Pentair Kreepy Krauly Stays in One Area or Won't Reach Full Pool
When the Kreepy Krauly cleans only part of the pool — staying at one end, camping at the shallow end steps, or circling the main drain — the problem is almost always one of three things: the return eyeball diverter is directing water in a way that steers the cleaner back to the same spot, the hose is too short to reach the far end, or the hose is weighted incorrectly and cannot push the cleaner to the far side. The Pentair manual addresses three specific symptoms in its troubleshooting table. Use the relevant section below based on where the cleaner is getting stuck.
Symptom A: Cleaner Stays at One End of the Pool
Check the Eyeball Diverter Direction
The eyeball diverter (P/N K121680) is the adjustable return fitting in the pool wall. Its direction controls the water current in the pool, which influences how the cleaner moves. Per the manual, the eyeball should be repositioned if the cleaner consistently stays at one end.
- While the pump is running, locate the return eyeball fitting(s) in the pool wall
- Rotate the eyeball to direct return flow toward the area of the pool the cleaner is avoiding — this creates a gentle current that discourages the cleaner from looping back
- Observe the cleaner for several minutes to see if coverage improves
- Fine-tune the eyeball direction if needed — small angle changes can significantly alter cleaner routing
Check Hose Length
If the hose is too short, the cleaner physically cannot reach the far end of the pool and will reverse direction before getting there. The manual specifies the hose must be long enough to reach the end of the pool plus one hose section.
- Turn off the pump and remove the cleaner from the pool
- Disconnect the hose sections and lay them end-to-end in a straight line on the pool deck
- The total hose length should reach from the suction inlet to the end of the pool plus one hose section
- Add hose sections if the total length falls short — do not exceed the maximum recommended hose length, as excess hose causes its own problems (see hose balance below)
Check Hose Balance
Hose balance determines whether the hose sinks flat against the pool floor and pushes the cleaner forward, or floats up and allows the cleaner to reverse. To check balance:
- With the pump running and the cleaner in the pool, check that the cleaner seal sits flat on the pool floor and the drive tube makes a 45-degree angle with the pool floor
- If the seal does not sit flat or the drive tube angle is off, the hose balance needs adjustment
- If the hose floats horizontally or upward, it is too buoyant and the cleaner will tend to reverse before reaching the far end
- Adjust hose weights per the manual: pools up to 4 feet deep require 1 weight placed 4–12 inches from the swivel; pools 4–7 feet deep require 2 weights; pools 7–12 feet deep require 3 weights; pools over 12 feet deep require 4 weights
Symptom B: Cleaner Stays on the Shallow End Steps
Redirect the Eyeball Diverter
Follow the eyeball diverter adjustment procedure above, directing return flow away from the shallow end to push the cleaner toward the deep end.
Check the Automatic Regulator Valve (ARV)
The ARV (P/N K12004) is a valve that installs in the skimmer compression adapter (P/N K12079). Its purpose is to regulate suction to the cleaner and help the cleaner move away from shallow areas. If the ARV is clogged or not installed correctly, the cleaner may lose the suction variation needed to navigate off the steps.
- Locate the ARV in the skimmer — it sits in the compression adapter at the bottom of the skimmer
- Remove the ARV and inspect for debris — rinse and clear any blockage
- Verify the ARV is properly seated in the compression adapter with no bypassing
- Reinstall and test
Check Hose Length
If the hose is too short to reach the steps from the suction inlet, the cleaner cannot be pulled off the steps when the hose goes taut. Verify the hose reaches the steps with slack to spare.
Check Hose Balance
Apply the seal-and-drive-tube balance test described above. A hose that is too buoyant will prevent the cleaner from descending the steps properly.
Set the Dive Float Restrictor Tab to the UP Position
The dive float on the Kreepy Krauly has a restrictor tab that controls whether the cleaner can climb walls. For step avoidance, the restrictor tab should be in the UP position — this prevents the cleaner from climbing and encourages it to stay on the pool floor and navigate away from the steps.
Verify Operating Speed
The cleaner should move at 8–12 feet per minute. A cleaner moving too slowly lacks the momentum to navigate off the steps. If speed is low, verify sufficient suction (see Kreepy Krauly Not Moving).
Symptom C: Cleaner Stays on the Main Drain
The main drain creates a suction point that competes with the cleaner's suction line. When the main drain is open, it can draw the cleaner toward it and hold it there.
- Close the main drain valve completely — the cleaner's suction must come entirely from the dedicated suction line
- Verify that a main drain grate cover is properly installed and flush with the pool floor — an exposed or recessed drain opening concentrates suction at a point and can trap the cleaner; if the drain is not flush, consult a pool professional to correct the installation
Kreepy Krauly Troubleshooting Reference (from Manual)
| Problem | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| Stays in one end of pool | Return line water flow direction | Redirect eyeball diverter to push cleaner toward uncovered areas |
| Stays in one end of pool | Hose too short | Add hose sections so hose reaches the end of the pool plus one hose section |
| Stays in one end of pool | Hose out of balance | Adjust hose weights for pool depth; check that seal sits flat and drive tube makes 45-degree angle with pool floor |
| Stays at shallow end steps | Eyeball diverter, ARV, hose length, hose balance, operating speed | Redirect eyeball; check ARV; verify hose length and balance; set dive float tab UP; verify 8–12 ft/min speed |
| Stays on main drain | Main drain open or grate not installed | Close main drain valve; verify grate is installed and flush with pool floor |