Where to buy the best pool cleaners, and which is best ?
The Zodiac Pacer Pool Cleaner appears to be a popular pool cleaner, it is also called the Baracuda, but having had one for a few years, I wonder if other people have had the same problem as me.
Zodiac Pacer
In the above picture you will see the semi circular plastic piece with the two round weights at either end. The rear one constantly rubs against the pool as it moves around, and being a concrete pool, the plastic covering the lead weight wears out and lets the weight fall out, causing the cleaner to just float on the surface, as in this picture:
Zodiac Pool Cleaner after weight drops out
After taking the cleaner head out of the pool, you can see that the back weight is now completely missing. I did see the lead weight in the bottom of the pool, but the water is too cold at the moment to go in and get it.
Zodiac Baracuda Pool Cleaner with weight missing
As this first happened within two years, it was covered by the warranty, but with it happening again, and this time out of warranty, it is time to change to a different type of pool cleaner. I was told the cost to replace just that part was $230, but I can buy an entirely new brand, without the hoses etc, for less.
UPDATE
Some updated pictures in December 2010:
Barracuda Hoses and Disc
That plastic disc, from what I have seen so far will cost me $100 (RRP $125) to replace, and with each length of hose being $10, that’s $200, to get it working again until the next problem.
Talking of the next problem, this is the photo of that to come… with a picture showing a perfect one on the other end.
 Zodiac Barracuda Pacer. Worn down weight |
 Zodiac Pacer Top Weight 100% OK |
I used a good waterproof glue to hold it together though 
A selection of Pacer spare parts:
$ 99.83 Baracuda Pacer Disc
$ 8.57 Baracuda Pacer Float Ball 50mm
$219.53 Baracuda Pacer Inner Body Complete
$131.22 Baracuda Pacer Outer Casing
$ 52.70 Baracuda Pacer Outer Extension Pipe
$ 12.71 Baracuda Pacer Weight
$ 2.50 Baracuda Pink hose adapter
Australian Prices during August 2011
1 – Outer Casing Pacer (W69985) A$149.00
1a – Float Ball – 50mm (W80100) A$31.00
1b – Weight (W84800) A$19.00
2 – Inner Body Complete (W70034) A$245.00
3 – Inner Extension Pipe (W56525) A$69.00
4 – Retaining Ring (6 pack) (W81600PK) A$48.00
5 – Compression Ring (12 pack) (W74000PK) A$103.00
6 – Outer Extension Pipe (W69983) A$49.00
7 – Diaphragm Standard Long Life (W81700) A$36.00
8 – Flexi Foot (W69721PK) A$59.00
9 – PACER Disc 36 Fin (W70177) A$99.00
14 – PACER Medium Wheel Deflector (W69647) A$39.00
Examples of prices in the USA during August 2011
| Product | Part Number | Price |
| 01 – Finned Disc | W70032 | US$ 69.17 |
| 02 – Foot Pad | W69721 | US$ 39.97 |
| 03 – Inner Body | W69982 | US$ 35.33 |
| 04 – Compression Ring | W74000 | US$ 5.49 |
| 05 – Weighted Spur | W83381 | US$ 60.20 |
| 06 – Outer Extension Pipe | W69983 | US$ 51.13 |
| 07 – Wheel Deflector – 12″ | W69647 | US$ 23.27 |
| 08 – Diaphragm | W81701 | US$ 33.73 |
| 09 – Diaphragm Retaining Ring | W81600 | US$ 2.38 |
| 10 – Threaded Inner Extension Pipe | W56525 | US$ 28.61 |
| 12 – 45º Elbow | W70244 | US$ 9.40 |
| 13 – Inground Valve Cuff | W70263 | US$ 16.03 |
| 14 – Flowkeeper Valve | W60050 | US$ 61.31 |
| 15 – Hose Kit – 12×1 meter – Aqua | W20460 | US$165.36 |
| 16 – Hose Protector | W33800 | US$ 5.76 |
| 17 – 41/2″ Connector | W33160 | US$ 10.00 |
| 18 – Hose Weight | W83247 | US$ 18.38 |
Prices and image from PoolParts Online Florida, USA
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This is exactly what has happened to our Pacer.
Can you recommend an alternative cleaner? Aquasphere?
The Aquasphere looks like it won’t have the same problem, and at $299 including 10 new 1metre hoses, it doesn’t look too bad. It is made by Zodiac, the same makers of the Pacer.
I am however currently tempted by a $198 set at Bunnings. The price looks right, but an extra $100 for the Aquasphere, doesn’t look too bad. I can’t see my current one lasting more than a few more months. I did a temporary repair on it, filled it with Araldite and put it back together, so far so good
From what I can see those, the average hose lengths have about a 5 year life span, so worth changing at the same time.
I think I will pop out to Bunnings again and have another look at their cheap one…
A picture of the Zodiac Aquasphere.
The $198 Bunnings one is a Poseidon by Hy-Clor, but this has three weights in plastic casings, and I feel that they would also wear down.
Bunnings also has a $249 one called “Skoop”, but I can’t find any info on that one.
We have had the same problem so, after reading all your comments (thanks so much – very helpful), we went to our local pool shop at Oxenford, Gold Coast, and picked up a new blue cap $6.50 (which we will be gluing in place
& our blue ring was broken (but didn’t seem to affect function?) so picked up a new one $22.00. Hopefully should get quite a few more years out of it now with regular replacing of hoses. For those who might be interested, I did find that a plastic egg cup fits on & wld just need some gentle hacksawing to fashion into a round cap 
The Poseidon at Bunnings is UTTER RUBBISH!!! Avoid at all costs! I have been through 3 of these in just 2 years (under warranty). They have a hammer/flapper action which shakes itself to pieces eventually. The tubes also seem to be made of ultra-cheap plastic that perishes after just a few months. I’ve had to replace virtually every section I got initially. I am now looking at a Zodiac Baracuda G2.
The Zodiac Baracuda G2 looks very similar to the Aquasphere. My local shop had the Aquasphere without hoses for $450, but I have now seen it for $295 with 10 hoses.
I just saw the Zodiac Baracuda G2 for $460 with 12 hoses at poolandspawarehouse.com.au
Hi, I am after a a pool cleaner that works well and suits an above ground stell side, vinyl lined pool.
I have looked a t a plethora of units, some of which are;
Baracuda Pacer
Baracuda G2
Aquasphere
Dirt Devil
Shark
Stingray
Any assistance appreciated as I am no closer to sorting.
Hello. We have an Aquasphere that was supplied by our pool builder. It’s 16 months old and it’s driving us NUTS! The thing has a mind of its own in that it constantly keeps coming out of the water, gets stuck there and causes all sorts of problems with air in the filter.
We have tried adjusting it but it still persists. Apart from this, it does work well. It’s almost as though it sucks too well!
Does anyone else have this problem? We are about to go to the looney bin over it!!
Many thanks.
I have the exact same problem with my Zodiac Pacer cleaner & could not find that blue Cap.
The assembly costs is excessive.
I wonder if ‘ VICKY’ would be reading this mail and send me the contact number of the pool shop that sell the blue cap.
There should be a spare parts policy that allow us to get the individual parts rather then for Ed to purchase assembly at exorbitant price.
These are three Pool Shops in Oxenford that I found, may be worth calling each of them to see, and fingers crossed.
Pool Doctor, 161 Old Pacific Hwy, Oxenford. 07 5529 7755
Beesley’s Pool & Spa Center, 26 Michigan Drive, Oxenford. 07 5529 7347
Swimart, 341 Hope Island Rd, Oxenford. 07 5530 8055
ABC Diamond
Thanks for your advise, I have already contacted the Pool Doctor they do not have. I have also contacted the South African Manufacturer. The cost of the weight assembly is SA Rand R360.00 equivalent A$ 47.00 approx. Australian agent of ZODIAC is selling the same part A$165.00
Who will ask for a fair price ?
From: @zmp-zodiac.com
Sent: Monday, 15 August 2011 18:33
To: Khan, Safiq MR
Subject: Baracuda Pacer Query
Dear Mr. Khan
Thank you for your on-line query.
The part that you are referring to is called the sprint sweep float assembly. The float and weight caps does not get sold separately. The recommended retail price for this part in South Africa is R359.97.
We do not deal directly with the public as such you will have to contact a local pool shop for assistance.
Thank you for contacting Zodiac Customer Care.
Should you have any further queries please do not hesitate to call us on 0860 963 422 or just reply to this email.
Kind Regards,
The Zodiac Team
—– Forwarded by Customer Care/JOHANNESBURG/BSA/BML/ZODIAC on 12/08/11 09:32 —-
Dear Moderator
Could you please request “VICKI” to provide us the contact numbers of the Shop, from where the Plastic cap would be available.
Thanks
Hi Safiq, Re: Zodiac Pacer Blue Cap
My Bad :0, the poolshop where we purchased the blue cap is actually in Helensvale (which is basically across the M1 from Oxenford) & the shop name is –
Captain Nemo’s Pool & Spa Supplies, Ph: 0755026538.
Website has toll free no – 1800444949
I rang them today & they have stock of the cap & still under $10.
Hope this helps
Hi Vicki
Thanks for the extended help. I would like to covey my regards to the moderator of the ABCDiamond for making this to happen. I will call them tomorrow. In the mean time I have checked some South African website for Zodiac Pacer parts.
You may get a burgain in purchasing spares as the Zodiac is manufactured in South Africa.
Check this site named as ” Pool Girls” link : http://www.poolgirls.co.za/contact_thanks.php?
Cheers
Safiq
Thanks everyone for your posts.
My pool yesterday was like a tropical lagoon and today is like a swamp.
I too have an older style baracuda.After cleaning both skimmer basket and filter at the pump, I noticed a lead type weight sitting on the bottom of the pool.Also several plastic pieces which also have turned out to be the casing that locates the lead weight at the back of the cleaner.
I thought to myself…why the bloody hell is the cleaner floating on the top???
Was also thinking what low life has thrown the sinker in the pool???
All of your comments have helped me greatly in solving my problem.
And I will not have to sit waiting to catch someone sabotaging my pool!
Will screw back together with some stainless steel bolts.
Shane.