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Introduction
Owning an above-ground pool brings endless summer fun, but keeping it spotless can quickly turn into a chore. Enter the Intex 28001E Above Ground Pool Automatic Pool Cleaner, a budget-friendly pressure-side vacuum designed specifically for Intex pools. Priced at just , this compact cleaner promises to handle the dirty work with minimal effort, using your existing filter pump’s water pressure to sweep and collect debris. With over 18,000 customer reviews averaging 3.6 out of 5 stars, it’s a popular choiceâbut does it live up to the hype?
In this in-depth review, we’ll dive into the features, real-user experiences, pros and cons, and whether this Intex pool cleaner is the right fit for your backyard oasis. Whether you’re tired of manual vacuuming or shopping for the best above ground pool vacuum on a budget, read on to see if the 28001E delivers crystal-clear results.
Product Overview
The Intex 28001E is a cordless, automatic pressure-side pool cleaner tailored exclusively for above-ground Intex pools up to 24 feet in diameter. Unlike traditional suction cleaners that pull water out, this model blows high-pressure water jets to dislodge dirt, sand, leaves, and fine silt from the pool floor, directing it into an internal debris net for easy emptying.
Key specifications include:
- Hose Length: 24 feet 7 inches, with 1.5-inch fittings for direct connection to your pool’s return line.
- Compatibility: Requires a filter pump with 1,600â3,500 GPH flow rate; not suitable for in-ground pools or non-Intex setups.
- Weight: 14.76 poundsâlightweight and easy to handle.
- Cleaning Mechanism: Small brush on the base sweeps debris, while water jets create suction and propel the cleaner in random patterns, automatically reversing direction for full coverage.
- Includes: Cleaner head, hose, and debris net; optional skimmer basket recommended for floating debris.
Setup is straightforward: Connect the hose to your pool’s return fitting, prime the system, and drop it in. It operates passively, powered solely by your pumpâno electricity needed. Ideal for flat-bottom Intex pools, it focuses on floor cleaning rather than walls or steps.
Pros
Despite its modest rating, the Intex 28001E shines in several areas, earning praise from thousands of satisfied users. Here are the top advantages based on product specs and customer feedback:
- Affordable Price Point: At $59, it’s one of the most budget-friendly automatic above ground pool cleaners available, offering great value without skimping on core functionality.
- Easy Installation and Use: Users rave about the simple hookupâno tools required. One 5-star reviewer noted, “It hooks right up to the pump and just gets to workâpicking up dirt, leaves, and debris without me having to babysit it.”
- Effective Debris Removal: The pressure-jet system excels at kicking up fine silt and collecting heavier particles like sand in the debris net. A happy owner shared, “It kicks up the fines for the filter to collect… EASY TO CLEAN.”
- Time-Saving Automation: Runs independently, freeing you for poolside relaxation. Many report cleaner pools in half the time compared to manual vacuums.
- Lightweight and Durable: At under 15 pounds, it’s portable and built with sturdy materials for season after season of use.
- Random Navigation Pattern: Automatically reverses direction to cover the entire floor, preventing missed spots in smaller pools.
- No Electricity Required: Safer and more convenient than powered cleaners, relying on your existing pump.
Cons
No product is perfect, and the Intex 28001E has its share of drawbacks, particularly for mismatched setups or low-maintenance seekers. Common complaints from reviews include:
- Hose Length Limitations: The 24’7″ hose struggles in larger 24-foot pools or off-center pump placements. One user lamented, “It only comes with a 21 foot hose [approx.]… I don’t see how this awesome vacuum can adequately reach all the surface area of a 24 foot pool.”
- Requires Regular Maintenance: Debris net, hose couplers, and skimmer baskets need frequent cleaning to maintain performance. Neglect leads to sluggish movement, as noted: “Clean the filter inside of the vacuum and also inside of the hose coupler.”
- Flow Rate Sensitivity: Demands precise pump output (1,600â3,500 GPH); weaker pumps cause poor suction, while stronger ones may overwhelm it. Obstructions like shipping debris can halt it initially.
- Poor Wall and Corner Cleaning: Sticks to the floor but falters near walls: “Where the pool floor meets the pool wall, the vacuum does not pick up as well.”
- Occasional Sticking: Can get trapped on debris or wrinkles; requires manual intervention or flushing the flapper, per users: “IF IT STOPS MOVING I CAREFULLY TAKE IT APART AND FLUSH IT OUT.”
Customer Reviews Analysis
With 18,638 reviews averaging 3.6 stars, the Intex 28001E polarizes users: about 50% give 4-5 stars for its bang-for-buck performance, while others dock points for reliability quirks. Let’s break it down.
Positive Feedback Themes
Top-rated reviews (4-5 stars) highlight ease and efficiency. A standout 5-star comment captures the sentiment: “So worth itâmade pool cleaning way easier! đââď¸â¨… My pool looks cleaner faster, and it saves so much time compared to manual vacuuming. Itâs easy to install, runs smoothly, and stays suctioned where it should.”
Many appreciate its “blow not suck” design, which agitates silt for the main filter to catch. Long-term users emphasize maintenance tips: “THIS WORKS VERY WELL….REMEMBER IT BLOWS NOT SUCKS…KICKS UP THE FINES FOR THE FILTER TO COLLECT.” Even some initial skeptics convert after troubleshooting, like one who found blocked gears from extra parts and now calls it a “champ.”
Negative Feedback Themes
Lower ratings (1-3 stars) focus on setup frustrations and incomplete coverage. Hose length is a frequent gripe, especially for rectangular pools with end-mounted pumps. Performance dips without vigilant upkeep: backwashing filters and clearing debris nets are musts, or it “runs very slow.”
Some report it as “not working at all” out-of-box due to air locks or low pressure, but most issues resolve with priming or cleaning. Wall proximity remains a weak spot, prompting supplemental manual vacuums every few weeks.
Overall Trends
Star distribution skews mid-range: ~40% 5-stars, ~20% 4-stars, ~15% 3-stars, and the rest lower. Success hinges on compatibilityâperfect for small, round Intex pools with adequate pumps. Verified purchasers note it excels in debris-heavy environments (leaves, sand), but light users may find maintenance tedious. Tips like using a saltwater system with sand filter amplify results, per enthusiasts.
Who Should Buy This Product
The Intex 28001E is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Pool Owners: If you’re new to above-ground pools and want an entry-level automatic cleaner under $100.
- Intex Pool Users with Small Setups: Best for round pools 24 feet or smaller, with pumps in the 1,600â3,500 GPH range and centered returns.
- Low-Maintenance Enthusiasts Willing to Learn: Those okay with 5-10 minute weekly cleanings of the net and baskets.
- Families Seeking Convenience: Parents who prioritize swim time over scrubbingâit’s hands-off once running.
Avoid if you have a larger/rectangular pool, variable pump flow, or expect wall-climbing prowess. Upgrade seekers might eye pricier suction models, but for value, this hits the mark.
Final Verdict
The Intex 28001E Above Ground Pool Automatic Pool Cleaner earns a solid 3.7 out of 5 stars from us. It’s a game-changer for compatible Intex pools, delivering reliable floor cleaning at an unbeatable price. Strengths like effortless setup, effective debris agitation, and time savings outweigh minor hassles for most users. However, hose limitations and maintenance needs temper its appeal for bigger or finicky setupsâalways verify your pump specs first.
Recommendation: Buy if you own a qualifying Intex pool and embrace quick upkeep routines. It’s not flawless, but for $59, it’s tough to beat the convenience-to-cost ratio. Pair it with regular skimmer emptying and pump backwashing for sparkling results all season. If it fits your system, dive inâyour pool (and free time) will thank you!
