The Kreepy Krauly 360040, 360042 and 360048 are suction-side inground pool cleaners that replace the popular but discontinued Kreepy Krauly Classic K70405. It has only one moving part (the flapper) which makes it low-maintenance and very reliable.
Introduction
The Pentair Kreepy Krauly is a suction-side inground pool cleaner that installs easily into the skimmer and does not require an extra booster pump to function. It gets all the suction power it needs from the pool pump to suck up dirt and debris, which is then captured by the pool filter. It does not have its own filter bag. My Kreepy Krauly review discusses model numbers, pool surface types, components, hose sections and the leaf canister.
Which model is made for cleaning which pool surface type?
The difference between the pool cleaner models comes down to the type of seal that is used on the bottom as a foot pad.
The Kreepy Krauly 360040 has a flat seal which can only be used in pools with either a concrete or a gunite surface.
The Kreepy Krauly 360042 has a universal pleated seal which can be used in all pool types.
There is another model number, the Kreepy Krauly 360048, which seems to be the same as the 360042. It looks like it has the pleated seal, so I do not know what the difference is between the two models except for the model numbers. Just get the 360042 model. You do not have to bother with the Kreepy Krauly 360048.
What pool cleaner parts are included in the box?
- 1 female/female hose section
- 11 male/female hose sections
- Automatic regulator valve
- Bumper assembly
- Eyeball diverter and outer ring
- Hose protector
- Kreepy Krauly cleaner
- Either a pleated seal (universal) or a flat seal (for concrete pools only)
- Threaded compression adapter
- Two hose weights
- Valve cap
- Wings (left and right)
Is a leaf canister included?
No, it is not included in the box. You have to buy a clear leaf trap separately. The Pentair R211084K clear leaf trap is designed to function with these automatic pool cleaners. The clear leaf trap catches the leaves in its own debris bag. This prevents tree leaves from reaching the pool pump basket. If your pool gets a lot of tree leaves, then a clear leaf canister is worth buying (buy on Amazon).
What is the total length of the included hose sections?
Each hose section is about one meter (3.3 feet) long, for a total hose length of 12 meters (or 40 feet). There are enough hoses to cover most inground pool sizes such as 16’x32′, 18’x34′ and up to 40 feet maximum. If your pool size is bigger than 40 feet, you could order extra hose sections to add to the 12 sections that are already included in the box.
Remember to remove and store the hoses straight and flat, instead of just doing it the lazy way and leaving it all coiled up. The hoses have an annoying tendency to retain the coiled shape as a permanent bend. These cleaner hose kinks cause problems in the cleaning coverage pattern.
How well does the Kreepy Krauly clean the walls?
It cleans the walls if the suction power is balanced correctly: not too much suction and not too little either. It cleans the walls well enough.
What pool bottom slopes can the Kreepy Krauly climb?
It has no problem climbing slopes in the range of 8 feet to 3 feet deep. If the slope is not completely vertical, then the pool cleaner will crawl its way up from the deep end to the shallow end of the pool.
Conclusion
The Kreepy Krauly suction-side inground automatic pool cleaner comes with all the hoses and components you need for a standard in-skimmer installation. It is easy to install if you follow the instructions in the Kreepy Krauly manual.
The optional vacuum line installation requires the additional purchase of a snap-lock wall fitting and a 45-degree hose connector. These two components are not included in the box.
The biggest hang-up seems to be that it sometimes gets stuck on the steps or cornered in a corner. Adjusting the position of the hose weights, the amount of hose sections and the amount of suction might not solve this problem. Buying and installing a ladder guard might also reduce this problem.
The pool cleaner might leave certain spots in the pool untouched. It cleans most places in the swimming pool on its own, but it does not clean perfectly.
The pool cleaner does not have complex gears or lots of parts that wear out. It is therefore relatively cheap to maintain and repair. Regular maintenance is limited to inspecting the flapper for obstructions, the foot pad for wear and the hose sections for bends.
Kreepy Krauly suction-side inground pool cleaners usually last for many years before needing a replacement. It is a cost-effective automatic pool cleaner that cleans an inground swimming pool. It creeps, it crawls and it cleans. You may buy it on Amazon.
Of course, if you want to save a few dollars, then you might consider a slightly cheaper model, such as the Pentair Kreepy Krauly Kruiser suction pool cleaner (read my review of the Kruiser).