "Pool/Filter mode"...
Do you have ScreenLogic, that allows you to control the Easytouch from your PC or phone???
Are any of your valves automated or do you have to turn them manually???
Your best bet is to post some pictures of your equipment pad?
What kind of temperatures do you get this time of year??
Thanks for posting,
Jim R.
I am confused...
I would have assumed that pool owners in Utah, would have their pools closed and covered in the winter.. With the pool not closed, I'm shocked that your plumbing has not frozen.....
A suction side cleaner would require you to run the pool just as you would in the summer... It should be in the "Pool/Filter mode"...
Do you have ScreenLogic, that allows you to control the Easytouch from your PC or phone???
Are any of your valves automated or do you have to turn them manually???
Your best bet is to post some pictures of your equipment pad?
What kind of temperatures do you get this time of year??
Thanks for posting,
Jim R.
Mom,
I am confused...
I would have assumed that pool owners in Utah, would have their pools closed and covered in the winter.. With the pool not closed, I'm shocked that your plumbing has not frozen.....
A suction side cleaner would require you to run the pool just as you would in the summer... It should be in the "Pool/Filter mode"...
Do you have ScreenLogic, that allows you to control the Easytouch from your PC or phone???
Are any of your valves automated or do you have to turn them manually???
Your best bet is to post some pictures of your equipment pad?
What kind of temperatures do you get this time of year??
Thanks for posting,
Jim R.
We are southern, our temps are like Vegas--so we do get below freezing, sometimes--but not by much. Pump kicks on (freeze protection) when needed. Pool water is around 45.
We do not have screenlogic, just the Easytouch 8.
We do have jandy auto valves, however we are manually adjusting with the switch/lever in the back of the valve to adjust the flow, to get the cleaner to function--which it did work/function....but we are not sure there is a way to set the valve to that position for cleaning or if we are needing to go at it another way.
- - - Updated - - -
It's still dark out, but here is an older pic from just after our build on the set up
Trouble Free Pool
Mom,
The valve directly in front of the pump normally selects between the Skimmer and the Main Drain... Most dedicated vacuum lines would have another valve just for the vacuum..
Yours of course could be different, as it just depends on the plumber.. Another pic showing all the pipes would help..
Your EasyTouch system should be able to tell the valve for the vacuum line to turn AND tell the pump to run at whatever speed you want. The valve can be adjusted internally so that it turns to the exact position you want... Setting the valve internally is easy, but not something that I would recommend trying to learning over the internet.
You could have the cleaner run on a schedule or when you pushed a button.
If the pump is running it will just change speeds... if the pump is off, it will automatically go through its prime cycle.. As others have said... if your pump is an SVRS version of the IntelliFlo pump, it might not like being used with a suction side cleaner...
Long term, I would suggest getting ScreenLogic2... it makes using and programming the Easytouch 10 x easier.. Below is a Screenshot of one of the screens... As an example, if I want to add water to my pool, I just click on the Icon "Fill Line" and I'm done... or I could just schedule it to come on x times a week... if I wanted..
Thanks for posting,
Jim R.
The valve directly in front of the pump normally selects between the Skimmer and the Main Drain... Most dedicated vacuum lines would have another valve just for the vacuum..
Yours of course could be different, as it just depends on the plumber.. Another pic showing all the pipes would help..
Your EasyTouch system should be able to tell the valve for the vacuum line to turn AND tell the pump to run at whatever speed you want. The valve can be adjusted internally so that it turns to the exact position you want... Setting the valve internally is easy, but not something that I would recommend trying to learning over the internet.
You could have the cleaner run on a schedule or when you pushed a button.
If the pump is running it will just change speeds... if the pump is off, it will automatically go through its prime cycle.. As others have said... if your pump is an SVRS version of the IntelliFlo pump, it might not like being used with a suction side cleaner...
Long term, I would suggest getting ScreenLogic2... it makes using and programming the Easytouch 10 x easier.. Below is a Screenshot of one of the screens... As an example, if I want to add water to my pool, I just click on the Icon "Fill Line" and I'm done... or I could just schedule it to come on x times a week... if I wanted..
Thanks for posting,
Jim R.
Here is a picture. We do not have Screenlogic. So we've been messing with it all day....I guess what we need to figure out, is how do we get the valve in the picture to flip directions (without using the switch). In this photo, the skimmer is running as normal. If it flips the other way, it will pull suction side. It's valve "b" we figured out that much....but we cant figure out how to make it rotate. 
Mom,
Using the little 3" display select...
Menu, then Settings, then valves... It should show what circuits valve A and valve B are assigned to do..
For example.. when I look at this screen my valve B says "Waterfall"... Yours should say something.. If it says Aux 1, then pushing the Aux 1 button will rotate the valve.
Let me know what it says..
Thanks,
Jim R.
Using the little 3" display select...
Menu, then Settings, then valves... It should show what circuits valve A and valve B are assigned to do..
For example.. when I look at this screen my valve B says "Waterfall"... Yours should say something.. If it says Aux 1, then pushing the Aux 1 button will rotate the valve.
Let me know what it says..
Thanks,
Jim R.
- May 23, 2015
- 25,779
- Pool Size
- 16000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Jim is giving you good advice but you will need to read the ET-8 programming manual to understand all this. I have an ET-8 with an 8-button RF remote (no ScreamLogic) and I can tell you that the programming interface is very arcane and old-school. Without the manual to help explain it, it’s not going to make a lot of sense.
Basically what you need to do is create a “Circuit” with a “Circuit Name” that has a “pump speed”, “valve” and “circuit function” associated with it. Then, whether you program it as a soft “Feature Circuit” or a hard relay “Auxiliary Circuit”, it will basically do the same thing - move the valve and ramp up/down the pump speed. You can then add that newly created “Circuit” to the scheduling section where it can be activated on a scheduled time/day .
ScreamLogic makes this kind of programming slightly easier....
Basically what you need to do is create a “Circuit” with a “Circuit Name” that has a “pump speed”, “valve” and “circuit function” associated with it. Then, whether you program it as a soft “Feature Circuit” or a hard relay “Auxiliary Circuit”, it will basically do the same thing - move the valve and ramp up/down the pump speed. You can then add that newly created “Circuit” to the scheduling section where it can be activated on a scheduled time/day .
ScreamLogic makes this kind of programming slightly easier....
Yes we were on that "trail". initially, the valve B showed "NONE". We've changed it to various things throughout the day....which did nothing.
It is valve "B". We know that because our valve "A" is our waterfall (or sheer descents).
We've changed it to a number of things--but the valve never moves. We even figured out how to make Aux 4 run at a lesser speed and have that assigned on the panel...so should the day ever come when we figure out how to make the valve move....
Mom,
If you assign valve B to Aux 4... when you push the Aux 4 button on the panel, the valve should turn... unless the switch on the back of the actuator is set in the middle (or off) position.
Are you sure that the wire from the valve is plugged into the "B" valve port?
I assume you only have these two automated valves...
Thanks,
Jim R.
If you assign valve B to Aux 4... when you push the Aux 4 button on the panel, the valve should turn... unless the switch on the back of the actuator is set in the middle (or off) position.
Are you sure that the wire from the valve is plugged into the "B" valve port?
I assume you only have these two automated valves...
Thanks,
Jim R.
Yes, we only have the two valves. If we put the mode to "drain" they both turn. So I'm assuming the wires must be correct and/or hooked up?? But that is the only way to get it to move. And when we selected "drain" that's when the suction is going, the skimmer is off totally, but the pump jumps to full speed and there is no way to reduce the RPM (trying to prime). Maybe we should remove the front panel and check wires. Ugh. we are about totally frustrated.
Mom,
Your EasyTouch can control 4 valves... Two of these valves are called the Intake and Return valve. These are the two valve that allow a system to switch between the Pool Mode and Spa mode..
The other two valves are called the 'A" valve and the "B" valve... These valves are user programmable..
It sounds to me like your two valves are plugged into the Intake and Return valve connectors on the main PCB and not the A and B valve connectors...
I suggest that you drop the main panel down and physically see where your two valves are connected.. You just have to remove the two screws at the top and the display will open down..
If you look right above where the yellow and gray wires cross, you can see 4 connectors... they are marked as Intake, Return, A and B..
Thanks,
Jim R.
Your EasyTouch can control 4 valves... Two of these valves are called the Intake and Return valve. These are the two valve that allow a system to switch between the Pool Mode and Spa mode..
The other two valves are called the 'A" valve and the "B" valve... These valves are user programmable..
It sounds to me like your two valves are plugged into the Intake and Return valve connectors on the main PCB and not the A and B valve connectors...
I suggest that you drop the main panel down and physically see where your two valves are connected.. You just have to remove the two screws at the top and the display will open down..
If you look right above where the yellow and gray wires cross, you can see 4 connectors... they are marked as Intake, Return, A and B..
Thanks,
Jim R.
OMG...IT WORKED. It think I'm going to cry! You were right on. It WAS wired to the intake/return. So he took the intake and put it to valve B but he left the Return since that seems to do what it's supposed to (it runs the sheer descents and that valve turns properly) although we haven't tested that part as of the change--running out of daylight (again) so I'll check in the morning.
Thank you so much, you've been so helpful. I hope this will help someone else who may be struggling.
Thank you so much, you've been so helpful. I hope this will help someone else who may be struggling.
Mom,
Glad it is working better, but it is not working the way it should..
You should have the valve in front of the pump on "B" and the other valve on "A"..
You could then schedule valves A and B to turn on and off when you wanted, or have them come on when you push an Aux button.
Since it was never wired correctly from the get-go, I'm puzzled why you don't have the pool builder come out and do it correctly?? On the other hand, since it is clear they do not have a clue how the system operates, they might not do any better the second time...
There are plenty of people that can get you pointed in the right direction if needed...
Thanks,
Jim R.
Glad it is working better, but it is not working the way it should..
You should have the valve in front of the pump on "B" and the other valve on "A"..
You could then schedule valves A and B to turn on and off when you wanted, or have them come on when you push an Aux button.
Since it was never wired correctly from the get-go, I'm puzzled why you don't have the pool builder come out and do it correctly?? On the other hand, since it is clear they do not have a clue how the system operates, they might not do any better the second time...
There are plenty of people that can get you pointed in the right direction if needed...
Thanks,
Jim R.
We were the builder but we did have 2 electricians, one we fired and the other one was very good, but not a pool specialty electrician, so it was one of the two (and yes, neither one would know how to fix it). Strangely, the other valve always worked fine. We have it set on a button to activate the sheer descents and never had an issue. No idea why that one worked and the other did not. Since I have the robot and used it all summer, we never needed the suction so I guess we just never needed the other valve to turn. I thought it would be "so easy" to get the suction cleaner to live in the pool during winter--it was going to be a simple project. Famous last words!! haha.
Thanks again! It was a frustrating day, we never would have figured it out without you!
but we did have 2 electricians, one we fired and the other one was very good, but not a pool specialty electrician, so it was one of the two (and yes, neither one would know how to fix it). Strangely, the other valve always worked fine. We have it set on a button to activate the sheer descents and never had an issue. No idea why that one worked and the other did not. Since I have the robot and used it all summer, we never needed the suction so I guess we just never needed the other valve to turn. I thought it would be "so easy" to get the suction cleaner to live in the pool during winter--it was going to be a simple project. Famous last words!! haha. Thanks again! It was a frustrating day, we never would have figured it out without you!
Mom,
One final safety question... Do you have a Saltwater Chlorine Generator (SWCG)??? If you do, and the lights on the cell work, when the pump is off, then please let us know..
If the cell gets power with the pump off, then the cell can explode. It is rare, but can happen.
Electricians with no pool experience often wire the EasyTouch wrong, which can cause this issue.
Thanks again,
Jim R.
One final safety question... Do you have a Saltwater Chlorine Generator (SWCG)??? If you do, and the lights on the cell work, when the pump is off, then please let us know..
If the cell gets power with the pump off, then the cell can explode. It is rare, but can happen.
Electricians with no pool experience often wire the EasyTouch wrong, which can cause this issue.
Thanks again,
Jim R.