anybody know anything about these self contained pool vacs?

[cubbybeave08]

They are the battery operated self contained units that go on the end of any telescopic poles. They operate just like your home vacuume cleaner in that there is a bag inside that catches debris inside the mesh bag. I have read a lot of mixed review, and do not know what to think...if anyone here uses them please let me know if they are worth the money?

I was looking at a Blaster Max or Catfish Max or something like that. Anyone got any ideas?

 

[Richard320]

Try the search feature here, I know I've seen some references. The reviews have been mixed as I recall. I really wanted one a while ago, but finances didn't allow such an expensive toy at the time. I've actually gotten pretty good now at stirring things up a little then grabbing the bigger pieces with the leaf skimmer. And I've also become a pretty good shot at sweeping things into the main drain.

I think I'll wait til you buy one and use it a while and post your review.

 

[Ranger987]

I don't have recent experience, but a number of years ago I used a couple of those for my company. While the suction they generated wasn't terribly impressive, the main problem was that the batteries were poor quality & didn't last long. I had to recharge often & the batteries died pretty quickly & there wasn't any way to replace the rechargeables. Batteries have come a long way since then, but I decided it wasn't that big of a problem to hook up the manual vac. But in wintertime now, might be worth trying...lol.

 

[woodyp]

I'd be interested if they picked up the really super fine/silt like dirt.

 

[SCCS]

I have a Pool Blaster Max and it works great for me. When I first got it it leaked and shorted out the battery and motor but got it replaced for just s/h. I use it every weekend for about 20 minutes to get the fine stuff off the bottom and can use it about 4 times before recharging. The collection bag that comes with it is for debris but sometimes get's a little grit. They also make a silt bag for it but I don't have one. I really like it for a quick clean up.

 

[cubbybeave08]

I have a Pool Blaster Max and it works great for me. When I first got it it leaked and shorted out the battery and motor but got it replaced for just s/h. I use it every weekend for about 20 minutes to get the fine stuff off the bottom and can use it about 4 times before recharging. The collection bag that comes with it is for debris but sometimes get's a little grit. They also make a silt bag for it but I don't have one. I really like it for a quick clean up.

Those were the problems I read with the Blaster Max...that the screws rusted and caused leaking. It only comes with a limited one year warranty. How long have you had the second one?