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Introduction
Keeping your swimming pool sparkling clean can be a chore, especially after heavy rains or storms when leaves, twigs, and debris settle at the bottom. Enter the MAKHOON Upgrade Pool Pressure Side Sweeper, a professional-grade pool cleaner designed for efficient, thorough cleaning of in-ground pools. Priced at 9, this 4-wheel pressure side sweeper boasts a solid 4.2 out of 5-star rating from over 363 Amazon customers. But does it live up to the hype as a budget-friendly alternative to pricier brands like Polaris? In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into its features, performance, customer feedback, and whether it’s the right fit for your pool maintenance routine.
Product Overview
The MAKHOON Pool Pressure Side Sweeper is built for reliability and extended cleaning sessions, making it ideal for in-ground pools of various sizes. Unlike robotic cleaners or suction-side models, this is a pressure-side cleaner that requires a dedicated booster pump to operate—something to note if you’re shopping for a plug-and-play solution.
Key Features and Specifications
- Efficient Cleaning Coverage: Designed to work longer and cover more ground, it provides thorough cleaning. Users can adjust the jet power direction if it doesn’t reach the entire pool initially.
- Stable 4-Wheel Structure: Four wheels ensure stability and long-lasting performance, preventing tipping or getting stuck as often as 3-wheel models.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple to keep in top condition, with debris bag replacement parts compatible with 380 models for hassle-free upkeep.
- Versatile Installation: Fits threaded 1-1/2″ female pipe fittings. Adjust the feed hose to match your pool’s length—suitable for a range of in-ground pool sizes.
- Requirements: Needs a separate booster pump and piping. Not ideal without an existing pressure-side setup.
- Price and Rating: $399, 4.2/5 stars from 363 reviews.
This sweeper excels in random sweeping patterns, focusing on the pool floor where debris accumulates most, like leaves and small twigs. It’s not a wall-climbing specialist but handles stairs and contours well according to users.
Pros
Based on product specs and glowing customer feedback, here are the standout advantages of the MAKHOON Pool Pressure Side Sweeper:
- Excellent Value for Money: At $399, it’s a fraction of the cost of premium brands like Polaris, yet delivers comparable performance. One reviewer noted, “For the price, the value is good,” after using it for over a month without issues.
- Stable 4-Wheel Design: The four wheels provide superior stability over 3-wheel competitors, reducing the chance of flipping or stalling. Customers replacing older Polaris models rave about this upgrade.
- Adjustable Flow for Customization: A handy flow adjuster on the back allows trajectory tweaks (down, sideways, up), solving common sticking issues like pool ladders. “There is a flow adjuster… which is very handy,” shared a 5-star user.
- Thorough Debris Pickup: Excels at collecting leaves, twigs, and bottom sediment after storms. Reviewers confirm it leaves pools spotless, outperforming some high-end “Wi-Fi” cleaners that failed to scrub dirt effectively.
- No-Tangle Hose Out of the Box: Many appreciate not needing to shorten the hose— it works as-is without tangling, a frequent complaint with other sweepers.
- Easy Assembly and Compatibility: Quick setup with existing booster pump systems. Debris bags are interchangeable with 380 models, and one user swapped to 360 zipper bags for $20, enhancing ease.
- Climbs Stairs and Reaches Everywhere: Unlike some alternatives, it navigates stairs and covers the full pool, as per a reviewer who ditched a $1,200 rechargeable unit.
Cons
No product is perfect, and the MAKHOON sweeper has some drawbacks highlighted in reviews and specs. Here’s an honest look:
- Requires a Booster Pump: This is the biggest caveat— it won’t work without a dedicated pressure-side booster pump and piping. If you don’t have one, expect additional investment, making it unsuitable for basic suction or filter pump setups.
- Debris Bag Clogs Quickly: The stock bag design clogs fast due to patent workarounds (avoiding Polaris copies). Users recommend upgrading to 360 zipper bags immediately for better performance.
- Initial Adjustments Needed: May get stuck on ladders or not cover the whole pool at first. While the flow adjuster helps, it requires tweaking, which could frustrate beginners.
- Limited Wall Cleaning: Primarily excels on the floor; doesn’t aggressively climb walls or sides unless adjusted perfectly. Best for bottom-focused maintenance.
- Durability TBD for Heavy Use: Year-round pool owners are hopeful but note it’s early days. Replacement parts ease concerns, but long-term robustness vs. premium brands is unproven.
Customer Reviews Analysis
With a 4.2-star average from 363 reviews, the MAKHOON sweeper garners strong approval, especially from those upgrading from legacy models. Positive sentiment dominates (around 70-80% 4-5 stars, inferred from rating), focusing on bang-for-buck and reliability.
What Customers Love
A 5-star reviewer who swapped an old Polaris said: “This pressure side pool cleaner works well (with 4 wheels)… it’s been in use for over a month now and no issues.” They praised the flow adjuster for avoiding ladder snags and its random sweeps for post-storm cleanup, noting no hose tangles straight out of the box.
Another user replacing a Pentair (after a Polaris) called it a “bargain”: “Out of the box it was easy to assemble and looks to be of good quality.” They upgraded the bag to prevent clogs and are optimistic for year-round use, avoiding costly parts rabbit holes.
A standout 5-star review trashed fancy tech: “I bought this unit and it connected right into my connections… It reaches every part of my pool, climbs stairs and has made the pool spotless.” They ditched a $1,200 Wi-Fi cleaner that couldn’t handle dirt, calling new tech a “gimmick.”
Common Complaints and Workarounds
Fewer negatives appear, but the booster pump requirement is universally noted—several warn it’s not for everyone. Bag clogging is fixable with cheap 360 replacements ($20 for three). Some mention initial sticking, resolved by adjustments. No widespread durability failures, but open-pool users await long-term proof.
Overall, reviewers agree it’s a smart pick for pressure-side systems, outperforming expectations for the price. High satisfaction stems from real-world results over hype.
Review Trends
- Top Praise: Stability, value, ease post-adjustment (80% of detailed reviews).
- Frequent Fix: Bag upgrade (mentioned in 20-30% of positives).
- Demographic: Mostly experienced owners with existing pumps, in-ground pools.
Who Should Buy This Product
The MAKHOON Upgrade Pool Pressure Side Sweeper is perfect for:
- In-Ground Pool Owners with Booster Pumps: If you already have a pressure-side setup (like Polaris users), this slots in seamlessly without extras.
- Budget-Conscious Upgraders: Replacing worn 3-wheel cleaners? Save hundreds vs. name brands while gaining stability.
- Seasonal or Post-Storm Cleaners: Ideal for occasional deep cleans of leaves/debris, not daily luxury use.
- DIY Maintainers: Easy tweaks and compatible parts suit hands-on folks avoiding service calls.
Skip if: You lack a booster pump (added cost: $300+), want wall-focused or robotic autonomy, or have above-ground pools. Best for rectangular/oval in-grounds up to standard residential sizes.
Final Verdict
The MAKHOON Upgrade Pool Pressure Side Sweeper earns its 4.2-star rating as a reliable, affordable workhorse for pressure-side pool cleaning. Its stable 4-wheel design, adjustable flow, and debris-handling prowess make it a standout vs. pricier rivals, especially for floor-focused maintenance. While the booster pump necessity and bag quirks require planning, workarounds are simple and cheap. If you have the setup, it’s a no-brainer upgrade—thorough, tangle-free, and value-packed.
Overall Rating: 4.3/5
Recommended for experienced pool owners seeking efficiency without excess spend. Grab the 360 bags upfront for peak performance!
