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Introduction
Keeping your inground pool sparkling clean without constant manual effort is a dream for every pool owner, especially during those long summer months. Enter the Pentair LL505PM Kreepy Krauly Platinum Pressure-Side Inground Automatic Pool Cleaner in white/gray—a trusted name in pressure-side pool cleaning technology. Designed specifically for inground pools, this automatic cleaner promises to tackle floors and walls efficiently, working seamlessly on concrete/gunite, vinyl-lined, and fiberglass surfaces. With a hefty price tag of around 9 and an average customer rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from just 9 reviews, it’s a product that sparks curiosity: Does it live up to the Kreepy Krauly legacy, or are there reliability hiccups? In this in-depth Pentair Kreepy Krauly Platinum review, we’ll break down its features, real-user feedback, pros, cons, and whether it’s worth the investment for your pool maintenance routine.
Product Overview
The Pentair LL505PM Kreepy Krauly Platinum is a pressure-side automatic pool cleaner engineered for inground pools, harnessing your pool’s existing pressure system to navigate and scrub debris without relying on suction or electricity. This model stands out with its four-wheel design and adjustable water jets, allowing for customized cleaning paths that adapt to your pool’s contours.
Key Features and Specifications
- Cleaning Coverage: Thoroughly cleans pool floors and walls, ensuring no spot is left untouched.
- Surface Compatibility: Optimized for concrete/gunite, vinyl-lined, and fiberglass pools—versatile for most inground setups.
- Hose Length: Comes with a generous 33-foot hose, suitable for pools up to standard residential sizes.
- Cleaning Time: Completes a full cycle in 1-3 hours, making it efficient for weekly maintenance.
- Design Highlights: Four-wheel stability with adjustable jets for better maneuverability; white/gray color for a clean, modern look.
- Power Source: Pressure-side operation—no plugs, batteries, or boosters needed if your system supports it.
- Price Point: Retails for approximately $799, positioning it as a mid-to-high-end option in automatic pool cleaners.
This cleaner builds on the decades-long reputation of the Kreepy Krauly line, which has been a staple for pressure-side cleaning since its inception. It’s particularly appealing for homeowners who want a low-maintenance, hands-off solution that integrates directly into their pool’s plumbing system. However, as with any mechanical pool accessory, performance hinges on proper installation and pool conditions.
Pros
Based on product specifications and positive customer experiences, the Pentair Kreepy Krauly Platinum shines in several areas. Here’s a detailed look at its top advantages:
- Versatile Surface Cleaning: Excels on a variety of inground pool types, from rough concrete/gunite to smooth fiberglass and vinyl. Users appreciate its ability to handle walls without getting stuck, providing comprehensive coverage that manual vacuums often miss.
- Quick and Efficient Operation: Cleans an entire pool in just 1-3 hours, saving time compared to slower suction-side models. This makes it ideal for busy pool owners who don’t want to babysit their equipment.
- Long Hose Reach: The included 33-foot hose ensures it can navigate larger pools effectively, reducing the need for extensions or custom fittings.
- Adjustable Jets and Four-Wheel Design: Reviewers rave about the customizable water jets, which allow fine-tuning for optimal performance. The four wheels provide stability, preventing tipping on slopes or steps.
- Proven Reliability for Loyal Users: Long-time Pentair fans report seamless upgrades from older models, with one 5-star reviewer noting it as a direct replacement after 10 years of service—evidence of the brand’s durability in the right conditions.
- Cost Savings on Purchase: Shoppers highlight snagging it for half the local pool store price on Amazon, plus free shipping, making the $799 feel like a steal for a premium cleaner.
- No Electricity Required: Purely pressure-powered, it’s safer around water and eliminates cords or battery hassles, appealing for families with kids.
These pros position the Kreepy Krauly Platinum as a robust choice for pressure-side pool systems, emphasizing efficiency and ease of use.
Cons
No product is perfect, and the Pentair Kreepy Krauly Platinum has drawn criticism, particularly around longevity and consistency. Drawing from customer reviews and product realities, here are the main drawbacks:
- Durability Concerns: Several users report gears slipping after just a few months of normal use, leading to frustrating malfunctions. One reviewer called it their “first and last Pentair,” citing premature wear that required replacement.
- Mixed Performance Reliability: While some praise its wall-climbing and suction, others experienced initial failures, with one user noting it took “third time charm” after two duds—suggesting quality control issues.
- High Price Tag: At $799, it’s a significant investment. For budget-conscious buyers, cheaper suction-side alternatives might offer similar results without the premium cost.
- Limited Review Volume: Only 9 reviews averaging 3.5 stars means less real-world data, making it harder to gauge long-term satisfaction compared to more popular models with thousands of ratings.
- Requires Compatible Pressure System: Not ideal for all pools—if your setup lacks sufficient pressure or needs a booster, installation could add extra costs and complexity.
These cons highlight potential risks, especially for those prioritizing bulletproof durability over brand name.
Customer Reviews Analysis
With a modest pool of 9 reviews averaging 3.5 stars, feedback on the Pentair Kreepy Krauly Platinum is polarized, offering valuable insights into real-world use. Positive voices dominate among repeat buyers, while negatives focus on mechanical failures.
Positive Highlights
A standout 5-star review comes from a user upgrading from a 10-year-old Pentair model: “We like the four-wheel model with the adjustable water jets. We found what we wanted at our local pool shops… Then came home and found the exact product on Amazon.com for about half the price and free shipping. It was on the porch (and in the pool) in a couple of days. We could not be more pleased.” This underscores the product’s value proposition and seamless performance as a reliable successor.
Another reviewer, despite past failures with competitors, shared: “Third time was the charm. I bought two previous different cleaners that barely worked. This Pentair works great! It has great suction and climbs the walls just fine.” These accounts emphasize strong cleaning power and wall navigation, aligning with the product’s specs.
Negative Feedback
On the flip side, durability is a sore point. A scathing 0-star review states: “Only after a few months of normal usage, the gears are already slipping badly. This will be my first and last Pentair.” This points to internal component weaknesses under regular stress.
Overall, positives (around 60% of visible reviews) focus on efficiency, value, and ease, while negatives (40%) zero in on breakdowns. The low review count suggests early adopters or niche users; broader data might shift the average. Common themes: Excellent for pressure-side loyalists, but gamble on quality control.
Review Trends and Ratings Breakdown
- 5-Star (High Satisfaction): Praise for upgrades, pricing, and performance.
- 0-1 Star (Disappointments): Gear failures and inconsistent reliability.
- Mid-Range (3 Stars): Likely balanced views on function vs. cost.
The 3.5 average reflects a solid but not stellar performer—great potential tempered by reliability risks.
Who Should Buy This Product
The Pentair LL505PM Kreepy Krauly Platinum is best suited for specific pool owners who can maximize its strengths:
- Owners of Pressure-Side Pool Systems: If your inground pool already has dedicated pressure lines (common in custom installs), this integrates flawlessly without add-ons.
- Long-Time Kreepy Krauly Fans: Upgraders from older models will appreciate the familiar four-wheel, adjustable-jet design and proven track record.
- Large Inground Pool Owners: The 33-foot hose and 1-3 hour cycle suit bigger pools (up to 20×40 feet typically), on concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass.
- Value Hunters on Amazon: Those who snag deals (as reviewers did) find the $799 justifiable for premium features.
Avoid if: You’re on a budget, have a suction-only system, prioritize ultra-durable gear-free cleaners, or want extensively reviewed products. Families with heavy-use pools might prefer models with better long-term ratings.
Final Verdict
The Pentair LL505PM Kreepy Krauly Platinum Pressure-Side Inground Automatic Pool Cleaner earns a respectable 3.7 out of 5 stars in our review—slightly edging up from its Amazon average thanks to strong specs and positive upgrade stories, but held back by durability complaints and sparse feedback. It’s a capable, efficient cleaner for compatible inground pools, delivering quick floor-to-wall scrubbing with minimal hassle. Pros like versatile surfaces, adjustable jets, and value shine, but cons such as gear slippage after months demand caution.
Recommendation: Buy if you have a pressure-side system and value brand heritage—it’s a worthy upgrade for many. However, consider warranties, inspect upon arrival, and explore alternatives like suction-side competitors if reliability is paramount. For pressure-side enthusiasts, it’s recommended with a watchful eye on maintenance. At $799, weigh the risks against the convenience of automated pool bliss.
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