Baracuda G3 Pool Cleaner

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 4.3 out of 5 stars

Pros

• Quiet running
• Requires Less Pressure to operate
• Capable of cleaning all parts of the pool

Cons

• Slower than other Automatic Vacuums
• Diaphragm Easily detaches while the vacuum is operating

Our Verdict

• Effective at cleaning every inch of the pool
• Inexpensive and long lasting
• Great Alternative to cleaning it yourself

 

Technical Specs

• 36-fin disc
• In-ground pool vacuum
• 19 pounds
• Takes on average 5 hours to clean entire pool

Our Review

For many pool owners, there’s a constant struggle between having the time to clean the pool thoroughly and wanting more time to enjoy the pool. That’s why the automatic vacuum was born. The Baracuda G3 Pool Cleaner is an extremely effective tool at cleaning any size of in-ground pools with little intervention needed from you.

Difference between Automatic and Robotic Vacuums

As you can plainly see, there are many differences between an automatic vacuum and a robotic vacuum; the biggest of which is the price. However, it’s how they operate that separates the two.  With an automatic vacuum, you have to use your pool’s existing pump while a robotic vacuum operates independently of any feature on your pool.

That being said, the decision between which one works best for you is solely up to what you are wanting. There’s no rule that says you have to purchase a robot, especially when there are automatic vacuums as good as the Baracuda on the market.

How it works

An automatic pool vacuum will use the suction from the pool’s existing pump to work a diaphragm located at the end of the vacuum. This diaphragm works the vacuum head up and down while sucking in water and debris. This vibrating motion makes the Baracuda G3 Pool Cleaner move across the pools surface.

Design

The Baracuda G3 Pool Cleaner looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. On the portion that touches the pool, there is a 36-fin disc that speads out roughly a foot in diameter. This disc serves two functions. First, it helps to hold suction against the pool’s surface. Secondly, the disc works as a buffer to prevent the vacuum from getting hung up on lights, drain covers, and other pool features. In fact, it does its job extremely well.

The Diaphragm portion of the Baracuda G3 is wear it gets its name from; it looks just like a big blue barracuda. To increase the longevity of the vacuum, the diaphragm is made of only one moving part. Therefore, there’s less chance of it breaking down.

Wheel Deflector

Something that was added on to the G3 model is the wheel deflector. It works to help the automatic vacuum maneuver around tight corners where normal vacuums would get hung up in. There’s nothing more frustrating for a pool owner than to find their automatic vacuum stuck in one place for the duration of the cleaning cycle.

FlowKeeper Valve

This model is known as suction-side pool cleaner and has a patented FlowKeeper Valve, which is essentially an automated variable flow control valve capable of regulating water flow to maintain peak performance at all times, even with low-speed pumps. In fact, you can put this valve down into your pool’s skimmer and the valve will allow the suction from the skimmer to continue to suck in water through the skimmer as well as provide enough suction for the vacuum to operate.

Quick Disconnect Cassette

For most owners of automatic vacuums, the biggest complaint is the time and effort it takes to perform maintenance, should debris get lodged inside the diaphragm. With the Baracuda G3, this isn’t an issue. In fact, to gain access to remove the lodged debris is as simple as disconnecting the cassette in one step.

By doing so, you can quickly remove the debris. This caused the Baracuda G# to perform exceptionally well against its competitors.

Scuff-Resistant hoses

When you purchase the Baracuda G3, it comes standard with its own suction hose. What’s so special about a hose, you ask? This hose not only allows for increased suction delivered to the vacuum head. It is made of an extremely heavy-duty material that will last for years without damaging or cracking.

Additionally, because the hose on an automatic vacuum is one of the leading causes of pool damage, the hose for the G3 has a special coating along the outside that prevents it from scuffing the surface of the pool. So, not only will the hose last, but you won’t have to worry about collateral damage, either.

Effective Cleaner

For the type of vacuum it is, the Baracuda G3 Pool Cleaner does an excellent job of scrubbing and vacuuming the entire pool. In fact, unlike other automatic vacuums, it will even climb the walls, steps, and any other raised surfaces you might have in your pool. Though it isn’t as thorough as a robotic vacuum, for the price and effectiveness, it is an excellent tool to have.

What’s even more amazing is the fact that any debris in your pool gets sucked into the G3. Got a problem with leaves getting trapped in your pool? With the Baracuda G3, that’s not a problem any more. Acorns seem to find their way in, hurting your feet as you step on them? No problem. Even down to the algae, nothing is skipped over by the G3. Plus, it does all of this using less pressure than most any other automatic vacuums on the market.

The key is, however, giving the vacuum the best start possible. Most simply toss the vacuum head in to the water and let it try to work. Instead, make sure the vacuum end if flush against the pools surface. This allows it to gain maximum suction power.

Quiet Running

Another complaint of most vacuums is how loud they are during operation. SO loud, in fact, that you can’t stand to be outside while it is operating. During testing, the Baracuda G3 performed admirably well in this category. In fact, you can hardly tell the vacuum is actually doing anything until you begin to notice the water being pulled into it.

More Features isn’t always better

With the Baracuda G3, you are getting just about as basic of an automatic vacuum as you can get. However, that’s not a bad thing. Its price is extremely competitive. Not to mention, it is extremely easy to you. Simple drop the vacuum end into the pool, hook the valve up to a dedicated suction line or skimmer, and you are god to go.

Conclusion

For many, price becomes the deciding factor on whether they go with an automatic or robotic vacuum. With the Baracuda G3, you are getting as close to the effectiveness of a robotic vacuum without the extra hundreds of dollars. It will surprise you when you begin to see the powerful suction the G3 applies to your pool.

With its simple, yet futuristic, design, it’s no wonder why customer satisfaction with this vacuum is one of the highest in the market. That equals a reassurance that, if you purchase this automatic vacuum, you will be pleased. After all, what’s better than having a pool? Relaxing in the pool knowing you don’t have to spend hours cleaning it yourself. Go ahead, make the investment, and discover the new joys of owning a pool.