Caring for Your Zodiac & Waterco Pool Equipment
Travis DillonEvery Wahoo pool ships with Zodiac and Waterco equipment as standard. We've been an authorised dealer for both brands for years, and there are good reasons we stuck with them rather than switching to whatever was on special each month.
Here's how to look after it. The 10-year warranty depends on basic care, but the care itself is genuinely simple.
The variable-speed pump
What's in your shed: typically a Zodiac Flo-Pro Ei2 expert (or similar VS pump).
Care:
- Empty the pump strainer basket weekly (lid off, basket out, rinse, refit)
- Run the pump at low speed (about 1,400-1,800 RPM) for daily filtration; high speed only when needed for cleaning or shock
- Don't run it dry. If you drain the pool for any reason, prime properly before restarting.
- Listen for new noises. Smooth hum = good. Grinding, whining, or vibration = call us.
Run time guidance: 6-8 hours per day in summer, 3-4 in winter, on low speed. Most owners use the built-in timer to run pre-dawn and late-afternoon.
The cartridge filter
Typical model: Zodiac CL series cartridge filter.
Care:
- Hose the cartridge out monthly (lid off, lift cartridge, hose top to bottom, drop back in)
- Replace the cartridge element when hosing no longer restores pressure to normal — usually 18-24 months
- Inspect the pressure gauge weekly. A 10 psi increase over baseline means time to clean.
The cartridge is the cheapest consumable on the system — about $80-$120 every 1-2 years.
The salt chlorinator
Typical model: Zodiac TRi or Ei2 chlorinator.
Care:
- Check the display weekly — it shows salt level, cell condition, and any error codes
- Maintain salt between 3,500 and 4,500 ppm (Zodiac TRi prefers 3,500-4,000)
- Inspect the cell every 3 months by looking through the clear housing — you can see the plates
- If you see white calcium buildup on the plates, do an acid wash: remove cell, soak in 10% hydrochloric acid solution for 10-15 minutes, rinse, refit
The salt cell typically lasts 5-7 years before needing replacement. Replacement cells are $400-$700.
The LED lights
Typical model: Zodiac flush-mounted LED.
Care:
- Almost nothing. The LEDs are sealed units rated for 30,000+ hours.
- Check the gasket visually if you ever notice condensation inside the lens
- Use the built-in controller (or app on newer models) to set scene modes
Most owners get 8-12 years out of LED units. Replacement is straightforward.
What the 10-year warranty actually covers
The 10-year authorised-dealer warranty covers manufacturing defects on the pump, filter, and chlorinator. It doesn't cover:
- Damage from running the pump dry
- Damage from chemical imbalance (e.g. extremely low pH eating the cell)
- Wear and tear consumables (cartridges, cells)
- Storm damage or vandalism
Practically, the warranty means if something goes wrong with manufacture, you don't pay. We arrange replacement through the manufacturer.
The annual service (optional but worth it)
Many owners pay us or another service provider to do an annual check. About $250-$400 covers a full equipment inspection, lubrication of seals, calibration of the chlorinator, and a full water test. Worth it for the peace of mind.
Common equipment questions
Why is my chlorinator showing 'low salt' but the bag says I just added it? Salt takes 24-48 hours to dissolve and circulate. Check again the next day.
Why does my pump speed keep resetting? Usually a power flicker. Reset the timer settings.
The display is showing an error code. Most error codes are explained in the manual. If unclear, ring us with the code.
Can I run the pump 24/7? Yes — the variable-speed pump on low is designed for continuous operation. Many owners do this for the cleanest pool.
If something goes wrong
Wahoo handles warranty claims for our clients. If you're a Wahoo client and something's not right, ring us first. We'll either fix it on site or organise warranty replacement through the manufacturer directly.
If you're not a Wahoo client but you have Zodiac or Waterco gear, contact the manufacturer directly or another authorised dealer.
If you're considering a build and want to know more about why we chose Zodiac and Waterco, come and chat.
— Travis
