Zodiac Pool Systems G4 Instruction Manual

Instruction Manual

& Warranty Card

Renowned worldwide for the quality and reliability of its products
in the aeronautical and marine sectors, Zodiac has now brought its
expertise to swimming pools, to bring you a full range of pools,
automatic pool cleaners and water treatment systems.

Backed by Baracuda technology, expertise and experience, Zodiac
brings you the reassurance of top quality equipment in terms of
both design and performance.

A real guarantee of efficiency and peace of mind!

MASTERING THE ELEMENTS

i

Dear Customer,

Thank you for buying a Zodiac G4. It is thanks to you that we have achieved our
position as market leader.

The Zodiac G4 has been designed and manufactured to be easily installed and to
provide years of low maintenance operation

• Your Zodiac G4 has no nuts, bolts, screws, gears or wheels to corrode

• Its innovative cassette diaphragm system sucks up dirt, debris, bugs, leaves and
even small pebbles

• Your Zodiac G4 will quickly and quietly clean an average pool wall-to-wall, top­to bottom (excluding steps and swimouts)

• In the event it may require repairs, please take your Zodiac G4 to your closest
pool shop

• REMEMBER TO REGISTER YOUR WARRANTY WITHIN FOURTEEN (14)
DAYS FROM DATE OF PURCHASE

THE CONTENTS OF YOUR ZODIAC G4 BOX ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Part No: Qty: Description:

1 1 Zodiac G4 machine head, complete with finned disc,

wheel adaptor
2 1 Hose protector mesh
3 12 Genuine Zodiac Long Life hose lengths
4 1 Blue hose weight
5 1 Blue Wheel Deflector (medium)
6 1 Grey Adjustable Auto Control Valve with bypass
7 1 Pink Leader hose adaptor
8 1 Universal Weir Cuff
9 2 45 degree adaptor elbows
10 1 Pool Pulse

1 Warranty card (not shown)
1 Instruction manual (not shown)

2

6

10

4

8

9

3

5

1

7

INDEX

ii

Page

SECTION 1 – INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

SECTION 2 – ZODIAC ACCESSORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

SECTION 3 – CARE AND MAINTAINENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

SECTION 4 – DIAPHRAGM REMOVAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

SECTION 5 – DIAPHRAGM ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

SECTION 6 – POOL PULSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

SECTION 7 – TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

WARRANTY INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

SECTION 1 – INSTALLATION

1

It is much easier to assemble your new ZODIAC G4 automatic pool cleaner beside
the skimmer box of your pool.

PRE-INSTALLATION OF POOL CLEANER:

Step 1: Where main drain is connected to your skimmer box, block off the access

to the main drain
Step 2: Manually vacuum your pool
Step 3: Clean the filter and empty the skimmer basket(s) and the pump strainer

basket according to the manufacturer’s instructions
NOTE: The circulation system must be operating at its maximum water flow when

you install the Zodiac G4 otherwise re-adjustment will be necessary when

you clean the filter and baskets
Step 4: Adjust the water flow from all return inlets (a) downward and toward

each other (or (b), downward and toward the centre of the pool).

NOTE: If no return inlet directional fittings exist, or directionals cannot be
directed far enough down to prevent water flow from affecting the natural
movement of the Zodiac hose, you must install Zodiac return line diverters. They
are available through your Zodiac dealer.

FOR POOLS WITH RETURN INLET EYEBALLS,TURN EYEBALL DOWN

before adjustment after adjustment

All diagrams are
provided for
reference and
for terminology
used throughout
this manual.Your
pool may vary.

GENERAL POOL
SCHEMATIC

(B)

(A)

SECTION 1 – INSTALLATION

2

INSTALLATION

1) Firmly push the wheel deflector (part #5) onto the hose wheel adaptor until it

clicks into place.

2) Firmly push the pink leader hose adaptor (part # 7) onto the end of the hose

wheel adpator. Submerge cleaner head to remove all air.

3) Select a hose length and clip the hose weight (part # 4) onto the end that

does not have the Baracuda stamp. This will be your first hose length.

4) Attach the end of the first hose length with the Baracuda stamp, to the pink

leader hose adaptor, on the end of the hose wheel adaptor. (part #11)

Continue attaching hose lengths until you reach the required length for your pool,
submerging each length as you go.

Use enough hose sections to reach the farthest point in the pool, plus two sections

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Hose weight

Pink Hose Adaptor

Skimmer Box

3

SECTION 1 – INSTALLATION

ADJUSTMENT SUGGESTIONS

CORRECT BALANCING

Proper balancing must be accomplished in the DEEPEST area of the pool. The buoyancy
of the hose tends to LIFT the ZODIAC G4™ especially in deeper water. The hose
weight is provided to help neutralise the buoyant effect of the hose.

POOL COVERAGE

Normally it is undesirable for the return line water flow to affect the natural
movement of your ZODIAC hose. However, the return line pressure can
be used to balance cleaning coverage or to guide the cleaner away from steps
and corners.

A return line located anywhere along the shaded area can be utilised to gently push
the hose, allowing your ZODIAC G4™ to free itself from in-pool obstacles (Diagram

2).

Diagram 1: Positioning of the hose weight

Diagram 2

4

SECTION 1 – INSTALLATION

5) Fit hose protector mesh (part # 2) to the end of the last length of hose, which

will be the section coming out of the skimmer box.

Using the parts shown below choose a fitting combination best suited to your pool
from figures A, B or C and install. Note: you may have parts left over.

DESCRIPTION

1. 45

O

Adaptor Elbow

2. Universal Weir Cuff

3. Hose Protector Mesh

4. Adjustable Auto Control
Valve with bypass

a) SKIMMER b) SKIMMER

3

4

2

vacuum plate

c)

vacuum plate

vacuum plate

2

1

4

3

3

4

1

2

5

SECTION 1 – INSTALLATION

Before connecting hose to fittings in the skimmer box it is essential that all air is
removed from the cleaner head and hose.

6) For pools with more than one skimmer box; close off all suction points except
for the one the cleaner will be operating from.This provides the cleaner with
maximum suction.

The hose is now ready to be attached to the fittings in the skimmer box.

Tip:

Tip: if hoses are difficult to connect, have a bucket of warm water handy to dip the

end of the hose into. This will soften and expand the plastic allowing a snug fit.

6

SECTION 1 – INSTALLATION

7) The use of Zodiac’s adjustable auto control valve with bypass (part # 6) is
recommended on pools with only one skimmer box/suction point, or when the
filtration system needs to be used but the pool cleaner does not (ie: when
people are swimming in the pool). It regulates the flow of water to the pump
from the pool cleaner. Skimming action is maintained through the bypass in the
valve. As the filter collects debris, the valve automatically maintains the correct
flow to the cleaner. This valve comes preset at the factory to obtain maximum
pool cleaning efficiency.

If your water flow requires a higher or lower setting, you can adjust the valve to one
of three settings (high, medium or low).You will only need to adjust the valve if the
following occurs:

PROBLEM SOLUTION

Your Zodiac G4 pool cleaner should now be working. If it is not working correctly,
please go to our troubleshooting section at the end of this manual.

The Zodiac G4 pool cleaner is
performing too fast and/or climbing
above the level of the water

The Zodiac G4 pool cleaner is
performing slowly and/or is not climbing
the pool walls

Reduce Adjustable Auto Control Valve to
medium or low setting

Increase Adjustable Auto Control Valve
to medium or high setting. Make sure
the filter baskets are clean.

TURNING YOUR ZODIAC G4 OFF IS
MADE EASY WITH THE ADJUSTABLE
AUTO CONTROL VALVE WITH BYPASS

If you do not want your pool cleaner to operate whilst
pump and filter are operating then simply depress the
red pivoted arm (A) until it locks
open the flow door.
To recommence pool cleaner
operation, release the pivoted arm
(A) by pressing down on
the flow door (B)

It’s that simple!

7

SECTION 2 – ZODIAC ACCESSORIES

ZODIAC ACCESSORIES:

PART ILLUSTRATION PART NO DESCRIPTION

1. W24100 Return Line Diverter

Use when no other
return inlet directional
fittings exist

2. W26705 The Leaf Eater

Use when heavy debris
or leaf situations exist

1

2

Zodiac recommends the following water chemistry readings for optimal performance of any
pool equipment

Free Chlorine pH Total Alkalinity Calcium Hardness Cyanuric Acid

(ppm) (ppm) (ppm)

Australian
Standard 1 – 3 ppm 7.2 – 7.8 80 – 300 90 – 300 30 – 50

Ideal
reading/range 1 – 3 ppm 7.5 80 – 140 150 – 175 50

To increase* Add chlorine or Add buffer or Add sodium Add sodium Add

increase output soda ash bicarbonate calcium chloride cyanuric acid

of equipment (sodium carbonate)

To decrease* Add muriatic Add muriatic Partially drain Partially drain

acid acid or dry acid & refill pool & refill pool

* When using chemicals, always follow manufacturers directions and follow the advice of

your pool professional. Always use protective clothing, gloves & glasses. Store & use
chemicals out of the reach of children.

8

SECTION 3 – CARE AND MAINTAINENCE

CARE & MAINTENANCE:

Hose:

Sunlight (ultraviolet rays), water and pool chemicals create a harsh environment. To
increase the lifespan of the Zodiac G4 and hose, you should:

QUICK ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM:

Unlike other brand automatic pool cleaners, the Zodiac G4 has the Quick Release
Access Cassette System. This unique feature allows almost instantaneous access to
the one moving part – the diaphragm.

Large foreign objects, such as children’s toys, tree branches and rocks, should be
removed manually from your pool prior to operating an automatic pool cleaner. In
the event a foreign object does not get manually removed and a blockage occurs, the
Quick Access Cassette System allows you the opportunity to remove the blockage
or check the diaphragm for damage in minutes at your poolside.

(Before beginning, be sure to remove the wheel deflector and hose wheel
adaptor from the cleaner head).

1. Remove the Zodiac G4 from the pool
before Super Chlorinating and reinstall it a
minimum of four hours later.

2. Always disconnect the hose from the
skimmer or vacuum line before
backwashing your filter.

3. Always store the hose straight. Never coil
the hose (coiled hose can be straightened
with hot water or by laying it straight in the
sun for several hours).

incorrect

correct

X

9

SECTION 4 – DIAPHRAGM REMOVAL

DIAPHRAGM REMOVAL

Remove blockage and rinse. Do not use sharp objects as damage to diaphragm may occur.

If replacement parts are needed, contact Zodiac customer service on 1800 688 552
or your authorized Zodiac pool shop.

Step 1: Holding the frame assembly in

one hand, unscrew the blue hand
nut (approximately four turns
anti-clockwise).

Step 2: Pull the cassette out of the inner

head body.

Step 3: Grasp the cassette in one hand

and unscrew the inner extension
pipe (approximately four turns
anti-clockwise), then remove from
the cassette.

Step 4: Grasp the lip of the diaphragm

(yellow end) and pull the
diaphragm out. The inner pipe
will be attached and will make a
grating noise.

Step 5: Pull the diaphragm out of the end

of the inner extension pipe.
Leave the retaining ring on the
diaphragm and inspect for
blockage or cuts.

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 1

Step 2

10

SECTION 5 – DIAPHRAGM ASSEMBLY

DIAPHRAGM ASSEMBLY:

Prior to reinstalling the diaphragm, rinse the diaphragm and the inner extension pipe
thoroughly to remove any grit or algae.

Step 1: Push the diaphragm onto the end

of the inner extension pipe until
it sits flush against the raised lip

Step 2: Push the inner extension pipe

through the narrow end of the
blue cassette chamber (this will
make a grating noise)

Step 3: Fit the inner extension pipe back

into the blue outer extension
pipe body and twist until secure

Step 4: Hold the machine head and slide

the blue cassette chamber back
into the head of the machine.
Turn in a clockwise direction until
firm (approximately four turns).

Do not over tighten.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

11

SECTION 6 – POOL PULSE

POOL PULSE®:

The Pool Pulse® is a flow meter that measures the volume of water flowing through
your Zodiac cleaner. It must be used to properly set the flow and can be used as a
diagnostic tool when the cleaner isn’t running properly.

HOW TO USE POOL PULSE®:

Pool Pulse can only be used if the filtration system is on.

1) Attach the Pool Pulse® to the first hose length (ie: the one attached to the pink
adaptor) and keep it under water as shown.

2) Ensure the Pool Pulse® is in the ideal range when viewed from the side

3) Keeping the hose under water, remove the Pool Pulse®

4) Submerge the cleaner head, and when the bubbles stop coming from the
extension pipe, attach the hose.

If the flow is in the low range, review the installation procedures. A dirty pool filter
or clogged basket is usually the main cause of low flow. Other types of hydraulic
problems may require a pool professional. If your pool has multiple skimmers and flow
is in the low range, close the skimmer the cleaner is not attached to.

If the flow is in the high range, review the installation procedures. Lower Adjustable
Auto Control Valve setting to #1.

IDEAL TOO HIGH TOO LOW

12

SECTION 7 – TROUBLESHOOTING

Note: If the automatic pool cleaner is climbing the walls excessively, that is an indication

that the flow is too high. Review the installation procedures and ensure the Adjustable Auto
Control Valve is set at setting #1.

For additional assistance contact our customer service department on 1800 688 552.

TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM SOLUTION

Note: In cold water of 12 degrees or less, water flow through the cleaner must be
increased to compensate for the reduced flexibility of the hose and diaphragm.

IF ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED, PLEASE CALL OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE
DEPARTMENT ON 1800 688 552

Check diaphragm for blockage or damage.
Use Pool Pulse® to determine proper flow.
Check hoses for leaks.

Add return diverters or divert return inlets downward.
Lay hose in a straight line in the sun to relax memory.
Confirm proper hose length – add 1 or 2 extra hose sections.

Add return diverters or divert return inlets downward.
Use flow to move cleaner to opposite end.
Check if sufficient hose and add if necessary.

Use Pool Pulse® to ensure proper flow.
Check swivel on cleaner is not jammed.

Use Pool Pulse® to ensure proper flow.
Ensure Adjustable Auto Control Valve is on setting #1.
Reduce flow to cleaner head.

Cleaner may not climb walls of some vinyl lined pools.
Use Pool Pulse® and raise flow to high setting # 3.
Confirm proper hose length.
Adjust hose weight, so it is further away from the cleaner head.

Use Pool Pulse® and lower flow to low setting #1.
Utilise return flow to move cleaner.
Adjust hose weight.

Cleaner stops & starts

Cleaner is patterning

Cleaner isn’t covering
opposite end of pool

Cleaner flips over

Cleaner climbs walls
excessively

Cleaner won’t climb
walls

Cleaner won’t leave
edge or rim of pool

13

NOTES

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WARRANTY INFORMATION

14

ZODIAC G4

TWO-YEAR Warranty

This ZODIAC G4 was carefully inspected before shipment from our warehouse. Upon unpacking, if any part is
missing or found to be defective, please notify your dealer immediately. Please consult owner's manual for
complete instructions on the installation and operation of your ZODIAC G4.

ZODIAC GROUP AUSTRALIA WARRANTS THE ZODIAC G4 POOL CLEANER TO BE FREE FROM DEFECTS IN
MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP FOR A PERIOD OF TWO (2) YEARS FROM DATE OF PURCHASE. THE
ZODIAC HOSE IS WARRANTED FOR TWO (2) YEARS AGAINST MANUFACTURING DEFECTS AND
ULTRAVIOLET BREAKDOWN.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY EXCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:

1. Discoloration of the Zodiac pool cleaner caused by reaction to chemicals used in the pool water. Discoloration
does not affect the operating ability of the pool cleaner. Therefore, this limited warranty does not cover the
replacement of discoloured parts.

2. Damage to or malfunction of the unit resulting from excess chlorination or improper water chemistry balance.

3. Replacement of parts which fail or become defective as a result of improper installation, negligence, misuse,
abuse or tampering by unauthorised repair personnel.

4. Age, pool water imbalance, and improper installation can cause pool liners to become brittle or unduly wrinkled.

Corrosion of the supporting walls and/or irregularities in the pool base may also cause liner failure. The use of
this product in such an environment is at the pool owner's risk. Therefore, the pool owner hereby releases the
manufacturer from any and all claims for damage where these conditions exist.

5. Abrasion to the hose or damage caused by misuse or improper installation.

No claim under this limited warranty will be recognised unless the attached registration card is completed and
returned within fourteen (14) days of the day of purchase. Only the original purchaser may submit a claim under this
limited warranty. Purchaser's claims against Zodiac Group Australia Pty. Ltd. shall be limited to those claims which
may be asserted under the limited warranty relating to any defect, malfunction or wear of the ZODIAC G4.

To obtain warranty replacement or repair, the unit should be returned to the place of purchase.When submitting a
claim, always supply serial number, evidence of purchase date, retailer and a brief description of the problems/defects
encountered. Zodiac Group Australia Pty. Ltd. reserves the right to repair or replace all defective or worn parts
covered by this warranty, through the place of purchase.Where the purchaser sends units to the place or purchase
by post or courier for repair or replacement, freight is the responsibility of the purchaser.

Zodiac Group Australia Pty. Ltd. assumes no responsibility for any warranties or representations made by other
individuals or businesses beyond the express terms contained in this limited warranty.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
This warranty will remain the property of Zodiac Group Australia Pty. Ltd.

ABN 87 002 641 965

1/23 Rowood Road Prospect

NSW 2148 Australia

Customer Care Line: 1800 688 552 Fax: [phone]

www.zodiac.com.au

© 2004 Zodiac Group Australia Pty Ltd

RECORD YOUR

ZODIAC

G4 POOL CLEANER DATA HERE:

Date of Purchase ___________________________________________________________________________________

Purchased From ____________________________________________________________________________________

Suburb _____________________________________________________State ____________Postcode _____________

Warranty No: Please quote this number when you contact us.

For Sale and Use in Australia and New Zealand Only.

This Pool Cleaner is not Warranted or Guaranteed outside of Australia or New Zealand. Patent Pending.

IMPORTANT – MAIL THIS WARRANTY REGISTRATION TODAY

or you can register your warranty on line at http://www.zodiac.com.au

G4 #

IMPORTANT - MAIL TODAY

REGISTRATION OF 2-YEAR WARRANTY

This certificate must be completed and returned within 14 days of date of purchase.

I certify that my Zodiac G4 was purchased on: ______________________________________

Day Month Year

and that I have read and understand the terms of the Zodiac G4 warranty provided by Zodiac Group Australia Pty. Ltd.

______________________________________________________

Customer Signature Date

Family Name: ________________________________ First Name: ____________________________________ Title: ________

Address:____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Suburb:________________________________________________________ State: ______________ P/C: __________________

Telephone Number: H ( ____ ) __________________________________ Email: ______________________________________

W ( ____ ) __________________________________ Mobile: ______________________________________

Purchased From: Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Suburb: ______________________________________ State: ______________ P/C: __________________

Shape of Pool ❑ Rectangle ❑ Kidney ❑ Other Pool Size ______________________ My pool is ____________years old
ZODIAC G4 is ❑ my first pool cleaner ❑ replaces a __________________________________________
I heard about Zodiac from ❑ Pool Supply Store ❑ Pool Builder ❑Advertisements ❑ Friend ❑ Internet

Warranty No.

(please print)

G4

Zodiac Group Australia

Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]

www.zodiac.com.au

RETURN

TODAY

TO SECURE YOUR

2-YEAR WARRANTY

W90070

WARRANTY CERTIFICATE