Looking for a reliable suction pool cleaner for your inground swimming pool? The Hayward Aquanaut automatic suction inground pool cleaner might just satisfy your pool cleaning needs. You may read my review to discover the various Aquanaut models and their key features. Furthermore, I compare the Hayward Aquanaut versus the Poolvergnuegen PoolCleaner, the Hayward Phoenix, and the Pentair Kreepy Krauly Warrior. I also answer a number of questions about its installation, operation, problems and benefits.
Hayward Aquanaut vs. Poolvergnuegen PoolCleaner
Before going any further with this Hayward Aquanaut review, let me get the Poolvergnuegen PoolCleaner out of the way. If you know nothing about the Poolvergnuegen PoolCleaner, then read my review for more information.
The bottom line is that Hayward Industries acquired the Poolvergnuegen company in 2013. The Aquanaut Series automatic pool cleaners are based on the Poolvergnuegen PoolCleaner design.
Hayward Aquanaut vs. Phoenix
The Aquanaut and Phoenix series suction pool cleaners are based on the design of the Poolvergnuegen PoolCleaner. The main differences between these Hayward models are down to the color schemes and the design of the handle and hubcaps. The internal mechanisms are the same.
Hayward Aquanaut vs. Pentair Kreepy Krauly Warrior
There is a significant resemblance between the Hayward Aquanaut 200 and the Pentair Kreepy Krauly Warrior automatic inground pool cleaners. These suction-side pool cleaners both have a 2-wheel design, roller skirt and flexible internal turbine.
Likewise, they are both promoted as being able to handle debris without clogging due to the adjustable turbine design. By the same token, they also maintain suction power when moving over obstacles such as raised drains because of the roller skirt.
Comparatively, the Pentair Kreepy Krauly Warrior has similar features and performance, yet it might be a more affordable option (check price on Amazon).
Hayward Aquanaut 200 vs. 400
The Hayward Aquanaut 200, model number PHS21CST, has two wheels and is made to clean pool sizes up to 16 feet by 32 feet. If your swimming pool is bigger than this, you should choose the Aquanaut 400 model. The Hayward Aquanaut 200 comes with nine hose sections and one leader hose, which is about 33 feet long when connected.
The Hayward Aquanaut 400, model number PHS41CST, has four wheels and is created to clean pool sizes up to 20 feet by 40 feet. It is also recommended for swimming pools that have deep ends of around 8 to 9 feet deep. The Hayward Aquanaut 400 comes with eleven hose sections and one leader hose for a total hose length of 40 feet (buy on Amazon).
Hayward Aquanaut 250 And 450
These models, the Aquanaut 250 PBS22CST and the Aquanaut 450 PBS42CST, have the same features as the other models, but they are expert line products that are only sold by local pool professionals. Otherwise, I cannot see what the differences are when compared to the Aquanaut 200 and 400 models.
Self-Adjusting Turbine Vanes
The turbine vanes are not fixed, it has a flexible construction. This means that the vanes can flex to let bigger pieces of debris through without stopping the turbines. This reduces the chance of debris clogging up the turbine. It is called V-Flex™ technology. Just a fancy name for flexible turbine blades.
Internal Programmed Steering System
The Hayward Aquanaut 200 has five programmed turns that go from 90 to 450 degrees. The two-wheeled Aquanaut moves for about 9 feet before it executes a turn by reversing the left wheel. The pool cleaner then moves in a new direction until it turns again.
The Hayward Aquanaut 400 has three different programmed turns that range between 90 and 540 degrees. It goes forwards for about 12 feet before it starts to turn.
Self-Adjusting Roller Skirt
The roller skirts help the Hayward Aquanaut to retain suction power when moving over small obstacles or uneven surfaces. The roller skirts in front and behind the central suction inlet can lift over the obstacle and come down again after passing over the obstacle. This action prevents the pool cleaner from losing suction power.
Tire Treads
The Hayward Aquanaut has patented tire treads with a raised section that help it to move over obstacles such as uneven surfaces or main drains. The raised hump on the tire tread is also useful for keeping track of the wheel RPM and making adjustments to the RPM to make it run at its best.
Different Size Suction Inlets
Three inlet throat sizes are included with the Hayward Aquanaut. Insert the small inlet when the pool pump is small or when it is a low flow variable speed pump. Insert the medium inlet for a medium size pool pump with normal flow rates. Use the large inlet if you have a large, high flow pool pump.
How do you install the Hayward Aquanaut?
Time needed: 10 minutes
The Aquanaut product manual tells you how to install this suction pool cleaner in detail, but here is a quick summary of the steps that are involved.
- Preparation
Prepare your pool by removing big pieces of debris, cleaning pump baskets and filters, correcting chemical imbalances and by pointing all the return fittings downward.
- Connect The Hoses
Connect the hose sections and the leader hose. Connect the leader hose to the pool cleaner head, add the hose floats at around 20 to 25 inches from the cleaner head, add adjustable regulator valve, add hose cone adapter or vacuum lock.
- Dive! Dive! Dive!
Submerge the Hayward Aquanaut and its hoses in the swimming pool and make sure that all the air is pushed out of the hoses.
- Hook It Up
Make sure that the pool pump is turned off, then hook up the hose or regulator valve to the skimmer or to the vacuum lock in the dedicated suction line.
- Adjustments
Adjust the wheel RPM, the bypass valve and the suction flow.
Does the Aquanaut require much servicing?
Sometimes a large piece of debris might cause the turbine vanes to stop turning. You will have to open up the pool cleaner and remove the obstruction.
The tire treads are another thing to keep an eye on. Replace the tires when they are worn down to the wear indicator marks. However, I am not sure where you can buy new tire treads. That might be a problem. You could try Poolvergnuegen PoolCleaner tire treads. It is the same design. It might be worth a try if you cannot find Hayward Aquanaut tire treads for sale.
Does it climb and clean pool walls?
The manufacturer says that it does climb pool walls. If it does not climb the pool wall in your pool, then there is not enough suction power to get it up the wall. You might also check the position of the hose floats. These are the main things that will influence its wall climbing ability.
What is the problem when the Hayward Aquanaut tries to climb out of the swimming pool? There are a few things that might be wrong if this happens. The first is that there is too much suction power. The bypass valve or the vacuum plate might need adjustment. The tire treads or adjustable skirts might also be worn down.
Will it damage a vinyl pool liner?
No, it has soft rubber tire treads (which wear down after frequent use) that will not damage a vinyl liner.
Does the Hayward Aquanaut have filter bags?
No, it does not have filter bags or filter cartridges. It is an automatic suction pool cleaner that relies on the pool pump for suction power. It vacuums up dirt and debris, which is then caught by the pool filter system.
If you are worried about too many leaves getting to the pool filter, then you might buy and add a Hayward W530 leaf canister to the hose sections to catch the tree leaves.
Does it have any problems I should know about?
It seems that the Aquanaut might not climb the walls of every swimming pool. This is a difficult problem to solve. You cannot be completely certain if it will climb the pool walls until you have actually bought, installed, calibrated and used it.
Verdict: Is The Hayward Aquanaut Worth The Money?
Is the Aquanaut suction-side pool cleaner worth anything, or is it worth nothing at all?
There is no need to be so extreme. No pool cleaner is either completely perfect or a complete failure. Let us consider its beneficial features.
The flexible turbine with its V-Flex technology is at the top of the list of benefits. The Aquanaut will vacuum up debris and keep going when other suction cleaners stop working due to clogging.
The internal steering and gearing system is probably the next best thing to mention. This helps the Hayward Aquanaut to navigate a swimming pool without constantly getting stuck on steps or being cornered by corners.
Another benefit might be that the tire treads have a raised section, or a hump, which helps to move the Aquanaut pool cleaner over a main drain without getting stuck. In reality, the tire treads are soft and wear down in less than two years. The treads might wear down even quicker if your pool has a rough surface. Don’t worry, the treads are easy to replace. Finding replacement tire treads is the only difficult part.
To conclude, the Hayward Aquanaut automatic pool cleaner is easy to install and easy to use. Its suction performance can be adjusted, so it should work well with a variable-speed pool pump. In brief, the Hayward Aquanaut is probably worth the money (shop now on Amazon).