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Introduction
Keeping your swimming pool crystal clear and ready for summer fun can be a hassle, especially when leaves, debris, and dirt accumulate on the bottom and sides. Enter the MAKHOON Upgrade Pool Pressure Side Sweeper, a professional-grade pool cleaner designed to tackle in-ground pools with efficiency and reliability. Priced at 9 and boasting a solid 4.2 out of 5 stars from 363 customer reviews on Amazon, this 4-wheel pressure side sweeper promises thorough cleaning without the need for expensive robotic alternatives. But does it live up to the hype? In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into its features, performance, pros, cons, and real user feedback to help you decide if it’s the right pool pressure side sweeper for your backyard oasis.
Product Overview
The MAKHOON pool sweeper is built for pool owners who already have a dedicated booster pump setup, making it a pressure-tested cleaner that harnesses your pool’s water pressure for powerful suction and movement. Unlike suction-side or robotic cleaners, this model connects via a threaded 1-1/2″ female pipe fitting, allowing easy installation and adjustment of the feed hose to match various pool lengths and shapes.
Key specifications and features include:
- Stable 4-Wheel Design: Four wheels provide superior stability and maneuverability, preventing tipping and ensuring it covers more ground than traditional 3-wheel models like older Polaris sweepers.
- Efficient Cleaning Coverage: Designed to work longer hours, it scrubs the pool floor, walls, and even stairs, with adjustable jet power direction for customized performance.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple debris bag replacement (compatible with 380 series parts), keeping it in top condition for years.
- Versatile Compatibility: Ideal for in-ground pools of various sizes; just ensure you have a second booster pump, as it’s not included.
- Dimensions and Build: Robust construction for durability, with users noting high-quality assembly out of the box.
At its core, this pressure side pool cleaner is a cost-effective upgrade for those tired of manual brushing or unreliable cleaners. However, its reliance on a separate booster pump means it’s not a plug-and-play solution for everyone.
Pros
Based on the product details and hundreds of glowing customer reviews, the MAKHOON sweeper shines in several areas. Here are the top advantages:
- Exceptional Value for Money: At $399, it’s a fraction of the cost of premium brands like Polaris or robotic cleaners over $1,200, yet delivers comparable or better performance according to users upgrading from Pentair or older Polaris models.
- Superior 4-Wheel Stability: The four-wheel structure glides smoothly across pool floors and up walls, climbing stairs effortlessly and reducing the chances of getting stuck compared to 3-wheel designs.
- Thorough and Efficient Cleaning: Customers rave about its ability to pick up leaves, twigs, dirt, and fine debris, leaving pools “spotless” even after heavy rains or storms.
- Adjustable Performance: Features a flow adjuster for directing trajectory (down, sideways, or up), solving common issues like getting caught on ladders or limited reach.
- Easy Setup and Maintenance: Assembles quickly out of the box, with compatible debris bags and minimal upkeep required for long-term reliability.
- No Tangles or Shortening Needed: The hose performs well as-is, avoiding the tangling frustrations of competitors.
- Long-Lasting Durability: Year-round pool owners report it holds up well, with the affordable price making replacements painless if needed after a few years.
These pros make it a standout choice for efficient swimming pool cleaning, especially for budget-conscious pool owners seeking professional results.
Cons
No product is perfect, and the MAKHOON sweeper has a few drawbacks highlighted in reviews. While the overall rating is strong, here’s an honest look at the downsides:
- Requires a Separate Booster Pump: This is the biggest caveat—without an existing booster pump and piping, it’s not usable, potentially adding significant extra costs for new setups.
- Debris Bag Clogs Quickly: The stock bag design clogs fast with fine debris (likely due to patent workarounds avoiding Polaris copies), requiring immediate replacement with a 360 zipper bag (about $20 for a 3-pack).
- Occasional Sticking Issues: Some users note it can get caught on ladders or pool features initially, though the adjustable flow fixes this for most.
- Not Ideal for All Pool Types: Best for in-ground pools; above-ground or very small pools may not benefit fully, and hose adjustments are needed for optimal coverage.
- Learning Curve for Jet Adjustment: If it doesn’t clean the entire pool at first, tweaking the jet power direction is essential, which might frustrate beginners.
These cons are manageable for informed buyers but could be deal-breakers if you’re starting from scratch without the right pump system.
Customer Reviews Analysis
With 363 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, the MAKHOON pool cleaner garners mostly praise, particularly from those replacing pricier or finicky alternatives. Positive feedback dominates (around 70-80% 4-5 stars based on the distribution), focusing on real-world performance.
One 5-star reviewer, upgrading from a Pentair (itself a Polaris replacement), shared: “This has worked like a charm… For the price it was a bargain. It cleans the pool well. I did replace the bag with a 360 with zipper. The original bag will clog up super quickly… Out of the box it was easy to assemble and looks to be of good quality.” This echoes a common theme: great initial performance but upgrade the bag ASAP for best results.
Another user highlighted its reliability: “This pressure side pool cleaner works well (with 4 wheels) and it replaced an older model Polaris… It’s been in use for over a month now and no issues. It was getting stuck in the pool ladder frequently but there is a flow adjuster… which is very handy.” The adjustability saves the day, turning potential frustrations into minor tweaks.
A standout 5-star review compared it to high-tech failures: “I have a pool with a booster pump and originally had a 3-wheel Polaris… I bought an expensive new ‘Wi-Fi’ rechargeable cleaner. Mistake… This cleaner… reaches every part of my pool, climbs stairs and has made the pool spotless. If you have a pressure-side pump… I highly recommend.” This underscores its edge over gimmicky robotics that underperform on tough debris.
Lower-rated reviews (1-3 stars, about 15-20%) often stem from unmet expectations around the booster pump requirement or bag issues, with some mentioning inconsistent coverage without adjustments. However, even critical feedback rarely disputes its cleaning power once set up right. Overall, satisfaction spikes for users with compatible systems, with longevity praised by year-round pool owners. Common advice: Buy extra 360 bags and test jet settings immediately.
Review Rating Breakdown (Estimated from Aggregate Data)
- 5 Stars: ~55% – “Game-changer,” “Better than Polaris.”
- 4 Stars: ~25% – Solid but needs tweaks.
- 3 Stars: ~10% – Works okay after bag swap.
- 2-1 Stars: ~10% – Pump incompatibility or clogs.
The 4.2 average reflects a reliable product with straightforward fixes for its pain points, earning trust through proven results over hype.
Who Should Buy This Product
The MAKHOON Upgrade Pool Pressure Side Sweeper is ideal for specific pool owners who want professional cleaning without breaking the bank. Here’s who it suits best:
- In-Ground Pool Owners with Booster Pumps: If you already have a dedicated pressure-side system (like many older setups), this slots in seamlessly for superior cleaning.
- Upgraders from Older Sweepers: Perfect for replacing worn-out Polaris, Pentair, or 3-wheel models seeking more stability and coverage.
- Budget-Conscious Families: At $399, it’s a smart alternative to $1,000+ robots, especially for seasonal or storm-heavy debris cleanup.
- DIY Maintenance Enthusiasts: Those comfortable with hose adjustments and bag swaps will appreciate its low ongoing costs.
Avoid if: You lack a booster pump, have an above-ground pool, prefer hands-off robotics, or deal with ultra-fine silt (may need pre-filtering). For these folks, suction cleaners or full robotic systems might be better.
Final Verdict
The MAKHOON Upgrade Pool Pressure Side Sweeper earns a strong recommendation for the right user, delivering efficient, reliable cleaning that punches above its $399 weight class. Its 4-wheel design, adjustable features, and proven track record against pricier competitors make it a winner for in-ground pool owners with booster pump setups. While the debris bag and pump dependency are notable hurdles, they’re easily overcome with minor investments and tweaks, as confirmed by 363 satisfied reviewers averaging 4.2 stars.
Overall Rating: 4.3 out of 5 Stars
Buy it if you fit the profile above—your pool will thank you with sparkling water and less elbow grease. Just stock up on 360 zipper bags and fine-tune those jets for peak performance. For versatile, value-driven pool cleaning, the MAKHOON stands tall as a smart upgrade.
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