Hayward W32025ADV PoolVac XL Suction Pool Cleaner for Vinyl Pools up to 20 x 40 ft. (Automatic Pool Vacuum)

First, about my pool. It's large -- 16 x 32 -- but shallow, only 5.5 feet from end to end. There's no "deep end" where junk can accumulate. The whole bottom needs cleaning.I ordered a "robot" electrical cleaner with a "programmed" electronic control., for over $1000. It didn't clean the whole bottom. It performed its routine, decided it was done, then turned itself off. I sent it back to the manufacturer twice, but they couldn't make it work. It's now awaiting recycling.The "robot" cleaner also needed supervision. I had to haul it out of the water and clean the basket, which was a nuisance. And I had to disconnect the electrical controller and move it under cover before running the lawn sprinkler, or when rain was forecast.The Hayward is a blessedly simple, straightforward device. It doesn't need electricity; when it's connected and the pool pump is running, IT'S running. It has no basket; the trash goes into the pump basket or the sand filter. It runs around in a random pattern that, it time, will clean the entire bottom of any pool. And it needs no supervision. It's idiot-proof.Some caveats. Make sure all the hose sections are clicked firmly into place.The cleaner will get hung up on large debris, like twigs, and deep creases in the liner. Take care of these before using.Suction is important. The suction gauge provided is helpful, but I discovered I don't need it. My pool has three drains; the bottom, the skimmer, and the vacuum port. I connect the cleaner to the vacuum port and close the other two drains. Suction is too high; it clings to the bottom. I open one of the other ports, and the cleaner moves, but slowly. I partially close the other port, a little at a time, until the cleaner is bopping merrily across the bottom at about one foot per second. Then I forget about it.There's no real reason to ever take it out of the pool; that's its element. Just cut the suction and move it out of the way.I love this gadget. I regret that it took me so much time, and so much money, to find it.

I have been fixing my old one for years and finally bought this new cleaner. It is great at cleaning, works perfectly and I’m glad I finally ditched the 14 year old version of this.

We have used this brand in our pool for a number of months. It has done its job — just worn out and needs to be replaced.

I have had an inground gunite pool for over thirty years. I have had several pool cleaners during that time. Each one had its pros and cons. My most recent cleaner was a Barracuda, which worked well for several years. However, recently it would only stay in the deep end. I replaced all the hoses, but the problem persisted. I decided to try this Hayward PoolVac XL. The setup was easy and I had it up and running in about 30 minutes. It circles the entire pool which is what I needed. On the downside, this vac does not climb the walls very well - goes up about a third of the way and drops back down. Another concern is I noticed that if this cleaner goes directly into the lowest pool stem, it stays stuck there for a few minutes before maneuvering away. Overall I'm satisficed with my purchase but only time will tell how this Hayward cleaner performs. UPDATE- I increased the pressure using the supplied pressure gauge to just about the maximum setting and now the unit climbs the walls a lot better. It still gets stuck at the lowest pool step but not for very long. I am very happy that it covers my entire pool and not just the deep end like my previous cleaner. UPDATE: After a recent storm, I noticed the Pool Vac was not working. Upon inspection, the unit was clogged up with leaves and debris. After clearing it out it still would not work. I took the unit apart to find that the four (black) bearings were damaged/missing. I'm having great difficulty determining the part number and proper installation. My Vac is just three months old so its quite disappointing to have it break down in such a short time.

Brochure says it "navigates" in vertical and horizontal paths. NO WAY. Works identically to my old Hayward, moves in random patterns. Would return but destroyed box upon installation.

Cleans my small play pool better than the more expensive version. The new design is cool.

I had a Hayward pool vacuum for many years and needed replacing, so I decided to stick with the same brand. The new one worked immediately and surprisingly quickly once hooked up to the pool's vacuum system. It moved along the pool bottom at a much faster speed than the old one. It operates independently and, if it runs into a wall and gets stuck, it soon adjusts and continues in a different direction. It provides ample suction for leaves and other debris that fall into the pool.

Easy to install. Cleans the bottom well but the walls are a bit tricky. The walls depends on the corners you have.