Attention Installer: This guide contains important information about the
installation, operation and safe use of this product. This information should
be given to the owner and/or operator of this equipment after installation
of the pool cleaner.
Attention User: This manual contains important information that will help
you in operating and maintaining this pool cleaner. Please retain it for future
reference. Consult Pentair with any questions regarding this equipment.
Before installing this product, read and follow all
warning notices and instructions which are included.
Failure to follow safety warnings and instructions can result in severe
injury, death, or property damage. Call (800) 831-7133 for additional free
copies of these instructions.
Consumer Information and Safety
This pool cleaner is designed and manufactured to provide many years
of safe and reliable service when installed, operated and maintained
according to the information in this manual. Throughout the manual, safety
warnings and cautions are identified by the “ ” symbol. Be sure to read
and comply with all of the warnings and cautions.
HAZARDOUS SUCTION.
Do not play with cleaner or hose or apply to body.
Can trap and tear hair or body parts. Hose can trip or
entangle swimmers which could result in drowning.
SUCTION ENTRAPMENT, INJURY, AND
DROWNING HAZARD. If your pool has a dedicated
suction port (“vac port”) for vacuuming or for an
automatic pool cleaner, it must be covered when
not in use. A spring loaded safety cover (a “vac port
fitting”) is included with your cleaner. Install it on the
suction port to prevent entrapment and injury. If the
cover provided does not fit, purchase one that does from your local pool
store and install it instead. The cover should conform to IAPMO SPS4-99A.
Stop pump before attempting to clean unit. Do
not allow swimmers in pool while pool cleaner is
operating.
To reduce the risk of injury, do not let children use
or play with pool cleaner.
Do not allow swimmers in the pool while pool cleaner
is operating. Hose can trip or entangle swimmers
which could result in drowning.
General Installation Information
Pre-Installation Check List
Before installing your cleaner, review and understand all warnings and
safety information in this guide. Failure to follow these instructions or
improper installation of the cleaner can result in damage to the pool finish
or the vinyl liner, Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc. disclaims any liability
for repairs or replacement to any of these structures or components of
the customer’s pool.
Before installing the cleaner in a vinyl liner pool:
Check liner closely for signs of deterioration or damage from age,
chemicals, pool wall damage, etc. If any damage is found, have a qualified
pool professional make all the necessary repairs. Also, if there are stones,
roots, etc., under the liner, remove them before installing the cleaner.
Before installing the cleaner in a gunite pool or a pool that is partially
or completely tiled:
Repair loose tiles and tighten any loose light rings.
Before installing the cleaner, clean your filter system:
Make sure you have cleaned the filter, including backwashing, rinsing,
and emptying all baskets. A clean system is necessary for proper cleaner
operation and coverage.
Before installing the cleaner, understand cleaner coverage:
The cleaner is designed to rid your pool of debris in approximately 4-6
hours. Less time could be needed, depending on the pool size. The
cleaner was not designed to automatically clean steps or swimouts or to
work under a solar cover. It was also not designed to do initial cleanup
for a new pool or when opening your pool for the season.
AFTER installing the cleaner, make sure the cleaner is operating
correctly:
The cleaner may need some minor adjustments to make sure it is
operating properly so there is no damage to the pool finish. Certain
vinyl liner patterns are particularly susceptible to surface wear, pattern
removal, ink rubbing off of, or serious scratches to the pattern caused by
objects coming into contact with the vinyl surface, including automatic
pool cleaners. Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc. is not responsible for
any pattern removal, abrasions or markings on vinyl liners.
Warnings and safety instructions for Pentair Water Pool and Spa,
Inc. pumps and other related products are available at:
http://www.pentairpool.com/pool-owner/safety-warnings/ or call
(800) 831-7133 for additional free copies of these instructions.
Please refer to http://www.pentairpool.com/pool-owner/safetywarnings/ for warning and safety instructions related to
this product.
Moving parts may injure hands or fingers. Stop pump
before attempting to clean out pool cleaner head.
‘LIL REBEL™ Aboveground Suction-Side Pool Cleaner Installation and User’s Guide
Page 4
iii
IMPORTANT WARNING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Disclaimer of Liability
About your Pool and Cleaner
There are a multitude of factors that contribute to the life of your pool. The
pool cleaner is a very passive product that will have no impact on pool life.
Please be aware that over time, deterioration, discoloration and brittleness
of any pool finish can be caused separately by, or in combination with,
age, an imbalance in pool water chemistry, improper installation and
other factors. Suction side pool cleaners, such as the pool cleaner, will
not remove or cause wear on “good” pool plaster. In fact, the opposite is
true–pool plaster will eventually cause wear on the cleaner.
The same situation holds true for vinyl-lined in-ground swimming pools,
because vinyl liners are also affected by the environment and factors such
as pool water chemistry, sunlight and the pool’s surroundings. Therefore
over time, vinyl can become brittle and weak. In addition, vinyl-lined pools
are affected by the workmanship, composition and installation of the
liner and the workmanship and quality of construction of the supporting
walls and pool base. These are all factors which can contribute to liner
failure. The existence of any of these type of conditions in your pool is
not caused by the use or operation of the pool cleaner. The manufacturer
disclaims any liability for repairs or replacement to any of these structures
or components of the customer’s pool.
The pool owner must assume all responsibility for the condition and
maintenance of the pool’s surface, water and deck.
Before the cleaner is installed, please take a moment to record the
serial number. This number is located under the rear handle of your
cleaner. You will be asked for this number when you contact our
Technical Support Department.
SERIAL #__________________________________
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
’LIL REBEL™ Aboveground Suction-Side Pool Cleaner Installation and User’s Guide
Page 5
POOL PREPARATION
Pool Preparation
Before installing the ‘Lil Rebel™ Aboveground Suction-Side Pool Cleaner, your pool should be clean and algaefree so as to not inhibit the cleaner’s traction. If necessary, make the following preparations before proceeding:
1. Chemically balance the pool water.
2. Brush pool and let the debris settle.
3. Hand vacuum thoroughly.
4. Clean filter and pump strainer basket.
1
Cleaner Components
Remove the cleaner and all parts from the
box. Check to be sure all components are
included.
1. Cleaner Body
2. Hose Float
3. Regulator Valve
4. Reducer Cone
5. Hose Set – 13 Sections
• 12 Standard Male/Female Hoses
• 1 Leader Hose
Figure 1
2.
3.
4.
1.
5.
Standard Hose
Leader Hose
‘LIL REBEL™ Aboveground Suction-Side Pool Cleaner Installation and User’s Guide‘LIL REBEL™ Aboveground Suction-Side Pool Cleaner Installation and User’s Guide
Page 6
2
Male Hose End
Female Hose End
Hose must reach furthest point of pool −−
plus one
length
plus
leader
hose
20 in
(50.8 cm)
ASSEMBLING THE CLEANER
The ‘Lil Rebel™ Aboveground Suction-Side Pool Cleaner
body is shipped as one piece, making cleaner assembly
a simple and quick process.
Hose Assembly
For best results and to maintain proper operation, use
only original Pentair parts and hoses.
1. To connect the hose sections, wet the ends in the
pool water, then twist and push the female ends
onto the male ends.
Figure 2
2. Connect the leader hose to the cleaner swivel.
See Figure 3.
Note: The leader hose is 12 inches (30.5 cm) in
length and shorter than the other sections included
in the hose set. The leader hose is also marked with a red
sticker. Failure to use this leader hose section will hinder cleaner
performance
3. The hose should reach from the suction port connection to the
farthest point of the pool, plus one section and the leader hose.
See Figure 5.
4. Install the hose float onto the second length of hose. The float
should be placed 20 inches (50.8 centimeters) above the cleaner.
See Figure 4.
5. Make sure that all connections are snug.
6. The overall length of hose needed will be determined by the
distance from the point at which you attach the hose to the
suction port to the furthest point in the pool, plus one length and
the leader hose. See Figure 5.
Figure 3
Leader
Hose
Swivel
Assembly
Figure 4
‘LIL REBEL™ Aboveground Suction-Side Pool Cleaner Installation and User’s Guide
Figure 5
Page 7
INSTALLING THE CLEANER
r
32” Female/
Male Hose
Attach
Hose
This End
Top of Skimmer
Hose through
Skimmer
Opening
Regulator
Valve
Reducer
Cone
To Pump
Standard Installation
The ‘Lil Rebel™ Aboveground Suction-Side Pool Cleaner is
designed to work in a wide variety of swimming pools. The standard
in-skimmer installation is covered in this section.
1. Turn the pool pump off.
2. Close the main drain and all suction lines, except the line from
the skimmer to which the cleaner will be connected.
3. Remove skimmer basket.
4. Install the reducer cone into the vacuum connection in the
bottom of the skimmer. See Figure 7.
5. Press the regulator valve into the compression adapter. The
valve’s adjustment knob should be pointing up. See Figure 6.
6. Place cleaner into the pool. Turn it side to side and front to back
to release any trapped air, allowing the cleaner to sink to the
floor of the pool. Continue to feed the hose vertically down into
the pool until it is completely filled with water and purged of air.
Note: If air is pulled into the pool plumbing it may
cause your pump to lose prime.
7. Insert the end of the hose through the skimmer
opening and connect the hose directly into the
regulator valve. See Figure 7.
Figure 7
Figure 6
Regulator
Valve
Reducer
Cone
3
AttachHose This End
Press into
bottom of skimme
‘LIL REBEL™ Aboveground Suction-Side Pool Cleaner Installation and User’s Guide‘LIL REBEL™ Aboveground Suction-Side Pool Cleaner Installation and User’s Guide
Page 8
4
Adjusting Flow by Calculating Cleaner Speed (RPM)
1. While the cleaner is running, bring the cleaner up to just beneath the pool’s water surface.
Note: Be sure to keep the cleaner submerged while the pump is operating. This prevents the cleaner from pulling
air into the pool system.
2. Count the number of full rotations made by the wheel over a period of one minute. The number of rotations
will give you the revolutions per minute; or RPM’s. An easy way to be sure you are counting full rotations is by
counting the number of times the wheel hump passes by the swivel assembly.
3. For proper performance, the ‘Lil Rebel cleaner operates between 18-26 RPM.
If the RPM is below 18 adjust the regulator valve (rotate adjustment knob clockwise) and repeat steps 1-2 until
the RPM falls back into the optimal range.
If the RPM is higher than 26 adjust the regulator valve (rotate adjustment knob counterclockwise) and repeat
steps 1-2 until the RPM falls back into the optimal range.
Adjusting Flow Using the Optional Flow Gauge
The flow gauge does not come standard with the cleaner. However, a flow gauge
(P/N 360465) can be purchased separately from www.pentairpool.com.
1. Turn the pool pump off.
2. Disconnect the ‘Lil Rebel™ Aboveground Suction-Side Cleaner from the
leader hose and connect the flow gauge.
Note: Make sure the hose remains submerged to prevent suction of air.
3. Turn the pump on.
4. Turn the regulator valve adjustment knob clockwise to increase flow or
counterclockwise to decrease flow, until the disc indicator in the flow gauge
settles between “Maximum” and “Minimum” flow. See Figure 8.
5. Turn the pool pump off and remove the flow gauge and reconnect the cleaner.
6. Lower the cleaner in to the pool and allow it to drop to the pool floor.
7. Turn the pool pump on.
Figure 8
‘LIL REBEL™ Aboveground Suction-Side Pool Cleaner Installation and User’s Guide
Page 9
CLEANER ADJUSTMENTS AND OPERATION
Hose must reach furthest point of pool −−
plus one
length
plus
leader
hose
To prolong the life of the ‘Lil Rebel™ Aboveground Suction-Side Pool Cleaner, the cleaner
should be removed from the pool before any pool chemical treatment. Failure to do so
can result in discoloration of the cleaner and deterioration of cleaner components.
After installation, turn the pool pump on. The cleaner should be moving about the pool at a rate of 22 to 30 feet
per minute. Be sure to check each of the following initial adjustments.
Hose Length
Note: The pump must be on when you check the hose length. The hose contracts when the pump is operating and
will be longer when the pump is off. Do not remove the cleaner from the pool while it is operating.
While the cleaner is operating:
1. Position cleaner at the furthest point of the pool from where it’s attached. Use a pool pole and brush to easily
position the cleaner in the pool.
2. The hose should be long enough to reach the end of the pool, plus one hose section and the leader hose. See
Figure 9.
3. Remove any excess hose lengths from the middle of the hose assembly. This will ensure you do not alter the
position of the hose float.
4. Save extra hose sections for use as needed for replacement.
Note: Turn pool pump off when adding or removing hose sections.
5
Figure 9
‘LIL REBEL™ Aboveground Suction-Side Pool Cleaner Installation and User’s Guide‘LIL REBEL™ Aboveground Suction-Side Pool Cleaner Installation and User’s Guide
Page 10
6
Wire Diveter (optional)
P/N K121620
Eyeball Diveter (optional)
P/N 41201-0236
Return
Line
Eyeball
Fitting
Eyeball Diverter
Lock
(Retaining)
Ring
BEFORE ADJUSTMENT
AFTER ADJUSTMENT
TOP VIEWSIDE VIEW
TOP VIEWSIDE VIEW
Return Line Water Flow
IMPORTANT: The water flow from your return line can push the ‘Lil Rebel™ Aboveground Suction-Side Pool Cleaner’s
hose and affect its performance. It may cause the cleaner to steer away from the end of the pool where the return
line is located, or it may cause your cleaner to remain in one section of the pool. To correct this, purchase the eyeball
diverter (P/N 41201-0236) from your local pool professional. If the eyeball does not fit your pool, use the wire diverter.
(P/N K121620) Wire diverter available for purchase from your local pool professional.
To install the eyeball diverter:
• First make sure your pool pump is off. Remove
the original eyeball from the return line at the
pool by unscrewing the lock ring.
• Replace the original eyeball with the eyeball
diverter that came with your cleaner.
• Replace the lock ring and tighten. Make sure
the opening of the eyeball diverter points in the
proper direction before tightening fully.
Eyeball Diverter Positions
Position the diverter opening to redirect the return line
water flow so it does not interfere with the cleaner’s
movement. Try different positions to see which works
best in your pool:
• flow directed along the side of pool (the tile line).
• flow directed downward.
• flow directed against the hose will help steer the
cleaner away from obstructions such as stairs and
ladders.
After installing the eyeball diverter, turn the pool
pump on. The cleaner should begin moving across
the pool floor vacuuming up debris in its path.
Figure 10
‘LIL REBEL™ Aboveground Suction-Side Pool Cleaner Installation and User’s Guide
Figure 11
Page 11
MAINTENANCE
7
The ‘Lil Rebel™ Aboveground Suction-Side Pool Cleaner
requires almost no maintenance. Visually inspect your cleaner
from time to time to make sure that:
• The turbine is moving freely and is not obstructed by
debris. See “Removing Debris from the Turbine” below.
• The tires are not excessively worn. See Figure 15 on the
next page.
We recommend that you leave the cleaner in your pool,
except during chemical shock treatments.
• During swimming it is easy to unplug the cleaner and pull it
to one side.
• When storing the cleaner, do not coil the hose. Lay the
hose flat in an area protected from direct sunlight.
This cleaner’s hose is specially designed to ensure optimum
cleaner performance. Should replacement be required, insist
on genuine Pentair cleaner hose.
Removing Debris from the Turbine
1. Be sure the pool pump is off. Remove the cleaner from
the pool and disconnect the cleaner from the leader hose.
2. Check to see if anything is clogged inside the cleaner. Do
this by positioning the cleaner with the buckle facing you
and attempt to rotate the left-side wheel forward. If the
wheel rotates smoothly there probably is no obstruction. If
it won’t rotate there is an obstruction.
3. Place the cleaner on a flat work surface. Open the buckle
on the front of the cleaner by pulling it out and down.
Lift the front of the top cover up and then firmly pull it
forward. This will separate the top cover from the cleaner
body and you will now be able to lift the top cover straight
up from the cleaner body (see Figure 12). Set the cover
aside.
Note: The top cover is designed to fit tightly so you may
have to wiggle it a little.
4. Pull the turbine cover straight up and off of the cleaner
body. Set the turbine cover aside. See Figure 13.
5. Remove any visible obstructions from the turbine and
turbine cover.
6. Replace the turbine cover with the swivel assembly
oriented towards the front of the cleaner. See Figure 13.
7. Visually inspect the rest of the cleaner and remove any
debris that may be in the gears, drive shafts, swivel
assembly, etc.
8. Repeat step 2 (turning the left wheel) to insure that the
cleaner runs smoothly.
9. Place the top cover over the swivel assembly.
10. Place the tabs on the back side of the top cover into the
slots on the back side of the cleaner body (see Figure
14). Once these tabs are seated in the slots the front of
the cover will fall into place.
11. Lock the top cover onto the cleaner body with the locking
buckle on the front of the cleaner.
‘LIL REBEL™ Aboveground Suction-Side Pool Cleaner Installation and User’s Guide‘LIL REBEL™ Aboveground Suction-Side Pool Cleaner Installation and User’s Guide
Figure 12
Top Cover
Left Side
Wheel
Buckle
Removal of Top Cover
Turbine
Cover
Swivel
Assembly
Figure 13
Swivel Assembly and Cleaner Internals
Figure 14
Top Cover
Ta b
Cleaner
Body Slot
Cover Tabs and Corresponding Body Slots
Page 12
8
Tire Replacement
After prolonged use it may become necessary to replace the ‘Lil Rebel™ Aboveground Suction-Side Pool Cleaner’s
rubber tires. When the tire surface has worn into the tire’s grooves the tire is in need of replacement. See Figure 15.
To remove the cleaner tire:
1. Turn the pool pump off and remove the cleaner from the pool.
2. Disconnect the cleaner from the leader hose.
3. Place the cleaner on a flat work surface and fold the tire off of the wheel from top to bottom.
Note: Remove the tire by hand. Using other objects (screwdrivers, Allen keys, etc.) to remove the tire may
damage the wheel.
New Tire: Outer
surface of the tire
is well above the
bottom of the tire’s
grooves.
Excessively
Worn Tire: Outer
surface of the tire
has nearly worn
to the bottom of
the tire’s grooves.
Figure 15: Tire Wear Comparison
To install the replacement tire:
1. Place the cleaner on a flat work surface and seat the top of the rubber tire onto the top of the wheel. Be sure
that the back lip of the tire is resting flat on the inside edge of the wheel.
Note: Replace the tire by hand. Using other objects (screwdrivers, Allen keys, etc.) to replace the tire may damage
the wheel.
2. Stretch the bottom of the tire over the bottom of the wheel. Be sure that the back lip of the tire is resting flat on
the inside edge of the wheel.
3. Fold the back lip of the tire onto the back of the cleaner wheel along the entire cleaner wheel. The tire should lie
flat on the top surface of the wheel.
‘LIL REBEL™ Aboveground Suction-Side Pool Cleaner Installation and User’s Guide
Page 13
TROUBLESHOOTING
Because of the individual characteristics of your pool, some additional adjustments may be required to get the best
performance from your ‘Lil Rebel™ Aboveground Suction-Side Pool Cleaner. Use the following information to resolve
possible issues.
PROBLEMCORRECTIVE ACTION
9
Cleaner is not moving or is moving
too slowly.
Cleaner’s right wheel will not turn
when rotated by hand.
Cleaner stays in one end of the pool.
Cleaner stays on the main drain.
Cleaner falls on its side and takes too
long to recover.
Hose keeps coiling up.
Check flow with flow gauge or by calculating the cleaner RPM and adjust the flow if
necessary using the regulator valve. See page 4.
Check for debris inside the cleaner itself. See page 7.
Check to be sure the pump has primed. Check for leaks in the system that may prevent
proper priming.
There may not be enough flow through the system. The filter may need backwashing.
Check to be sure that the main drain and all suction lines are closed, except for the suction
line to which the cleaner is attached.
Check for obstructions in the system (e.g. debris in the filter, pump basket or pump impeller).
Pool pump and filter system may be too small to provide proper water flow. Consult your pool
professional.
Check for obstructions inside the cleaner itself. See page 7.
Check flow with flow gauge or by calculating the cleaner RPM and adjust the flow if
necessary using the regulator valve. See page 4.
Check the return line water flow and redirect as necessary with the optional eyeball diverter.
See page 6.
Check that hose is long enough to reach the furthest point in the pool. See page 5.
Check for proper hose float placement. The float may be in the wrong position. See page 2.
Be sure that the swivel assembly (at top of cleaner) rotates smoothly. If not, the swivel
assembly may be dirty and require cleaning.
Check to be sure that main drain is closed. May need assistance from a pool professional.
Check to be sure a main drain grate is installed.
Check for proper hose float placement. The float may be in the wrong position. See page 2.
Check to be sure that the leader hose has been installed and is in the correct location. See
page 2.
Check that the hose is long enough to reach the furthest point in the pool. See page 5.
The return eyeball fittings may be pushing the cleaner hoses away. See page 6.
For best results, when hose is not in use, store it flat and straight and out of sun.
Ensure the hose is the correct length. Refer to “Hose Length” on page 5.
‘LIL REBEL™ Aboveground Suction-Side Pool Cleaner Installation and User’s Guide‘LIL REBEL™ Aboveground Suction-Side Pool Cleaner Installation and User’s Guide
Page 14
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12
13
11
10
1
8
4
2
9
6
5
3
7
14
15
STANDARD
ACCESSORIES
OPTIONAL
ACCESSORIES
REPLACEMENT PARTS
ITEM #PART #DESCRIPTION
1360451Top Cover Kit
2360452Buckle Kit
3360453Swivel Kit
4360454Wheel Kit
5360455Tire Kit
6360458Bottom Cover Kit
7360460Turbine Kit
8360462Drivetrain Kit
9360463Roller Kit
ITEM #
1041200-0200 Regulator Valve
11GW9015Reducer Cone
12360466Hose Float
13360465Flow Gauge
14360468Inlet Insert Kit
1541201-0236 Eyeball Diverter
16*360467Hose Set
17*360308Leader Hose
PART #DESCRIPTION
Note: (*) Not Shown
‘LIL REBEL™ Aboveground Suction-Side Pool Cleaner Installation and User’s Guide
10951 WEST LOS ANGELES AVE., MOORPARK, CA 93021 • (805) 553-5000
WWW.PENTAIRPOOL.COM
All Pentair trademarks and logos are owned by Pentair or one of its global affiliates. ‘Lil Rebel™ is a trademark of Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
and/or its affiliated companies in the United States and/ or other countries. Unless expressly noted, names and brands of third parties that may be
used in this document are not used to indicate an affiliation or endorsement between the owners of these names and brands and Pentair Water
Pool and Spa, Inc. Those names and brands may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of those third parties. Because we are continuously
improving our products and services, Pentair reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice. Pentair is an equal opportunity employer.