PSC Ep. 61: Why Is My Baracuda Pool Cleaner Not Moving?

• Why Is My Baracuda Pool Cleaner Not Moving

“My Baracuda vacuum is not vibrating. The pool pressure is fine and the suction at the vacuum is great, it’s just not moving. Looked at the diaphragm and it looks good. Replaced the foot at the beginning of the summer, what do I do now?”

The diaphragm (see, picture) should be the first thing we check in these situations.  The smallest of holes or tears will prevent the cleaner from moving. The question mentions the foot, essentially the base mount for the cleaner, these grooves on the foot become worn, this prevents venting of excess pressure. When those grooves get worn down, the cleaner can get stuck to the bottom so it’s good that you replaced the foot. 

Next, you’d want to check all the hoses for any holes. While Baracuda pool cleaner is running, just lift the hoses out of the water and listen for any air. If you have any holes in those hoses, replace those hoses and that will correct the problem. If you still have the gauge that came with the cleaner, it’s a good idea to put that on the last hose before the cleaner to see if you have enough suction. 

Some pool owners will use the palms per square inch, this solution never really works out. Not an accurate measurement. If you don’t have the gauge, then look for air leaks in your equipment like anything on the suction side of the system. Maybe the pump lid o-ring, maybe the valves in front of the pump.

Any plumbing tees, elbows or any other non-straight pipe plumbing elements should be checked for air leaks, as well.

If you notice air in your pump strainer, you want to get that fixed, and that should correct the problem with the cleaner moving. Also, a dirty filter will prevent the cleaner from moving. Even if you clean the filter, a test you can do is if you have a sand or DE filter, you can put the valve on recirculate and run the system. If the cleaner moves, you know it’s the filter. 

Same scenario with the cartridge filter, you can take the cartridge out, put the top back on, run the system. If it starts, cleaner starts moving around, you know it’s the cartridge. Those are some of the things you can check to get the cleaner up and running. 

If you have any further questions about Baracuda pool cleaner repair feel free to leave a comment down below. And don’t forget to visit InyoPools.com for all your pool and spa needs.