Troubleshooting Your Kreepy Krauly Automatic Pool Cleaners

If you run into problems with your Kreepy Krauly, remember that different pools will have different characteristics and you may need to make more adjustments to your Kreepy Krauly. 

A good starting point is to check the most common causes of Kreepy Krauly cleaner problems, as follows:
• Is bottom main drain closed? Close drain
• Is filter clean? Clean filter
• Is pump strainer basket clean? Clean basket
• Is debris blocking the bottom of the cleaner? Remove debris
• Are there any leaks in the hose? Replace leaky section
• Is automatic regulator valve free of debris? Clean valve

If your Kreepy Krauly is not moving or not pulsating.
• Check to ensure that the main drain and all suction lines are closed, except for the suction line to which your Kreepy Krauly is attached.
• Check for debris in the filter or pump basket.
• Check for debris in Kreepy Krauly's flapper. Debris may prevent flapper movement or restrict flow.
• Pool pump and filter system may be too small, or incapable of providing 14 gallons per minute water flow. Consult a pool professional.

If your Kreepy Krauly stays in one end of the pool.
• Check the return line water flow and re-direct as necessary with an eyeball diverter.
• Check that hose is long enough to reach to end of pool.
• Check that Kreepy Krauly has proper hose balance.

If your Kreepy Krauly stays on the main drain.
• Check to ensure that main drain is closed. A pool professional may need to assist you.
• Check to ensure that a main drain grate is installed.
• If main drain is not flush with the pool floor, consult your pool professional.

If your Kreepy Krauly slows or stops and air bubbles enter the pool at the return line.
Find and correct the air leak that is causing the pump to lose its prime:
• Check the hose to ensure there are no leaks.
• Check the vacuum connection. It should be submerged so no air enters the system.
• Check the pump basket lid for looseness, cracks, and worn or missing o-rings. If you need assistance, contact a pool professional
 
If your Kreepy Krauly is moving too fast.
In most pools, the automatic regulator valve supplies Kreepy Krauly with the proper amount of water flow. However, if used with an especially powerful pool pump, the valve can be overpowered.
• To slow Kreepy Krauly down, a manual bypass valve accessory is available for purchase from your Kreepy Krauly dealer. This manual bypass can be adjusted to achieve the recommended cleaner speed of 8 to 12 feet per minute. NOTE: The manual bypass cannot be used with a vacuum line installation. To decrease the speed of Kreepy Krauly, simply remove the in-line valve cone from the bottom of the automatic regulator valve and replace it with the manual bypass. Press the automatic regulator valve into the threaded compression adapter, or 2 inch hose cone if used. The end of the valve that is marked attach hose this end must point up. Place Kreepy Krauly into the pool and allow it to sink to the floor. Continue to feed the hose down vertically into the pool until it is completely filled with water and purged of air. Insert the hose through the skimmer opening and push it onto the automatic regulator valve. Slide the hose protector into position on the hose to prevent the hose body from rubbing against the skimmer opening.
• Adjust the manual bypass while the Kreepy Krauly is running. Place your hand into the skimmer and turn the bypass adjuster one click at a time until the desired speed of 8 - 12 feet per minute is reached.

If your Kreepy Krauly pulls air from, or remains at, the water surface.
• Check to ensure the dive float mechanism is operating freely and the dive float restrictor is installed.
• Check the automatic regulator valve for its proper installation and ensure it is not clogged with debris.
• Make sure the water level is at least 3 inches below the pool deck.
• Check to ensure your Kreepy Krauly is operating at the proper speed of between 8 and 12 feet per minute.

If your Kreepy Krauly stays at the shallow end steps.
• Check the return line water flow and re-direct as necessary with an eyeball diverter. 
• Check the automatic regulator valve for its proper installation and ensure it is not clogged with debris.
• Check that hose is long enough to reach the furthest point of the pool, including pool steps.
• Check that Kreepy Krauly has proper hose balance in shallow end.
• Check to ensure your Kreepy Krauly is operating at the proper speed of between 8 and 12 feet per minute.
Check to ensure the dive float mechanism is operating freely and the dive float restrictor is installed.
• Shorten the roller bumper strap by 1/2 inch. (Pull out upper end of bumper strap from locking end clip attached to swivel head. Cut 1/2 inch off, then return bumper strap into locking end clip.)

If your Kreepy Krauly tracks in a repetitive pattern.
• Check the swivel on the top of Kreepy Krauly. It should turn freely.
• Check the return line water flow and re-direct as necessary with an eyeball diverter.
• Check Kreepy Krauly's hose to ensure it has not become bent or kinked. It only takes one bent or kinked hose section to hinder the cleaning coverage. One way to check for kinks in your hose is to lay each section flat on your pool's deck (or other flat surface).
• The hose should be perfectly straight and flat. Do not coil the hose when taking your Kreepy Krauly out of the pool because it will retain the coil shape, forming a bend or kink.

If your Kreepy Krauly gets stuck on pool obstructions such as a safety ledge, ladders, steps, swim-outs, and benches.
• Remove dive float restrictor and install a wall climb adjuster. Snap the wall climb adjuster into place. This will keep Kreepy Krauly on the pool's floor and away from pool obstructions. Make sure the narrow end of the wall climb adjuster points down to the drive tubes. This accessory is available for purchase from your Kreepy Krauly dealer.
• If Kreepy Krauly gets stuck under your pool ladder, install a Ladder Guard according to the instructions contained in the packaging. This accessory is available for purchase from your Kreepy Krauly dealer.

If your Kreepy Krauly is still hampered by the unique characteristics of your pool, regardless of the adjustments you have tried.
• Consider "Thruster", the Kreepy Krauly accessory that aids random pattern coverage by automatically repositioning the hose to help free the cleaner from obstacles. Thruster keeps Kreepy Krauly out of tight spots in difficult-to-clean or uniquely-shaped pools. Ask your Kreepy Krauly dealer about this accessory.

To remove debris from the flapper.
• Sometimes debris may clog the bottom of the cleaner and prevent flapper movement or restrict flow. The flapper is located inside the main body and must move freely at all times.
• You can see the flapper through the opening in the baffle plate, when you turn the cleaner upside down. Jiggle the flapper with your finger or flush the cavity with a hose to force out any debris lodged inside the main body.
• If debris is still lodged inside, you must remove the flapper. First, lift the lip of the foot pad and insert a flat-head screwdriver along side one of the two tabs found on the baffle plate. Push the tab inward with the screwdriver until the baffle plate releases. Place a finger into the center opening of the baffle plate and pull up until it pops out. Then pull the flapper out. NOTE: Your should be able to do this without taking the footpad off.
• Once the debris is dislodges, insert the flapper back into position. Be sure that it is securely in place.