Pentair Kreepy Krauly Suction-Side Cleaner Guide: Installation, Adjustments, and Troubleshooting

The Pentair Kreepy Krauly is a suction-side pool cleaner that connects to the pool's skimmer or dedicated vacuum line. It uses a flapper-and-suction mechanism to move across the pool floor and walls. This guide covers pool preparation, assembly, installation, hose adjustments, eyeball diverter setup, foot pad and flapper maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Cleaner Overview

The Kreepy Krauly is a suction-side cleaner designed for in-ground pools with plaster, tile, or vinyl liner surfaces. It requires a pool pump capable of providing at least 25 GPM. The cleaner is powered entirely by the pool's suction — no electricity, no batteries. Expected pool cleaning time is approximately 4–6 hours, depending on pool size. The cleaner is not designed to clean steps, swimouts, or under a solar cover.

Pool Preparation

Before assembling and installing the Kreepy Krauly, prepare the pool:

1. Chemically balance the pool water.
2. Brush the pool and allow debris to settle.
3. Hand vacuum thoroughly.
4. Clean the filter and pump strainer basket.
5. Repair loose tiles or tighten any loose light rings (for gunite or tiled pools).
6. Inspect vinyl liner for signs of deterioration — repair before installing the cleaner.

Assembly

Step 1 — Attach the Wings

Locate the "+" mark on the right side of the cleaner body. Lay the cleaner on its side with the "+" facing up. Hold each wing at an angle, place the left side into the slot first, then the right side, hooking the wing securely on the blue tab inside the body. Gently pull to confirm it is secure. Repeat for the other side using the "o" marks.

Step 2 — Attach the Seal

The cleaner includes either a pleated seal (universal — all pool types) or a flat seal (concrete pools only). Locate the "This Side Up" marking on the seal and face it toward the main body. Slip the seal over the footpad with the flat side facing down. The seal should rotate freely when installed correctly.

Step 3 — Attach the Bumper Strap and Adjust Dive Float

Insert the bottom end of the strap into the slot on the main body and the top end into the locking clip on the swivel head. To adjust the dive float: rotate both dive float restrictors to the up position to prevent wall climbing, or leave in the down (standard) position to allow normal climbing behavior.

Step 4 — Assemble Hose and Hose Weights

Wet the hose ends in pool water, then twist and push female ends onto male ends. The hose with two female ends goes last and connects to the pool vacuum connection. Hose weights help neutralize buoyancy:

Install the hose protector on the female/female hose section to prevent the hose from rubbing against the skimmer wall.

Installation

Standard Skimmer Installation (Recommended)

1. Turn the pool pump off.
2. Close the main drain and all suction lines except the skimmer to which the cleaner will connect.
3. Remove the skimmer basket.
4. Screw the threaded compression adapter into the vacuum connection in the bottom of the skimmer (use two wraps of thread seal tape for easy removal). If the opening is not threaded, use a 2" hose cone (P/N K121110, not included).
5. Press the automatic regulator valve into the compression adapter with the "Attach Hose This End" end pointing up.
6. Place the cleaner into the pool and allow it to sink. Feed the hose vertically down until it is completely filled with water and free of air.
7. Slide the hose protector into position on the hose.
8. Insert the hose through the skimmer opening and connect directly onto the automatic regulator valve.
9. Turn on the pump. The cleaner should move at 8–12 feet per minute.

Optional Vacuum Line Installation

Use this method when connecting to a dedicated vacuum line in the pool wall. Install the automatic regulator valve in the skimmer (not at the wall fitting) and use the valve cap to block flow through the top of the valve, ensuring 25 GPM flows through the vacuum line to the cleaner.

1. Turn the pump off. Close the main drain and all lines except the skimmer and the dedicated vacuum line.
2. Thread the snap-lock wall fitting (P/N GW9530, not included) into the end of the vacuum line. Insert the 45° hose connector (P/N K12078, not included) into the snap-lock fitting.
3. Remove the female/female hose section from the assembly for this installation.
4. Place the cleaner in the pool and feed hose down until full of water.
5. Insert the male hose end of the last hose section into the 45° connector.
6. In the skimmer: screw the threaded compression adapter into the vacuum connection. Press the automatic regulator valve into the adapter. Attach the valve cap to the top of the valve — this is required for proper 25 GPM flow through the vacuum line.
7. Turn the pump on and allow a few minutes for air to clear the system.

Cleaner Adjustments

Hose Length

Check hose length with the pump running (the hose contracts when pressurized). Position the cleaner at the farthest point of the pool. The hose should reach the far end plus one additional hose section. Remove excess sections from the center of the assembly to avoid disturbing hose weight placement. Save removed sections as spares.

Hose Balance

Turn the pump off and note where the cleaner rests. Correct balance: the seal sits flat on the pool floor and the drive tube makes a 45° angle with the floor. Adjust one inch at a time:

In pools with both shallow and deep sections, adjust weights in the deep end first, then the shallow end.

Return Line Water Flow and Eyeball Diverter

Return line flow can push the hose and cause the cleaner to stay in one area. Use the included eyeball diverter to redirect the flow:

1. Turn the pump off.
2. Remove the existing eyeball from the return fitting by unscrewing the lock ring.
3. Insert the Kreepy Krauly eyeball diverter. If the fit is loose, use the outer ring included with the cleaner.
4. Tighten the lock ring with the diverter opening in the desired direction.

Effective diverter positions: directed along the tile line, directed downward, or directed against the hose to steer the cleaner away from steps and ladders. If the eyeball diverter doesn't fit, an optional wire diverter (P/N K121620) is available from your Pentair dealer.

Maintenance

Foot Pad Inspection

Visually inspect the foot pad periodically. When the traction pads on the bottom have worn down to the base, replace the foot pad (P/N K12059). A worn foot pad reduces traction and cleaning coverage.

Removing Debris from the Flapper

The flapper is located inside the main body and must move freely at all times. To check or clean:

1. Turn the pump off before servicing.
2. Turn the cleaner upside down and look through the opening in the baffle plate. Jiggle the flapper with your finger or flush with a hose.
3. If debris is lodged deeper: lift the lip of the foot pad and insert a flat-head screwdriver alongside one of the two tabs on the baffle plate. Push the tab inward to release the baffle plate. Pull the baffle plate up and out, then pull the flapper out.
4. Remove the debris, reinsert the flapper, and snap the baffle plate back into position.

Troubleshooting

Replacement Part Numbers