| The purpose of this review is to compare two | | | | Some of the problems with these cleaners is they |
| similar pool cleaners. I would like to start with the | | | | can get stuck. You have to work with them to |
| Baracuda and Kreepy Krauly. The brands | | | | solve the problem. Some of the solutions are |
| mentioned come in several different models and | | | | shorting the hose or weights can be added to the |
| are of the suction type pool cleaners. | | | | hose. One problem with the Kreepy is it can get |
| I have been in the pool service business for 30 | | | | stuck on the antivortex drains that are on the |
| years. I personally own 60 pool cleaners. I know | | | | bottom of in ground pools. They do make a |
| what you are thinking, why would I own so many | | | | device that can be placed around the drain and |
| cleaners? Well it is like this, I place the cleaner in | | | | the Kreepy passes over it with out any problems. |
| my customer's pool to keep the pool as clean as | | | | The Baracuda can become stuck on the drain but |
| possible. When I arrive to service the pool there is | | | | this seldom happens. |
| less work and I can service more pools in any | | | | The best solution for these problems is a steering |
| given day. So as you can see I have a lot of | | | | device that hooks into the automatic pool cleaner |
| experience with pool cleaners. | | | | hose. The name of the device is called the |
| Now back to the review, the Baracuda and | | | | Twister. This is a great little device that rotates |
| Kreepy, both work by being connected to the | | | | and turns the automatic pool cleaner in different |
| skimmer or a dedicated line. The best thing about | | | | directions. This helps the cleaner to become free |
| them is that they only have one moving part so | | | | if stuck. |
| if anything breaks it is usually the part that | | | | The Twister is powered by the constant flow of |
| moves. | | | | water through the pool cleaner hose. A paddle |
| The Kreepy uses a flapper or hammer as its | | | | wheel spins inside the Twister and transfers drive |
| moving part. When suction is applied the flapper | | | | to the pool hose, counter-rotating the hose about |
| starts moving back and forth in a chamber. The | | | | 3 times per hour. |
| hammer action propels the Kreepy forward. It | | | | If you are looking for an inexpensive way to |
| does make some noise as the flapper moves | | | | purchase a pool cleaner, then buy the Baracuda |
| back and forth. The suction also vacuums up the | | | | Wahoo. This is a very low priced automatic pool |
| dirt and small leaves. | | | | cleaner. In fact it is meant for above ground pools |
| The Baracuda has a diaphragm, as the water | | | | but can be used with in ground pools. I have put it |
| passes through the diaphragm it expands and | | | | in several in ground pools that have a lot of |
| contracts. This is what causes the cleaner to | | | | leaves and dirt and it does a great job. In fact I |
| move across the bottom of the pool. The | | | | have several that have worked trouble free for |
| diaphragm makes no noise as it works which is | | | | over a year. There is one draw back if the |
| something to be considered. The suction also | | | | manufacturer finds out that it is used for an in |
| vacuums up the dirt and small leaves as the | | | | ground pool the warranty is void. Like I said I |
| sweep moves across the pool. | | | | have had no problems with any of the cleaners. |
| Having one part makes the two cleaners cheap | | | | The Wahoo and Twister make a great cleaning |
| to operate. Although the rubber disk and foot pad | | | | system and for the money they cannot be beat. |
| will at some point wear out. These are great | | | | For the price the Baracuda and Kreepy are |
| cleaners if you understand they are not a perfect | | | | excellent cleaners and should be placed on your |
| solution, one must still perform some maintenance | | | | list of possible buys. |
| on the pool. | | | | |