Pool Vacuums

This is the first in a series of episodes on pool cleaning systems. In this episode I’m going to teach you about in pool vacuums. How they work, and which one is my favorite and which one is my least favorite.
(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases)
UPDATE: Zodiac Has NOT discontinued their Barracuda G3 Vacuum YAY!! To order one for your pool click on this link: amzn.to/49r6Giy
Hope you’ll subscribe to my channel and also, please check out my website poolschooler.com for exclusive DIY pool maintenance tools and more direct and priority communication with my for your pool maintenance needs.
DIY Pool Care

[@mikes7066]

Ok, that does it, I'm kicking the navigator to the curb and getting the four wheeler you recommend. Nice video, thank you for your help.

[@PoolSchooler]

If you have a pool that has a deep end then yes go with the 4 wheel Pool Cleaner. BUT if you have a play pool (no depend) check out my favorite the Barracuda G3.

[@lon602]

When we bought our house a year and a half ago it had an old Hayward Navigator. I replaced it with a Barracuda G3 and absolutely love it!

[@Sal112350]

I have the Barracuda G3, one moving part only, very easy to maintain. If it stop its the diaphragm just open and replace. Diaphragm last about 1.5 years average.

[@azplease4121]

Argh.. just now realizing I need an inline basket.. 10 yrs ago. Thank you for yet another useful video :)

[@azplease4121]

Coincidentally, I just purchased a 2 wheel The Pool Cleaner yesterday despite not viewing this video until today. I appreciate your input on the quality. Fingers crossed on the longevity. Until now, the Navigator was my go-to in the pool monopoly biz, but part replacement got really old & inherently pricey. Two local Leslie Pool stores don't even stock the Navigator XL. Imagine if the inventor of The Pool Cleaner not only had Hayward agree to not changing his design, but also an agreement to not overprice what appears to be a toddler's toy. Cheers!

[@kenhoward6563]

Kenny is a true pool tech

[@PoolSchooler]

Thank you Ken. I appreciate that. For more great DIY Pool stuff check out my website poolschooler.com

[@AddictedToPlacebos_]

Can’t wait for the pop-up cleaner episode on vacuums!

[@PoolSchooler]

Addicted To Placebos it’s coming next.

[@bsizzlehill2283]

Out of the 110 pools on my route.. this is the one I recommend to people.

[@mayorb3366]

I'm going back a few years, but I remember seeing a cleaner exactly like The Pool Cleaner at a trade show, can't remember if it was Vegas or Dallas. It was built by Jacuzzi. The rep gave me a good presentation on it, that was late 90's/early 2000's. Later saw it marketed as Poolvergnuegen, then Hayward. The Pentair Rebel is very similar, which is my go-to suction side cleaner. Very nice videos. So much info on KZbin is incomplete or wrong outright.

[@serafinsilva1055]

I've had Navigators in my pool for about 20 years. I've gone through about 5 or 6 of them. They do a great job. When they work. I have to rebuild it every other year or 3, if the winds haven't been bad. The cost to rebuild them properly is about half the cost of buying them new. But I wait for sales. I'm glad to see this video. I may be switching to the 4 wheel model when it's time to replace again. Also... Do you have a link for the inline leaf canister?

[@itsstephanie4365]

Thanks for this helpful video. I've been considering getting a vacuum for our pool, but didn't know where to start.

[@PoolSchooler]

I really love "The Pool Cleaner". It works great and very reliable. Here's a link to Google for it. REMEMBER for a regular play pool get the Two wheel version. The 4 wheel version is for "diving pools". The Poo Cleaner

[@willyscreation]

Thank you! Great information

[@exploringwithmrnobody8784]

The only pools that the navigator will work good on is above ground pools. I had one for about five years and it work great. Normal pools not a great idea to use a navigator. Thank you for the blog.

[@PoolSchooler]

Good info. I believe you are right. I had an above ground pool (until the Arizona sun destroyed it after several years of enjoyment) and the Hayward vac worked really good in it.

[@exploringwithmrnobody8784]

@@PoolSchooler yeah now we have a 5 foot deep pool which is just a waiting pool and for our cleaner we have a barracuda and the pop-up cleaners. The pop-up cleaners are not working at all anymore so all I have is just a barracuda doing its job.

[@tomrizzo1554]

The thing that makes you a good technician is you are a student of pools and I'm sure do a lot of reading and educating yourself. To make you a better technician. That is why you'll always be better than the next guy

[@siebrandtworld]

Great videos! Thanks! Just got a house with pool and I’m realizing my pool has become a pain even with the pool guys I hired. Always an issue everyday and it isn’t fixed. Ugg. I’m going to try this weekend to fix it myself.

[@PoolSchooler]

Take your time. Be patient, there is a small learning curve but you can most certainly do it. Keep in touch and let me know if I can answer any questions on things as you learn. And congratulations on your new home and pool. I pray it brings you countless years of enjoyment.

[@Duderocks5539]

Quick note, Zodiac still does make the G3, but the G2 has been discontinued for the past 6 years or so. And actually Kreepy Kraulys (the real one made by pentair) are actually a little better than the G2, G3, or any other diaphragm powered suction side cleaner because they can pick up larger debris that would clog a diaphragm cleaner. The kreepy has a flapper and it’s just able to pull larger debris through. And as for pressure side cleaners, Polaris does still exist and other companies like Pentair and Hayward make pressure cleaners, and they actually pick up the largest debris, that pool you showed, a pressure cleaner would’ve had no issues picking up that large debris as they have very large debris openings. Pressure cleaners do have benefits over suction cleaners like only needing to be ran for 2 hours, picks up very large debris a suction side cleaner wouldn’t be able to pick up, including the Poolvernugen and Kreepy Krauly which pick up the largest out of all the suction cleaners. But the down side with pressure cleaners is you have to have a booster pump. And I agree with the navigators and pool vacs being shit, they are. My friend has a pool vac XL that just broke, and he replaced it with a Zodiac G3.

[@PoolSchooler]

Duderocks5539 great info. Thanks for commenting.

[@boriskarloff598]

The navigator has too many moving parts, i dislike mine and can never get it to work. I subscribed your channel because i just got thru opening my pool and chemistry was way outta wack. Thanks

[@PoolSchooler]

Thanks for your comment and for subscribing. I agree with you about the Navigator (I'm not a fan of it).

[@boriskarloff598]

@@PoolSchooler Keep the videos coming sir. I don't do this for a living but after hearing what a pool tech wanted for balancing and turning the pump on (no clean) I might move to a small country and set up shop as king.😄

[@romulolakip7708]

I have really enjoyed your videos. Just took over maintaining my pool. I have an old Polaris 360 which is on the return side. I do not think I have a suction connection other than the skimmer. What do you recommend for this situation? Do I just manually vacuum the pool using the skimmer ports?

[@PoolSchooler]

I'd recommend converting your pool to a suction side vac (like the Barracuda G3) by using a VacMate Skimmer adapter which converts the skimmer to a vac/skimmer combo. Here's a video on how to do it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5LKiXSBrbNrsK8 m and there's a link to purchase one in the description of that video or you can use this link: amzn.to/3dBJfdT

[@PoolProAnswersDIY]

Very well done video. Where are you located? I'm noticing some variation on what we as pool pros recommend....I find this is often due to regional bias.

[@PoolSchooler]

I am in the East Valley of Arizona where our summers are long and extremely hot. And we get a lot of dust as well.

[@TK-xf4bh]

Question... I have a G4 zodiac pool cleaner, unfortunately I can’t get it to vacuum the shallow end, my vacuum outlet is in the deep end near my slimmer and it only tends to vacuum the deep end, I followed the manufacture instructions. Great channel loved the video on the pool pump overflowing, great tip, this is my second summer with a pool

[@PoolSchooler]

Try adjusting the return ports in your pool. Maybe point them all down and see if that helps. But play with where they point and you may find what works for your pool.

[@PoolSchooler]

I can tell you this. I've had that problem with the G2, G3 and G4. The one that seems to be able to handle it best is "The Pool Cleaner - 4 Wheel Version".

[@efrensaclolo7021]

I have a G3 for almost 10 years and the only that change is the diaphragm and the foot and nothing else.

[@PoolSchooler]

Absolutely those are two of the reasons I love that vacuum. And the price is pretty great too compared to so many others

[@ZetaX09]

Man your vids are helpful. New Pool going to be built here....I can take the Vacuum out after several hours of it's work correct? I can pull it in and out (maybe inconvenient) correct?

[@PoolSchooler]

If it’s a suction side stay in the pool vacuum it’s meant to stay in the pool 24 seven.

[@ZetaX09]

@@PoolSchooler Hmmmm.... So then what type of setup should I install for the suction side? I have watched several of your vids now I am not in love with pop ups. I would want to utilize the Vaccum as I need it (perhaps a daily run during the week or leave it in overnight) but would not want a tubing run and a vacuum running around my pool when I have company or when my family wants to swim. Recs?

[@PoolSchooler]

@@ZetaX09 This video will tell you how to do it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYC0f5aKhbmCjaM

[@tracy3066]

What about automatic pool cleaners like the Dolphins? I was looking at the Dolphin Premier.

[@PoolSchooler]

Not a fan. They need to be put in and taken out every time. Some of them don't do a good job with dirt either. I'd suggest the Barracuda G3 suction side pool vacuum. In my opinion it's the best vac for the money and the easiest to maintain. Check out my video on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHekmqx6oZudiNE

[@danielvillalba7973]

Lol 2:32 PS swing by Atlanta area to see leaves. Man I wish pools looks like those here

[@danielvillalba7973]

Kenny, Polaris 280 world get the leaves pick up. The 280 is the best around here not many moving parts and big vacuum mouth, I have seen pine cones inside of the bags. Hope to remember and send you some pics. Stay cool

[@PoolSchooler]

Daniel Villalba I can only imagine.

[@kbob8424]

Great videos, very informative. Newb question here. We have a 24/7 G3 type vacuum attached at skimmer. With pump running daily, it cycles the water as well as cleans, correct? If we switch to a variable speed pump, does the vacuum still stay attached the same way and just become the suction for when the pump runs at low speed? Or do you disconnect it so it sucks at the skimmer and connect it when you want to vacuum?

[@PoolSchooler]

k bob with a dual speed motor the vac stays “plugged in” but will not get action on the lower speed but it then just cycles water as you said. Make sure the motor runs long enough at the higher speed so it allows the vac to sufficiently clean the pool. 👍

[@lifeisrandom23]

Great info as always! Quick question for you; will the two wheel version work for a play pool with a diving end (about 8 - 9 or 10 ft deep or so)? I can't decide which pool cleaner to get. Thank you in advance and keep on making your awesome videos!

[@PoolSchooler]

Personally my favorite vacuum is the barracuda G3. When I made this video I had mistakenly been told that the barracuda G3 had been discontinued so that’s why I suggested “the pool cleaner“. But since this video I discovered that the barracuda G3 is still in production with no plans by the company to discontinue it so I highly recommend the zodiac barracuda G3 as the number one pool vacuum for the money on the market today. However, when it comes to “the pool cleaner“, the two wheel version is for A play pool typically less than 6 feet deep maximum and the four wheel version is the one for a diving pool, eight, nine or 10 feet deep. Hope that helps clear things up. And hope you will subscribe to my channel.

[@lifeisrandom23]

@@PoolSchooler Hi Ken. Thank you for your reply. I was hoping you would say that, as the 4 wheel pool cleaner that I would need is super expensive lol. Sweet, thank you. And I am already subscribed bud! Your videos are top notch!

[@williambain6824]

I got a Prowler by Pentair and ended up with 4 holes in my vinyl liner. do you recommend this for vinyl.

[@PoolSchooler]

William Bain Hayward makes A line specifically for above ground pools. There is the aqua critter, aqua bug, and diver Dave but they’re specifically for above ground pools.

[@SwimDadMrO]

Thanks for the video!! Do you suggest buying Hayward's version or Poolvergnuegen version??

[@PoolSchooler]

I would go with the Zodiac Barracuda G3 (it's not been discontinued as I mistakenly said in this video). It's by far my favorite vacuum.

[@warn3535]

What do you think of the pentair kreepy krauly

[@PoolSchooler]

Im not a fan. I have a client whose had two and he likes it because he found a cheap price on them. But they haven’t held up well and didn’t last nearly as long as the G3

[@robpoulton5632]

So I know it has been a couple of years since you made this video... my question is a simple one. Do you still recommend the Pool Cleaner or have you discovered a preferable one? I am putting in my first pool and the Dolphin system has been recommended but it is definitely $$$ and full of the moving parts that you are not fond off. My pool is fiberglass, 14 by 36 and max depth of 6ft. Thanks - Rob

[@PoolSchooler]

Actually I found out that the Zodiac Barracuda G3 was NOT discontinued and it's still my favorite pool vac for the money. I did a video on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHekmqx6oZudiNE

[@cwstewartjr1973]

Just to let you know, Polaris still makes pressure side pool sweeps. And there are many out there.

[@robinthomas6619]

How do you vacuum a top pool

[@robinthomas6619]

Why don't you show top pools

[@robinthomas6619]

Why don't you show top pools

[@cwstewartjr1973]

@@robinthomas6619 what are you talking about a top pool?

[@rikyannieh6119]

Do you dislike the performance of the navigator or just the moving parts count? I have one and love the job it does but it’s all I have ever had so nothing to compare it to performance wise.

[@PoolSchooler]

Rik Yannieh the performance is fine. But I have found that once things start wearing out on it it becomes a never ending cycle. Just far too many moving parts for my likings.

[@Bunkysworkshop]

Is this pool vac available for an above ground pool? I have an 33x54 round pool and I have the little shark and it is horrible. What do you recommend if this model you like isn’t for my pool.

[@PoolSchooler]

I don't believe it is. There are several to choose from but you'd probably have to do your own research and look for reviews.

[@ehsanettehadieh4397]

Can't find your video on how to convert the skimmer vacuum pipe to make it easier to be used for Vacuum! Also have Pentair pump, do you use the Vacuum cycle for "The Poolcleaner" or just the normal "filter" cycle?

[@PoolSchooler]

Ehsan Ettehadieh I have not made/posted a video on converting the skimmer to the vacuum pipe yet. It’s coming in the next couple weeks. I’m assuming when you say Pentair pump you mean dual speed. If that is the case yes the pump needs to run at vacuum speed in order to create enough suction to move the vacuum. The filter speed is slower and helps to save energy. I will do a video soon on dual speed pumps/motors in the near future.

[@susiegourneau4754]

I have an intex above ground pool 16x32, I get alot of leaves and sand in it, which auto-vacuum would you suggest?

[@PoolSchooler]

I've had above ground pools and because of the way they are set up for filtration I usually recommend just vacuuming the pool weekly "the old fashioned way". Sometimes having a stay in pool vacuum in an above ground pool hinders the amount of water flowing through the filter and has caused the pool water to not stay as clean. BUT if you choose to use a stay in pool vac I'd highly recommend only putting it in once a week during the filter timer cycle and then taking it out so you can keep the filtration working well. Check out this link: poolcleanerhub.com/best-vacuums-for-intex-pools/

[@questlove58]

How deep is considered deep end? What about steps and sunshelf?

[@PoolSchooler]

There are usually two types of residential pools. A play pool which usually is no deeper than 5' at it's deepest point which could be in the middle or one end or the other. And a "diving" pool. That typically is 8' to 8.5' deep (depending on local codes). Steps and sun shelf's are usually not "hit" by a stay in pool vac so you just brush them off once a week.

[@questlove58]

Pool School Thank you.

[@margogould4925]

,in ground vinly pool , what type of pool sweep ??? thank you Bob

[@PoolSchooler]

Either Kreepy Krauly or the Hayward DV 5000. they are suction run so they will only run when your filter pump is running.

[@wait4karma]

My sentiments exactly… I had the G2 or was it the G3 with the suspending yellow ball.... after about 10 years of replacing parts we decided or shall I say I decided on what Leslie‘s pools recommended and raved about that same Hayward you were talking about it is a piece of crap and it does not go up the walls I have done everything according to the manufacturers and Leslie told me to do it and never clean the pool walls and I’ve had it now for about one year...I think I’m going to take your advice now and get the pool cleaner that that x Hayward guy patented..... I paid $400 for that darn Hayward.... Heck I might even look on offer up for one.... I hate throwing money away

[@PoolSchooler]

That would be the G2 which was discontinued. I believe the G3 is still on the market and that would be my preference.

[@TimHPop776]

Deep end/diving: 8’ or deeper?

[@PoolSchooler]

Timothy Harris yes.

[@Cfish613]

What do you think of the xtreampowerus hammer style vacuum it's under 100$? I understand that it's not as good as the top tier stuff but is it a good bang for the buck?

[@PoolSchooler]

I'm not a fan of the "hammer style" vacs. Kreepy Krawly is another one. They are most certainly cheaper but I've not like the ones I've seen in some of my clients pools. The Barracuda G3 has only one moving part (the diaphragm) and I like the simplicity of it.

[@Cfish613]

@@PoolSchooler what do you think of the barracuda knock offs?

[@PoolSchooler]

@@Cfish613 Haven't seen any I really like. BUT I do like the quality and price of the after market parts.

[@woowho5662]

What is a good above ground in pool cleaner?

[@PoolSchooler]

I like the Zodiac Barracuda Ranger Above Ground Pool Cleaner.

[@zachloftis9163]

I repair these cleaners for a living, just wanted to add some notes. •Not only does Polaris still make pressure side cleaners, the newer ones are very innovative in terms of durability and in my experience are far better at cleaning than any suction cleaner I’ve ever run into •Does not matter suction cleaner, pressure cleaner or robotic do NOT leave any of these in the water 24/7... all of these are plastic no matter what you’re buying so at the end of the day any plastic that does not come out of the water is going to wear down quicker than it should. Do NOT have any cleaner in the water when you’re adding chemicals, how would you like it if you kept getting shock dumped on you. •Any pool cleaner should last 15 years at least, these things cost a lot of money treat them that way, I’ve had a Polaris 280 for around 30 years and it’s still runs perfect I’m upgrading to a maytronics dolphin and the only reason is because it was free... and robotic cleaners are much better than any pressure or suction IF YOU TAKE CARE OF THEM and treat them like they cost more than a grand.

[@PoolSchooler]

I appreciate the comment. But in AZ its been my experience that people want convenience and don't want the hassle of taking out and putting in pool vacs regularly. In over 19 years of doing pools out here, the trend here, at least, all the pools that have vacs in them keep them in 24/7. Understood that the pool water, sun and chemicals break down the plastic but that's what is the norm in AZ. But it is interesting to know how people and their pools are maintained in other states. I really appreciate the info.

[@zachloftis9163]

Pool School Yes I agree people want the convenience of leaving it in the pool 24/7, but that is why I stressed the point of treating them like how much they cost to replace... originally from Arizona but now in Texas!

[@jimmiewilliams6828]

There are plenty of G3 parts on Amazon.

[@PoolSchooler]

True. My hope is that they continue to be made. It was my favorite pool vac. May not be the most attractive thing but it worked great and was easy to repair.

[@Sal112350]

I agree, I been using it for 8 years, replace foot once, fins replaced once, diaphragm very cheap, every 1.5 years when diaphragm opening gap widen or slow down.

[@KeithLedig]

Why do you say the Zodiac Baracuda G3 is discontinued? I see them everywhere and also on the Zodiac web site. I just ordered parts for it on Amazon. The cleaners and parts are everywhere. I don't see any hint of them being discontinued. I googled it too. Am I missing something?

[@PoolSchooler]

Keith Ledig it was my understanding they they discontinued both the G2 and G3. Which meant they were no longer making more of them or new ones. But they obviously would continue to sell them until their current stock had run out. So they are still available but if they truly have been discontinued then over time it will be harder to get parts for them. However, since you brought that up I will contact zodiac and double check.

[@KeithLedig]

@@PoolSchooler cool, thanks!

[@roningmail2156]

my ocd kicks in seeing u not pull that stuff outta the skimmer at 5:37

[@wait4karma]

Lol

[@CN-ir1xm]

What's your opinion on automatic pool cleaners like the Nautilus dolphin Etc

[@PoolSchooler]

Truthfully I’m not a fan of the automatic/robotic pool cleaners. They are quite a bit more expensive, and they require a lot more man power. What I mean is you have to put them in the pool and plug them in and turn them on for them to do their job and then remove them from the pool. They work great, but in Arizona a person could put their robotic cleaner in the pool have it clean it that day and that night we have a dust storm and they have to do it all over again. Where as the in pool vac’s run every day with the rest of the pool equipment so it keeps the pool cleaner with greater regularity. For convenience sake they are not anywhere close to as convenient as the vacuums that stay in pools. Plus for the money most of my clients and people I know are looking for something that’s convenient that doesn’t require extra time from their busy schedules. So for those reasons I’m not a big fan of those type of cleaners.

[@CN-ir1xm]

@@PoolSchooler thanks makes sense. Enjoy your vids BTW.

[@PoolSchooler]

@@CN-ir1xm thank you.

[@HEAVENLYTUNESDJANGEL]

So The pool cleaner is not for an Inground/steelwals/Vinyl pool

[@PoolSchooler]

For a vinyl pool I'd suggest the Zodiac Ranger. Even tho its for an above ground pool The Pool Cleaner may be to rough on the liner.

[@HEAVENLYTUNESDJANGEL]

@@PoolSchooler thank you

[@PoolSchooler]

@@HEAVENLYTUNESDJANGEL Youre welcome.

[@nicknolan8254]

what are your thoughts on the MX6 zodiac? A pool guy recommended it to me but i dont know anything about auto pool vac's

[@PoolSchooler]

Nick Nolan I had a client who got one of those and had nothing but trouble with it. That’s about all I know about it. Except that I’ve also heard it’s “over engineered”.

[@zachloftis9163]

The newer model, the MX8 is going to be the best suction side cleaner out there. The parts on it are easily replaceable and cheap

[@PoolSchooler]

@@zachloftis9163 Thats good to hear. Let me know when it comes out.

[@zachloftis9163]

Pool School it’s already out

[@PoolSchooler]

Ah, I do know that vacuum. I've had three clients purchase them and have nothing but trouble with them (their experience with them). They brought them back to the store they purchased them from three times each and they never worked well. So I'm not a fan (sorry). But if you have a different experience of them that's great. I kinda look at them as the Dyson vacuum cleaners. They are just too over engineered and that leads to more problems. Again, that's just my opinion. If your experience is different that's cool.

[@domcap70]

I do all of my companies pool cleaner repairs, and the navigator is the absolute worst. It is so stupidly engineered. Working on the thing is a nightmare. Zodiac/Polaris make the best pressure side cleaners for sure.

[@PoolSchooler]

Dominick Caputo thanks so much for your comment.

[@timjohnson422]

How well do these work on and around steps and walls.

[@PoolSchooler]

Pretty well. They don't go up steps so you have to brush them. But The Pool Cleaner will climb the walls. You need to adjust each pools suction so it isn't so much it comes out of the water tho.

[@timjohnson422]

@@PoolSchooler Thanks for the info. I have an 18x36 vinyl unground pool. Do you think it would work ok on vinyl ? I have a sand shark and it is horrible in my opinion, been vacuuming the old school way.

[@PoolSchooler]

Tim Johnson these aren’t really good for vinyl pools they may damage the liner

[@timjohnson422]

@@PoolSchooler ok thank you so much. Go Vols

[@timjohnson422]

Do you think looking at the G3 would be a good choice?

[@annedaws8326]

Would like to see it moving

[@PoolSchooler]

Good point. I'll do a quick video on that.

[@ramirezzavala5174]

Choose a kreepy kraulu

[@anitarushlow4022]

You sound really smart, but your video is hard for me to follow because you are not showing the things you are talking about for long enough for me to grasp it. Hope that isn't clear as mud.

[@PoolSchooler]

Anita Rushlow totally makes sense. I actually move pretty quickly in my videos just because so many of the other pool videos I’ve watched are so long and boring I wanted to make the points quickly. I do apologize though. The good news is there is a pause button on the app so you can pause it.

[@anitarushlow4022]

@@PoolSchooler Ok thanks. But even pausing it won't help with what I am trying to explain. Like when you connected the pool cleaner to one "outlet" and then another. (I know some lingo, but not all) It was hard for me to understand what you were referring to. It's not just you being fast...lol The camera angle doesn't always show what you are doing.

[@PoolSchooler]

Anita Rushlow yeah. I apologize for some of the funky camera angles.

[@carrtex]

Do you ever use the Riptide?

[@PoolSchooler]

I haven't.