The Zodiac (Baracuda) G3 suction-side automatic inground pool cleaner is an affordable, easy-to-install alternative to the more expensive pressure-side or robotic pool cleaners. The Baracuda G3, or Zodiac G3 as it is now called, cleans inground swimming pools and seems to be reliable, durable and cheap to maintain. It has some minor issues, such as its tendency to get stuck on top of a raised main drain and problems with handling large leaves. In brief, it is not a perfect pool cleaner, so it needs a little attention now and then, but it keeps most of an inground pool clean by vacuuming away dirt and smaller debris.
Zodiac G3: List of Features
As is usually the case, I will start by listing the key features of the Zodiac G3 suction-side automatic pool cleaner:
- Model number: W03000.
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty on pool cleaner.
- 2-year manufacturer’s warranty on long-life hose.
- Baracuda G3 long-life diaphragm is included.
- Cleans tile, gunite and fiberglass pool surfaces.
- Comes with a 39-foot long-life feed hose which is scuff-resistant.
- It is made for cleaning inground pools.
- Quick-release cassette design provides easy access to the Baracuda G3 diaphragm.
- It can be connected to the skimmer or to a dedicated 1.5-inch vacuum line.
- The FlowKeeper™ valve automatically regulates water flow for peak performance.
- The wheel deflector helps the pool cleaner to handle corners in the pool.
- The 36-fin disc increases adhesion to pool surfaces while decreasing problems with obstacles such as steps and ladders.
What is included in the box?
The product manual lists the following components: hose sections, hose weight, flow gauge, wheel deflector, pool cleaner body, finned disc, 45-degree elbow, 4.5-inch connector, hose protector net, FlowKeeper™ valve and valve cuff.
Are the feed hoses included?
The Zodiac G3 ships with 12 feed hoses, which have a total length of about 39 feet (or about 12 meters) when connected together. These are long-life hoses that are more resistant to the scraping and brushing that commonly occurs while the pool cleaner works.
Where do you attach the feed hose?
Remove the skimmer basket and connect it to that suction pipe. If you have a dedicated vacuum line port on the side wall of the pool, then you can use that suction port instead and leave the skimmer basket where it is.
Zodiac G3 Installation Instructions
The Zodiac G3 suction-side pool cleaner offers a straightforward installation process that is suitable for users of all skill levels. There is no need for specialized tools or complicated plumbing arrangements. To begin the setup, first attach the disc, wheel deflector, and hose. Each of these components plays a vital role in ensuring the cleaner operates effectively.
Once the parts are connected, submerge the cleaner and attached hoses in the water. This step helps to remove any air bubbles that may interfere with the suction performance. After the air has been expelled, it’s time to connect the hose to either the skimmer or the suction line of your pool. This connection allows the Zodiac G3 to start drawing in water and debris efficiently.
Users consistently highlight the ease of use associated with the Zodiac G3. The design focuses on user-friendliness, making it accessible for nearly anyone to operate. Additionally, the quality of the hoses and attachments enhances its performance. The robust materials ensure that the cleaner can easily pick up debris, keeping the pool clean and clear with minimal effort. This combination of simplicity and effectiveness makes the Zodiac G3 a popular choice among pool owners who want a reliable cleaning solution without having to be a rocket scientist.
Can the Zodiac G3 clean an inground fiberglass pool?
The Zodiac G3 is capable of thoroughly cleaning an inground fiberglass pool. This model is designed to efficiently remove dirt and debris from the smooth surface of fiberglass. It’s not limited to just that type of pool, though. The Zodiac G3 can also tackle tile surfaces, ensuring they stay spotless. If you have a gunite pool, the G3 works well on that material too.
This versatility makes the Zodiac G3 a solid choice for various pool types. It adapts to the different surfaces with ease, maintaining effective cleaning performance regardless of the material. Whether you have a fiberglass, tile, or gunite pool, you can trust this suction cleaner to get the job done right.
Will it work in an above ground pool?
The Zodiac G3 is designed specifically for cleaning inground pools. If you have an above ground pool, this suction cleaner won’t work for you.
It’s important to choose a cleaner that matches the type of pool you have. The features and design of the Zodiac G3 are tailored for use in inground pools, meaning it lacks the necessary functionality to handle the different structure of above ground pools. Using it in an above ground pool would not yield the desired cleaning results. For above ground pools, look for an automatic pool cleaner that is built to address their unique needs and requirements.
Does the Zodiac G3 remove tree leaves from the pool?
The Zodiac G3 vacuums small to medium leaves well enough, but large leaves might get stuck in the diaphragm and severely decrease its suction power.
The pump filter needs to be cleaned more often if the pool collects a lot of leaves, since the smaller leaves will steadily clog up the pump filter and decrease suction power.
You might look at buying and adding something such as the Zodiac cyclonic leaf catcher. It traps the leaves before they reach the skimmer and pump filter basket (click here to read more on Amazon – paid link).

Common Problems with the Zodiac G3 Pool Cleaner
Pool owners often express satisfaction with the Zodiac G3 suction pool cleaner, highlighting its affordability, straightforward maintenance, and effectiveness in keeping pools clean. Many users have praised its performance as a valuable tool for pool upkeep. However, some common problems have been reported by a segment of users.
One issue involves the suction hose, which can break over time, leading to repairs or replacements that can be inconvenient. Additionally, some customers have noted that the cleaner occasionally gets stuck in corners or on stairs, making it less efficient in navigating the entire pool area.
Another concern is durability. Users have experienced tears in the diaphragm, which can affect the cleaner’s performance. Fortunately, this part is inexpensive and relatively easy to fix for those who are handy.
Despite these hiccups, a large number of customers still favor the Zodiac G3. They appreciate its reliability and overall capability in maintaining a clean swimming environment. This cleaner continues to earn a solid reputation for its efficiency and effective cleaning, making it a popular choice among pool owners. Many find that, despite some issues, the Zodiac G3 meets their pool maintenance needs well.
Troubleshooting Tips
It takes a bit of tweaking and testing to get any pool cleaner to work at its best. Here are a few pointers to consider when the Zodiac Baracuda G3 is not swimming like a barracuda fish:
- Make sure that the main drain is closed.
- The flow gauge can be used to check for proper water flow.
- Adjust the hose weight until the pool cleaner navigates the pool without problems.
- Clean the pool pump filter regularly: if it is dirty, the G3 will not function properly.
- If your pool collects a lot of leaves, then you may want to add an extra leaf catcher into the suction hose line.
- Always store the hoses in a straight line, since bent hoses cause movement difficulties.
Zodiac G3: Advantages and Disadvantages
So, before I end this review, let me try to summarize the pros and cons of the Zodiac G3 suction-side pool cleaner:
- It lasts many years, and it is less expensive to maintain than other pool cleaners.
- The diaphragm is its only moving part: no complicated gears or wheels that will need to be replaced.
- It is a little heavier than previous models, but it can still climb and clean the walls up to a few feet.
- The biggest issue is that it often gets stuck on a raised anti-vortex main drain.
- Large leaves might get stuck inside the diaphragm and clog it up.
- It uses the pool’s pump, and therefore the pump’s strainer basket will need to be cleaned more frequently than usual.
Conclusion
The Zodiac G3 suction-side automatic pool cleaner is easy to assemble: put on the finned disc, the wheel deflector and the hose. Then connect it to the skimmer or to a separate vacuum line. You might need to spend time on getting the hose length and hose weight balanced, as well as testing the flow rate.
It works with the pool’s own pump, so you do not have to install and run an additional booster pump. The Zodiac G3 only works if the pool pump is running. The FlowKeeper™ valve automatically adjusts the flow rate of the water so that it will work even with a low-speed pool pump.
The Zodiac G3 sucks up debris such as leaves and dirt that accumulate on the pool floor and walls, but it probably will not clean the steps. The debris and leaves are captured by the pool filter. Checking and cleaning the pool filter regularly will ensure the optimal operation of this suction pool cleaner.
The long-life diaphragm is the only moving part of the pool cleaner. The unique quick-release cassette makes it easy to check or replace the diaphragm. This is probably the first part that might need replacing within a year or so of regular pool cleaning. Generally speaking, it is not an expensive pool cleaner to maintain or to repair.
All things considered, the Zodiac Baracuda G3 is recommended because it is easy to assemble and install, given that neither special tools nor extra plumbing are required. Furthermore, it has only one moving part: a durable, long-life diaphragm. Of course, it might not do a good job in all inground swimming pools, yet the majority of owners were satisfied with their purchase (buy now on Amazon – paid link).