For years, the thought of a sparkling clean pool was often followed by the dread of manual labor. Skimming leaves, brushing walls, and wrestling with a vacuum hose was a chore that ate into my precious weekends. My pool, once a source of relaxation, sometimes felt like a never-ending task. I knew I needed a reliable, hands-free solution to tackle the constant influx of debris, especially considering the challenges of keeping a large concrete pool spotless. Without an effective cleaner, algae and grime would quickly take over, turning my backyard oasis into an unsightly, uninviting swamp. This nagging problem pushed me to seek out something truly effective, leading me to investigate solutions like the Pentair 360040 Kreepy Krauly Suction-Side Inground Pool Cleaner, which promised to reclaim my leisure time.
- Redesigned classic suction side pool cleaner
- Suitable for in ground pools
- Works with concrete and gunite pools only
Navigating the Waters: What to Ponder Before a Pool Cleaner Purchase
Before investing in any pool cleaning solution, it’s essential to understand what problems these devices are designed to solve and which type of pool owner they best serve. Pool cleaners exist to liberate you from the endless cycle of manually vacuuming and skimming, ensuring your water remains inviting and free of debris. An ideal candidate for a suction-side pool cleaner is someone who owns an in-ground pool, particularly one with a concrete or gunite surface, and who seeks a low-maintenance, set-it-and-forget-it approach to daily cleaning. These cleaners are excellent for handling common debris like leaves, dirt, and small pebbles that settle on the pool floor.
However, a suction-side cleaner might not be the best fit for everyone. If you have an above-ground pool, a vinyl-lined pool, or a pool with a highly irregular shape, you’ll need to explore other options as this specific model is designed for concrete/gunite only. Similarly, if your pool frequently encounters large, heavy debris like acorns or pinecones, a pressure-side or robotic cleaner might be more appropriate, as they often have larger debris bags and more powerful suction/brushing capabilities that might better handle substantial loads without clogging. Before making a purchase, consider your pool’s specific surface material, the prevalent type and volume of debris, your budget, and how much hands-on maintenance you’re willing to do. Thinking through these aspects will guide you to the perfect cleaning solution for your aquatic haven.
- Note:The vacuum requires at least a 3/4hp swimming pool pump or 1600ghp to function properly.
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- SMALL AND MIGHTY SUCTION-SIDE CLEANER: The Zodiac MX6 connects to a dedicated suction line or through the pool's skimmer and delivers debris to the pool filtration system.
Unveiling the Kreepy Krauly: A Closer Look
The Pentair 360040 Kreepy Krauly Suction-Side Inground Pool Cleaner is Pentair’s redesigned take on their classic suction-side pool cleaner. It promises reliable, hands-free cleaning, leveraging your existing pool pump to keep your concrete or gunite in-ground pool spotless. When you purchase this unit, you typically receive the main cleaner body, often referred to as the “Kreepy Krauly” itself, designed for easy connection to your pool’s skimmer or dedicated suction line. This particular model, the 360040, is specifically engineered for concrete and gunite surfaces, featuring a flat seal optimized for these hard, smooth finishes.
Compared to its predecessors or some market leaders, the Kreepy Krauly maintains its core simplicity while incorporating a more compact design. It continues the legacy of being a low-maintenance solution with only one moving part, differentiating it from more complex robotic cleaners that often feature multiple motors, brushes, and electronic components. This specific model is tailored for owners of in-ground pools with concrete or gunite finishes who desire a straightforward, effective cleaner without the need for an additional booster pump or complex setup. It’s not for vinyl or fiberglass pools, nor is it ideal for those seeking advanced features like remote control, app integration, or specialized wall-climbing patterns.
Here’s a quick rundown of its upsides and downsides:
Pros:
* Suction-Powered Efficiency: Operates using your existing pool pump, eliminating the need for a separate booster pump, saving on energy costs and installation complexity.
* Low Maintenance Design: Boasts only one moving part (the “flapper” or “hammer”), drastically reducing potential points of failure and simplifying upkeep.
* Optimized for Concrete/Gunite: Specifically designed with a flat seal for maximum cleaning efficiency and adherence on hard, smooth pool surfaces.
* Compact and Redesigned: Features a sleeker, more modern design that’s less intrusive in the pool and easier to store.
* Reliable Debris Collection: Effectively picks up dirt, sand, leaves, and other small to medium-sized debris from the pool floor.
Cons:
* Surface Limitation: Exclusively designed for concrete and gunite pools; not suitable for vinyl, fiberglass, or tiled surfaces.
* Hose Durability Issues: Some users, including myself, have experienced premature splitting and wear in the connecting hoses, leading to frequent replacements.
* Non-Replaceable Key Part: The crucial flapper/hammer component, despite being the only moving part, cannot be purchased separately, meaning failure often necessitates replacing the entire unit.
* Perceived High Cost: For a seemingly simple “piece of plastic,” the price point can feel steep, especially given the reported durability issues with certain components.
* Limited Maneuverability: As a suction cleaner, its path can sometimes be random, potentially missing spots or getting stuck in certain pool configurations, unlike programmed robotic cleaners.
Beneath the Surface: Understanding Its Features and Advantages
Having spent considerable time with the Pentair 360040 Kreepy Krauly, I can confidently share insights into its core features and the tangible benefits they provide. When you’re dealing with a backyard pool, convenience and effectiveness are paramount, and this cleaner aims to deliver just that.
Effortless Suction-Powered Operation
One of the standout features of the Kreepy Krauly is its reliance on your pool’s existing pump for power. It’s a suction-side cleaner, meaning it simply connects to your skimmer or a dedicated suction line. The beauty of this design lies in its simplicity and energy efficiency. There’s no need for an additional booster pump, which translates directly into lower electricity bills and less complex installation. When I first got it, the idea of not having another piece of equipment drawing power was a huge relief.
How it performs/feels: The cleaner glides across the pool floor, guided by the suction created by your pump. You can literally watch as it systematically, albeit sometimes randomly, sucks up leaves, twigs, sand, and fine dirt. It moves with a rhythmic “thump-thump-thump” as its single moving part, the flapper, propels it forward. For me, this meant setting it up, turning on the pump, and walking away, knowing that by the next morning, a significant portion of the debris would be gone. This hands-off approach genuinely frees up time that I used to spend manually vacuuming, which was always a tedious and back-breaking task. The benefit here is clear: it maintains a clean pool without adding another line item to your utility bill for an extra pump. It leverages what you already have, making it an eco-friendlier and more economical choice in the long run.
Engineered Exclusively for Concrete and Gunite Pools
The Pentair 360040 is purpose-built for concrete and gunite pool surfaces. This specialization is crucial for its performance. Its flat seal design creates an optimal vacuum and adherence on these smooth, hard surfaces. Trying to use it on a vinyl or fiberglass pool would likely lead to poor suction and potentially damage to the cleaner or the pool liner itself.
How it performs/feels: My pool is gunite, and the way the cleaner adheres to the surface is impressive. It doesn’t lose suction easily, even when navigating gentle slopes or minor irregularities on the pool floor. This optimized contact ensures that debris is effectively lifted and directed into the filtration system. The confidence of knowing the cleaner is perfectly suited for my pool’s material meant I didn’t have to worry about inefficient cleaning or, worse, scuffing my pool’s surface. The benefit is superior cleaning efficiency and protection for your specific pool type, ensuring that the investment pays off in terms of debris removal. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and that’s precisely its strength for the right pool owner.
Simplified with Only One Moving Part
This feature is where the Kreepy Krauly’s reputation for low maintenance truly shines. Unlike robotic cleaners with complex internal mechanisms, or pressure cleaners with intricate gearboxes, this suction cleaner relies on a single, robust “flapper” or “hammer” mechanism for propulsion.
How it performs/feels: The simplicity is astounding. There are no belts to replace, no brushes to wear out, and no electronic components to malfunction. This design inherently leads to fewer breakdowns and a significantly lower need for spare parts (in theory). When something does go wrong, troubleshooting is usually straightforward: check for clogs or a worn flapper. My personal experience, for the most part, aligns with this: it’s been a workhorse. The primary benefit is peace of mind and reduced operational costs over its lifespan due to minimal part replacements and less frequent professional servicing.
*However, this is also where I must address a significant drawback many users, myself included, have encountered. While the *design* is simple, the durability of *some components* has become a concern. Specifically, the “flapper” part, which is absolutely essential to the unit’s operation, has been reported by several users to split or fail prematurely. And here’s the kicker: this critical component often cannot be purchased as a replacement part on its own, potentially requiring the purchase of an entirely new unit if it fails outside of warranty. This is a glaring oversight in an otherwise elegantly simple design and certainly dampens the “low maintenance” promise when the most vital piece is a single point of failure that isn’t readily replaceable.*
Compact and Modern Redesign
Pentair updated the classic Kreepy Krauly with a more compact and aesthetically pleasing design. While its core functionality remains, the smaller footprint and modern blue color make it less obtrusive in the pool.
How it performs/feels: The cleaner’s compact size means it doesn’t take up much space in storage, and when it’s in the pool, it blends in rather than being a bulky eyesore. Its design allows it to navigate tighter turns and corners somewhat more effectively than older, larger models, though its movement remains largely random. This redesign enhances the overall user experience by making the cleaner more convenient to handle and store. The benefit is improved aesthetics and practicality, fitting more seamlessly into your pool environment and storage solutions.
Remarkable Ease of Installation and Operation
For anyone who values time and simplicity, the Pentair 360040 truly excels in its user-friendliness. Installation is incredibly straightforward, almost plug-and-play.
How it performs/feels: Getting the Kreepy Krauly up and running took minutes. You simply attach the hoses to the cleaner, submerge it, and then connect the other end of the hose to your pool’s skimmer or dedicated suction port. Ensure all air is out of the hose, and turn on your pool pump. That’s it. There’s no complex programming, no apps to download, no batteries to charge, and no delicate settings to adjust. It operates purely on the suction from your main pump. For me, this meant more swimming and less fiddling with equipment. Once it’s in, it just works, providing a consistent clean day after day. The primary benefit is incredible convenience and time-saving, making pool maintenance less of a chore and more of an automated background process.
*However, it’s worth noting the issues with the hoses. While installation is easy, several users, myself included, have found the female end of the hoses provided with the unit or as replacements tend to split after just a few months of use. This is frustrating as it disrupts the cleaner’s operation and adds an unexpected recurring cost. While the cleaner itself is simple, the quality of these essential accessories is a significant letdown and contradicts the overall low-maintenance promise.*
Voices from the Poolside: Community Feedback
After extensively using this cleaner, I also scoured online forums and reviews to see if my experiences aligned with other users. It turns out, opinions are somewhat divided. Many users, like myself, praise the Kreepy Krauly for its consistent cleaning power on their concrete and gunite pools, often highlighting its ability to keep the pool floor remarkably clean with minimal effort. They appreciate its suction-powered design and the simplicity of having only one moving part. However, a noticeable number of reviews echo my concerns about the durability of certain components. Issues with hoses splitting prematurely are frequently mentioned, along with frustrations over the main “flapper” part failing and not being available as a standalone replacement. Some users also felt the unit was overpriced given these quality control issues, particularly when a key part’s failure necessitates replacing the entire unit. There were also reports of receiving damaged units upon delivery, adding to the return hassle.
Bringing it All Together: Your Path to a Sparkling Pool
The battle against pool debris and the never-ending chore of manual cleaning is a common frustration for many pool owners. If left unaddressed, it leads to an unsightly, unhealthy pool that can quickly become a deterrent rather than an inviting oasis. The constant need for manual intervention also eats into valuable leisure time, turning a source of joy into a burdensome responsibility.
The Pentair 360040 Kreepy Krauly Suction-Side Inground Pool Cleaner emerges as a strong contender to solve this pervasive problem. First, its suction-powered efficiency means you don’t need additional equipment, saving on both initial setup and ongoing energy costs. Second, its specific design for concrete and gunite pools ensures optimal cleaning performance for these surfaces, allowing it to adhere effectively and pick up debris. Lastly, despite some reported durability issues with hoses and the critical flapper part, its core “one moving part” design still signifies a commitment to fundamental simplicity and ease of maintenance, making it a generally reliable workhorse that frees up your time. To see if this dependable cleaner is the right fit for your pool and to learn more, click here to check it out .
Last update on 2025-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API