Pool robots (automated vacs)

campbellcj · 07-01-2008, 07:01 PM

We've gone thru 2 of the suction-powered Hayward varieties and have not been terribly impressed. The 2nd one barely survived two years. Anybody used the electric iRobot units or have recommendations on other brands/models of automated pool vacs?

About a year ago we hired a pro pool service (weekly) to replace me (the amateur pool service) but in between cleanings it still can get really messy with all the vegetation and wind we have around here.

Thanks,

cab83_750 · 07-01-2008, 08:31 PM

Chris,

I have the Hayward Phantom and it is functional for over 2 years; this puppy even skims the top.

What is your story with the Haywards? Just wondering as I am very impress with the product and, especially, customer service.

Sorry, I did not mean to hijack.

BTW, I would not buy the Polaris. They get stuck more often (i.e., wasted time and electricity) and the parts are expensive.

Joeaksa · 07-01-2008, 08:44 PM

Chris,

I have used the same Hayward for the last 8 years. Its taken new bearings a couple of times, flaps 3-4 times and so on but worked fine.

Only time it stops is when some of the gravel that surrounds the pool is blown in and sucked in the vacuum stopping it.

If its in good shape it should last 8-10 years.

Joe

Racerbvd · Racerbvd's Garage

I have a iRobot and am very happy with it

kstar · 07-01-2008, 10:33 PM

Here's an unhelpful post.

Doesn't this robot look like it has some 911 influence?

http://www.redspools.com/Vacuums2.asp

Sorry, but it's late.

David · David's Garage

I've been happy with my Polaris. I've always thought the price was too high but I figured it's made in America so what the hell. I understand they've been bought out so if production moves to China and the price stays at current levels, I won't be buying another.

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

I have a Polaris 220 and have been happy with the results. It does require a pressure connection, not suction side.

Nathans_Dad · Nathans_Dad's Garage

I have a Hayward and I too have not been impressed. Last year I replaced all the flaps and the shoes for the feet and it worked well for about 3 months, then quit again. It doesn't get the entire pool and never goes up the sides, despites the fact that it's supposed to. It generally just goes in little circles in the middle of the pool.

I'm debating whether to go buy more shoes for it or just chuck it and buy something else.

York · 07-02-2008, 05:50 AM

I have a Dolphin Diagnostic, it is great. I run it about once a week.

DavidI · 07-02-2008, 05:13 PM

I have a Barracuda G3 and it has been great for the past 5 years. I replaced a $20 bladder about a year ago and that's it.

I am very happy with the performance. I saw that you are looking for an electric model, but this is the dedicated suction line type.

http://www.baracuda.com/baracuda.htm

David

Joeaksa · 07-02-2008, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nathans_Dad

I have a Hayward and I too have not been impressed. Last year I replaced all the flaps and the shoes for the feet and it worked well for about 3 months, then quit again. It doesn't get the entire pool and never goes up the sides, despites the fact that it's supposed to. It generally just goes in little circles in the middle of the pool.

I'm debating whether to go buy more shoes for it or just chuck it and buy something else.

The reason it goes in circles is that one of the gearboxes needs attention.

The reason why it does not go all the way up the sides is your vacuum level is low.

Do you have one of the plug in vacuum meters? If not, go to a pool supply center and get one. Plug it in and check the vacuum, then adjust the valves on the pool to give you a bit more "oomph" on the unit. While you are at the pool supply store tell them about its going in circles and get them to fix the puppy. Its not expensive...

Joe

daepp · 07-02-2008, 05:43 PM

IMHO, Polaris and Hayward have way too many moving parts that go bad. I'm 44, and I;ve been dealing with this issue since I was 15 (1978). For the last 9 years I've used a Kreepy Crawly - one moving part only (the Wankel/Rotary Engine version of the autonomous pool clearner). VERY few parts to replace - 40-50 $$ per year in maintenance. Plus, no secondary booster pump required - it simply runs off the main pool/suction pump!!!!!!!

targa911S · 07-02-2008, 06:31 PM

+1 on the Barracuda G3.

t951 · t951's Garage

we have had the same haywood navigator for 8yrs. New flaps once, pads once. Works great. Our vacuum has run every day for 8yrs (with the exceptio of when the hurricanes knocked out our power).

campbellcj · 07-02-2008, 07:02 PM

Thanks for the replies so far! To clarify, the issues we've had with the Haywards were basically the constant fiddling - adjusting, broken flaps, siezed gears, etc. The first one actually lasted for 6-8 years and the second one barely survived 2! They were used and treated identically. Maybe just a change in parts quality or design?

campbellcj · 07-02-2008, 07:02 PM

Thanks for the replies so far! To clarify, the issues we've had with the Haywards were basically the constant fiddling - adjusting, broken flaps, siezed gears, etc. The first one actually lasted for 6-8 years and the second one barely survived 2! They were used and treated identically. Maybe just a change in parts quality or design?

Aerkuld · Aerkuld's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidI

I have a Barracuda G3 and it has been great for the past 5 years. I replaced a $20 bladder about a year ago and that's it.

I am very happy with the performance. I saw that you are looking for an electric model, but this is the dedicated suction line type.

http://www.baracuda.com/baracuda.htm

David

+1

We had one like this in the pool in Cali and it was FAR better than the wheeled cleaner we aquired with the old house here. If I had to make the choice again I would go with the Barracuda. They're so simple so there is only really one part to go wrong.

Joeaksa · 07-02-2008, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by campbellcj

Thanks for the replies so far! To clarify, the issues we've had with the Haywards were basically the constant fiddling - adjusting, broken flaps, siezed gears, etc. The first one actually lasted for 6-8 years and the second one barely survived 2! They were used and treated identically. Maybe just a change in parts quality or design?

Chris,

Whoever is overhauling your unit is the problem, not the parts. These units work fine when done correctly and with the factory parts.

Try another shop and have them overhaul the unit and ask them to do it right and not shrimp on parts to save money.

You should get 2-3 years easily out of a overhauled unit and this cost is less than $50-75 in parts. Mine runs 6-8 hours every night with absolutely no problems, just like T951's.

Joe