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Introduction
Keeping your inground pool sparkling clean during the summer months can feel like a never-ending battle against leaves, dirt, sand, and debris. If you’re tired of manual scrubbing or dealing with cleaners that get stuck in corners or require constant repairs, the Pentair 360228 Kreepy Krauly Racer Pressure-Side Inground Pool Cleaner might be the upgrade you’ve been researching. This pressure-side pool cleaner promises up to 30% faster cleaning than competitors, a front rotating brush for deep scrubbing, and powerful debris removal—all for around 9. With a 3.7 out of 5-star rating from 224 Amazon reviews, it has its fans but also some durability concerns. In this comprehensive Pentair Kreepy Krauly Racer review, we’ll dive into its features, real customer experiences, pros, cons, and whether it’s worth the investment for your pool maintenance routine.
Product Overview
The Pentair Kreepy Krauly Racer is designed specifically for inground pools with existing pressure-side systems, meaning it relies on a booster pump (not included) to power its cleaning action. Unlike robotic cleaners that need electricity and frequent removal, this is a “set it and forget it” option you can leave in the pool full-time. Key highlights from the product description include:
- Up to 30% faster cleaning than other pressure-side cleaners for maximum efficiency.
- Front rotating brush that scrubs and scours walls and floors for a deep clean.
- Large intake captures debris of all sizes, from fine sand to large leaves and twigs.
- Nearly 1/3 more cleaning power for superior debris removal.
- Ultra-bright LED lights for enhanced nighttime visibility (powered by the wheels).
It features four wheels for stability—two powered front drive wheels and two rear stabilizers—along with a large filter bag with built-in flotation to keep it upright and efficient. The hose is customizable (cut to your pool’s specs), and it includes a pressure regulator valve with adapters for compatibility with brands like Polaris. At 939 bucks, it’s positioned as a more affordable alternative to high-end Polaris models like the 3900, especially with occasional rebates.
What’s in the Box?
Typically includes the cleaner body, filter bag, hose sections, pressure regulator, sweeping tail (optional), and detailed instructions. Note: Booster pump required separately if you don’t have one.
Pros
Based on the product specs and glowing customer feedback, here are the standout advantages of the Pentair Kreepy Krauly Racer:
- Lightning-Fast Cleaning Speed: Customers rave about how it cleans pools in hours what took days with older models like the Polaris 380. One reviewer noted their pool was “entirely clean” after just a few hours, tackling dirt, sand, leaves—even when floating slightly above the floor.
- Superior Stability and Navigation: The four-wheel design prevents tangling and corner-stuck issues common in three-wheeled cleaners. It moves forward mostly but reverses when needed, climbs walls easily, and flips to escape traps.
- Powerful Debris Handling: The oversized intake and filter bag with flotation suck up everything from twigs to fine particles. The bag’s Velcro top with pull tabs makes emptying a breeze, avoiding the spills and flips plaguing competitors.
- Gentle Yet Effective Scrubbing Brush: Rubberized bristles clean walls and floors thoroughly without damaging pool surfaces or harming swimmers’ feet (though swimming with it isn’t recommended).
- Easy Compatibility and Adjustability: Works seamlessly with existing Polaris booster pumps. The pressure valve lets you dial in flow for slower cleans or wall-climbing control, and adapters ensure broad fit.
- Budget-Friendly Value: At $939, it’s cheaper than Polaris equivalents, allowing multiple replacements before matching repair costs. Detailed install guide prevents common setup mistakes.
- Fun Nighttime Feature: LED lights, while gimmicky, add visibility and entertainment—visible daytime and enough glow at night for pets to chase.
Cons
No pool cleaner is perfect, and the Kreepy Krauly Racer’s 3.7-star rating reflects some recurring gripes from long-term users. Here’s an honest look at the downsides:
- Durability Concerns with Snap-Fit Parts: Many complaints about “snap together” components wearing out quickly. Rear wheels fall off after 16 months, hose rotators disconnect under pressure, requiring frequent fixes.
- Filter Bag Wear and Tear: Velcro snags cause fine tears, shortening bag life. Users report resewing straps multiple times or dealing with expensive replacements, echoing Polaris bag issues but still frustrating.
- Optional Sweeping Tail Instability: While removable, it can lift the back end, causing flips—manual says most pools don’t need it, but trial-and-error is required.
- LED Lights Underperform: Faint even at night; instructions downplay them as non-essential. More novelty than practical illumination.
- Initial Adjustments Needed: Water jet tweaks and hose cutting are essential for full coverage—skipping instructions leads to suboptimal performance.
Customer Reviews Analysis
With 224 reviews averaging 3.7 stars, the Pentair Kreepy Krauly Racer polarizes users: early adopters love the performance, but longevity tests reveal cracks. Positive reviews (like a detailed 5-star one) dominate initial impressions, praising it over Polaris 380/3900 for speed, stability, and value.
“After only a few hours of use, my pool was entirely clean. What would’ve taken my Polaris 380 days, took just a few hours for the racer… It seemed to clear all the dirt and debris as well as sand with ease.” — 5-star reviewer, first-day user.
This user highlighted the brush, wheels, bag flotation, and compatibility, opting against robotics for the “set and forget” lifestyle. They appreciated the large inlet and easy-open bag, avoiding Polaris’ flipping/spilling woes.
However, updates and lower-rated reviews expose durability flaws. A 2015 buyer updated in 2016: “Well 1 year and 4 months in, I am less than impressed. The rear wheels continually fall off… one of the snap connector rotator fittings in the hose has come undone… The velcro straps inside the top of the bag have had to be re-sewn twice. Seems to be built with too many disposable parts.” Another noted: “Only negative is the velcro snags the bag sometimes, producing fine tears, which will eventually shorten the life of the bag.”
Common themes: Excellent short-term cleaning (walls, floors, all debris sizes), but 1-2 year wear on plastic parts and bags. About half of low-star reviews cite repairs rivaling the unit’s cost, though many still prefer it initially over pricier rivals. Newer reviews echo the value proposition, especially with rebates, but stress maintenance.
Review Breakdown by Stars
- 5-Stars (Majority of positives): Speed, ease, deep clean—often from Polaris switchers.
- 4-Stars: Solid performer with minor tweaks.
- 3-Stars: Good but parts failing early.
- 1-2 Stars: Frequent breakdowns, bag issues.
Overall, it shines for efficiency but needs ruggedized parts for top marks.
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Pentair Kreepy Krauly Racer is ideal for:
- Inground Pool Owners with Pressure Systems: Perfect if you have a booster pump (Pentair or Polaris)—no electrical hassle like robotics.
- Polaris 380/3900 Users Seeking an Upgrade: Faster, stabler, cheaper without the repair nightmares.
- Budget-Conscious Clean Freaks: $939 + rebates beats long-term Polaris costs; great for heavy debris pools (leaves, sand).
- Set-and-Forget Enthusiasts: Leave it in 24/7 for daily maintenance.
Avoid if: You lack a booster pump, want wall-climbing without tweaks, prioritize 10+ year durability, or prefer cordless robotics (despite the hassle).
Final Verdict
The Pentair 360228 Kreepy Krauly Racer delivers on its promises of speed, power, and deep cleaning, making it a compelling pressure-side inground pool cleaner—especially as a Polaris alternative. Its rotating brush, stable wheels, and robust debris bag outperform older models in efficiency, earning praise for transforming pool maintenance. However, durability hiccups with snaps, velcro, and parts temper enthusiasm; it’s not built like a tank, and repairs could add up after 1-2 years.
At 3.7 stars from 224 reviews and $939, it’s a solid buy for value-driven users willing to maintain it, but inspect warranties and stock spares. I’d rate it 4 out of 5 stars—excellent performance with room for tougher builds. If your pool sees heavy use and you crave faster cleans, grab it (watch for rebates). For ultra-reliable longevity, consider suction-side or premium robotics.
Have you tried the Kreepy Krauly Racer? Share your thoughts in the comments!
