In this video Lucy Demonstrates How to Replace a Caretaker 99 In-floor Cleaning System
“I removed the rubber band before hand and now its really loud and not rotating properly.”
Stay calm…that may not be the problem. Pull the rod out of the middle just slightly, then spin the top part of the gears. Check to see if all the wheels are spinning…if so, then the gears are in place and possibly the problem is that the small balls are not placed properly. If the wheels are not spinning, simply fit the teeth in so that they move all together. I don’t know if this makes sense…it’s difficult to explain (that’s why I do videos). If you continue to have a problem, write back. Also, when you re-start the system after having opened the unit, there will be a lot of rattling because of the air. But eventually it should stop (like within five minutes). Let me know how if this helps. Lucy
“Thanks! I did check before reassembling that all the gears were spinning, however it is possible when I put the top of the dome back on it got pushed in too hard. Its making a loud rattling sound and its not cycling. I’ll take out and check again that everything is in place. I wish once the top was put back on I could double check everything before reattaching to the pipes. Thanks again for the help.”
Good idea. You’d think that after all these years some companies would make clear, see-through equipment. Sounds like you know what you’re doing. Please keep us posted, your process may help someone else. Lucy
“I was able to get it to work quietly. I believe what I did wrong originally was when I went to put the 12 screws back I flipped it upside down and that must have moved something.
That said, it did NOT fix my problem. I still have the pop up jets at the deep end stuck on and they are not cycling. It did was very short cycle when I first turned it on, all other jets in the pool had weak pressure while the deep end jets stayed on. When it cycled to the deep end jets they got very powerful and are now stuck in on position…
Anyone have an idea what could cause this?”
It’s possible that the check valve may be stuck in the open position. Most Caretakers are plumbed with a check valve in case the unit gets clogged. There is one port in which the check valve is T’d into another port. Usually it’s the spa but it could be any port. If it is broken inside, the water will flow out continuously (such as your section in the deep end), then when the gears turn to that same port, all the water will flow through like normal. When the gears move, some water is still going through the check valve and some is going to the next section…the dispersion of water creates low pressure. At least by the description, this seems very plausible. Can you send me a picture of the system set-up? That might help. Lucy
“That does sound logical. I’ve messaged you with a link to some pictures of my system. Thanks for the help here, trying to do this myself when I know nothing about pool systems can be overwhelming!”
I got the pics. Do me a favor and send me the last picture (#6) from a different angle. It appears that the oval ball looking thing near the ground may be the check valve, but I can’t see it very well. It looks like it has threaded unions, which will be easy to unscrew and inspect the middle to see if a piece is broken inside. You may have a problem (again I have to have a better angle) when you remove the valve with backflow from the spa. You may have to drop the level of the spa before you open the valve. I know this may be daunting…and what you’re trying to figure out…most pool service people wouldn’t know what to look for. I admire that you’re attempting to troubleshoot this problem. I’ll try to help you figure this out but by what you described, it sounds like the check valve. I may end up sending you my phone number, sometimes it’s easier when I have the photos and you’re by the equipment. Lucy
“Photos are on their way. No problem, I can drain the spa level down and take a look at that. I was curious what this was as well, I have no idea what that part does.”
“Thank you so much for all of your help. You’ve saved me hundreds of dollars in pool service through you videos and personal support with my repairs. You described everything to a “T” and I was able to make my necessary repairs with ease. Today I ran my system after repairs and all cycles are operating properly now with great pressure.
After removing my check valve and rinsing with water it worked. I don’t know if it was stuck or what, but that was clearly the problem.”
Mike, I am so happy to hear you were able to resolve the problem. You did great! Thanks for having the patience to work through the advice. Happy swimming…and thank you for watching, Lucy PS…Please let me know if there are other issues you’d like me to address… I am posting archived videos right now but will try to video fresh material.
“hi,how long does the cycle usually run between pop-ups? I know the ball bearings move for each pop-up zone. Just wondering how long the cycle should run between them or before it goes to the next zone.”
It depends on the pressure going into the Caretaker unit. That depends on if your filter is clean, the horsepower of your motor, and if the strainer is clear of debris. For a 2 hp with a clean filter, usually 30 seconds to 1 minute. 11/2 hp takes a little longer… 1 to 11/2 minutes. Hope this helps. Lucy
