The 3 Most Reliable Suction Side Automatic Pool Cleaners

In this post we will compare 3 of the most reliable suction side automatic pool cleaners. On our route here in Orange County, CA, we regularly see each of these 3 models last for years and years with just the occasional replacement part necessary. While there are many automatic cleaner options available, some do not hold up as well as others and can be harder to repair or keep running. Lets explore these 3 different models that each stand out for their reliability and longevity.

1.     Hayward- The Pool Cleaner – This model is a highly regarded automatic pool cleaner known for its exceptional performance and reliability. Designed for both inground and above-ground pools, this cleaner utilizes a unique turbine-drive system to efficiently navigate the pool surface and walls while capturing debris.

Key Features:

Advanced Turbine-Drive System: Equipped with a patented turbine and gearing system, "The Pool Cleaner" delivers powerful suction and efficient cleaning performance.

Programmed Steering: The cleaner features intelligent programmed steering technology, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the pool's surface and walls for thorough cleaning.

Low-Friction Wheels: With low-friction wheels, "The Pool Cleaner" moves smoothly across the pool surface, minimizing wear and tear on pool liners.

Adjustable Skirts: The cleaner is equipped with adjustable skirts that maintain optimal suction and prevent debris from escaping, even on uneven surfaces.

This model is probably my favorite automatic cleaner and is the one that I always recommend to clients if they are looking to upgrade or buy a new cleaner. I find that this model jams up the least and goes the longest without a need for replacement of internal parts. Another positive point is that when these do jam with a twig or seed or large leaf, you can usually remove the blockage and the unit will keep running. On some other models of cleaners, you will find internal parts break or tear when the unit gets jammed up, leaving them broken until repaired. The only part that will need replacement every year or so is the rubber tires that wrap around the plastic wheel, but those are affordable and easy to swap out. As for the internal parts, those are easily replaced as well if you are handy, and if you are not, most pool service companies are familiar with this model and will offer a rebuild/repair for a fair price. If you are in South Orange County we do repair these models, feel free to contact us.

2.      Zodiac- G3 – This model is a highly efficient automatic pool cleaner renowned for its powerful suction and reliable performance. Designed for inground pools, this cleaner effectively removes debris to keep your pool clean and inviting.

Key Features:

FlowKeeper Valve: The G3 Barracuda features a FlowKeeper Valve that regulates water flow, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency during operation.

Wheel Deflector: Equipped with a wheel deflector, the cleaner navigates obstacles with ease, ensuring thorough cleaning of the pool floor and walls.

Durable Design: Built to withstand the rigors of regular use, the G3 Barracuda boasts a durable construction that can handle tough cleaning tasks.

Quiet Operation: With its quiet operation, the G3 Barracuda cleans your pool discreetly without causing disturbance.

I have found this model to be highly reliable and another strong choice for a suction side automatic cleaner. I have seen these barracudas run for years and years with minimal internal replacement parts needed. This model makes small hops or bounces across the bottom of the pool and does a good job of making it to all sections of the pool. It does well at picking up smaller debris but does sometimes get jammed up with larger leaves or hard objects like pebbles/rocks and twigs or stems. These hard objects can tear the internal diaphragm which will leave it dead in the water until the part is replaced. You can find these replacement parts at most pool supply stores or online. If your pool doesn’t often get large debris like twigs, large seeds, pebbles, etc., this is another great choice.

3.     The Hayward Navigator

The Hayward Navigator Pro is a highly regarded suction-side automatic pool cleaner renowned for its efficiency, reliability, and advanced features. Designed to provide thorough cleaning for inground pools of all shapes and sizes, this cleaner offers exceptional performance to keep your pool sparkling clean.

Key Features:

SmartDrive Programmed Steering: The Navigator Pro is equipped with SmartDrive programmed steering technology, ensuring precise navigation and comprehensive pool coverage. This feature allows the cleaner to maneuver around obstacles and tight corners with ease, ensuring thorough cleaning of the pool floor, walls, and waterline.

Unique Turbine/Gearing System: Featuring a unique turbine and gearing system, the Navigator Pro delivers powerful suction and efficient debris collection. This system enables the cleaner to effectively capture and remove a wide range of debris, including leaves, twigs, dirt, and algae, leaving your pool spotless.

Silent Operation: The Navigator Pro operates quietly, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful pool environment while the cleaner works its magic. Its silent operation ensures minimal disruption, making it ideal for use during the day or night without disturbing your outdoor relaxation.

This cleaner is another reliable one that I have seen stand up to pool season after pool season with minimal repairs. This is another model that will sometimes jam up but will not usually break internal parts when doing so. A simple removal of the blockage will get your cleaner going again. While this model doesn’t jam up as often as some units, this model can get stuck on larger debris and will need to be given a little push with a pole or rattled to shake free debris. Parts for this unit are also readily available at most pool supply stores and online. This is a great cleaner if your pool only gets smaller and finer debris.

If you were to pick up any of these 3 cleaners we have reviewed, you would have a reliable unit. All these cleaners will stand up to season after season of use and can be repaired or worked on to be kept running when something does happen. As we discussed, some models work better with larger debris and seem to break less, but all can be easily repaired and continue working.  If you have any questions or are in South Orange County and have a unit needing repair, feel free to contact us.