STA-RITE GW8000 User Manual

AUTOMATIC POOL CLEANER

O W N E R’ S M A N U A L

Model GW8000

OPERATION, TROUBLESHOOTING & PARTS

Sta-Rite Pool/Spa Group

293 Wright Street, Delavan, WI 53115

International: 262-728-5551, FAX: [phone]
www.starite.com

Union City, TN • Delavan, WI • Mississauga, Ont. • Murrieta, CA

© 2004, Sta-Rite Industries Printed in U.S.A. S467 (Rev. 3/24/04)

About Safety

• Before installing the cleaner, review and understand all
warnings and safety information on inside cover of manual.
Read and understand all installation information.

‘LIL SHARK

TM

2

Pre-Installation Check List:

• 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 necessary
repairs. Also,

• If there are any stones, roots, etc., under the
liner, remove them before installing the cleaner.

• Before you install the cleaner, make sure you
have cleaned the filter (including backwashing)
and emptied all baskets.

• Always make sure hose and cleaner are full of
water before starting pump. Running pump
dry may cause overheating and damage pump.

• The cleaner is designed to maintain a clean
pool. It was not designed for initial cleanup
when opening pool for the season.

About your Pool and Filter System

This is the safety alert symbol. When you see

this symbol on your system or in this manual,
look for one of the following signal words and be
alert to the potential for personal injury.

warns about hazards that will cause
death, serious personal injury, or major property
damage if ignored.

warns about hazards that can cause
death, serious personal injury, or major property
damage if ignored.

warns about hazards that will or can
cause minor personal injury or property damage if
ignored.

Carefully read and follow all safety instructions in
this manual and on equipment. Keep safety labels in
good condition; replace if missing or damaged.

Hazardous suction.
Can trap and tear

hair or body parts.
Can cause drowning.

Do not play with cleaner
or hose or apply to body.

Do not let children use or
play with pool cleaner.

Stop pump before
attempting to clean unit.

Oscillator may

injure hands or fingers. Stop
pump before attempting to

clean out pool cleaner head.

Hose can trip or

entangle swimmers.

Do not allow swimmers in pool
while pool cleaner is operating.

Safety Instructions

About Maintenance and Care

Hazardous suction. Stop pump before

attempting to clean pool cleaner.

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

• If cleaner jams with large debris (leaves, sticks, etc.),
try cleaning debris first from bottom of unit. If this
doesn’t clear unit, remove top swivel assembly
(turn 1/4 turn) and clear the debris from the top.

• 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.

• Make sure that the cleaner’s brush bristles don’t
become deformed during storage. Store the unit so
that it doesn’t sit on the bristles and so that nothing
compresses them.

• If possible, do not coil the hose. Store it flat and
straight.

• If necessary to remove oscillator, see "Oscillator
Removal", Page 7.

1058 0594

3

More About the Cleaner and Accessories:

Swivel Assembly:

• Insert assembly into cleaner body and
turn 1/4 turn clockwise.

• If you attach a unidapt handle to the
swivel for manual vacuuming, be sure
it is a special, floating unidapt handle
(order No. GW9019; purchase locally).
Use of a different unidapt handle will
hinder the cleaner’s performance.

Hose:

• The unit includes a 20’ hose, an 8’ hose,
and a 4’ hose which will provide excel­lent coverage in pools up to 27’.

• For pools larger than 27’, add an 8’
extension hose. (Order No. GW9511;
purchase locally).

• For pools smaller than 24’, try the three
hoses together. If 32’ is too much hose,
remove the 8’ section and use only 24’
of hose.

• The hose was designed specifically for
the cleaner. Use of a different type of
hose will reduce the cleaner’s perfor­mance.

Reducer Cone:

• Adapts hose to some skimmers.

• Keeps hose in place in skimmer when
pump stops.

Automatic
Vacuum Regulator:

Hazardous suction. Can
trap or tear hair or body parts. Install
vacuum regulator on all high-vacuum
systems.

• Every system requires a vacuum

regulator for safe operation.

• Regulator provides vacuum relief in

case cleaner suction is blocked.

• Black rubber diaphragm must

always be submerged. If it sucks air,
the pump will lose prime, which
could damage the pump.

Flow Director:

• Install the flow director only if your

existing inlet fitting in pool does no
give the desired results.

• For best cleaning action, angle the

flow down 45° in a fan out from pool
side (see illustration below).

Tight Circles

Clockwise

Moderate Circles

Clockwise

Straight Ahead

Travel

NOTICE: Bristle wear, pool

bottom, temperature, etc., will
all affect cleaner operation.
Use these general guidelines
to adjust your cleaner for best
performance.

Cleaner is factory set at No. 1.

Brush Adjustment

20'

4'

8'

4

4

0

3

3

0

1

2

2

1

4

4

0

3

3

0

1

2

2

1

4

4

0

3

3

0

1

2

2

1

Tight Circles

Clockwise

Moderate Circles

Clockwise

Straight Ahead

Travel

4

Installation

922 0594

924 0594

Vacuum
Regulator

Swivel
Assembly

Reducer
Cone

Hose

Swivel
Assembly

Long Hose Cuff

STEP 1:
Straighten Hose

Remove hose from box and lay it
out in the sun to straighten.

STEP 2:
Check Parts

Make sure you have
all parts to pool
cleaner.

STEP 4:
Assemble Cleaner

A. Insert swivel assembly into

cleaner body and twist 1/4

turn clockwise to lock.
B. Set brush adjuster to ‘0’.
C. Slide long hose cuff

over swivel assembly

to install hose.

STEP 5:
Submerge Cleaner

A. Start pump.
B. Turn cleaner upside down,

submerge, and feed hose down
side of pool wall to fill hose
with water.

STEP 3:
Clean System

A. While the hose is

relaxing, clean and
backwash your filter
system, skimmer and
pump baskets.

B. Close Main Drain if

your pool has one.

C. Start Pump.

5

Installation

Water
Level

Skimmer

931 0594

Vacuum
Regulator

Reducer
Cone

933 0594

Water
Level

Skimmer

Vacuum
Regulator

Reducer

Cone
Skimmer
Suction
Port

Lid in
Vacuum
Position

STEP 6:
Connect Hose

With filter system
running, connect hose to
skimmer or to suction port.
See below for various
connections.

For best results:
With cleaner running and
submerged, pull hose to
opposite end of pool and release.

STEP 7:
Extend Hose

Final Checks (while cleaner is operating):

Hose Connections

Follow drawing that most closely resembles your skimmer installation.

CBA

For Safety: No Bathers!

For Best Results:

A.No ladders.
B. No toys.
C. No floating chlorinators.
D.Close main drain if your pool has one.

Elbow
(User
Supplied)

Water
Level

Reducer
Cone

Skimmer

Vacuum
Regulator

6

Troubleshooting

Situation Solution

Cleaner moves slowly or not at all.

• Backwash and clean filter. Empty all baskets.

• Clear debris from oscillator or hose.

• If hoses from skimmer to filter and back to pool are less than
1-1/2” diameter, replace with 1-1/2” hoses.

• Pump in filtration system may be too small. Consult pool
professional.

• If your pool has a main drain (floor drain), close it during
cleaner operation.

Cleans only perimeter of pool.

• Make sure vacuum regulator is installed.

• Set brush ring adjuster to a higher number.

Cleaner hovers in one area

• Hose is too short. It should be approximately 5-8’ longer than

with hose fully extended.

the full length of the pool. Buy an extension hose from your
dealer to give adequate length.

Cleaner turns in clockwise circles

• Set brush ring adjuster to a lower number.

only and only covers one section of pool.

Oscillator runs too fast.

• Make sure vacuum regulator is installed.
(the regulator marked “50” will slow it the most).

• If your system has a return valve, gradually close it until
oscillator runs at the desired speed.

Hose keeps coiling up.

• For best results, when hose is not in use, store it flat and straight.

• Lay hose out in the sun (flat and straight) for a few hours.

• Hose is too long; remove 8’ section.

Pool not completely clean in four hours.

• Any cleaner may miss a spot. Spot clean pool by attaching a
vac-pole (telepole) to cleaner and steering it (see Page 5).

•Try different brush ring adjuster settings (0-4) until the cleaner
gives the desired results.

• The cleaner was not designed to work under all solar covers.

• Strong winds may interfere with complete cleaner coverage.

Cleaner flips on its side when

• This is normal if filter system develops a backpressure surge

pump stops.

when the pump stops. The cleaner will right itself when system
is restarted.

Hose comes loose when pump stops.

• Use reducer cone in skimmer.

Cleaner sticks to pool bottom or

• Install diaphragm marked “50” in vacuum regulator.

pool main drain.

• Check inner brush ring for excessive wear.

If you have any questions, please call 1-800-752-0183

7

Repair Parts – Model GW8000

2

3

4

4

5

5

6

7

1

Key Part Part

No. Description Qty. No.

1 Swivel Assembly 1 GW9012
2 Pool Cleaner Body (With Bristles) 1 *
3 Ring Adjuster 1 41100-0026
4 Oscillator Impact Bumper (Pkg of 2) 1 41100-0027

5 Oscillator Seals (Pkg of 2) 1 GW9004
6 Oscillator Kit (Includes Seals) 1 GW9003
7 Axle Shaft 1 GW9002

• Flow Director 1 GW9014

• Replacement Hose Kit
(1 each 20’, 8’, and 4’ Hose) GW9516

• 20’ Hose 1 GW9521

• 8’ Hose 1 GW9511

• 4’ Hose 1 GW9519

Unidapt
Handle
No. GW9019

Oscillator Removal

To remove Oscillator from cleaner, tip cleaner on to its side, support side of housing, and tap axle
shaft out of body.

Oscillator will now slide out of cleaner body. Oscillator impact bumpers can be pried out of slots in
cleaner body (they slide towards bottom of cleaner).

To replace, reverse procedure.

• Not illustrated. * If body fails, order GW8000.

Optional Accessories

Vacpole

Unidapt
Handle
No. AT5119

▲ Retain Warranty Certificate (upper portion) in a safe and convenient location for your records.

DETACH HERE: Fill out bottom portion completely and mail within 10 days of purchase/installation to:

▼ Sta-Rite, Attn: Warranty Dept., 293 Wright St., Delavan, WI 53115

Pumps, filters, skimmers, underwater lights (except bulbs),
accessories and fittings manufactured by Sta-Rite are war­ranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship
for one (1) year from date of installation.

Product specific warranties:

Year from date

of installation

HRPB, DEPB, System 3, System 2 and Posi-Clear

Tanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 years

Internal filter components and valves . . . . . . . . 1 year

Max-E-Therm – Pool/Spa Heaters . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 years

Heater Enclosure only (Upper RH & LH;
lower enclosure; and control board enclosure)…10 years

Automatic Pool Cleaners including Hose . . . . . . 2 years

Cristal-Flo filters – Tanks . . . . . . . . . .10 years pro-rated*

Valve and internal components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 year

Posi-Flo II – Tanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 years

Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 year

PRC Cartridge –

Filter Tanks . . . . . . . .5 years pro-rated (1st 2 years full)

Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 year

System 2 Above Ground Systems – Tanks . . . . . .10 years

Pumps / Platform and Internals . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 year

Pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 year

When equipped with A.O. Smith
2-compartment motors (Does not include

pumps sold as part of a systems package) . . . . . 2 years

Traps / In-Line Strainers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 year

Vertical Commercial Filter – Tanks . . . . . . . . . .10 years

Internals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 year

Horizontal Commercial Filter

Tanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 years

(Years 6-9, Prorated declining 20%/year, Yr. 10 - 10%)

Internals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 year

* Full warranty coverage is in effect for one year after instal­lation. The pro-rated warranty covers the tank only during
the 2nd through 10th year after installation. The amount
covered decreases by 10% each year. (ie., 2nd year 90% cov­ered, 3rd year 80% covered, etc.).

The foregoing warranties relate to the original consumer
purchaser (“Purchaser”) only. Sta-Rite shall have the option
to repair or replace the defective product, at its sole discre­tion. Purchasers must pay all labor and shipping charges
necessary to replace the product covered by this warranty.
Requests for warranty service must be made through the
installing dealer. This warranty shall not apply to any prod­uct that has been subject to negligence, misapplication,
improper installation or maintenance, or other circum­stances which are not in Sta-Rite’s direct control.

This warranty sets forth Sta-Rite’s sole obligation and
Purchaser’s exclusive remedy for defective products.

STA-RITE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL,
INCIDENTAL OR CONTINGENT DAMAGES WHATSOEVER.

THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN
LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES. IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FIT­NESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL NOT EXTEND
BEYOND THE DURATION OF THE APPLICABLE EXPRESS
WARRANTIES PROVIDED HEREIN.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of inci­dental or consequential damages or limitations on how long
an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations or exclu­sion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific
legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary
from state to state.

Supersedes all previous publications.

Sta-Rite Industries
293 Wright St., Delavan, WI 53115

Warranty Registration Card

Name

Address

City State Zip

Purchase Date

Product Purchased

■■ New installation ■■ Replacement

Type of Pool ■■ Inground ■■ Vinyl ■■ Fiberglass ■■ Gunite

Size of Pool

Years pool has been in service ■■ less than 1 ■■ 1-3 ■■ 3-5 ■■ 5-10

Purchased from:
Company name

Address

City State Zip

Please send me more information on these

other products from Sta-Rite.

■■ Pumps ■■ Filters ■■ Automatic Pool Cleaners

■■ Maintenance Equipment ■■ Test Strips

■■ Heaters

S4877PS (Rev. 2/4/03)

STA-RITE LIMITED WARRANTY