Great White GW9500 Manual

ABOUT YOUR POOL AND FILTER SYSTEM

Before installing your cleaner, review and understand all warnings and safety information on the inside front cover of this manual.

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 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.

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.

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 is included with your cleaner. Install it on the suction port to prevent entrapment and injury.

ABOUT INSTALLATION

Please use the convenient, water resistant, "EASY-STEPS" card.

1. Straighten hose (Figure 1)
   Remove and uncoil the hose from the carton. Lay it out in the sunlight, flat and straight.
   
2. Check parts (Figure 2)
   Cleaner, black plastic swivel assembly, white rubber reducer cone, one 20', one 8', and one 4' hose, white plastic vacuum regulator, extra black regulator cap marked "50", vac port fitting.
   
3. Clean filter system (Figure 3)
   Backwash and clean filter; rinse; clean all baskets, etc. Start pump.
   
4. Adjust valves for vacuuming (Figure 4)
   Decide on the vacuum connection you are going to use (either a skimmer or a dedicated wall fitting) and adjust the pump valves (if your system has valves) to direct all vacuum there.
   Close the main drain (also see "About Fine Tuning the Vacuum")
   
5. Assemble cleaner (Figure 5)
   Insert swivel assembly into cleaner; twist 1/4 turn.
   
6. S Measure hose length needed (Figure 6)
   Before connecting the hose, lay it out from the vacuum connection you are using (whether skimmer or dedicated wall fitting) to the furthest point of the pool. The hose should be at least 4' longer than this. More than 4' longer is OK. Do not cut the hose.
   
7. Connect hose to cleaner (Figure 7)
   Connect the 24' hose end marked "connect to cleaner" to the black swivel assembly. Connect the white plastic vacuum regulator to the opposite end of the hose. Insert the regulator into the white rubber reducer cone.
   
8. Connect hose to filter system (Figure 8)
   Fill the cleaner and hose with water and connect to the suction source. The cleaner will begin to operate.
   

ABOUT THE CLEANER OPERATION

Clicking sound
This sound is 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 bristles and 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".

Movement around the pool
Random motion – The cleaner will visit most spots in the pool in a 6 hour period. It is not specifically programmed and cannot see the dirt you are seeing. It is a random motion cleaner.
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 6 hour period the cleaner will visit the shallow end a few times.
Rotating motion – The cleaner will rise up on one side and pivot a few times per minute. This is normal and provides the following:

1. Allows leaves that are being pushed or dragged alongto be sucked up into the vacuum chamber.
2. Allows the cleaner to:
   Change direction
   Get out of corners
   Get away from ladders
   Submerge below pool water level
   Get off of domed main drain covers

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 or the swivel assembly.

ABOUT "FINE-TUNING" VACUUM ADJUSTMENTS AND CONNECTIONS

Pool pump suction is hazardous and can cause entrapment with severe personal injury or drowning. Use vacuum regulator (see instructions below) in pool cleaner system at all times. Note: Each pool's hydraulic system and vacuum connections are different. Be sure you have installed the white plastic vacuum regulator before you "fine-tune" the system. This not only regulates vacuum, but also acts as a safety device.

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 (the "Vac Port Fitting") is included with this pool cleaner. Install it on the suction port to prevent entrapment and injury. For details please refer to the Vac Port instruction sheet included with your Vac Port.
For the "NOVICE POOL OWNER" where 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 at left. For the"SEASONED POOL OWNER": The automatic pool cleaner connection and vacuum adjustments can be similar to using your manual pool vacuum. Please read on.

Valves (pump, skimmer, and main drain) and vacuum adjustments
You 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?
You 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, change the black vacuum regulator cap marked "60" to the one provided in your accessory bag marked "50". If the cleaner still climbs out and sucks air, open the main drain valve slightly.

Not enough vacuum?
You don't have enough vacuum if the cleaner moves sluggishly or not at all. Be sure the filter system is clean 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. Also, please refer to the Troubleshooting guide.

In-Line leaf canisters
If your pool is exposed to large quantities of leaves, we suggest purchasing and installing an in-line leaf canister. 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. To 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 connection
Some pool owners remove the skimmer basket and connect the hose directly into the bottom of the skimmer. This method is OK for pools with minimal debris and also for screened in pools.
For pools that have large quantities of "big stuff" to pick up, we suggest using the bottom of the skimmer connection in conjunction with an in-line leaf canister (purchase the cannister locally). 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!

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 screwtype, 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.

ABOUT THE CLEANER AND ACCESSORIES

Swivel assembly (Figure 9)
Installing the swivel assembly is a snap. Just insert it into the cleaner body and give it a quarter turn.
If you attach a unidapt handle to the swivel for manual vacuuming, be sure it is the special, floating unidapt handle provided with the cleaner (Replacement Part No. GW9019). Use of a different unidapt handle will hinder the cleaner's performance.

Hoses (20', 8' and 4' lengths – Figure 10)
The unit includes a 20' hose, an 8' hose, and a 4' hose. Do not cut any of these hoses.
The best hose length is at least 4' longer than the distance from your suction source (whether skimmer or dedicated suction line) to the furthest point in the pool. If the hose seems to be too long, remove the 8' section provided. Do not cut the 20' hose. Be sure to connect the tapered end of the 20' hose (marked "connect to cleaner") to the cleaner head.
If additional hose is needed, use only the specially designed 8' extension hose from your StaRite dealer (order replacement part No. GW9511). Use of another manufacturer's hose will hinder cleaner coverage (this also holds true for the 20' hose). If you need to replace the 20' hose, buy only the original equipment hose (order replacement part No. GW9521).
Hose ( 6" connector ) female x female (purchase accessory No. GW9021) If required, this will accommodate a male x male connection at the skimmer.

Reducer cone (Figure 11)
The reducer cone is required to make most hose connections. When used, it will keep the hose in place if the filter system is stopped.

Automatic vacuum regulator (Figure 12A)

Hazardous suction. Can cause entrapment with severe personal injury or drowning. Vacuum regulator should be installed in all situations. If the cleaner moves very slowly or not at all (indicating low vacuum in the system), see Troubleshooting Chart.
The regulator includes two black rubber regulator caps. One is installed on the regulator at the factory, and one is in the accessory bag. The cap marked "50" in the accessory bag is for systems with extremely high vacuum. Use of this cap will help prevent the cleaner from "walking" out of the pool.
Make sure the vacuum regulator, especially the black rubber cap, is submerged at all times. If not, the pump will suck air through the regulator and lose prime. This could damage the pump.

Vac port fitting (Figure 12B)

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 (the "Vac Port Fitting") is included with this pool cleaner. Install it on the suction port to prevent entrapment and injury. For details please refer to the Vac Port instruction sheet included with your Vac Port.

ABOUT BUMPER INSERTS

Bumper Inserts (see Key 2A) help to make the cleaner more buoyant to allow better access to the shallow end of the pool. Do not install inserts from the top; they will become jammed and not work properly. Only install inserts from the bottom.
If the bumper on the cleaner appears to lift the cleaner to the surface of the pool, check for trapped air in the cleaner and hose. If no air is found, remove one bumper insert block and watch and see if the cleaner remains submerged and on the pool floor while working. If not, remove individual insert blocks as needed until the cleaner rests on the pool floor and operates properly.

ABOUT TROUBLESHOOTING

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

ABOUT DISASSEMBLY

1. Remove swivel assembly (Figure 13) from the top of the cleaner by turning it 1/4-turn counterclockwise and pulling straight up on it.
   
2. Turn cleaner upside down. Remove 4 screws and remove lower body assembly from shroud.
3. Turn lower body assembly right side up. Unsnap the 2 clips on the oscillator chamber cap (Figure 14A); lift it off.
4. Pull the long gear shaft straight up (Figure 14A) by the blocks on the ends of the shaft. Hold the seals in the oscillator and the blocks on the shaft. The cam may interfere with the shaft mounting post; if so, turn it slightly on the shaft until it clears the post. The shaft assembly can now be disassembled (Figure 14B).
   
5. Slide the long gear shaft out of the oscillator (with gears, complete); make sure that you don't lose the seals out of the oscillator which may fall out at this point (Figure 14B).
   1. Oscillator seals are replaceable.
   2. Ratchet gear set and long shaft are replaceable as a unit.
6. Remove the set screw, short gear shaft, and gears (Figure 15); do not lose the gears off of the shaft.
   
7. With a small screwdriver (such as a jeweler's screwdriver), a pencil, or a pen point, depress and remove the coil spring from the movable brush mounting post (Figure 16). Replace the brush and the spring if necessary.
   
8. The metal ratchet tab slides out of its slot sideways; replace it by removing the center brushes and sliding in a new ratchet tab until it is flush with the edge of plastic holder (Figures 17 and 18). Replace the center brushes.
   
9. The brush ring pops out of the cleaner body for easy replacement.
10. If you need to replace the bumper, turn the shroudand bumber assembly upside down and remove the two screws holding the bumper to the shroud.

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

ABOUT ASSEMBLY

1. Put both white seals in the oscillator; hold them inplace.
2. Install the oscillator on the long gear shaft. Install theratchet gear on the shaft so that the teeth engage the ratchet on the oscillator. Install the spring, ratchet drum, pinion gear (large gear first), and cam (gear end first) on the shaft (See Figure 19). Hold the gears on the shaft while installing them, and compress the clutch spring to allow assembly to slip into place between the posts (See Figure 19).
   
3. Install the long gear shaft and end blocks in the cleaning head with the large arm of the cam down (see Figure 20).
   
4. Reinstall the short gear shaft, set screw and two gears(See Figure 21); the small pinion gears and the shaft set screw go on the side toward theend of the cleaner – away from the oscillator box. Make sure that the gears engage the gears on the long gear shaft.
   
5. Install the oscillator chamber cap and clip it in place.
6. Install the rubber vacuum skirt on the cleaner with theword 'OUTSIDE' showing. Start at the large pin on the back of the cleaner head (see Figure 22) and work around the cleaner. Make sure the skirt is flush against the stop strips on the cleaner head (see Figure 23).
   
   
7. Turn the cleaner over. If you removed the bumper andbrush ring, replace them now.
8. Install the lower body assembly in the shroud. Fastenthe cleaning head in place with 4 screws (2 long, 2 short – see Figure 24).
   NOTE: Make sure that you do not dislodge the rubber vac skirt while inserting the lower body assembly past the brush ring.
   

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

Repair Parts

Optional Accessories

• Not illustrated.
* Includes Key Nos. 6, 11A, 13, 15, 16, two idler gears and 2-arm cam.
** Accessory – purchase separately.
## Not available separately.
If you have any questions, please call 1-800-752-0183

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. Remove the hose from the cleaner when removing the cleaner from the pool. Store the hose flat and straight.
• Periodically examine bristles and vacuum skirt for wear or distortion. Replace if necessary. See "Assembly",
• If necessary to remove oscillator, see "Disassembly".
• Don't store the cleaner with the hose connected to the cleaner body or with the hose coiled. To 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) if possible. If no storage area is available that will allow this, coil the hose as loosely as possible and expect to have to let it straighten for a while before using the cleaner again.
• Make sure the lift brush is retracted during storage or else that the cleaner is supported such that the lift brush is not taking any of the cleaner's weight. If the lift brush is down during storage and the cleaner rests on it, the brush bristles will collapse over time and the cleaner will no longer turn during operation as it was designed to do.

HOSE STORAGE

Best: Hose stored correctly – laid out straight, not connected to cleaner.

OK, Not Recommended: Hose is disconnected from cleaner and loosely coiled (no sharp bends).

Wrong: Storing cleaner with hose connected will damage hose and void the hose warranty.

ABOUT SAFETY

Please read the following before installing your new automatic pool cleaner!
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.
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.