Introduction
The MARATHON Pump and motor is very simple to operate;
you turn it on and you turn it off. However, as with your
motor vehicle, there are instructions regarding installation,
use and maintenance that will ensure trouble free running
and a long life.
Plumbing
The pump comes with a quick release screw on unions for
the Inlet and Outlet ports. These provide for easy servicing
if required.
It is necessary to plumb using 40mm or 50mm pipe may be
required, if installed some distance from the suction
points of the pool, to avoid starving the pump of water.
The lift and number of bendsin the pipework will also
affect the ease of flow to the pump. (Don't have a 40mm
90 degree bend fitted straight into the inlet union supplied.
Always have a straight section of pipe approx. 30cm long
before the pump inlet union.)
Functioning
The electric motor drives the wet section. The wet section
(pump) has an impellor which pushes the water.
The Hair and Lint Pot basket collects any large debris
that bypasses the skimmer box and prevents it reaching
the wet section. (For fine debris use "Filter Sox").
The Hair and Lint Pot also acts as a priming chamber if
the pump is to be installed above water level. Where this
is so, it is recommended for maximum performance that
the pump be installed no higher than one metre above the
water level of the pool. Use of a "Non Return Check
Valve" is recommended to maintain the pumps prime
where a suction lift of more than one metre is necessary.
Important
To prime the pump, remove the Hair and Lint Pot Lid and
fill the chamber with water. Refit the lid and start pump.
If no water appears to be coming from the pool return
after a short period of time, stop and reprime the pump.
The Hair and Lint Pot will gradually fill completely with
water and bubbles should all but disappear. If not, check
that the clear lid and 'O'ring are sealed and there are
no leaks in the suction lines.
Where the pump is installed below water level it is advisable
to fit isolating gate valves on the suction and return
lines in order to isolate the equipment from the pool
to facilitate cleaning the Hair and Lint Pot (and pool
filter in some cases).
Pump Usage & Maintenance
The Hair and Lint Pot basket must be regularly cleaned
of debris to avoid clogging the impellor and causing loss
of flow. Remember to reprime the pump (where necessary)
after cleaning. It is important to maintain good flow
as it cools the shaft seal. Reduced or stopped flow will
burn out the seal and damage the wet section and VOID
warranty. For this reason also clean the pool filter regularly
and check that isolating valves are open before starting
the pump.
For PEBBLE SURFACED POOLS, a Filter Sox should be placed
in the skimmer box basket to stop pebbles passing through
the basket and possibly damaging the wet section or seal.
This is also a good remedy for situations where debris
such as pine needles are a problem. These can build up
and jam the impellor.
Look underneath the pump between the motor and the wet
section when doing a maintenance check on your equipment.
Water leaking out there is a sure sign of shaft seal damage.
This should be repaired immediately before damage to the
motor results. Electric motors subject to water damage
are NOT covered by warranty
The pump should be located so that it is covered and able
to be kept dry. This is added safety for you and the electric
motor and will extend the working life of the pump and
motor. It is normal for the pump to run hot. There is
an external fan to aid cooling. Adequate ventilation,
however is essential.
Use lanolin, silicon or Teflon based lubricants to preserve
rubber 'O' Rings. Never use petroleum jelly or Vaseline
lubricants.
Do's and Don'ts
