Looking for some guidance on replacement pool cleaner

[jason92s]

Hello everyone, we have a 3 year old pool and it has a Hayward Navigator that came with it. I haven't been that impressed with it and have had to salvage parts from a buddy that had the same one and replaced it. Anyway, I think it's time for a replacement, as it pretty much does nothing to clean the pool anymore. Our pool is 16x32 with a 3 foot to 7 foot depth. I asked friends for recommendations, talked to pool supply stores, and I've narrowed it down to:

Barracuda MX8
The 4x Suction PoolCleaner

I'm certainly open to other recommendations, but these two seem to have some decent reviews and a good following. The pool doesn't get many leaves as there aren't any trees around. I do get some of that stringy stuff in it from time to time that seems to cause the MX8 some problems. Any guidance is appreciated. Thank you.

 

[carlscan26]

I have a two wheel TPC for a pool almost the same size: 16X32X6 at the deepest, 3.5 at each end. Similar use as you describe. No problems with it at all.

 

[jason92s]

I have a two whel TPC or a pool almost the same size: 16X32X6 at the deepest, 3.5 at each end. Similar use as you describe. No problems with it at all.

Thank you, that's very good to know.

 

[dd50]

I have about the same size pool and I have to two wheel TPC. Had it about 2 years and love it.

 

[robl45]

i would buy a robot myself. they have their problems like needing to be repaired, but when they work, nothing can touch them. for me the amount I would spend replacing filters each week with a suction cleaner would be more than the extra cost for a robot.

 

[jason92s]

i would buy a robot myself. they have their problems like needing to be repaired, but when they work, nothing can touch them. for me the amount I would spend replacing filters each week with a suction cleaner would be more than the extra cost for a robot.

What do you mean by replacing filters each week?

 

[robl45]

i would buy a robot myself. they have their problems like needing to be repaired, but when they work, nothing can touch them. for me the amount I would spend replacing filters each week with a suction cleaner would be more than the extra cost for a robot.

What do you mean by replacing filters each week?

with a suction cleaner at least in my pool, it sucks straight into the filter, i would be replacing the filter every week.

 

[dd50]

I don't replace my filter but clean it when it gets dirty and it isn't every week.

 

[jason92s]

I don't replace my filter but clean it when it gets dirty and it isn't every week.

Same here. My 4 cartridge filters are 3 years old, I clean them 3 times a year. They still look pretty good. Hopefully I'm not doing something wrong here.

 

[Matt in Houston]

I honestly dont see how it would be possible to need to clean (let alone replace) a cartridge filter every week due to the use of a suction cleaner. Now you might have to empty the pump basket once a week or more depending on the type of debris...but not the filter....no way. I would say every 2 to 3 months if that, depending on the pools condition and surrounding landscaping.

By the way, I have the 2x and it has been great so far. I'm going to buy the 4x steering cam for it so it travels further before initiating a turn sequence. Go with 2x or 4x over the MX8 for sure...

 

[robl45]

I don't replace my filter but clean it when it gets dirty and it isn't every week.

Same here. My 4 cartridge filters are 3 years old, I clean them 3 times a year. They still look pretty good. Hopefully I'm not doing something wrong here.

i wish mine would last like that, I have a one cartridge system. if it gets slightly dirty, the jacuzzi jets don't work well. We had a pool guy here and he used a suction vac and ruined my brand new filter, it was black when he was done and they only clean up so well.

 

[carlscan26]

I don't replace my filter but clean it when it gets dirty and it isn't every week.

Same here. My 4 cartridge filters are 3 years old, I clean them 3 times a year. They still look pretty good. Hopefully I'm not doing something wrong here.

i wish mine would last like that, I have a one cartridge system. if it gets slightly dirty, the jacuzzi jets don't work well. We had a pool guy here and he used a suction vac and ruined my brand new filter, it was black when he was done and they only clean up so well.

Sounds like you need to upgrade to a bigger filter.

If debris leaves etc are a big problem just install a leaf canister. I have one just because of the occasional large leaf and I'd rather not risk it clogging the suction pipe.

 

[jason92s]

Appreciate all the help. Starting to lean towards the 2 wheel ThePoolCleaner. Just gotta find a good price and pull the trigger.