My Zodiac Ranger Cleaner is Not Moving

The Zodiac Ranger is a very underrated suction side cleaner with a rock bottom bargain price point. It only has one moving part and that is the diaphragm in the head of the cleaner. If the Diaphragm gets clogged or torn, the cleaner will simply stop moving. The diaphragm is easy to change and access if you know the simple steps to get to it.



Since the Diaphragm is the only moving part it makes sense that if the cleaner is not moving then it is a problem with either debris clogged in the Diaphragm or it has a tear in it. The Zodiac Ranger is great with debris, but large rocks, larger acorns and other objects can get wedged inside the Diaphragm and stop the cleaner. I wouldn't advise sticking a screwdriver or other object in the mouth of the cleaner to try and dislodge any debris as you may damage the Diaphragm. Simply take the cleaner apart to access the Diaphragm and remove the debris.

One question that I get asked often is if it is okay to use generic Diaphragms or do, I need to purchase the OEM version? My answer to that is that in my testing the generic Diaphragms work very well. The price point is much lower and you can even get two of them for less than the price of one OEM one. Here are a few generic ones for you to investigate:

ATIE PoolSupplyTown Pool Cleaner Long Life Diaphragm Replace Zodiac Baracuda G3, G4 Diaphragm W69698 - (2 Pack): https://www.amazon.com/ATIE-PoolSupplyTown-Cleaner-Diaphragm-Baracuda/dp/B00KO8SFDC/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=swimmingpooll-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=34a72bd8d536160bbd898d4867e3d78d&creativeASIN=B00KO8SFDC

ANTOBLE Heavy Duty Pool Cleaner Diaphragm W69698, W81701, W81700 with Retaining Rings for Zodiac Baracuda G3 G4; Alpha 2, 3 - (2 Pack): https://www.amazon.com/ANTOBLE-Cleaner-Diaphragm-Retainging-Baracuda/dp/B07D329YM3/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=swimmingpooll-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=2b9edf3ab1a5cf2a9b7db2083dd07940&creativeASIN=B07D329YM3

How long the diaphragm will last depend on the pool surface, run time of the pump and the type of debris you get in your pool. Typically, you will get at least one year out of it or more.

Getting to the Diaphragm is relatively easy if you follow these steps.

1)      Turn the pool pump off and make sure it will not be turning on at the time you have the cleaner out of the pool.

2)      Reach in a grab the hose and pull the cleaner head to the pool deck.

3)      Once you have the cleaner head out of the pool simply loosen the nut on the Extension Pipe  - this is right below the wheel deflector.

4)      Now unscrew the Diaphragm Chamber. This is part of the Outer Extension Pipe. Grab the Outer Extension pipe and twist it counter-clockwise with one hand on each end. It will unscrew.

5)      Now you can access the Inner Extension Pipe. Pull that out and you will see the Diaphragm attached by a white retaining ring.

6)      If the Diagram is clogged, simply remove the debris at this point. If it is torn, you can replace it. It will not work with a tear in it.

7)      Reverse the steps to get everything back together.

The Zodiac Ranger is a very easy cleaner to work on and you will find replacing the Diaphgram very easy the next time you need to do it.
Visit my Website: http://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/

eBook: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/swimming-pool-care-ebook

YouTube Video Index: http://poolmandave.blogspot.com/2014/03/swimming-pool-tips-reviews-how-to-video.html – A list of all of my videos.




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To Video Index (List) Alphabetical order

I have over 900 videos on my YouTube Channel: Swimming Pool Tips and How-To - so I have compiled an Index for you to help you find a video on a topic that you are having an issue with or want to learn more about. I hope this helps you find the information you will need to keep your pool looking sparkling every week. Website:  http://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/ Coaching Site:  https://poolguycoaching.com/ Podcast Site:  https://www.thepoolguypodcastshow.com/ eBook:  https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/swimming-pool-care-ebook Listen to my weekly Podcast: Podcast on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pool-guy-show-podcast/id1257613192 Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Imhdwnal25iyl4c2yfceih2ni4y Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/4vBthPxqaNIAlw4LFVB2m3 A Above Ground Pool Care & Maintenance - The Ultimate Guide: https://youtu.be/j-hlTRSC0Fk ACID Magic User Friendly Muriatic Acid Alternative with 90% Less Fu
Read more

Can I Use Clorox Bleach in my Pool?

Image
Regular Unscented Bleach I started doing pool service when I was 16 years old back in 1988. I took a break from the industry and did some Real Estate Investing and ran a small business for awhile. But I always loved working outdoors and so I decided to do pool service again. So I have about 15 years of practical experience in the field. My specialty has always been water chemistry as I was formally trained by an experts in the field. So I am well versed in most of the chemicals that are on the market today and I have used and tested a lot of different products. So when you hear those in the industry discourage and even slander anyone who uses bleach in their pool, you may think that it is not a product that you should use. In fact as you read this article you will find that using bleach and only bleach is a safe and smart choice. There is a lot of ignorance surrounding household bleach and the use of bleach in a swimming pool. Here is a video I made that goes in more detail on usin
Read more

Mr. Pen Non-contact Voltage Meter - Don't Get Electrocuted!

Image
One of the biggest issues you will run into with anything connected to an AC power is if that device or equipment is receiving power. In the pool service industry, this often is the case when you find that a pool pump won’t turn on. Or if a pool timer doesn't on, is it receiving power? Also for repairs with so many breakers being unmarked, how do you know you turned off the right breaker. Bottom line, a non-contact detector like the Mr. Pen is an easy way to see if power is going to the equipment/device and the line is active. A non-contact voltage detector is just that. You don’t need to make contact with the line like with a Multimeter. Plus you don’t need to adjust any settings or knobs to get a voltage reading. Simply hold the Mr. Pen over a cord or wire whip and if there is AC power a red light will turn on and an audible beep will come out of the device. A very easy way to tell if power or a current is present.  To order: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092LFYTG5?&_encoding=UT
Read more