How to Replace a Zodiac Ranger Diaphragm or Remove Debris that is Jamming the Cleaner

The Zodiac Ranger is a very underrated suction side cleaner with a rock bottom bargain price point. It only has one moving part and that is the Diaphragm in the head of the cleaner. If the Diaphragm gets clogged or torn, the cleaner will simply stop moving. The Diaphragm is easy to change and access if you know the simple steps to get to it.

Since the Diaphragm is the only moving part it makes sense that if the cleaner is not moving then it is a problem with either debris clogged in the Diaphragm or it has a tear in it. The Zodiac Ranger is great with debris but large rocks, larger acorns and other objects can get wedged inside the Diaphragm and stop the cleaner. I wouldn't advise sticking a screwdriver or other object in the mouth of the cleaner to try and dislodge any debris as you may damage the Diaphragm. Simply take the cleaner apart to access the Diaphragm and remove the debris.

One question that I get asked often is if it is okay to use generic Diaphragms or do, I need to purchase the OEM version? My answer to that is that in my testing the generic Diaphragms work very well. The price point is much lower and you can even get two of them for less than the price of one OEM one. Here are a few generic ones for you to investigate:

ATIE PoolSupplyTown Pool Cleaner Long Life Diaphragm Replace Zodiac Baracuda G3, G4 Diaphragm W69698 - (2 Pack): https://www.amazon.com/ATIE-PoolSupplyTown-Cleaner-Diaphragm-Baracuda/dp/B00KO8SFDC/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=swimmingpooll-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=34a72bd8d536160bbd898d4867e3d78d&creativeASIN=B00KO8SFDC

ANTOBLE Heavy Duty Pool Cleaner Diaphragm W69698, W81701, W81700 with Retaining Rings for Zodiac Baracuda G3 G4; Alpha 2, 3 - (2 Pack): https://www.amazon.com/ANTOBLE-Cleaner-Diaphragm-Retainging-Baracuda/dp/B07D329YM3/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=swimmingpooll-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=2b9edf3ab1a5cf2a9b7db2083dd07940&creativeASIN=B07D329YM3

How long the diaphragm will last depend on the pool surface, run time of the pump and the type of debris you get in your pool. Typically, you will get at least one year out of it or more.

Getting to the Diaphragm is relatively easy if you follow these steps.

1) Turn the pool pump off and make sure it will not be turning on at the time you have the cleaner out of the pool.

2) Reach in a grab the hose and pull the cleaner head to the pool deck.

3) Once you have the cleaner head out of the pool simply loosen the nut on the Extension Pipe - this is right below the wheel deflector.

4) Now unscrew the Diaphragm Chamber. This is part of the Outer Extension Pipe. Grab the Outer Extension pipe and twist it counter-clockwise with one hand on each end. It will unscrew.

5) Now you can access the Inner Extension Pipe. Pull that out and you will see the Diaphragm attached by a white retaining ring.

6) If the Diagram is clogged, simply remove the debris at this point. If it is torn, you can replace it. It will not work with a tear in it.

7) Reverse the steps to get everything back together.

The Zodiac Ranger is a very easy cleaner to work on and you will find replacing the Diaphgram very easy the next time you need to do it.
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