How to Replace a Caretaker 99 In-floor Cleaning System (Re-Build Kit)

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Swimming Pool Repairs in Las Vegas
Caretaker 99
Removing and replacing the internal components for a Caretaker System

[@leeg419]

I'm so happy I found this tutorial! My local pool supply store wanted to charge me $650, insisting the only solution was a completely new caretaker valve and a ridiculous amount for labor. I bought a rebuild kit for $85, tax and shipping included, and did it myself with no problems, thanks entirely to this video. I couldn't be more pleased with the outcpme! Thank you!

[@sharkoolpools7512]

Lucy I must say the video was easy to follow (no distracting loud music, steady camera, and close up shots when needed) and your instructions were clear and concise. I have the exact same job to do tomorrow. I chose the rebuild kit to save the customer some money instead of buying the entire housing assembly. Your video may have saved me a lot of time, effort and frustration. Thank you so very much for sharing your knowledge.

[@Lucyspools-diy-service-tips]

Thank you for writing in and letting me know. So glad it helps. I'm sure you'll do a great job! And, very nice of you to keep your client in mind. If you go to my website, there are more tips...plus you can sign up for my newsletter. The next one will be about chemicals. Lucy www.lucyspools.com

[@isaacbulay3630]

Thanks so much for this informative video. I went out the next day and bought a new caretaker and installed it and saved myself some money. Thanks Again.

[@Lucyspools-diy-service-tips]

Great job! Happy to have helped. Lucy

[@Project-vo2un]

Thanks for the video and information. After watching your video had no problem doing the replacement on my unit!

[@Lucyspools-diy-service-tips]

Thanks for taking the time to write...and good job! Lucy

[@angelofigueroa4860]

This was great. Saved me a couple of hundred. Excellent, thank you Lucy.

[@Lucyspools-diy-service-tips]

+Angelo Figueroa Awesome! Made my day!! Lucy

[@Lucyspools-diy-service-tips]

Very nice to hear this was helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@splitley]

Thanks Lucy, excellent demonstration.

[@Lucyspools-diy-service-tips]

Thanks for letting me know, Steven. Makes what I do worth it. Lucy

[@Lucyspools-diy-service-tips]

Yes, they are available. And easy to replace. Be sure to specify the port number...good you are aware of the difference. Thanks for watching, Lucy

[@Lucyspools-diy-service-tips]

16 years old? That's amazing they've lasted that long. Usually 5-8 years is a good run, so I'd say you're about due. And sorry for the super late response. Was recovering from spine surgery. Thanks for watching!

[@mikesmith8755]

Thanks for this video. Appreciate the explanation and walkthrough!

[@Lucyspools-diy-service-tips]

My pleasure...Lucy

[@Lucyspools-diy-service-tips]

That 'chattering' is usually because the gears aren't set in properly, which would prevent your heads from popping up. When was the last time the internal parts were replaced? You may just need to open it up and be sure the little balls are positioned correctly on the diaphragms, and the gears move freely around. I hand turn it to be sure. Also remember, if you are the original owner and have registered with Caretaker, there is a life-time warranty on parts. Let me know if this helps. Lucy

[@scubasmith67]

Very good video!! Very informative and helpful. Thank you for taking the time to explain all of this.

[@Lucyspools-diy-service-tips]

+scubasmith67 Thanks for writing. Glad it helped. Lucy

[@elmocotaco995]

Hi Lucy thank you for sharing. I have a question. I just replaced the valve control unit on my caretaker. Prior to that the popups were working sporadically with an older 3450 rpm pump but they were working for the most part. I replaced the pump with a variable speed and the sand filter with a DE. The pop ups are coming up but not turning. I replaced the popups just before the new pump etc. In some cases it doesn't look like the pop ups are are returning all the way down. For example in a zone one may be sticking up a bit after its cycle when I push it down the other pops up. Is there air in the system? If they are in cycle and I push down they turn so not sure why they aren't turning. Wondering if the installer didn't set something up correctly. Any help appreciated.

[@Lucyspools-diy-service-tips]

+Mark Brewer I just dealt with this same issue recently. I would suggest that you remove one pop up head per station and clear out any debris. (Let the system run through its cycle) Especially since you have a sand or D.E. filter. Plus, check the screen at the top of the gear box. The ports to the heads I just replaced blew out rocks and plastic pieces. They were doing exactly what you have described...all are working great now. Be sure you have enough pressure with your pump. Anything less than 3450 rpm may not be enough force to push the heads up. Thanks for writing. Let me know how things work out if you feel like it. Lucy

[@sandrarichard7575]

Found your videos accidentally and have enjoyed learning how to take care of my pool. Having several pool opening issues but I'm only going to ask about 1 right now. We have a vinyl liner pool with a 5 port head. 3 pop ups in the floor. The head in the deeper end of pool closest to the main drain is stripped for lack of a better definition. It blows out of its hole . sometime when the system cycles (that's another issue), when the guys closes in fall blowing out the lines, etc. The liner was replaced 4 or 5 summers ago and the guy was to have replaced the whole deal but didn't. He wrapped tape around the threaded part of the head and stuck it back in. It won't stay in. I want to replace that pop up head but can't find a replacement. It is 2" across and about 3 1/2 high, It is stamped ENVIRONPOOL on the top fo the head and is blue-ish in color. Got any help?

[@Lucyspools-diy-service-tips]

+Sandra Richard Wow...this is a tough one. I've not heard of a vinyl nor fiberglass pool having pop-up heads. Doesn't exist in my neck of the woods. If you want, send me a picture to [e-mail] I will ask around to see how we can resolve your situation. Lucy

[@marioreyes1370]

Were can i get just the oring ser i found some on amason but it says zodiac

[@m4tt54]

Hi Lucy. Have you ever worked on a Polaris/Caretaker Ultraflex 2 in-floor cleaning system?

[@Lucyspools-diy-service-tips]

m4tt54 Many years ago, but I remember it being frustrating, mainly because the builder installed it BELOW the water line! After that experience, I sent any work to be done on them to Electric Motor Works here in Vegas. We don't have many here that I know of. If you have any questions, you may want to call Mary at EMW 702-871-7500. They do all our pump re-builds, panel installs, and other issues dealing with motors. Most of the time there is a little motor inside that goes bad and needs replacing. But if you explain the situation to her, she'd be able to guide you better. Hope this helps, Lucy

[@judywilliams6181]

PLEASE Help, I just replaced my 99 gear for my Caretaker, it runs a full cycle then it just sticks on the same place it started. after several hours or overnite it will start up a gai n and repete the same thing everytime. does anyone have a sugestion. I have taken it apart, cleaned it. Do I need a replacement Caretaker kit. I only replaced the geers. thnak you for the help.

[@Lucyspools-diy-service-tips]

Judy Williams Hi Judy. The thing that comes to mind is when you replace the gears, you need to be sure that the diaphragms are in an upright position. You know where the steel balls are sitting...the gears have to pass each diaphragm...if one of the diaphragms is tilted toward the center, the gears will stop there. That's my best guess. Open it up again and be sure that the gears can complete an entire turn. (If I go through the trouble of changing the gears, I replace everything). I hope this helps...Lucy

[@gordonmilloy1913]

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.

[@Lucyspools-diy-service-tips]

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

[@gordonmilloy1913]

Thanks

[@Lucyspools-diy-service-tips]

Gordon Milloy You are quite welcome

[@Shap__]

Well crap. I removed the rubber band before hand and now its really loud and not rotating properly.

[@Lucyspools-diy-service-tips]

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

[@Shap__]

LucysPools 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.

[@Lucyspools-diy-service-tips]

Mike S 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

[@Shap__]

LucysPools 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?

[@Lucyspools-diy-service-tips]

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