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Introduction
Keeping your inground pool spotless without constant manual effort is a dream for every pool owner. Enter the Hayward W3PVS20GST Poolvergnuegen Suction Pool Cleaner, an automatic pool vacuum designed specifically for in-ground pools up to 16 x 32 feet. Priced at around 9, this gray 2-wheel drive cleaner promises efficient suction-powered cleaning of both the pool floor and walls, tackling leaves, dirt, and larger debris with ease. With a solid 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 781 Amazon reviews, it’s a popular choice among pool enthusiasts. But does it live up to the hype? In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into its features, performance, customer feedback, and whether it’s the right automatic pool vacuum for your backyard oasis.
Product Overview
The Hayward Poolvergnuegen suction pool cleaner stands out in the crowded market of automatic pool vacuums thanks to its innovative engineering tailored for average-sized inground pools. This model, often referred to as the Poolvergnuegen 2-Wheel Suction PoolCleaner, operates purely on your pool’s suction power—no electricity or booster pump required—making it a cost-effective and low-maintenance option.
Key Features and Specifications
- Pool Compatibility: Ideal for in-ground pools up to 16 x 32 feet, such as rectangular or average-sized setups around 11 x 30 feet with depths up to 5 feet.
- 2-Wheel Drive System: Patented self-adjusting turbine vanes optimize power at any flow rate, allowing passage of large debris without frequent clogs.
- Climbing Ability: Special tire treads and adjustable roller skirts enhance obstacle navigation and maintain suction on uneven surfaces and walls.
- Smart Navigation: Multiple pre-programmed internal steering sequences ensure thorough coverage, with what users describe as a “built-in memory system” that improves over time.
- Hose Setup: Includes up to 10 hose sections (users often need only 7 for standard pools), compatible with side suction ports.
- Color and Durability: Gray finish noted for potential UV resistance; replaceable tires and parts extend lifespan.
- Works with Variable Speed Pumps: Performs at lower RPMs like 1700, adjustable via skimmer valve for fine-tuning.
This suction-side cleaner connects directly to your pool’s skimmer or dedicated suction line, harnessing the pump’s power to vacuum debris into the filter. It’s straightforward to assemble and doesn’t require the included supply bag or control valve for many setups.
Pros
Based on the product specs and glowing customer experiences, here are the standout advantages of the Hayward W3PVS20GST Poolvergnuegen suction pool cleaner:
- Exceptional Cleaning Efficiency: Tackles both pool floors and walls effectively, often reaching the tile line. Users report it picks up leaves, dirt, and large debris with rarely getting clogged, even in leaf-heavy areas.
- Wall-Climbing Prowess: Patented treads and skirts allow it to climb obstacles and uneven surfaces, with many noting improved wall cleaning over time as it “learns” the pool layout.
- Versatile with Variable Speed Pumps: Functions reliably at lower speeds (e.g., 1700 RPM), saving energy. Adjustable via valve for optimal performance without over-suction.
- Thorough Coverage and Smart Steering: Pre-programmed sequences and memory-like behavior ensure it doesn’t miss spots, focusing on deep and shallow ends after initial “retraining.”
- Durability and Longevity: Customers report 3-5 years of daily use (4 hours/day), with easy tire replacements. One user bought a second after the first lasted 5 years in a 16,500-gallon pool.
- Rarely Gets Stuck: Excellent maneuverability around obstacles, needing fewer hoses than provided for mid-sized pools.
- Value for Money: At $509, it outperforms predecessors like the Hayward Navigator or Viper Creepy Crawley in corner and side cleaning, per long-term users.
Cons
No pool cleaner is perfect, and honest feedback from reviews highlights a few drawbacks with this Hayward automatic pool vacuum:
- Occasional Wall Slippage: It may fall off walls halfway up, depending on pump speed, and takes 6-10 seconds to recover after hitting air. Not ideal for all wall types.
- Air-Sucking Noise: When it breaches the water surface during aggressive wall cleaning, it produces an annoying sucking sound, best avoided at night.
- Skips Steps and Seats: Doesn’t navigate in-pool steps or seats effectively, requiring manual cleaning in those areas.
- Tire Wear Over Time: The “intentional bump” on tires that prevents sticking wears down after 3 years, necessitating simple but periodic replacements.
- Initial Training Period: May initially favor the deep end; users recommend manually repositioning to shallow areas to “retrain” its path.
These issues are manageable with tweaks like pump adjustments or occasional intervention, but they’re worth noting for realistic expectations.
Customer Reviews Analysis
With a 4.4-star rating from 781 reviews, the Hayward W3PVS20GST earns high marks for reliability and performance in real-world inground pools. Positive sentiment dominates, with users praising its evolution from good to great over time.
One long-term owner with a variable speed pump and 11×30-foot rectangular pool shared: “Efficient cleaner, does pool floor and walls… Upgraded to 5 stars after 3+ years. Works at 1700 RPM, picks up leaves and dirt with no problem, rarely clogs.” They appreciated the memory system, noting it improved wall cleaning and rarely got stuck, though it skips steps.
Durability shines through in repeat purchases: “My second one. First lasted 5 years… 365 days a year, 4 hrs per day in a 16,500-gallon pool. Excellent on floors and walls. Replaceable wheels, changed tires yearly.” The gray color was flagged for UV resistance.
Comparisons favor it heavily: “Third pool vacuum… Hayward Poolvergnuegen is far superior, reaches every corner and 2 feet up the sides.” It outperforms older models in coverage.
Minor complaints echo the cons: overzealous wall cleaning causing noise (“broke air surface 3 times in 60 seconds”), slippage on some walls, and tire wear. However, solutions like valve adjustments resolve most issues. Overall, 80-90% of feedback is positive, with satisfaction growing post-setup. Combine with an inline filter to minimize pump clogs, as suggested.
Review Breakdown
- 5-Star Reviews (~60%): Praise longevity, coverage, debris handling.
- 4-Star Reviews (~25%): Solid but note noise or minor tweaks needed.
- Lower Ratings (~15%): Focus on slippage, steps, or wear—often mitigated by maintenance.
This data underscores its value as a workhorse automatic pool vacuum for suction-side systems.
Who Should Buy This Product
The Hayward W3PVS20GST Poolvergnuegen suction pool cleaner is perfect for:
- Owners of Average Inground Pools: Up to 16 x 32 feet, rectangular or similar shapes with side suction ports.
- Variable Speed Pump Users: Excels at energy-efficient low RPMs without sacrificing power.
- Hands-Off Cleaners: Those seeking an automatic pool vacuum that handles floors, walls, and debris autonomously after setup.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: At $509, it’s a durable alternative to pricier electric models, ideal for seasonal or year-round use.
- Experienced Pool Maintainers: Willing to do initial training, valve tweaks, and tire swaps for long-term savings.
Avoid if your pool has complex steps, benches, or requires ultra-quiet operation. It’s not for above-ground or oversized pools.
Final Verdict
The Hayward W3PVS20GST Poolvergnuegen Suction Pool Cleaner delivers reliable, efficient cleaning for inground pools, earning its 4.4-star reputation through smart features, durability, and real-user improvements over time. While it has quirks like occasional wall drops and noise, these are easily managed, and its pros—superior coverage, debris handling, and longevity—far outweigh the cons for most users.
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Highly recommended for average-sized inground pool owners seeking a suction-side automatic pool vacuum that works smarter with each run. Pair it with proper maintenance, and it’ll keep your pool pristine for years.
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