Do you want an automatic pool cleaner that will clean your above ground Intex pool? The Intex 28001E automatic pool cleaner is made for cleaning Intex above ground swimming pools with 1.5-inch hose fittings that are 24 feet and smaller.
Introduction
The Intex 28001E is connected to the return line inlet of an Intex above ground swimming pool. It gets cleaning pressure from the pool pump. It needs a flow rate of between 1600 and 3500 gallons per hour to move around.
This Intex automatic pool cleaner needs a smooth pool bottom because it rolls on the floor with four small plastic wheels. The wheels are not powered, so it will never spin and scratch the vinyl liner should it ever get stuck.
You may continue to read my Intex 28001E auto pool cleaner review for answers to questions about installation, pool type, pool size and filter pump size.
Where do you attach the Intex 28001E?
You screw the hose adapter onto the 1.5-inch (38 mm) threaded water return connector (upper hose connection) of a soft-sided Intex pool. The pool cleaner is powered by the pressure of the water that is pumped back into the pool. You attach it to the water return line. It is not a suction-side pool cleaner. It can be classified as a pressure-side above ground pool cleaner.
Can it only clean Intex above ground pools?
Yes, unless you want to spend time searching for an adapter that will fit into the return line of your swimming pool. The hose adapter that comes with the Intex pool cleaner screws easily onto the pressure-side inlet of an Intex above ground pool, if it is a 1.5-inch threaded hose inlet.
There are better options available for cleaning above ground pools that are not made by Intex: either read my Zodiac Ranger review, or consider reading my review of the Hayward Aquabug.
Can the Intex 28001E clean inground pools?
No, it is definitely not created for cleaning an inground swimming pool. It is specifically made for cleaning Intex above ground pools.
What is the maximum Intex pool size it can clean?
It seems like the maximum pool size, for a round pool, is 24 feet. The pool cleaner hoses that are included with the Intex 28001E have a total length of 24 feet when connected together.
The maximum rectangular Intex pool size might be around 18 feet. This depends on where the water return inlet is located. Is it in the middle of the pool wall or off to the side?
What size pool pump will power the Intex 28001E?
Intex recommends a filter pump with a flow rate of between 1600 and 3500 gallons per hour. A few owners have commented that a 1200 GPH filter pump might be too small to power the Intex pool cleaner.
Will the Intex 28001E work with a sand filter pump?
Yes, a sand filter pump will power the Intex automatic pool cleaner, so long as it puts out enough pressure and water flow. One owner thought you would need a sand filter pump that puts out at least 1500 gallons per hour. You might use an Intex Krystal Clear sand filter pump (read my review) that pumps at a rate of 2100 GPH, or even 3000 GPH.
Can it clean sand and debris from the pool floor?
Yes, it will remove most, but not all, of the dirt and debris. The Intex 28001E automatic pool cleaner has a small brush underneath its cleaner base that can sweep the floor. The debris is blown by the water pressure jet into the debris net inside the Intex pool cleaner. You need to remove the debris net regularly and rinse it with a garden hose.
The skimmer basket traps the floating debris. The pool pump filter captures the dirt floating in the water. Clean the skimmer basket and the pump filter regularly to prevent poor pool cleaner performance.
Intex 28001E vs. ZX300 Automatic Pool Cleaner
The Intex ZX300 (model number 28005E) looks more like a proper automatic pool cleaner than the Intex 28001E, even though it still uses water pressure coming from the return line inlet.
These Intex above ground pool cleaners both require an Intex pump with a flow rate of between 1600 and 3500 gallons per hour.
Additionally, they are connected to the pressure return line: thus, these are not vacuum suction pool cleaners, but pressure-side pool cleaners.
Similarly, the Intex 28001E and 28005E can only be used for cleaning an Intex above ground pool with a 1.5-inch (38 millimeter) threaded inlet. Accordingly, these pool cleaners are not to be used for cleaning an Intex Easy Set Pool or a pool with an inflatable top ring.
In contrast with the Intex 28001E, the ZX300 has water-powered all-wheel drive, superior wall-climbing ability, dual rotating dirt scrubbers, and mesh filter for capturing fine debris.
The Intex 28001E has a slightly longer 24-foot hose, compared to the shorter 21-foot hose of the Intex ZX300.
In brief, the Intex 28001E is still the most popular and well-known Intex automatic pool cleaner model. Then again, the wall-climbing ability and dirt scrubbing brushes of the Intex ZX300 might tip the scale in its favor (check price on Amazon).
Conclusion
The Intex 28001E auto pool cleaner is one of the few pool cleaners available for cleaning an Intex above ground swimming pool.
Remember that it is not a pool vacuum. It is a pressure-side automatic pool cleaner. It uses the water return line and pool inlet from the filter pump to blow debris into its internal debris bag. The Intex 28001E also has a small brush on its base which might stir up the dirt on the pool floor.
The Intex 28001E automatic pool cleaner needs enough water flow from the pool filter pump before it will move around. To be on the safe side, you probably require a pool filter pump that pumps the water at about 2000 to 3000 gallons per hour.
It is very important that you clean the debris bag and the pool pump filter regularly. Once per week should be sufficient. The Intex automatic pool cleaner will stop working if the filters are dirty.
The only other thing to mention is the small wheels of the Intex 28001E automatic pool cleaner. The small wheels might get stuck and stop moving if your Intex pool has a lot of wrinkles.
The Intex 28001E automatic pool cleaner is not expensive. It is cheap when compared to other automatic pool cleaners. You can read more reviews and see today’s prices for the Intex 28001E by visiting Amazon.