I am looking for recommendations for a vacuum head for a vinyl liner

[jmb]

I am looking for recommendations for a vacuum head for an inground pool with a vinyl liner.
I would like to get a good quality one with good bristles that do not fall apart. Also, how long should I expect a quality head to last if it is well cared for.
Thank you.

 

[JodieM]

This head has always been my favorite. The bristles last about 4 years for me. I keep it in a deck box out of the sun.

Amazon.com

 

[wireform]

You can use a regular vac head but will need to keep in mind to reduce the suction somewhat to keep it safe for the liner. If you have a main drain you can keep it partially open or even a second skimmer partially open will reduce the suction at the vac head. That head referenced I have one too but hate it. I feel like it gets nowhere because it's small. For small fine debris it will work but leaves after a rain storm cleanup becomes a hassle as you have to raise it up for anything to get in.

 

[Newdude]

With a single speed pump I liked the rectangle with wheels head.

With a variable speed pump I like the Hayward triangle brush head. (You can replace the bristles every few years when needed for $30?). I like the brush head best because it does double duty but it sticks if you can't adjust the flow so it may be more trouble than it's worth.

Either is an item I would only buy from a high end manufacturer. I can't waltz through a Walmart or Home Depot selling cheapos without seeing them already corroding/weathered in the outdoor pool section.

 

[Darin]

i use this weighted one. its great.

 

[jmb]

You can use a regular vac head but will need to keep in mind to reduce the suction somewhat to keep it safe for the liner. If you have a main drain you can keep it partially open or even a second skimmer partially open will reduce the suction at the vac head. That head referenced I have one too but hate it. I feel like it gets nowhere because it's small. For small fine debris it will work but leaves after a rain storm cleanup becomes a hassle as you have to raise it up for anything to get in.

Thank you for your reply. I am not sure what you mean by a regular vac head? Do you have a picture or a link to one I can look at or to purchase so I can see it? We use a Polaris Pool cleaner most of the time. We clean manually at the beginning of the season to get the bulk of the debris removed.

 

[jmb]

i use this weighted one. its great.

View attachment 578613

Thank you for your reply. This looks very similar to the one I have that I like quite a bit. How often do you need to replace it. I know this will depend on how long of a pool season you have but I am just trying to get a general idea. Mine is old but i still keep it as I have purchased others and they breakdown after a few seasons. Can you replace the bristels or do you replace the entire head when needed?

 

[jmb]

With a single speed pump I liked the rectangle with wheels head.

With a variable speed pump I like the Hayward triangle brush head. (You can replace the bristles every few years when needed for $30?). I like the brush head best because it does double duty but it sticks if you can't adjust the flow so it may be more trouble than it's worth.

Either is an item I would only buy from a high end manufacturer. I can't waltz through a Walmart or Home Depot selling cheapos without seeing them already corroding/weathered in the outdoor pool section.

Thank you for your reply. As regards the Hayward triangle brush head are your referring to this one ? https://www.amazon.com/Hayward-SP10...ix=Hayward+triangle,lawngarden,98&sr=1-3&th=1

 

[Newdude]

As regards the Hayward triangle brush head are your referring to this one ?

Exactly that one. I moved at 8.5 years and brought it with me. I won't even consider another one, though other quality ones may exist.

IIRC the 'deluxe' model of the one you linked is a little bigger and needing less swipes pays you back in the long run.

 

[Darin]

How often do you need to replace it. I

Is yours the weighted one? It is great for vinyl.
I have never replaced the body in 14 years, it came with the house. put new bristles in it maybe 3 times.
I use it weekly because i think the little robots are a bit of a waste since it only takes me 20 minutes or one beer to do the pool.

 

[Newdude]

Is yours the weighted one?

The Hayward one is 2 piece and has slots on the 3 sides for weights.