Maintaining a crystal-clear swimming pool can feel like a never-ending battle, a chore that eats into precious weekend leisure time. I remember those days distinctly, struggling with manual vacuums and nets, constantly battling leaves, dirt, and even larger debris that seemed to materialize overnight. It was clear I needed a better solution, something that would reclaim my time and ensure my pool was always ready for a refreshing dip without the constant backache and frustration. The complications of not addressing this problem were obvious: a cloudy, uninviting pool that nobody wanted to swim in, and the potential for clogged filters and expensive professional cleanings. An efficient automatic pool cleaner would have been a game-changer.
Before diving headfirst into purchasing any pool cleaner, it’s vital to consider what problems this category of product aims to solve: primarily, the arduous and time-consuming task of manual pool cleaning. A good automatic cleaner drastically reduces the effort required to maintain a pristine pool, allowing owners to spend more time enjoying their aquatic oasis and less time scrubbing and skimming. One seeks to buy an item in this category to free up weekends, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure a consistently sparkling pool.
The ideal customer for a pressure-side pool cleaner, specifically one like the Hayward W3TVP700C TriVac 700, is someone with an in-ground pool, likely up to 20×40 feet, who already has a dedicated booster pump or is willing to install one. These cleaners are excellent for pools that accumulate a moderate to large amount of debris, including leaves, twigs, and sand. They excel at systematic cleaning of the floor, walls, and coves.
Who should *not* buy this type of cleaner? Owners of above-ground pools, or those without a booster pump who aren’t looking to add one, should consider alternative options like robotic or suction-side cleaners, as pressure-side models require that external power source. Additionally, if your pool only ever sees very fine dust or if you prefer a ‘set it and forget it’ robotic approach with its own filtration system, a pressure-side cleaner might be more than you need or too involved in its setup.
Before making your purchase, think about your pool’s size and shape, the type and volume of debris it collects, whether you have a booster pump, your budget, and how much hands-on maintenance you’re willing to do. Consider the cleaner’s hose length, its ability to clean walls and coves, and the size of its debris bag.
- THE MOST COMPLETE CLEAN: The TriVac 700 is the only pool cleaner that can skim debris from the surface of the water or thoroughly vacuum the floor, walls and coves
- PATENTED AQUADRIVE TECHNOLOGY: Patented AquaDrive technology uses powerful water jets to propel the cleaner forward, providing superior coverage that won't harm your pool’s finish
- XL EASY-OPEN DEBRIS BAG: The patented XL debris bag includes a unique float system that allows the TriVac 700 to carry more debris, requiring less bag emptying and maintenance
Unveiling the TriVac 700
The Hayward W3TVP700C TriVac 700 Pressure Pool Cleaner is a robust automatic pool vacuum designed specifically for in-ground pools. Its core promise is to deliver the most complete clean possible, tackling everything from surface skimming to thorough vacuuming of the pool floor, walls, and coves. When you purchase the TriVac 700, it comes with a generous 34-foot hose, ready to connect to your pressure-side return line.
Compared to some market leaders, the TriVac 700 distinguishes itself with its unique dual-purpose capability – not just vacuuming but also skimming the surface. This dual functionality is a significant advantage over previous versions or competitors that focus solely on sub-surface cleaning. It’s ideally suited for pool owners who deal with both sunken debris and floating leaves or pollen. It’s not for those without a pressure-side setup or a desire for true “plug-and-play” robotic automation, as it requires a bit more setup and a dedicated pump.
Pros:
* Dual Cleaning Capability: Skims surface and vacuums floor/walls/coves.
* Superior Coverage: Patented AquaDrive technology ensures thorough cleaning.
* Large Debris Capacity: XL Easy-Open debris bag means less frequent emptying.
* Excellent Traction: Low-impact, super-grip wheels prevent slipping and protect pool surfaces.
* Efficient Large Debris Pickup: Wide vacuum inlet handles substantial debris effectively.
Cons:
* Requires Booster Pump: Not a standalone solution for all pool setups.
* No Automatic Surface/Bottom Alternation: Requires manual adjustment to switch between skimming and vacuuming modes.
* Can Get Stuck: While generally good, like any cleaner, it can occasionally get lodged in specific pool features or corners, requiring intervention.
* Initial Setup Time: Connecting to the pressure line and balancing the jets might take a little patience.
- Note:The vacuum requires at least a 3/4hp swimming pool pump or 1600ghp to function properly.
- The Hayward Poolvergnuegen 4-Wheel Suction PoolCleaner features patented self-adjusting turbine vanes that deliver maximum power at any flow and allow passage of large debris
- 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.
Deep Dive into Features and Their Advantages
Having used the Hayward W3TVP700C TriVac 700 Pressure Pool Cleaner for a considerable period, I can attest to how its design and features genuinely address the core problems of pool maintenance. Let’s break down each key aspect.
The Most Complete Clean: Skimming and Vacuuming in One
When I first heard about the TriVac 700‘s ability to skim debris from the surface *and* vacuum the floor, walls, and coves, I was skeptical. Most cleaners specialize in one or the other. However, the TriVac 700 genuinely delivers on this promise. It’s a game-changer for pools that experience both floating surface debris (like pollen, leaves, or even insects) and heavier items that sink to the bottom.
How it performs: In practice, I found that setting it to skim mode first effectively clears away the floating nuisances, preventing them from sinking and making the deeper vacuuming job easier later. Switching to vacuum mode then allows it to descend and methodically clean the entire submerged surface. The seamless transition between these modes, albeit manual, means I don’t need two separate pieces of equipment.
Why this feature is important: This dual functionality is crucial because a truly clean pool isn’t just about what’s on the bottom. Surface debris can quickly decompose, clouding the water and introducing organic material that fuels algae growth. By addressing both surface and submerged contaminants, the TriVac 700 ensures a more comprehensive clean, reducing the workload on your pool’s filtration system and minimizing the need for additional chemicals or manual skimming. It directly solves the problem of having to manually skim the surface while an automatic cleaner only handles the bottom.
Patented AquaDrive Technology: Unmatched Coverage
The AquaDrive technology is essentially the brains behind the TriVac 700‘s movement. It uses powerful water jets, propelled by your booster pump, to move the cleaner forward in a systematic pattern.
How it performs: I’ve observed the automatic pool vacuum navigate my pool with impressive efficiency. The jets provide a consistent thrust, allowing it to cover the entire pool area without getting stuck in repetitive patterns. What’s particularly reassuring is that these water jets are gentle on the pool’s finish. Unlike some cleaners that rely on scrubbing brushes or more aggressive movements, the AquaDrive propulsion ensures that your liner or plaster remains unharmed.
Why this feature is important: Superior coverage means less missed spots and a more uniformly clean pool. If a cleaner misses areas, debris accumulates, requiring manual intervention later. The AquaDrive ensures that every corner, every wall, and the entire floor get attention, reducing your overall maintenance time. It helps solve the core problem of inconsistent cleaning, ensuring that your pool is always inviting and sparkling.
XL Easy-Open Debris Bag: Less Maintenance, More Enjoyment
One of my biggest pet peeves with previous cleaners was how often I had to empty their tiny debris bags. The Hayward TriVac 700 addresses this beautifully with its patented XL debris bag and unique float system.
How it performs: This bag is genuinely large. On days with heavy leaf fall, I found myself emptying it far less frequently than I anticipated. The float system is a clever addition; it helps keep the bag positioned correctly, even as it fills up, preventing it from dragging or interfering with the cleaner’s movement. The “easy-open” part is also accurate – a simple latch and pull makes emptying a quick, mess-free task.
Why this feature is important: A large debris bag directly translates to less maintenance. Instead of constantly monitoring and emptying a small bag, you can let the TriVac 700 run for longer periods, confident it won’t overflow. This saves time and effort, making the entire pool cleaning process more efficient and less intrusive. It solves the frustration of constant interruption and allows you to truly “set it and forget it” for longer durations.
Low-Impact, Super-Grip Wheels: Protecting Your Pool, Maximizing Traction
The wheels on a pool cleaner might seem like a minor detail, but they are absolutely crucial for both performance and longevity of your pool surface. The Hayward W3TVP700C TriVac 700 features low-impact, super-grip wheels that stand out.
How it performs: Unlike the hard plastic wheels I’ve seen on other models that can sometimes slip or scuff, the TriVac 700‘s wheels provide excellent traction on various pool surfaces – whether it’s concrete, tile, or vinyl. They grip the floor and walls effectively, allowing the cleaner to climb and descend without losing purchase. Crucially, their low-impact design means there’s virtually no wear and tear on your expensive pool finish, which is a significant long-term benefit.
Why this feature is important: Good grip ensures that the cleaner can effectively traverse all areas of your pool, including the walls and coves, preventing it from getting stuck or missing sections. The low-impact design protects your pool’s surface from scratches and damage, preserving its appearance and extending its life. This solves the problem of cleaners getting stuck or damaging pool surfaces, providing peace of mind.
Picks Up Larger Debris: Efficient Cleaning Power
One of the most common challenges for pool owners is dealing with larger debris – leaves, acorns, small twigs. Many cleaners struggle with anything bigger than sand, leading to manual netting. The TriVac 700 is engineered to handle this.
How it performs: The wide vacuum inlet on the Hayward W3TVP700C TriVac 700 is indeed effective. I’ve watched it effortlessly vacuum up substantial leaves and even small clusters of debris that would typically clog a standard suction cleaner. Its efficiency in this regard means fewer passes are needed, and you don’t have to pre-net the pool as thoroughly, if at all, before running the cleaner.
Why this feature is important: This feature is a massive time-saver. Being able to pick up larger debris means less manual pre-cleaning and fewer clogs in the cleaner itself. It ensures that even after a stormy night, your pool can be restored to pristine condition quickly and efficiently, directly addressing the core problem of large debris accumulation and the labor involved in removing it.
Hose Length and Durability
The included 34-foot hose is a good length for most standard residential pools up to 20×40 feet. It’s durable and flexible, resisting kinks that can impede water flow and cleaner movement. This ensures the TriVac 700 can reach every corner of the pool it’s designed for.
What Other Users Are Saying
Having explored various online forums and product review sites, it’s clear that many other Hayward TriVac 700 owners share a largely positive experience. Many highlight its unique ability to both skim the surface and vacuum the bottom as a standout feature, praising its efficiency in handling a wide range of debris. Users often mention the cleaner’s robust construction, noting that it feels more durable than older models they’ve owned. The generously sized debris bag is another frequently lauded aspect, significantly reducing the frequency of emptying. However, a common point raised is the manual switching required to alternate between surface skimming and bottom cleaning, which some wish was an automatic function. Additionally, a few users have encountered isolated instances where the unit seems to get stuck in certain areas, similar to observations with other automatic cleaners.
Bringing It All Together: A Sparkling Pool Solution
The relentless task of keeping a swimming pool impeccably clean, free from both floating leaves and stubborn sunken debris, is a persistent challenge that, if not addressed, leads to an uninviting backyard oasis and potential system issues. The Hayward W3TVP700C TriVac 700 Pressure Pool Cleaner offers an excellent solution to this problem, allowing you to reclaim your leisure time.
There are compelling reasons why this automatic pool vacuum is a great fit. Firstly, its unique dual-action capability to skim the surface and vacuum the bottom provides a comprehensive clean unmatched by many competitors. Secondly, the patented AquaDrive technology, coupled with super-grip wheels, ensures superior coverage and gentle treatment of your pool’s surface. Finally, the extra-large debris bag and wide vacuum inlet mean less frequent emptying and efficient pickup of even larger debris, significantly reducing your manual effort. For a consistently clean and inviting pool without the constant hassle, the Hayward TriVac 700 is a strong contender. To discover more and see how it can transform your pool maintenance routine, Click here to check the product out.
Last update on 2025-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API