Dead PoolBuster CG update

[tphaggerty]

As promised, I am updating with my experiences so far on getting my just out of warranty Pool Buster CG back in operation! (less than 2 months out of warranty).

I contacted Watertech and they gave me a reduced price/free shipping (99 instead of 139) on a new motor/battery box. Plus, I got to spend quite a bit of time speaking with one of their tech reps that walked me through troubleshooting and possibly fixing the old motor/battery box. I decided to go ahead and order the replacement, even if I get the old one working, the new one can be stored for the inevitable day in the future when the battery runs out.

I'm not completely thrilled, I expected my PoolBuster to run more than one year without problems. But Watertech did go a bit above what they had to and gave me a break. While it took a while to get through to customer service, once I was on the phone, Adam was fabulous. He also agreed to provide me with repair parts for the old motor box if I could figure out what actual problem is (could be motor, battery, wiring or switch).

Just to round out a bit, we used the PoolBuster A LOT all last season. It was stored inside, battery compartment open, battery fully charged. It ran 2 or 3 times this year, than just died (actually, it didn't die while running, it just wouldn't start up again, so I'm 99% certain it is not a battery problem). From what I can see inside so far, there is definitely corrosion on the motor, but Adam said that if the motor spins, it should run (and it does, since I can spin the impeller).

I am going to open up the motor box and see if I can figure out what is wrong, I'll post more info as I get it.

[CarlD]

I believe you are supposed to DRAIN the battery before storing it...

[tphaggerty]

I'll recheck on that. But normally you store NiMH & NiCads fully charged. Especially NiMH, if they are left for any length of time fully discharged, they will not take a new charge. And NiMH are bad for self discharge, up to 5% or so a week, depending on conditions.

In any case, the battery is definitely NOT the problem, I have opened my old motor box and the battery is charged. But, I'll recheck the manual.

[tphaggerty]

Final update. Got the new motor/battery box. Installation was simple and we are back in the PB CG business. Good thing too. My wife said she has forgotten how to use the regular vaccum hose setup.

I have disassembled the other box to try and troubleshoot. It appears that it is the motor, not the switch, wiring or battery that has gone bad. Quite a bit of rust at the front end of the motor, probably the seal was leaking - though we never noticed any water in the motor compartment. I am going to be in touch with Watertech again to try and get parts so I can try and fix the down box, if I can get it running I'll save it for the future.

[tphaggerty]

Final final update. Watertech is sending out parts some I can try and get my old battery box running again. I'm quite satisfied with the level of customer service!

As for the fixed PoolBuster, its working great.

[ivyleager]

Haggerty,

Seems what happened to your PBCG also happened with mine. Worked for 3 months (brand new this summer) and then just died. Would not start. Mine is still under warranty so I'm sending it back. I'm not completely satisfied with the unit anyway, so will probably be getting something else.

CaryB