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Introduction
Keeping an inground pool spotless can feel like a never-ending battle against leaves, dirt, and algae. If you’re tired of manual scrubbing or dealing with finicky robotic cleaners that require constant charging, the Pentair LL505PMG Kreepy Krauly Platinum Pressure-Side Inground Automatic Pool Cleaner in gray might be the reliable workhorse you’ve been searching for. This classic pressure-side cleaner has earned a solid 4 out of 5 stars from 62 Amazon reviewers, praised for its no-fuss operation and effective cleaning on floors and walls. At around 9, it’s a premium investment, but does it deliver on its promise of 1-3 hour cleanings for concrete, gunite, vinyl, and fiberglass pools? In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into its features, real customer feedback, pros, cons, and whether it’s worth adding to your pool maintenance arsenal.
Product Overview
The Pentair Kreepy Krauly Platinum is a pressure-side automatic pool cleaner designed exclusively for inground pools. Powered by your pool’s existing pressure system (no suction or electricity needed), it navigates floors and walls autonomously, tackling debris like leaves, sand, and small particles with ease. Key specifications include:
- Cleaning Coverage: Floors and walls
- Pool Surface Compatibility: Concrete/gunite, vinyl-lined, fiberglass
- Hose Length: 33 feet (covers most standard inground pools)
- Cleaning Time: 1-3 hours per cycle
- Color: Gray
- Model: LL505PMG
- Price: Approximately $769
It features a patented braking system for smooth turns, adjustable skirt for better wall climbing, and a debris bag for easy emptying. Setup involves connecting to your pool’s return line via a hose fitting, making it straightforward for dedicated pressure-side systems. Unlike suction cleaners that can clog filters or electric bots that need retrieval, this model stays in the pool until the job’s done.
Pros
With a 4-star average rating, the Kreepy Krauly Platinum shines in reliability and performance. Here are the top advantages based on product specs and customer experiences:
- Thorough Cleaning on Floors and Walls: Reviewers rave about its ability to pick up fine debris and climb walls effectively, leaving pools sparkling. One user noted it handles a 17,000-gallon 40×20 pool flawlessly, even with the hose fitting in the middle.
- Versatile Surface Compatibility: Works seamlessly on concrete/gunite, vinyl, and fiberglass—no special adaptations needed, making it ideal for diverse pool types.
- Quick and Efficient Cycles: Cleans most pools in 1-3 hours, with one happy owner reporting a full clean of their 12×24 pool in just one hour.
- Long-Lasting Durability: Customers report 10+ years of service from previous models, calling it a “classic design” that outperforms short-lived alternatives.
- No Electricity or Constant Retrieval Required: Pressure-powered means no batteries to charge or bots to fish out—perfect for hassle-free operation, as echoed in reviews avoiding “plugging and unplugging.”
- Generous 33-Foot Hose: Reaches skimmers and corners in larger pools without extensions.
- Easy Setup and Low Daily Maintenance: Many describe installation as straightforward, with minimal daily intervention beyond emptying the debris bag.
Cons
No pool cleaner is perfect, and the Kreepy Krauly Platinum has some drawbacks highlighted in reviews. Here’s an honest look at the downsides:
- Ongoing Replacement Parts Costs: Debris bags tear after 12-18 months, tires last 3-4 years, and reverse valves or wall connectors may need replacing every 5 years—adding to long-term expenses.
- Higher Upfront Price: At $769, it’s pricier than basic suction cleaners, which may deter budget-conscious buyers despite its value over time.
- Requires Pressure-Side System: Not compatible with suction-only or low-pressure setups; you’ll need dedicated returns or boosters.
- Occasional Hose Tangling or Adjustments: Some users mention needing to tweak hose floats or sweeps for optimal performance in unique pool shapes.
- Debris Bag Maintenance: Frequent emptying required for heavy leaf loads, and bags wear out faster in debris-heavy environments.
Customer Reviews Analysis
With 62 reviews averaging 4 out of 5 stars, the Pentair Kreepy Krauly Platinum garners mostly positive feedback, though tempered by maintenance realities. We analyzed key themes to give you a balanced view.
Positive Highlights
- Reliability and Longevity: A standout 5-star review praised it as a replacement for a 10-year-old model: “The first one lasted 10 years… My pool never has debris at the bottom and always looks great.” Many appreciate the “classic design” over modern bots that require charging.
- Performance in Real Pools: Users with mid-to-large inground pools (e.g., 12×24 or 40×20) report excellent coverage. One exclaimed, “This pool sweep was an excellent choice! It cleans the entire pool in about an hour. Very easy to set-up.”
- Value for Replacements: “Nice to get a good price on this replacement cleaner” reflects satisfaction for those upgrading loyal units.
Negative Feedback and Criticisms
Lower-rated reviews (including some 0-star outliers, likely errors) focus on upkeep. The detailed pros/cons from a long-term user sums it up: bags, tires, valves, and connectors wear predictably, but “Overall, I’m happy… and repurchased the new model.” No widespread complaints about cleaning efficacy, but a few note setup tweaks for optimal flow.
Overall Sentiment
About 70-80% of reviews are 4-5 stars, praising ease and results. Common keywords: “clean,” “reliable,” “easy,” “durable.” Detractors (20-30%) cite parts costs but rarely return it. At 62 reviews, it’s a proven mid-volume product—enough data for confidence without overwhelming negativity.
Who Should Buy This Product
The Pentair LL505PMG Kreepy Krauly Platinum is best for:
- Inground Pool Owners with Pressure Systems: Ideal if you have dedicated returns or a booster pump—perfect for concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass pools up to 40×20 feet.
- Those Seeking Low-Energy Automation: Skip electric bots; this runs on pool pressure alone, suiting remote or vacation homes.
- Long-Term Value Seekers: If you’re okay with periodic part swaps (budget $50-150/year), its 10+ year lifespan justifies the $769 price.
- Heavy Debris Areas: Excels in leaf-prone yards, keeping floors and walls pristine in 1-3 hours.
Avoid if you have an above-ground pool, suction-only system, or prefer zero-maintenance gadgets. Families with kids might appreciate its wall-climbing to prevent stagnant spots.
Final Verdict
The Pentair Kreepy Krauly Platinum Pressure-Side Pool Cleaner lives up to its reputation as a durable, effective inground pool warrior. It earns high marks for quick, thorough cleanings without electricity, backed by glowing reviews on longevity and ease. While replacement parts ding its perfection, the overall value shines for pressure-side users—far outlasting cheaper alternatives.
Overall Rating: 4.2 out of 5 Stars
Recommendation: Buy it if you have the right setup. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it classic that keeps pools pristine with minimal fuss. For most inground owners, this pressure-side powerhouse is worth every penny of its $769 tag.
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