Suction (Vacuum) pool cleaner recommendation

[diverminh]

Hello All,
I want to purchase a suction pool cleaner. I am wondering what is the current recommended model? (Note: I already have a Dolphin, but am looking for a suction pool cleaner.)

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

I have a Poolvergnuegen 4-Wheel. I believe Hayward now sells them under a different model name. It does what it's supposed to do, suck up debris from the bottom of the pool. It's super reliable. It's run flawlessly for 6+ years without any issues. I recently replaced the wheels with an $18 set off Amazon and it continues to work for me. I do have to brush the pool, but that gives me a chance to get off the chair to even up my tan.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

I use the Pentair Kreepy Krawly Sandshark which is a membrane style suction cleaner. Pentair also makes the Rebel suction cleaner which is a 2-wheeled suction cleaner. Both are pretty simple and effective cleaners.

Do you have a dedicated suction wall port or will you be using the skimmer and a skimmer plate?

Whatever suction cleaner you decide on, I suggest getting an in-line leaf trap to go with it if you are not using a skimmer as the suction source. In-line leaf traps from Hayward are pretty good. I have a Pentair leaf trap but they are kind of big. The haywards are smaller. Using an in-line leaf trap avoids causing a suction plug of debris and/or avoids filling up the pump’s strainer basket with leaves and debris.

 

[1poolman1]

The Pentair Rebel is a re-designed version of "the Pool Cleaner" by Hayward (formerly Poolvergnuegen). The patent ran out and they jumped on it.
Having worked on both, (and I used to prefer the Hayward) I would go with the Pentair as they made many improvements to the internals and made it easier to service while still being a very good suction-side cleaner.
The 4-wheel design was for larger pools, and is still made by Hayward, but the 2-wheel of either would probably work well in your pool. Pentair only makes a 2-wheel one.