Polaris MAXX, FSMAXX - Suction-Side Pool Cleaner Manual

Important Information

RISK OF SUCTION ENTRAPMENT HAZARD, WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Ensure that your vacuum suction fittings installed in your pool for connection of your suction-side pool cleaner are certified as being compliant with applicable safety standards such as IAPMO SPS 4. Do not block the suction fittings with any part or your body. Do not expose your hair, loose clothing, jewelry, etc. to any suction outlet fittings in the pool/spa.

	Read owner's manual completely before operating the cleaner.
	Remove cleaner before entering the pool.
	Do not operate outside of the pool.
	Do not let children play with cleaner.
	Keep hands clear from moving parts.

Notice for Vinyl Liner Pools: Before installing your pool cleaner, examine the interior of your pool carefully. If the vinyl liner is brittle or has stones, wrinkles, roots or metal corrosion in contact with the underside of the liner, or has damage to the base material or supporting walls, do not install the cleaner before having a qualified professional perform the necessary repairs or liner replacement. Zodiac Pool Systems LLC. (Zodiac) and its affiliates and subsidiaries will not be responsible for liner damage caused by a cleaner which is in disrepair, pattern removal from a vinyl liner, or a cleaner used in a pool having an aged or deteriorated liner. Please see Limited Warranty.

• To help prevent suction entrapment accidents, wall vacuum fittings should have a safety vac lock installed. Contact your builder or pool professional for details.
• Clean the skimmer basket, pump basket and pool filter before installing the cleaner on a regular basis thereafter.
• Always disconnect the cleaner from the pool wall or skimmer before cleaning or backwashing the pool filter. After cleaning or backwashing, let the filtration system run for at least five (5) minutes before re-connecting the cleaner.
• Remove the cleaner from the pool before chemical or shock treatments. Wait a minimum of four (4) hours after super chlorination before re-installing the cleaner.

To ensure prompt warranty service, should it be required, please:

• Complete and return the Polaris Warranty Card.
• Record your purchase information.
• Attach a copy of your purchase receipt to this document.

Before You Start

Congratulations on the purchase of your new cleaner. Before installing your cleaner, please check the box to ensure all parts are included (Figure 1). If any components are missing, contact:

Polaris Customer Support
1-800-822-7933 (USA)
1-888-647-4004 (Canada)

Always insist on genuine Polaris replacement parts. Non-Polaris parts are not made to our specifications and may have an adverse effect on the operation of your cleaner, or may even damage it. Parts diagrams and list of spare parts can be found at: www.polarispool.com

Included in the Box

Cleaner Components Shipped in the Box

1. Cleaner Body
2. Flowkeeper™ Valve
3. Leader Hose Section with Hose Float
4. Twist-Lock 45 Degree Elbow, Extended
5. Flow Regulator Valve (FRV)
6. 45 Degree Elbow
7. Twist-Lock Hose Section
8. Valve Cuff

Read the complete owner's manual before you begin installation.

Installation

Prepare the Pool

1. Manually vacuum the pool and make sure the pool filter and pump basket are clean.
2. Turn off the pool filter pump.
3. Close the pool main drain line.
4. Aim the return line fittings down.

RISK OF SUCTION ENTRAPMENT HAZARD, WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Ensure that your vacuum suction fittings installed in your pool for connection of your suction-side pool cleaner are certified as being compliant with applicable safety standards such as IAPMO SPS 4. Do not block the suction fittings with any part or your body. Do not expose your hair, loose clothing, jewelry, etc. to any suction outlet fittings or hose ends in the pool/spa.

Assemble Hose Sections

Push and twist the connector on each hose section (g) until they lock into position with clicking sound (Figure 1). Hose cuffs have three (3) connection positions. Any of the three (3) positions are sufficient for an air-tight seal. wall fitting (sold separately).

Figure 1. Hose Sections

Connect to a Dedicated Suction Line

1. Twist-lock the male end of the hose (g) into the large end of the extended 45° elbow (d).
2. Connect elbow to the installed Safety Vac wall fitting (sold separately).
3. Angle the elbow toward the water surface (Figure 2).
   
   Figure 2. Dedicated Suction Line Connection

OR

Connect to a Skimmer

The FlowKeeper™ valve must always be used in single skimmer installations. The valve regulates flow to ensure the pool pump and cleaner run properly.
If the pool has more than one skimmer, connect the hose to the skimmer closest to the pump.
The parts used to connect the hose and the sequence in which they are installed depends on the type of skimmer (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Skimmer Connection

1. Remove the skimmer basket.
2. Connect the valve cuff (h), FlowKeeper valve (b) and the 45 degree elbow (f) together. Insert the FlowKeeper valve (b) into the 45 degree elbow with arrow pointing down.
3. Push the male end of the twist-lock hose (g) to the end of the 45 degree elbow (f).
4. Insert assembly into the skimmer suction port.

Determine Correct Hose Length for Your Pool

1. Measure enough hose to reach the farthest point of the pool from the skimmer or dedicated suction line. Remove any additional hose sections, as necessary. See (A) in Figure 4, below.
2. Next attach the leader hose (c) to the end where the cleaner head will be connected. See (B) in Figure 4 below. The extra length allows the cleaner to reach the far point in the pool if a loop forms while in operation.
   
   Figure 4. Determine Correct Hose Length
   Total Hose Length Required = (A) Farthest distance across pool + (B) Leader Hose

Connect the Cleaner

1. Ensure that the flow regulator valve (FRV) (e) is attached to the leader hose (c). The leader hose is the hose section with the foam float pre-attached. (Figure 5).
2. Submerge the hose and flood with water (no bubbles visible).
3. Submerge the cleaner and flood with water (no bubbles visible).
4. Connect the hose to the cleaner head by pushing the flow regulator valve onto the cleaner.
5. Allow the cleaner to sink to the bottom of the pool.
   
   Figure 5. Connect Hose and Submerge Cleaner

Test for Proper Flow

To avoid serious injury, make sure to turn off the suction pump that is responsible for the pool cleaner operation. Do not expose your hair, loose clothing, jewelry, etc. to the open end of the hose.

The flow regulator valve is designed to consistently limit high flow of water through the cleaner. When flow is correct, the cleaner components are less susceptible to damage and the life of the cleaner can be extended. Wheel rotation speed is a good indicator of how much water is flowing through the cleaner. By checking for proper wheel rotation timing, you can verify the cleaner is operating at maximum efficiency.

Time Wheel Rotations

1. Turn on the pool filter pump.
2. Obtain a stopwatch or timer.
3. Leaving the pump on and water flowing through the cleaner, bring the cleaner to the surface of the water and hold it fully submerged just below the water line.
4. Locate the wheel speed indicator on the rear right wheel (Figure 6).
   
   Figure 6. Wheel Speed Indicator
5. Note how many seconds it takes to complete 10 rotations. If the wheels change direction during the rotation count, wait and restart your count.

If the count is within 20 - 25 seconds, no adjustment is necessary.

• 20 - 25 seconds --- Optimal Flow

Adjust Flow to the Cleaner (If Necessary)

1. Adjust the flow if it is not within the optimal wheel speed range.
   If the count is:
   • 26 - 50 seconds --- Increase Flow (+) --- cleaner moving too slow and needs additional flow
   • 10 - 19 seconds --- Decrease Flow (–) --- cleaner moving too fast and could be damaged
2. To increase or decrease flow, adjust flow via one of the following methods:
   • Valves at the equipment pad for a dedicated suction line.
   • Flowkeeper valve at the skimmer for skimmer installation (Figure 7).
     
     Figure 7. Adjust FlowKeeper™ Valve
   • Pump speed (variable speed pumps only).

Operation and Maintenance

Daily Operation

The cleaner cycles on/off with the pool filtration pump, vacuuming and cleaning all surfaces randomly throughout the pool. The climbing ability of the cleaner is dependent on the pool's shape and available water flow. If the cleaner is not climbing pool walls, ensure the flow is correct by checking the wheel speed. Also, ensure the pool surface is not covered in algae as this slippery surface will affect traction.

During each coverage pattern cycle, the cleaner travels both forward and backwards, and pivots to the right and left. The turbines underneath the cleaner create down force for climbing and stability as well as directing debris into the cleaner mouth. The scrubbing brushes also make contact with the pool floor to agitate and remove small stuck-on debris.

Cleaner Vacuum Modes

Your cleaner is designed to operate with two vacuum options:

• Large debris: For vacuuming large debris, such as leaves. It is recommended that you return the cleaner to small debris factory setting after large debris cleaning.
• Small debris (factory setting): For vacuuming smaller and heavy debris, such as sand, silt and small stones. The pool cleaner is sent from the factory in this mode.

To avoid serious injury, make sure that the cleaner is disconnected from the hose and the suction pump used for the cleaner is turned off prior to starting this operation.

Convert to large debris cleaning mode:

1. Locate slot on underside of cleaner. Insert a flat tool into the inlet adapter (Figure 8).
   
   Figure 8. Remove Modular Inlet Adapter
2. Lift up the inlet adapter and

Convert back to small debris cleaning mode:

1. Place the modular inlet adapter in the vacuum inlet of the pool cleaner.
2. Push down on the modular inlet adapter until it clicks into place (Figure 9).
   
   Figure 9. Replace Modular Inlet Adapter

Routine Maintenance

To ensure correct operation and extend the life of your cleaner:

1. Empty the Pump Basket Regularly
   For the cleaner to operate at highest efficiency, empty the pump basket regularly. The more debris in the pool, the more often the pump basket should be cleared.
   NOTE: Polaris offers an in-line leaf canister which maintains flow while catching debris, and reduces debris from reaching the pump filter basket.
2. Remove Debris from Engine

To avoid serious injury, make sure that the cleaner is disconnected from the hose and the suction pump used for the cleaner is turned off prior to starting this operation.

1. Push the latch release button on the top of the cleaner (Figure 10) to open the cover.
   
   Figure 10. Latch Release Button
2. Open the lid and inspect the engine. Remove any debris.
3. If necessary, pull the engine by the engine blades and remove it. No tools required (Figure 11).
   
   Figure 11. Remove the Engine
4. Reinstall the engine. Make sure the engine is positioned with the large wheel on the right side (marked A) when reinstalling.
5. Close engine cover and ensure the latch clicks in place.

3. Clean or Backwash the Pool Filter

Always disconnect the cleaner from the pool wall before cleaning or backwashing the pool filter. After cleaning or backwashing, let the filtration system run for at least five (5) minutes to flush out the suction lines before re-connecting the cleaner.

4. Adding Chemicals

Remove the cleaner from the pool for at least four (4) hours when adding chemicals.

5. Replace Brushes Regularly

To maintain optimal cleaning, it is recommended to replace scrubbing brushes each season or when significant wear is visible (Figure 12). To remove brushes, squeeze the plastic clip between two fingers and pull out. Type of pool surface may also increase rate of wear to brushes.

Figure 12. Inspect the Brushes

6. Storage

Never store the cleaner in direct sunlight. Do not coil the hose.
Hose may develop a memory which can affect cleaner performance. Store the cleaner on its side or back to avoid damage to turbine (all models) and brushes (Figure 13).

Figure 13. Store Cleaner on its Side

1. Winterizing

Before storing for winter, drain out all the water (freeze damage is not covered by the warranty). Remove all connectors and adapters from the dedicated suction line or skimmer. Disassemble the hoses and lay flat.

Troubleshooting

If you experience a problem with your Polaris cleaner, please follow the troubleshooting steps below to restore performance. If further assistance is required, contact Polaris Technical Support at (800) 822-7933.

Zodiac Pool Systems LLC
2882 Whiptail Loop # 100
Carlsbad, CA 92010 1.800.822.7933
polarispool.com
Zodiac Pool Systems Canada, Inc.