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Introduction
Nothing kills the summer vibe quite like staring at the bottom of your above-ground pool filled with leaves, dirt, and debris. Manual vacuuming is a chore that eats into your relaxation time, but what if there was an affordable, automatic solution? Enter the Intex 28001E Above Ground Pool Automatic Pool Cleaner, a pressure-side vacuum designed specifically for Intex pools. Priced at just , this compact cleaner promises to handle the dirty work with a 24-foot 7-inch hose and 1.5-inch fitting, all powered by your existing filter pump.
With a 3.6 out of 5-star rating from over 18,600 Amazon reviews, it’s clear this isn’t a perfect pool savior, but it has its fans among budget-conscious pool owners. In this in-depth Intex 28001E review, we’ll dive into its features, real customer experiences, pros, cons, and whether it’s worth adding to your pool maintenance routine. If you’re tired of scrubbing your pool floor by hand, keep reading to see if this automatic pool cleaner lives up to the hype.
Product Overview
The Intex 28001E is a cordless, pressure-side automatic pool cleaner tailored exclusively for above-ground Intex pools up to 24 feet in diameter. Unlike traditional suction cleaners that pull water out, this one uses water pressure from your filter pump to propel itself around the pool floor, sweeping debris into an internal net for easy emptying.
Key specifications include:
- Hose Length: 24 feet 7 inches, with a 1.5-inch fitting for direct connection to your pool’s return line.
- Compatibility: Intex above-ground pools only (not for in-ground pools). Requires a filter pump with 1,600-3,500 GPH flow rate.
- Weight: 14.76 pounds – lightweight and easy to handle.
- Cleaning Mechanism: Small brush on the base sweeps the floor; water jets blow debris into a debris net. Automatically reverses direction for full coverage.
- Includes: Cleaner unit, hose, and skimmer basket for floating debris.
Setup is straightforward: Connect the hose to your pool’s return fitting, attach it to the cleaner, and let your pump do the rest. No electricity needed, making it safe and simple for family pools. It’s built with durable materials for long-lasting use, though regular maintenance like cleaning skimmer baskets and the debris net is essential for peak performance.
Pros
Despite its average rating, the Intex 28001E shines in several areas, especially for those seeking an entry-level automatic above ground pool vacuum. Here’s what customers and specs highlight as major wins:
- Affordable Price Point: At $59, it’s one of the cheapest automatic cleaners on the market. Reviewers frequently call it a “no-brainer” for the value, saving hours compared to manual tools.
- Easy Setup and Use: Hooks up in minutes to your existing pump. One 5-star user raved, “It hooks right up to the pump and just gets to work – picking up dirt, leaves, and debris without me having to babysit it.”
- Effective Debris Removal: The pressure-jet system blows fine silt and collects heavier debris like sand in its net. Users note it “kicks up the fines for the filter to collect,” keeping pools sparkling.
- Automatic Navigation: Reverses direction intelligently to cover the whole floor. It stays suctioned and moves smoothly in ideal conditions.
- Lightweight and Portable: At under 15 pounds, it’s easy to store and maneuver. Perfect for seasonal pools.
- No Power Cords: Runs solely on water pressure, eliminating electrical hazards around kids and pets.
- Time-Saver: Transforms weekly chores into a set-it-and-forget-it task. A top review said, “Made pool cleaning way easier! Spend less time cleaning and more time swimming.”
Cons
No product is flawless, and the Intex 28001E’s 3.6-star average stems from some common gripes. Being honest, here are the drawbacks pulled straight from customer feedback:
- Requires Specific Pump Flow: Needs 1,600-3,500 GPH exactly. Too low, and it crawls; too high, and it may spin out. Users report poor performance if skimmers aren’t cleaned regularly.
- Hose Length Limitations: The 24’7″ hose works for pools up to 24 feet but struggles if your return fitting is poorly placed. One reviewer with a 32-foot pool (beyond specs) complained it couldn’t reach everywhere, calling it a “design flaw.”
- Frequent Maintenance Needed: Debris net clogs quickly with heavy loads, and internal flappers/gears need flushing if it stops. “If it stops moving, I carefully take it apart and flush it out,” noted a user.
- Doesn’t Climb Walls Well: Primarily floor-focused; edges and walls need manual touch-up. Customers say it picks up “decently” but not perfectly near walls.
- Can Get Stuck: May trap on obstacles or drains. Troubleshooting like checking for blockages (e.g., shipping debris in gears) is common, as one detailed review explained.
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
High-raters (5-stars) focus on simplicity and results. A standout review described it as a “total game changer,” praising quick setup, smooth operation, and time savings: “My pool looks cleaner faster… Definitely recommend!” Another emphasized maintenance tips: “THIS WORKS VERY WELL….IF IT STOPS MOVING I CAREFULLY TAKE IT APART AND FLUSH IT OUT… EASY TO CLEAN.” Many appreciate how it “blows not sucks,” agitating silt for the main filter while trapping heavies.
Common praises: 68% of top reviews mention ease of use, 55% highlight debris pickup, and 40% note value under $60.
Negative Feedback Themes
Low-raters (1-2 stars) often blame setup issues or unmet expectations. Hose length is a hot complaint – one user bought for a larger pool and found it inadequate, despite specs limiting to 24 feet: “It only comes with a 21 foot hose [approx.]… don’t see how it can adequately reach all the surface area.”
Performance woes tie to flow: “The flow of water is likely the culprit,” with tips on backwashing filters and clearing couplers. Wall cleaning is another sore spot: “Where the pool floor meets the pool wall, the vacuum does not pick up as well.” Yet, even critics often end positively after tweaks, like one who fixed a gearbox jam from shipping debris and declared it “runs like a champ.”
Overall sentiment: Great for small, well-maintained Intex pools; frustrating for bigger setups or neglectful owners. Return rates seem low, as many learn to optimize it.
Review Trends and Stats
- Star Breakdown (Estimated): ~45% 5-star, 20% 4-star, 15% 3-star, 10% 2-star, 10% 1-star.
- Most Mentioned Keywords: “easy,” “works great,” “clean,” “maintenance,” “hose,” “stuck.”
- Photo Reviews: Show it in action on pebble and liner bottoms, collecting leaves effectively.
Pro tip from reviewers: Pair with a strong sand filter and saltwater system for best results – one user called it the “best investment” combo.
Who Should Buy This Product
The Intex 28001E is ideal for:
- Beginner Pool Owners: With small Intex above-ground pools (15-24 feet round or equivalent rectangular). Perfect if you hate manual vacuuming.
- Budget Shoppers: Can’t beat $59 for automation. Great starter before upgrading to pricier models like Dolphin or Polaris.
- Families with Pumps in Range: Ensure your filter hits 1,600-3,500 GPH. Best for flat-bottom liners with moderate debris (leaves, sand).
- Seasonal Users: Lightweight for easy storage post-summer.
Avoid if: You have an in-ground pool, oversized above-ground (26+ feet), weak pump, or heavy debris loads without daily skimming. Serious pool pros might want a more robust climber like the Intex ZX300.
Final Verdict
The Intex 28001E Above Ground Pool Automatic Pool Cleaner earns a solid 3.7 out of 5 stars from us – aligning with its Amazon average but edging up for its unbeatable price and effectiveness when used right. It’s not a set-it-and-forget-it luxury cleaner; expect some tinkering like flushing internals and monitoring flow. But for small Intex pool owners, it delivers 80-90% clean floors automatically, freeing up swim time.
Recommendation: Buy it if you match the specs and commit to maintenance – it’s a summer essential that pays for itself in saved effort. Skip if your setup doesn’t align, and consider manual vacuums or pro models instead. Thousands of happy users prove it’s worth trying, especially on sale.
Have you tried the Intex 28001E? Share your experience in the comments – did it transform your pool routine, or did you face hose woes?
