If you own a Zodiac Baracuda G3 suction pool cleaner, chances are you have encountered problems with its diaphragm. The Baracuda G3 diaphragm is the suction pool cleaner’s part that tears the most. However, it is also the part of the pool cleaner that is easy to replace.
If you noticed your Baracuda G3 is not working properly, then you might want to check out its diaphragm. Once you figure out that the diaphragm is broken or obstructed, it would be best to change it right away.
Changing the Diaphragm of Your Zodiac Baracuda G3
If you are ready to replace the diaphragm of your suction pool cleaner Zodiac Baracuda G3, then following this instruction will help you through it. Additionally, please refer to this Baracuda G3 parts Guide.
Step 1:
Turn off the pump before starting to do anything. This is important to avoid air getting sucked into your system. Once this happens, the air will cause your pump to lose its prime and stop circulating water.
Step 2:
After turning your pump off, it is now time to detach the Zodiac Baracuda G3 from the hose. Once the hose is detached, you have to empty the pool cleaner. Once it is completely emptied, you are now ready to do step 3.
Step 3:
Prepare your new diaphragm and peel it out of its plastic packaging. Make sure to check if the diaphragm you bought includes a retention ring. It is a white plastic ring wrapped around one end of your diaphragm.
If your diaphragm does not come with a retention ring, you can use the retention ring on the broken diaphragm you will replace. It is also best to keep the extra retention ring in case you need it next time.
Step 4:
Now that your newly bought diaphragm is ready, it is now time to replace the old one. To do this, you have to twist the cassette of the Baracuda G3 and unscrew it. This is the yellow knot in the upper section of your pool cleaner near the wheel deflector.
Once you twist and unscrew it, slowly pull the entire cassette assembly out of the main body of the Baracuda G3. The cassette assembly looks like a cylinder that is separated into two parts.
Step 5:
Once the cassette assembly is completely out of the Baracuda G3 body, you now have to remove the bottom part of the cassette, which is the cassette chamber. Again, simply unscrew the cassette chamber from the cassette assembly and slowly pull it out.
Step 6:
When you pull the cassette chamber out, it will reveal a white tube which is the inner extension pipe to where the diaphragm is attached. Slowly push the inner extension pipe out of the cassette chamber. Give it a gentle wiggle as you push the pipe to the other side, and this should reveal the diaphragm.
Step 7:
Now that the diaphragm is revealed check for the damage and replace it. It is important to check what the damage is to take note of it for future reference. The most common issues a Baracuda G3 diaphragm encounters are obstruction and torn diaphragm.
Step 8:
Pull the diaphragm gently off the extension pipe. It will easily pop right off without any problem. Remove the retention ring from the old diaphragm if it is still in good shape in case you need it or save it for future use.
Step 9:
Install the diaphragm into the extension pipe, wiggling it very gently. Slowly pop it back at the end of the pipe, and you should hear a popping sound. This indicates that the diaphragm is installed successfully.
Step 10:
Now that you successfully replaced the old diaphragm with a new one, it is time to reassemble the entire Baracuda G3 suction pool cleaner. Slowly insert the inner extension pipe into the narrow side of the cassette chamber. Make sure you insert it straight to avoid hitting the compression ring.
It is best to take a peek inside the cassette chamber as you insert the extension pipe to avoid hitting the compression ring. Once you have completely inserted the pipe, make sure that the diaphragm is snugly fitted into the other end of the cassette chamber.
Step 11:
Now that the inner extension tube with the new diaphragm is installed back into the cassette chamber, the next step is to assemble the entire cassette assembly back together. Insert the extension pipe inside the cassette and screw it back in.
Make sure not to screw it very tight. You will only have to make sure that it is snugly fitted together as too much cranking will cause it to break.
Step 12:
Place the entire cassette assembly back into the Baracuda G3 main body. Next, screw the cassette into the main body. This is the yellow part you unscrew earlier. Ensure that you give the cassette a little bit of a tug when screwing it to avoid it from coming off when the pool cleaner is operating.
Step 13:
Submerge the Baracuda G3 into the pool to fill it up with water. Then, install the hose into the pool cleaner and turn on the pump.
Step 14:
Observe the suction of the pool cleaner and make sure that it is not sucking too hard or too little. Sucking too hard is one of the causes why the diaphragm tears easily, while sucking too little will not give you the popping action a Baracuda G3 should produce.
Now, you are all set. Your Zodiac Baracuda G3 diaphragm is successfully replaced, and your pool cleaner is ready to go back in action.
Where Can You Purchase the Zodiac Baracuda G3 Diaphragm?
The diaphragm of the Zodiac Baracuda G3 is widely available online. This is because there are so many sellers you can choose from when you search for this product online. You can even get a replacement diaphragm at a cheaper price from the aftermarket.
You can purchase in bulk from the aftermarket and keep them as a spare when you need to replace the diaphragm again in the future. Remember that the diaphragm is the part of the Baracuda G3 that’s easily get damaged.
Replacing the Diaphragm Is Pretty Straightforward
As you can see from the step-by-step instructions, replacing the Zodiac Baracuda G3 is pretty simple. You do not need to have a special skill or set of tools to carry out a successful replacement procedure. With this article in hand, you can now replace your Baracuda G3 diaphragm on your own anytime you need to.
