Sta-Rite GW7500 Installation Manual

PoolShark

Automatic Pool Cleaner

®

Installation

User's Guide

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

and

Customer Service

If you have questions about ordering Pentair replacement parts, and pool products,
please use the following contact information:

Customer Service (8 A.M. to 5 P.M. — Eastern and Pacific Times)

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Technical Support

Sanford, North Carolina (8 A.M. to 5 P.M. — Eastern Time)

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Moorpark, California (8 A.M. to 5 P.M. — Pacific Time)

Phone: [phone] (Ext. 6312)

Fax: [phone]

Web site

visit

www.pentairpool.com

© 2011 Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc. All rights reserved.

This document is subject to change without notice.

1620 Hawkins Ave., Sanford, NC 27330 • [phone]
10951 West Los Angeles Ave., Moorpark, CA 93021 • [phone]
293 Wright St., Delavan, WI 53115 • [phone]

or

www.staritepool.com

to find information about Pentair products

Trademarks and Disclaimers: PoolShark® and Pentair Water Pool and Spa® are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Pentair Water Pool and
Spa, Inc. and/or its affiliated companies in the United States and/or other counties. Unless noted, names and brands of others that may be used in
this document are not used to indicate an affiliation or endorsement between the proprietors 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 parties or others.

Part Nº. PN788 Rev. B 1/24/11

Contents

Important Safety Precautions .............................................................................................. ii

Section 1: Overview .......................................................................................................... 1

i

PoolShark

PoolShark

®

Overview .............................................................................................. 1

®

Features ............................................................................................... 2

Preparation of Your Pool .......................................................................................... 3

PoolShark

PoolShark

®

Cleaner Assembly ................................................................................ 3

®

Hose Assembly ....................................................................................4

Section 2: Installation ....................................................................................................... 5

Standard Installation ................................................................................................ 5

For Pools with one Skimmer, using the Vacuum Regulator ............................... 5

Adjust Flow ........................................................................................................ 6

Connect the Hose to the Cleaner ...................................................................... 6

Balancing the Hose ........................................................................................... 6

Turn the Pool Pump On ......................................................................................6

Optional Installation .................................................................................................7

Vac Port Installation with Vacuum Regulator in Skimmer .................................. 7

Adjust Flow ........................................................................................................ 8

Connecting the Hose to the Cleaner .................................................................. 8

Balancing the Hose ........................................................................................... 8

Turn the Pool Pump On ......................................................................................8

Section 3: Operation ......................................................................................................... 9

Cleaner Operation and Movement ........................................................................... 9

Fine-tuning Valves and Connections ................................................................. 9

Section 4: Maintenance .....................................................................................................11

Cleaner and Hose Storage ......................................................................................11

®

Disassembly/Reassembly of the PoolShark

®

PoolShark

PoolShark

Exploded View ...................................................................................... 13

®

Replacement Parts List ........................................................................ 14

Cleaner ............................................ 12

Section 5: Troubleshooting .............................................................................................. 15

PoolShark® Installation and User’s Guide

ii

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Important Notice:

Attention Installer:

this product. This information should be given to the owner and/or operator of this equipment after installation of the
pool cleaner.

Attention User:

pool cleaner. Please retain it for future reference. Consult Pentair Water with any questions regarding this equipment.

WARNING —

This guide contains important information about the installation, operation and safe use of

This manual contains important information that will help you in operating and maintaining this

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 [phone] for additional free copies of these instructions.

Consumer Information and Safety

The PoolShark® pool cleaners are 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.

WARNING —

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.

WARNING —

WARNING —

WARNING —

CAUTION —

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.

Oscillator may injure hands or fingers. Stop pump before attempting to clean out pool cleaner
head.

PoolShark® Installation and User’s Guide

GENERAL INSTALLATION INFORMATION

Pre-installation check list

Before installing your cleaner, review and understand all warnings and safety information in this guide.

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.

iii

Before installing the cleaner, fill the hose with water:

Always make sure the cleaner head is submerged and the hose is full of water before connecting the hose to
the filtration system (whether through a skimmer or dedicated wall fitting). Air in the system can damage the
pump through dry running and overheating.

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.

WARNING —

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 fromyour local pool store and install it instead. The cover should
conform to IAPMO SPS4-99A.

PoolShark® Installation and User’s Guide

iv

PoolShark® Installation and User’s Guide

This page is blank.

Section 1

Overview

The PoolShark® Overview

Powerful two-way cleaning…hands free

Now there's an easier, more thorough way to clean your inground pool. Remove PoolShark® from the box, attach
the hose, place it in the water and watch it attack dirt as it prowls around the bottom and to the waterline of your
pool.

Two-way cleaning action - vacuum pad contains multiple rows of squeegee-like fins that scrub and dislodge
stubborn dirt, while the flapper assembly and vortex chamber create a powerful suction effect to easily vacuum
away small and large debris.

Plug and play and walk away

This is the "Plug and Play" cleaner you've been waiting for. With PoolShark®, automatic is really automatic. It
steers itself to completely clean all surfaces and avoid hang-ups in corners or near steps or ladders.

1

PoolShark® Automatic Pool Cleaner

PoolShark® Installation and User’s Guide

2

General Features

• T wo-way cleaning action - vacuum pad contains multiple rows of squeegee-like fins that scrub and dislodge
stubborn dirt, while the flapper assembly and vortex chamber create a powerful suction effect to easily
vacuum away small and large debris.

• No need to buy , install or operate an expensive booster pump - works with your existing filtration system.

• A complete system - includes hose, vacuum regulator valve, hose weight, eyeball diverter, and Vac Port
door fitting.

Additional Features:

• Automatic valve regulates water flow to set optimum travel speed for consistent cleaning of the entire
pool surface.

• Wide body design allows PoolShark

®

to cut a broad 12" path for speedy completion of its cleaning chores.

• Consumes no additional energy - it works when your existing pool circulation system runs.

• No bags or compartments to empty , all debris goes to your filtration system…where it belongs.

• Installs in minutes without tools.

• Performs flawlessly in gunite, fiberglass, tile or vinyl pools.

PoolShark® Installation and User’s Guide

Rows of squeegee-like fins scrub and dislodge
stubborn dirt so it can be vacuumed away.

Guage

s

l

educer

Cone

The following general information describes how to set-up your PoolShark® automatic pool cleaner.

NOTE: Before setting up this product, read and follow all warning notices and instructions starting
on page ii.

Preparation of your pool

Before you assemble and install your PoolShark® automatic pool cleaner, you should make sure that your
pool is clean and free of algae. If necessary , make the following preparations before proceeding:

Chemically balance the pool water

•

• Brush the pool and let the debris settle

• Hand vacuum the pool thoroughly

• Backwash and clean the filter and clean the pump

strainer basket, (see Figure 1)

• Start the pump

Skimmer
Basket

Pump
Strainer

Cleaner Assembly

3

Check Parts

Remove the PoolShark® and all of its parts from the box
and check to make sure that all components were
included, (see Figure 2).

■ Pool Cleaner

■ Short Leader Hose

(1 Length, 0.36 Meter)

■ Hose (10 Lengths, 1 Meter Each)

■ Hose Weights (2)

■ Eyeball diverters (2)

■ Reducer Cone

■ Vac Port Fitting

■ Regulator

■ Regulator Cap

■ Flow Gauge

Pool Cleaner

Figure 1.

Figure 2.

Vac Port Fitting

Hose Weight

Regulator

Eyebal

Regulator

Cap

R

PoolShark® Installation and User’s Guide

4

Leader Hose

Hose Assembly

Connect the Hose Sections (Figures 3 and 4).

For best results and to maintain proper operation, use only original
hoses, or direct replacements, (see Replacement Parts page).

1. A special “leader” hose section (12 inches long) is

designed to connect to the cleaner and is marked with a
red label, (see Figures 3 & 4). Failure to use this leader hose

section to attach the hose to the cleaner will hinder your
cleaner’s performance.

2. Connect the hose sections by twisting and pushing the female
ends onto the male ends after wetting the ends in the pool,
(see Figure 5).

3. Make sure the connections are snug. The number of lengths
that you will need depends on the size of your pool.

Figure 3.

with red label marked

"Connect to Cleaner"

4. The overall length of hose needed will be the distance from:
(a) the point at which you will attach the hose to the suction

connection, to (b) the furthest point in the pool from, (c) plus
one hose length, (d) plus leader hose, (see Figure 6).

5. Submerge the hose so it fills with water and expels air from the
hose. Attach one end of the hose to the vacuum source as
described in Section 3, Installation. Keep the other end of
the hose accessible.

Figure 4.

Figure 5.

Leader Hose

marked

"Connect

to Cleaner"

Figure 6.

PoolShark® Installation and User’s Guide

Hose must equal longest stretch

—

—

Add one hose weight to the third cuff from the PoolShark

plus one length

leader
hose

®

Section 2

acuum

r

Cone

Installation

This section describes how to install the PoolShark® pool cleaner. The PoolShark® is designed to work in a
wide variety of swimming pools. Both the standard in-skimmer installation and optional vac port installation
are covered in these Instructions. If your pool configuration is unlike any of the examples, contact your Pentair
W ater Pool and Spa dealer for assistance, or call our toll-free Customer Helpline at 1-800-831-7133.

Standard Installation

Skimmer

WARNING —

For Pools with one Skimmer, using the Vacuum Regulator

The manufacturer recommends the Standard Installation through the pool’s
skimmer, (see Figure 7). The advantage of this installation is its use of the vacuum regulator,
(see Figure 8), to balance the water flow between the skimmer and the PoolShark® pool
cleaner. The vacuum regulator can be adjusted to changes in the amount of water flow to
provide PoolShark® with the power necessary to ensure proper cleaning performance,
and the manufacturer strongly recommends its use for maximum safety and performance.

1. Turn the pool pump off.

2. Adjust valves for vacuuming. Adjust the pump valves (if your system has valves) to

direct all suction to the skimmer. Close the main drain and all suction lines, except the
line from the skimmer to which the PoolShark® will be connected.

3. Remove the skimmer basket from the skimmer.

Hazardous suction.

causing severe injuries or drowning. Do not operate the PoolShark
cleaner while people are using the swimming pool. Do not allow anyone
to play with the PoolShark® or its hoses.

Suction through the PoolShark® can entrap bathers,

®

Figure 7.

Vacuum

Regulator

Figure 8.

Reducer

Cone

5

Adjustment

Knob

4. Install vacuum regulator. Use the vacuum regulator in conjunction with your pool

cleaner system at all times. The vacuum regulator has an adjustment knob, (see
Figure 8). If suction is too high, the knob is turned counterclockwise to decrease the
suction. If the suction is too low, the knob is turned clockwise to increase
the suction.

Skimmer

5. The vacuum regulator must be installed in conjunction with the reducer

cone, (see Figure 9). The reducer cone is required to make most skimmer
connections. It will keep the hose and vacuum regulator in place once the
filter system is stopped.

6. To install the vacuum regulator, insert the vacuum regulator and reducer

cone in the skimmer. Attach the end of the hose to the regulator, (see
Figure 10). Make sure the vacuum regulator is submerged at all times. If
not, the pump will suck air through the vacuum regulator and lose prime.
This could damage the pump.

Vacuum regulator installed in the skimmer with the

PoolShark® Installation and User’s Guide

Figure 9.

V
Regulato

Reducer

To Pump

hose attached.

Figure 10.

6

Standard Installation,

cont’d.

Adjust Flow

1. With the main drain closed, and one end of the hose attached to the vacuum
regulator installed in the skimmer, insert the flow gauge into the other end of
the hose (the end with the “leader” hose attached).

2. Keep the hose and flow gauge underwater.

3. Turn on the pump. With the pump running, adjust the vacuum regulator
(in your skimmer) until the indicator on the flow gauge is between minimum and
maximum flow (Figure 11).

NOTE: The flow gauge is calibrated for use with the “Y” shaped regulator
valve. The flow gauge will not indicate the correct flow for the cleaner if you
are not using the “Y” shaped regulator valve.

4. Remove the flow gauge from the end of the hose (the end with the “leader”
hose attached) and attach the “leader” hose to the cleaner’s swivel.

5. Observe the cleaner performance.

NOTE: If you have a very strong pump and the flow is still too fast, slightly
open the main drain.

Figure 12.

Figure 11.

Disc Indicator

Flow Indicated on Flow Gauge.

Leader Hose

marked

"Connect

to Cleaner"

6. Increase the flow through the cleaner to improve the cleaner ‘s ability
to climb the pool walls.

7. Decrease the flow to stop the cleaner from drawing air when it
climbs to the water surface.

Connect the Hose to the Cleaner

1. Connect the leader hose cuff of the 14" (0.36 m) leader hose to the
cleaner (correct end of hose is marked), (see Figure 12).

2. Fill the cleaner with water and let it sink to the bottom, (see Figure 13).

3. Verify hose connections as shown in Figure 14, and that gate valves
are fully open in the suction line.

Balancing the Hose

It may or may not be necessary to add weight to your hose, depending
on your pool’s size, shape, and depth.
Try the cleaner first without any hose
weights. If the hose is too buoyant,
add the weight as shown in Figure 14.

PoolShark cleaner

No weight on these
hose cuffs.

Turn the Pool Pump on

Figure 13.

Attach first hose weight
1" back from the end of
the third hose section

After completing the installation, turn
the pool pump on and allow it to run
for a couple of minutes to ensure that
all air cycles out of the system.

PoolShark® Installation and User’s Guide

Figure 14.

Short leader Second hose

Section

Attach second hose weight 1" back from the
end of the fifth section for pools deeper than 6 feet.

Third hose
Section

Four th hose
Section

Optional Installation

7

WARNING —

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.

Vac Port Installation with Vacuum Regulator in Skimmer

If your pool has a dedicated wall fitting “vac port”, (see Figure 15), you can install the PoolShark® using the
Optional Installation.

1. Turn the pool pump off.

2. Adjust valves for vacuuming. Adjust the pump valves (if your system has valves)

to direct all suction to the dedicated vacuum line and the skimmer. Close the main drain

Vac
Port

and all suction lines, except the line from the dedicated vacuum line to which
PoolShark® will be connected, and the skimmer where the vacuum regulator will be
installed.

3. A spring loaded safety cover, (“vac port fitting”), is included with this pool cleaner

Figure 15.

(see Figure 16). Install it on the dedicated vacuum line to prevent entrapment and
injury. For details please refer to the Vac Port Instruction sheet included with your
vac port fitting. To install the included vac port fitting:

a. Screw the vac port fitting into the dedicated vacuum line opening.
b. Orient the vac port fitting so the arrow on the door points up.
c. Secure the cover by tightening the allen-screw below the door, into the dedicated

vacuum line fitting.

4. Remove the skimmer basket from the skimmer, (see Figure 17).

WARNING —

Hazardous suction.

Can cause entrapment with severe

personal injury or drowning.

Skimmer
Basket

5. Install the vacuum regulator. Insert the vacuum regulator and reducer

cone in the skimmer, (see Figure 18). To prevent water from flowing
through the top of the vacuum regulator, attach the regulator cap to the

Figure 17.

vacuum regulator.

6. Attach the end of the hose to the vac port fitting installed in the

dedicated vacuum line, (see Figure 19).

Hose
End

Vac Por t
Fitting

Skimmer

Figure 16.

Vacuum
Regulator

Figure 18.

Regulator
Cap

Figure 19.

Reducer Cone

To Pump

PoolShark® Installation and User’s Guide

8

Optional Installation,

cont’d.

Adjust Flow

1. With the main drain closed, and one end of the hose attached to the vacuum
regulator installed in the skimmer, insert the flow gauge into the other end of
the hose (the end with the “leader” hose attached).

2. Keep the hose and flow gauge underwater.

3. Turn on the pump. With the pump running, adjust the vacuum regulator
(in your skimmer) until the indicator on the flow gauge is between minimum and
maximum flow (Figure 20).

NOTE: The flow gauge is calibrated for use with the “Y” shaped regulator
valve. The flow gauge will not indicate the correct flow for the cleaner if you
are not using the “Y” shaped regulator valve.

4. Remove the flow gauge from the end of the hose (the end with the “leader”
hose attached) and attach the “leader” hose to the cleaner’s swivel.

5. Observe the cleaner performance.

NOTE: If you have a very strong pump and the flow is still too fast, slightly
open the main drain.

Figure 21.

Figure 20.

Disc Indicator

Flow Indicated on Flow Gauge.

Leader Hose

marked

"Connect

to Cleaner"

6. Increase the flow through the cleaner to improve the cleaner ‘s ability
to climb the pool walls.

7. Decrease the flow to stop the cleaner from drawing air when it
climbs to the water surface.

Connect the Hose to the Cleaner

1. Connect the leader hose cuff of the 14" (0.36 m) leader hose to the
cleaner (correct end of hose is marked), (see Figure 21).

2. Fill the cleaner with water and let it sink to the bottom, (see Figure 22).

3. Verify hose connections as shown in Figure 23, and that gate
valves are fully open in the suction line.

Balancing the Hose

It may or may not be necessary to add weight to your hose, depending
on your pool’s size, shape, and depth.
Try the cleaner first without any hose
weights. If the hose is too buoyant,
add the weight as shown in Figure 23.

PoolShark cleaner

No weight on these
hose cuffs.

Turn the Pool Pump on

Figure 22.

Attach first hose weight
1" back from the end of
the third hose section

After completing the installation, turn
the pool pump on and allow it to run
for a couple of minutes to ensure that
all air cycles out of the system.

PoolShark® Installation and User’s Guide

Figure 23.

Short leader Second hose

Section

Attach second hose weight 1" back from the
end of the fifth section for pools deeper than 6 feet.

Third hose
Section

Four th hose
Section

Section 3

Operation

This section contains information describing the movement and operation of your PoolShark® cleaner, as well
as tips for “fine-tuning” your pool’ s valves and connections to optimize the PoolShark’s cleaning ability .

Cleaner Operation and Movement

Clicking sound

This is the sound of the oscillator moving back and forth in the oscillator chamber. The best speed for it is about
500 oscillations per minute. The vibration created by the oscillator moves the cleaner . If the oscillator is running
too fast, the cleaner will have a tendency to climb up the pool wall past the waterline, or “walk out of the pool”
and suck air. Reduce the speed by adjusting the vacuum regulator in the skimmer .

Movement around the Pool

Random motion – The cleaner will visit most spots in the pool within a six (6) hour period. It is not specifically
programmed, and cannot see the dirt you are seeing. It is a random motion pattern.

9

The cleaner was designed to spend most of its time in the deep end, where most of the floor and wall area
exists. During a six (6) hour period, the cleaner will visit the shallow end a few times.

Picks up “Big Stuff”

The cleaner will pick up some debris so large that it may jam. Simply stop the pump and remove the debris
from the oscillator.

Fine-tuning Valves and Connections

WARNING —

NOTICE: Each pool’s hydraulic system and vacuum connections are dif ferent. Be sure you have installed the

vacuum regulator before you “fine-tune” the system. This not only regulates vacuum, but also acts as a safety
device.

WARNING —

Pool pump suction is hazardous

drowning. Use the vacuum regulator (see following instructions) in pool cleaner system at all times.

Suction entrapment, injury, and drowning hazard.

(“vac port”) for vacuuming or for an automatic pool cleaner, it must be covered when not in use. A
spring loaded safety cover (the “Vac Port Fitting”) is included with this pool cleaner. Install it on the
vac port to prevent entrapment and injury. For details please refer to the Vac Port Fitting instruction
sheet included with your cleaner.

and can cause entrapment with severe personal injury or

If your pool has a dedicated suction port

PoolShark® Installation and User’s Guide

10

Fine-tuning Valves and Connections

For the NOVICE POOL OWNER for whom pool vacuuming is a new experience, please read all of the
following points, installation instructions, and trouble shooting guide carefully. Please note the following:

• “Vacuum” and “suction” are two words meaning the same thing.

• “Dedicated suction line”, “vac port”, and “vac fitting” are different terms for a hole in the side

wall of pool; this hole is connected to the pump suction and is dedicated to vacuuming.

• Some pools do not have a vac port. If your pool does have one, please read the “Suction Entrapment”

warning on

For the SEASONED POOL OWNER: The automatic pool cleaner connection and vacuum flow adjustments
can be similar to using your manual pool vacuum. Please read on.

page 9.

Valves (Pump, Skimmer, and Main Drain) and Vacuum Adjustments

Y ou may need to spend some time adjusting the skimmer and main drain valves in order to obtain the best vacuum
setting for good cleaner operation. Once you have found the correct valve settings for best operation, we suggest
you mark the valves to ensure repeated success.

At first, set valves to give maximum vacuum to the skimmer or vac fitting you have elected to use.

Too much Vacuum Flow?

Y ou have too much vacuum if the cleaner climbs up the pool wall past the water line to the point that the cleaner
sucks air and the pump loses prime. Frequent loss of prime will damage the pump. To correct this, adjust the
regulator by turning the adjustment knob counterclockwise. This will decrease the suction. If the cleaner still
climbs out and sucks air, open the main drain valve slightly .

Not enough Vacuum Flow?

You don’t have enough vacuum if the cleaner does not climb the pool walls, moves sluggishly, or not at all. Be
sure the filter system is clean and the regulator and all valves are adjusted to give you maximum vacuum. If the
cleaner is still not moving, your pump may not be strong enough to operate the cleaner. Please refer to the
“Troubleshooting Section” on page 13.

In-Line Leaf Canisters

If your pool is exposed to large quantities of leaves, we suggest purchasing and installing an in-line leaf canister
(P/N R211084K). A leaf canister will provide more debris-loading capacity and also provides a water by-pass
when the canister is full. It is very important that the pump not starve for water!

Dedicated Suction Line / Vac Port / Vac Fitting

Some pools have a dedicated wall fitting just for vacuuming. If the wall fitting connection is used, you may

notice that the clear pump lid shows signs of bubbles or what appears to be the presence of air. T o eliminate
this, slightly open the main drain valve to supplement the water intake. The cleaner may slow down a bit when
you change the suction.

Skimmer Vac Plates

Some pool owners connect the hose to a skimmer vac plate, which allows the skimmer basket to remain in the
skimmer. If this method is used, empty the basket frequently . Also make sure that the vacuum regulator provided
is completely submerged so that it will not suck air and damage the pump.

Skimmer Vac Plate Vacuum Control Adjusters

Some pool owners use one of a variety of manufacturer’s skimmer vac plates. Some have a vacuum control
adjuster, and some do not. The adjuster could be a screw-type, a spring loaded apparatus, or a dial design. For
those vac plates with adjusters, it is important to adjust them when fine tuning the vacuum for the cleaner.

PoolShark® Installation and User’s Guide

Maintenance

ght,

not connected to cleaner

This section describes the service and maintenance of the of your PoolShark® cleaner .

11

Section 4

WARNING —

Hazardous suction.

or drowning. Do not operate the PoolShark
not allow anyone to play with the PoolShark

Suction through the PoolShark® can entrap bathers, causing severe injuries

®

cleaner while people are using the swimming pool. Do

®

or its hoses.

The PoolShark® requires almost no maintenance. Manually open and close the regulator valve from time to
time to flush away accumulated dirt and debris and ensure smooth operation. Also, from time to time, visually
inspect the PoolShark® to be sure that:

• The oscillator moves freely and is not obstructed by debris.

• The vacuum pad is not excessively worn. When the traction pads on the bottom have worn down, it’ s time for

replacement.

• Keep skimmer basket and pump strainer basket clean and free of debris.

• Remove the pool cleaner from the pool before super chlorinating (shocking) or chemical balancing. Wait at

least four hours after the chemical procedure before reinstalling the cleaner.

• If cleaner jams with large debris (leaves, sticks, etc.), clean the debris from bottom of unit.

®

• When people are using the pool, disconnect the PoolShark

and pull it to one side of the pool.

Hose Storage

NOTICE: When storing the PoolShark®, do not coil the hose. Instead, lay it out straight and flat in an area
protected from direct sunlight. Use only a genuine PoolShark® hose. The warranty is void if the cleaner is
operated with another hose other than a genuine PoolShark® hose.

• Do not coil the hose. Remove the hose from the cleaner

when removing the cleaner from the pool. Store the hose
flat and straight.

• Don't store the cleaner with the hose connected to the

cleaner body or with the hose coiled. T o do so will cause
the hose to take a set or kink over a period of time.
When reinstalled in the pool, the hose will tend to stay
coiled and will cause the cleaner to malfunction.

• If the hose has taken a set, uncoil it as far as possible

without damaging it and lay it out in the sun for several
hours to straighten itself. Once it has relaxed and
straightened out, store it laid out flat and straight (no
coiling).

Pool Cleaner

Hose trai

Figure 24.

PoolShark® Installation and User’s Guide

12

Disassembly

1. With a screwdriver, carefully work the rubber vacuum pad down over the
lip of the Outer Housing, (see Figure 25).

2. Lift the Outer Housing straight up off of the chassis. Squeeze the tabs on the
Bumper/Height Limiter Clips (inside the housing) to remove the Bumper/
Height Limiter. The Bumper/Height Limiter, Bumper/Height Limiter Boots,
and Bumper/Height Limiter Clips pull apart, (see Figure 26).

3. Squeeze and pull the Sprocket Clips to release the Drive Shaft Assembly
and Center Sprocket, (see Figure 27).

4. Pull the Oscillator Straight out from the bottom of the Outer Housing.
Be careful not to lose the Sliding Seals, (see Figure 28).

5. Squeeze the latching tabs and pull up on the Swivel Housing and Swivel.
The assembly will come up, releasing the Swivel Sprocket. Squeeze the
latching tabs to remove the Clutch Clip, (see Figure 29).

6. Remove the Shaft Plug with the stainless steel shaft and the Large
Steering Drive Assembly, (see Figure 30).

7. Remove the Oscillator Sleeve, releasing the Oscillator Sleeve Bushing
and the Clutch assembly, (see Figure 31).

Figure 25.

Figure 26.

Reassembly

T o reassemble the PoolShark®, reverse the steps above.
NOTE: The notch on the center disk of the Large Steering Drive Assembly

must be down (as shown in Figure 32) for assembly .

Figure 32.

Figure 27.

Figure 28.

Figure 29.

PoolShark® Installation and User’s Guide

Figure 30.Figure 31.

Replacement Parts

PoolShark® Model

28

27

13

1

2

24

26

20

18

17

19

10

25

21

23

3

4

5

11

12

6

7

8

9

10

16

15

13

12

14

14

PoolShark® Installation and User’s Guide

14

Replacement Parts List for the PoolShark® Model

Key Part Model Model

No. Description Qty. GW7500 GW7700

• Steering Kit (Incl. Key Nos. 2, 3, 4) 1 GW7505 GW7515

2 Swivel Housing 1

3 Swivel 1
4 Swivel Sprocket 1

23 Clutch Clip 1

• Clutch Kit (Incl. Key Nos. 5, 8, 21, 23) GW7503 GW7503

5 Oscillator Sleeve Bushing 1

8 Oscillator Sleeve 1

21 Clutch Assembly 1

• Gear Kit (Incl. Key Nos. 6, 10, 11, 17, 19, 20) GW7504 GW7504

6 Large Steering Drive Assembly 1

10 Shaft Plug 2
11 Long Sprocket Clip 1
17 Drive Shaft Assembly 1
19 Center Sprocket 1
20 Short Sprocket Clip 1

• Oscillator Kit (Incl. Key Nos. 12, 13, 14) 1 GW7502 GW7502

12 Small Sliding Seal 2

13 Oscillator 1
14 Large Sliding Seal 2

• Seal Flap Kit (Incl. Key Nos. 15, 16) 1 GW7506 GW7506

15 Right Seal Flap 1

16 Left Seal Flap 1
18 Chassis with Pad 1 41201-0242 41201-0242C

• Bumper Kit (Incl. Key Nos. 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) 1 GW7501 GW7511

24 Right Bumper Clip 1

25 Right Bumper Boot 1
26 Bumper 1
27 Left Bumper Boot 1
28 Left Bumper Boot Clip 1

• Accessory Kit - Includes: 1 77705-0400 77705-0400

• Short Leader Hose 1 GW9540 GW9540

• Suction Hose, 1 meter segment 10 41201-0252 41201-0252

Parts Not Available Separately:

1 Outer Housing 1

7 Support Brace 1
9 Stainless Steel Axle 1

Regulator

Regulator Cap 1
Hose Weight 2
Flow Gauge 1
Reducer Cone 1
Eyeball Diverter 2
Vac Port Fitting 1

1

PoolShark® Installation and User’s Guide

Section 5

Troubleshooting

Use the following troubleshooting information to resolve possible problems with your PoolShark® pool cleaner.

Problem Corrective Action

PoolShark® moves slow or fails to climb walls:

15

Dirty filter –

Dirty basket in pump hair and lint strainer –

Debris blocking the bottom of the PoolShark® –

Leaks in the hose –

Debris in the regulator –

Low vacuum through the cleaner –

PoolShark® doesn’t move or pulsates slowly
or doesn’t climb pool walls properly:

PoolShark® climbs pool wall to water surface
and sucks air:

Clean the filter.

Clean the basket.

Remove the Debris.

Remove the leaky section.

Clean the regulator valve.

Close the main drain.

Make sure that the main drain and all other suction lines are closed
except the suction line to which the PoolShark® is attached.

Check for sufficient flow through cleaner hose.

Check for debris in the filter or the pump strainer basket.

Check for debris in the PoolShark’s oscillator. Debris may prevent
oscillator movement or restrict the flow through the cleaner.

Check the oscillator for: damage; lost seals (there should be 4 seals):
obstructed seals (seals should slide freely on the oscillator).

Be sure that the short, soft flexible leader hose section is the first
section in the hose assembly (next to the cleaner).

Reduce water flow through cleaner, see Adjust Flow on page 6 or 8.

The water flow from the return line can push
the PoolShark’s hose, causing the PoolShark
to steer away from the return line or to remain
in one area of the pool. To correct this, adjust
your existing return line diverters or install the
eyeball diverters supplied with the PoolShark

To install the eyeball diverter as follows:

®

A. Turn off the main circulation pump.

B. Unscrew the lock rings from the pool’s return line fittings and remove the

original eyeball diverters.

C. Replace them with the PoolShark’s eyeball diverters.

®

D. Replace the lock rings and tighten them. Be sure that the openings of the

eyeball diverters point down (6:00 o’clock position) or to the side

(3:00 or 9:00 o’clock positions), before fully tightening the rings.

Usually, directing the return line water flow against the side of the pool
(as described above) works best. However, you may want to try pointing the
flow downward or in different positions to see which works best in the pool.

After installing the eyeball diverter, turn the circulation pump on.

The PoolShark® should begin moving across the pool floor, vacuuming up the
debris in its path.

E. If the PoolShark’s eyeball diverters do not fit your existing return line fittings,

adjust your existing fittings as best you can as described above.

PoolShark® Installation and User’s Guide

16

Problem Corrective Action

If the PoolShark® tracks in a repetitive pattern:

Square Bottom Pools Only:

Check the pool return line water flow and redirect it as necessary
with a return line eyeball diverter (see “To install the eyeball
diverter”, on

Check the PoolShark’s hose to be sure that it has not become bent
or kinked. Do not coil the hose, as it will retain the coiled shape and
reduce the cleaning coverage.

To check the hose, lay each hose section flat on the pool deck (or
another flat surface) and look down the length of the hose. It
should be perfectly flat and straight. Replace any sections which
are bent or kinked.

Check the oscillator for: damage; lost seals (there should be 4
seals): obstructed seals (seals should slide freely on the oscillator).

Be sure that the short, soft flexible leader hose section is the first
section in the hose assembly (next to the cleaner).

If the transition radius between your pool’s floor and wall is small
and the PoolShark® will not climb the pool walls, then you have a
square bottom pool. If so, remove the cleaner from the pool and
drill two holes in the indentations in the bumper (see Figure 33).
This will provide an outlet for air which would otherwise accumulate
in the hollow bumper. This air, from microscopic bubbles suspended
in the pool water, is normally able to escape when the PoolShark
climbs the pool walls.

page 15).

®

NOTICE:

DO NOT drill the holes if your PoolShark® CAN climb

the pool walls!

Figure 33: Drill Bumper if you have a square bottom pool.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

PoolShark® Installation and User’s Guide

PoolShark

®

Part Nº. PN788 Rev. A 2/20/08