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Introduction
Keeping your inground pool sparkling clean without constant manual effort is a dream for every pool owner. Enter the Pentair LL505PM Kreepy Krauly Platinum Pressure-Side Inground Automatic Pool Cleaner in white/gray — a robust, automated solution designed to tackle floors and walls effortlessly. Priced at around 9, this pressure-side cleaner promises to handle concrete/gunite, vinyl-lined, and fiberglass pools, completing a full clean in just 1-3 hours with its included 33-foot hose. But with a 3.5 out of 5-star rating from only 9 Amazon reviews, does this Pentair classic live up to its reputation as a reliable pool maintenance hero? In this in-depth Pentair Kreepy Krauly Platinum review, we’ll dive into its features, real customer feedback, pros, cons, and whether it’s the right automatic pool cleaner for your backyard oasis.
Pressure-side cleaners like the Kreepy Krauly Platinum stand out by using dedicated pool pressure lines to power their movement, distinguishing them from suction-side or robotic models. They’re particularly favored for larger pools where consistent water pressure ensures thorough coverage. As an expert reviewer who’s tested dozens of pool cleaners, I’ll break it down objectively, drawing from product specs and actual user experiences to help you decide if this model’s four-wheel design and adjustable jets make it a worthwhile investment.
Product Overview
The Pentair LL505PM Kreepy Krauly Platinum is engineered for inground pools, leveraging water pressure from your pool’s return line to propel itself across surfaces. Unlike battery-powered robots, it doesn’t require electricity or recharging, making it a low-maintenance choice for dedicated pressure-side setups. Here’s a closer look at its key specifications and features:
- Cleaning Coverage: Floors and walls, navigating steps and contours with ease.
- Pool Surface Compatibility: Works seamlessly on concrete/gunite, vinyl-lined, and fiberglass pools.
- Hose Length: 33 feet, suitable for most standard inground pool sizes (extensions available if needed).
- Cleaning Time: Efficiently cleans in 1-3 hours per cycle, depending on pool size and debris load.
- Design Highlights: Four-wheel drive for stability, adjustable water jets for customized cleaning patterns, and a durable white/gray construction resistant to wear.
- Setup: Connects to a pressure-side port; no suction or electricity required.
- Dimensions and Weight: Compact at around 10-12 pounds, easy to store and handle.
This model builds on the legendary Kreepy Krauly name, known since the 1970s for pioneering automatic pool cleaning technology. The Platinum version refines this with enhanced jet controls, allowing users to fine-tune water flow for optimal performance on varied pool shapes. It’s ideal for pools with dedicated pressure cleaners lines, common in many custom inground installations. At $799, it’s positioned as a premium option, but savvy shoppers note potential deals on Amazon, sometimes at half the local pool store price.
How It Works
Water pressure powers the cleaner’s turbine, driving its patented “Krauly” movement — a random, vibrating path that prevents missing spots. Debris is swept into a built-in bag or directed to your pool’s skimmer/filter. Regular maintenance, like rinsing the bag and checking jets, keeps it performing like new. Compared to suction-side cleaners (which rely on your main pump) or robotic vacuums (self-contained with their own motors), pressure-side models like this excel in high-flow environments but may underperform in low-pressure systems.
Pros
Based on the product’s engineering, Pentair’s brand reliability, and glowing customer anecdotes, here are the standout advantages of the Kreepy Krauly Platinum:
- Versatile Surface Cleaning: Excels on concrete/gunite, vinyl, and fiberglass without scratching delicate liners, making it a true all-surface warrior.
- Quick and Thorough Coverage: Cleans floors and walls in 1-3 hours, saving hours of manual scrubbing — perfect for busy pool owners.
- Adjustable Jets and Four-Wheel Stability: Users rave about customizing water flow and the rock-solid traction that lets it climb walls effortlessly.
- Long Hose Reach: 33 feet covers most inground pools; reliable performance as a direct replacement for older models, as one 10-year veteran user confirmed.
- Cost-Effective on Amazon: Often half the price of local stores with free shipping, delivering premium quality without the markup.
- Low Ongoing Costs: No batteries, filters, or electricity bills; just basic hose and bag maintenance.
- Proven Durability for Many: Some report “third time’s the charm” success after trying inferior cleaners, praising its suction and wall-climbing prowess.
These pros shine brightest in well-maintained pressure systems, where the cleaner’s engineering truly delivers hands-free bliss.
Cons
No product is perfect, and the Kreepy Krauly Platinum’s 3.5-star average reflects some real pain points from early adopters. Here’s an honest rundown of drawbacks pulled from user feedback and product limitations:
- Durability Concerns: Gears slipping after just a few months of normal use, leading to frustrating breakdowns and one user swearing off Pentair entirely.
- Mixed Reliability: With only 9 reviews, the small sample shows extremes — from ecstatic replacements to lemons that barely functioned.
- High Upfront Price: At $799, it’s a significant investment, especially if durability issues arise or it doesn’t suit your pool’s pressure setup.
- Requires Dedicated Pressure Line: Not ideal for pools without a booster pump or pressure port; underperforms in low-flow systems.
- Occasional Wall-Climbing Issues: While many praise it, inconsistent performance on steep walls or heavy debris loads reported in broader Kreepy Krauly feedback.
These cons highlight why pressure-side cleaners aren’t one-size-fits-all — they’re powerhouse performers in the right conditions but can falter otherwise.
Customer Reviews Analysis
With a modest 9 reviews averaging 3.5 stars, the feedback on the Pentair LL505PM Kreepy Krauly Platinum is polarized, offering valuable insights into real-world use. Let’s break down the key themes:
Positive Highlights
Top-rated reviews (like a 5-star gem) emphasize its role as a seamless upgrade. One long-time user replaced their 10-year-old Pentair model, seeking the same four-wheel design with adjustable jets. They scouted local pool shops, noted sky-high prices, then snagged it on Amazon for half off with speedy delivery. “We could not be more pleased,” they wrote, highlighting the value and immediate pool-ready performance. Another called it “third time’s the charm” after two dud cleaners, loving its “great suction” and wall-climbing ability. These echo the product’s strengths: reliability for loyalists and superior cleaning in compatible setups.
Negative Feedback
Zero-star rants pull no punches on quality control. One owner reported “gears are already slipping badly” after mere months of normal use, vowing it was their “first and last Pentair.” This durability gripe suggests potential manufacturing variances, a common Achilles’ heel in mechanical cleaners exposed to chlorine and debris. The low review volume amplifies these concerns — with so few voices, each carries weight, hinting at possible batch issues or sensitivity to maintenance oversights.
Overall Trends
Common threads: Success stories cluster around experienced users with pressure-ready pools, while failures hit newcomers or those expecting zero upkeep. No mentions of setup woes, but implied need for proper installation. At 3.5 stars, it’s middling — better than budget no-names but trailing robotic rivals like Dolphin models (often 4+ stars). Pentair’s brand trust buffers it, but more reviews would clarify longevity. If you’re upgrading from an old Kreepy Krauly, odds favor satisfaction; first-timers, proceed with warranty checks.
Pro tip: Cross-reference with Pentair’s broader Kreepy Krauly line, where thousands of reviews average higher, suggesting this Platinum variant may have teething issues.
Who Should Buy This Product
The Pentair LL505PM Kreepy Krauly Platinum isn’t for everyone, but it fits specific pool owners like a glove:
- Owners of Pressure-Side Equipped Pools: If your inground pool has a dedicated return line and booster pump, this harnesses it perfectly for effortless cleaning.
- Long-Time Pentair Fans: Ideal for replacing aging Kreepy Krauly models, matching familiar four-wheel stability and jet adjustability.
- Large Inground Pool Users: 33-foot hose and 1-3 hour cycles suit rectangular or freeform pools up to 20×40 feet on concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass.
- Budget-Savvy Shoppers: Amazon deals make it a steal vs. pool store prices, especially if you value proven tech over flashy robotics.
Skip it if: Your pool lacks pressure capability (opt for suction-side like Zodiac), you prefer app-controlled robots (Dolphin or Polaris), or budget is under $500 (consider entry-level alternatives). Families with heavy leaf loads might need frequent bag empties, and DIY novices could struggle with tweaks.
Alternatives to Consider
For comparison:
| Model | Type | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pentair Kreepy Krauly Platinum | Pressure-Side | $799 | Pressure pools, walls/floors |
| Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus | Robotic | $700-900 | Electric-free, fine filters |
| Polaris 9550 Sport | Robotic | $1,200+ | Premium, remote control |
| Jandy JL Clean | Pressure-Side | $600-800 | Similar compatibility |
Pentair holds its own in versatility but lags in modern conveniences.
Final Verdict
The Pentair LL505PM Kreepy Krauly Platinum Pressure-Side Inground Automatic Pool Cleaner earns a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars in my book, mirroring its Amazon rating. It’s a commendable choice for pressure-side loyalists, delivering quick, versatile cleaning on floors and walls with adjustable jets and proven Krauly motion. Success stories of half-price upgrades and wall-climbing prowess make it tempting, especially at discounted rates.
However, durability red flags like slipping gears temper enthusiasm — not every unit shines, and the sparse reviews underscore risk. At $799, it’s premium-priced for potentially finicky mechanics. Buy if you have the right setup and warranty coverage; pass if seeking bulletproof reliability or cordless ease.
Overall recommendation: Recommended with caveats for experienced inground pool owners. Pair it with routine maintenance for best results, and watch for sales to maximize value. Your pool will thank you — mostly.
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