The Hayward TigerShark robotic pool cleaner has been updated with a new design and model numbers for the year 2016. I think the updated design looks really well. The internal functions are the same as the previous designs (models RC9950GR and RC9990GR), so the new models perform just as good as the old models. There are three new models to choose from: the TigerShark Standard RC9950CUB, the Plus RC9955CUB with remote control, and the QC RC9990CUB with a quick cleaning option.
TigerShark Standard RC9950CUB
This robotic pool cleaner has the basic 3-hour cleaning cycle for cleaning inground swimming pools with gunite, fiberglass, pebble, tile or vinyl surfaces. Maximum pool size is about 20 feet by 40 feet.
It has a 55-foot power cord and a 115-volt power supply unit. The robotic pool cleaner is powered by an energy efficient 24-volt motor. Its cartridge filters are easy to clean. However, the standard style pool cleaner has neither a quick clean program nor a remote control.
Does it get stuck on the main drain?
Yes, it does get stuck on the main drain. Problems with navigating main drains are the only big complaint. This is unfortunately an issue for most pool cleaners, not just the TigerShark.
Can it clean the walls and stairs?
It is designed to clean the walls and the waterline of an inground swimming pool. However, different pools might produce different results, so there is no complete certainty about anything, is there?
Does the RC9950CUB include a caddy cart?
No, a caddy cart is unfortunately not included. You have to buy a caddy cart for the TigerShark pool cleaner (view caddy on Amazon). However, it is not absolutely necessary. The caddy cart only makes the robotic pool cleaner, power cord and power supply easier to move and store. Only buy it if you can afford to pay an extra 100 dollars to get it.
TigerShark Plus RC9955CUB
This is the same as the standard model, but it includes a remote control. Not much else to say about it. You should buy this model if you want the remote control. We do not think that the remote control is an absolute necessity. Save a few dollars and buy one of the other TigerShark models.
TigerShark QC RC9990CUB
This model gives you the option of selecting a 90-minute quick cleaning cycle in addition to the standard 3-hour cycle. It does not have a remote control.
Hayward TigerShark: Instructions And Maintenance
To operate the Hayward TigerShark, you need a 110-120 volt AC wall outlet that is protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Position the power supply so that it is at least 10 feet away from the swimming pool’s edge. See if the Hayward TigerShark and its power cable can comfortably reach all the walls of the swimming pool. Now you may connect the power cable to the power supply, even though the power supply is not yet connected to the GFCI protected outlet.
Can You Handle It?
The handle of the Hayward TigerShark can be locked into two distinct diagonal positions. This tells the pool cleaner to circle the swimming pool in opposite directions, which helps to uncoil the power cable. It is recommended that you reverse the handle’s diagonal position after each use, so that the Hayward TigerShark starts cleaning in the opposite direction the next time you start it.
Take It For a Swim
Go ahead and put the Hayward TigerShark in the swimming pool. You can let it sink down on its own, or you may push it down into the water with your hand until it drops to the bottom of the swimming pool.
Turn On The TigerShark
It is now safe to connect the power supply to the wall outlet. Go to the power supply and press the on/off switch to bring the Hayward TigerShark to life. Please do not switch on the power supply if the Hayward TigerShark is on dry land because this might damage the pump and drive motor seals. Remember: fishes in the sea, chickens on land, TigerShark in the swimming pool.
It won’t start cleaning immediately, so don’t be alarmed if nothing happens for a few minutes. The Hayward TigerShark is performing a self-diagnostics routine and will start cleaning after a few minutes.
TigerShark Shut Down
The standard Hayward TigerShark model will clean for 4 hours before shutting down. The Hayward TigerShark QC will do a quick clean cycle of 90 minutes before stopping.
If you want the Hayward TigerShark robotic pool cleaner to do another cycle, you need to switch off the power supply, let it stand for 10 seconds or longer and then turn it on again. The Hayward TigerShark will then restart and do another cleaning cycle, unless its filters are too dirty to continue.
You may also switch off the Hayward TigerShark manually at the power supply before a cleaning cycle is completed if you think that the swimming pool is clean enough.
Taking The TigerShark Out Of The Pool
Even if the Hayward TigerShark pool cleaner shuts off automatically, make it a habit to switch it off at the power supply before removing it from the pool.
Removing the Hayward TigerShark from the swimming pool is not too difficult: slowly pull the robotic pool cleaner towards the shallow end of the pool by reeling in the power cable hand-over-hand. When it reaches the surface, grab the handle and lift it out.
It is best to remove the Hayward TigerShark pool cleaner from the swimming pool after each use and to store it somewhere in the shade or safely in the shed. This is also a good time to clean the filter cartridges, so that it is clean for the next use.
Maintenance
The most frequent part that you will need to maintain is the cartridge filter. Clogged filters decrease vacuum efficiency and might prevent the robotic pool cleaner from climbing up the walls.
The next thing to watch out for is the power cable. Check and remove twists in the power cable after each use, or lay it out straight in the sunlight for a short time before storing it safely away. You might also take a look at the belts and brushes now and then for signs of wear and tear.
Troubleshooting Tips
If the Hayward TigerShark stops for no apparent reason, then you might check the robotic pool cleaner’s pump outlet for hair or other debris that could be clogging the impeller. Remove the impeller tube and clean it. You can also check the tracks, wheels and brush rollers for any debris that might cause it to stop working.
If the TigerShark fails to climb the pool walls, then it might be because of a dirty filter. Remove the cartridge filter, clean it thoroughly and restart the robotic pool cleaner. See if it helps.
When the TigerShark does not vacuum the dirt properly, it might be because the filters are dirty. You may also try to install the high velocity inlet into the bottom lid. The high velocity inlet increases suction, which makes it better at vacuuming heavy or very fine dirt.
Bigger items such as toys or acorns might block the vacuum holes or damage the cleaner, so it is best to make sure that such items are removed before you put the Hayward TigerShark into the swimming pool.
Remember, never open the motor unit. There are no user-serviceable parts inside, and doing so will void the warranty.
Verdict
The Hayward TigerShark robotic pool cleaner is easy to use, easy to clean, and it does a good cleaning job. The majority of owners are satisfied with its performance, although the cord can get tangled, and it might get stuck on the main drain in the pool.
It is up to you to keep the filter cartridge clean. Do not worry, the filter cartridge is easy to remove and clean.
The TigerShark does not have an anti-tangle power cord like the other pool robots, such as the Dolphin Nautilus. As a result, the power cable might tangle up now and then and need some untangling. To reduce this problem, remember to lock the handle in the opposite position, so the cable gets untangled while the pool cleaner is moving around the pool.
What does the Hayward TigerShark robotic pool cleaners cost? I suggest you check the pricing on Amazon. Read a few reviews and learn more about these TigerShark pool cleaners, before you decide to buy it or not.
Thank you for reading my Hayward TigerShark robotic pool cleaner review! You might also be interested in reading my Hayward Sharkvac review.