Replacing a Pool Actuator

Replacing a Pool Actuator

Intro

A swimming pool actuator is an automated valve that is either connected to a swimming pool automation system or a solar heater system. written by www.WCPandS.com. These occasionally stop working and need to be replaced. There are versions of actuators from all of the major swimming pool parts manufactures including Jandy, Pentair, Hayward, and Intermatic and all of these are universally compatible with each other.

See the video below to watch a typical working actuator. Note its speed and smoothness.

The main reason for buying from the same manufacture is for cosmetic reasons as the top covers of the actuators are all different.

When an actuator stop moving automatically (when told to move by the automation system) or manually (from the switch on the unit) it will need to be replaced. This guide will cover removing and replacing an actuator.

In this example, we will be working with a Pentair Intelli Touch and a Pentair Compool actuator. Your setup may vary.

Note: Click on any image to see a larger version.

Getting a replacement actuator

When getting a replacement actuator, you must first decide if you want the same exact model or if you want one of the less costly models. Again, they are all cross compatible and the only major difference between them is the design of the actuator cover.  These can be purchased or ordered from most local swimming pool stores or a swimming pool online stores.

If you want the same model, write down all of the information on the old actuator or take a picture and show it to a swimming pool store sales associate.

Removing the old actuator

Locate the broken actuator; it is held in place by four screws and one plastic screw on the top of the handle. It is not uncommon for the top plastic screw to be missing. If this is the case, do not worry as this will not adversely affect the valve in any way.

Remove the top plastic screw. The plastic handle it was over can now be pulled straight up and off.

Remove the 4 visible screws that hold in the actuator with a Phillips head screw driver.

The actuator can now be pulled straight up and off.

Follow the cable from the back of the actuator to the controller it is plugged into. If the cable is tie wrapped anywhere, carefully cut these to free the wires.

If this actuator is connected to an automated control system, it will be plugged in to the circuit board. This will require you to remove the cover panel(s) of the controller to get to this connection.

Note: If this is for a solar controller, it could be connected by being directly plugged into a controller board or in some cases the cable end may have been spliced. If your cable has been spliced, take a picture of the connections before removing them so you will know how to reconnect the wires of the new unit.

Most systems will have the plug-in slot marked on the board “Actuator.”

Installing the new actuator

The new actuator will be installed by reversing the steps of the removal. Start by connecting the new cable end into the controller box and up to the controller board.

Plug the cable end into the board.

Leave the cover of the panel open. At the end of the installation, the extra cable will be pushed into this panel.

Before placing the new actuator onto the valve, the valve will need to be turned to fit the new actuator position. To find this, place the plastic handle on the new actuator. Now, take note of the valve handle position.

Place the handle on the valve and turn the valve to the same direction the actuator is already set in.

Remove the plastic handle and place the new actuator over the valve.

Screw in the 4 bolts to secure the actuator in place.

Place the handle over the new actuator and screw in the plastic screw to the top.

You can now tie wrap the loose cable up off the ground and pull the extra cable into the control panel (if there is a space for it).

Setting the actuator position

The actuator position will now need to be checked and changed if needed. Automated pool systems assume the automated valves are set in “Pool Mode” by default. To change the actuator position manually, there is a switch either on the back or under actuator. Just move the switch to the opposite of what it currently is to move the actuator. See the picture below from behind this actuator.

If you need to manually shut off an actuator, set this toggle switch to its middle position. You will want to do this when a valve needs to stay in one position, for example, to keep a malfunctioning valve from moving.

Since there is no standard system setup, valve positions vary from pool to pool.  If you need afew examples of valve position, see our write up here.

The Pool Cleaner Turning Problems

The Pool Cleaner Turning Problems:

This is a short guide on how to troubleshoot a Poolvergnuegen Pool Cleaner that doesn’t turn or is turning in circles. This could be caused by a stuck wheel or a single wheel that doesnt move.
Click on any image to see a larger version.

Before starting, check that the pool sweep is getting enough suction. Pull the unit up to the side of the pool.

While the system is running, unplug the hose from the pool cleaner and using your hand check that water is being pulled into the hose.

If there is suction from the hose, plug the hose back into the pool cleaner. The wheels should start moving.

If one wheel moves freely alone see below on replacing a wheel hub.

If one or more wheels do not move, while the system is turned off, remove the pool cleaner from the water and remove the connecting hose.

The wheels should not move independently of the other wheel(s). Each wheel is attached to at least one gear that is in some way connected to the other wheel(s).

If one wheel is does not move, check for obstructions in the wheels from the outside.

 If none is found, you will need to open the unit in order to look for an obstruction.

 Using a phillips head screw driver, remove the top 3 screws from the top.

 Once the screws are removed (or just unscrewed as far as they will go) the top cover can now be pulled up and off.

If you need to access the center main turbine the middle section with the hose connecter can now be pulled straight up and off

If you can spin one wheel and the other does not move, then the plastic wheel hub or drive gear on that specific wheel has worn down and will need to be replaced.

The drive gear for either side of the unit can only be changed by opening the pool cleaner top and removing the associated wheel.

This is was not necessary for this specific unit full instructions are not provided here.

Replacing a pool cleaner wheel (hub):

To begin, you need a replacement wheel hub. For a white pool cleaner, the part number is 896584000-051. In this example, we will be working on a black limited edition unit. The part number of the black wheel hub is 896584000-532.

Remove the wheel that needs to be replaced with an allen wrench.

Completely remove the center allen screw.

The wheel can now be pulled straight out away from the cleaner and off.

The rubber tire needs to be pulled off. Start with one side and pull it up and over to one side.

Continue to go around the wheel, removing the tire completely.

You can see in the pictures the difference in gear teeth between the new and old wheel hubs. (click on the pictures to see a larger version)

 The new is on top and the old on bottom.

The old tire will need to be pulled onto the new wheel hub. Start on one side and work your way around, pulling the tire up and over in place.

To attach the new hub to the pool cleaner, we only need to do the opposite of how we took it off.

Hold the wheel up to the pool cleaners side and insert the screw though the hub in to the side of the pool cleaner.

Tighten with you allen wrench, this only needs to be snug and the end flush with the side of the hub, do not force this screw in too far.

Test that the wheel no longer moves independently.

Place the pool cleaner back into the pool, connect hose and restart the system.