The Pentair LL505PMG Kreepy Krauly Platinum is marketed as the most powerful pressure-side cleaner in Pentair's lineup, designed to handle large debris loads and deliver efficient cleaning for in-ground pools of various sizes. With its four-wheel drive, dual thrust jets, and a large-capacity debris bag, the Platinum aims to provide robust performance for pool owners who need heavy-duty cleaning. However, does this model truly live up to its "Platinum" name, or does it fall short in areas that matter most? Before diving into a detailed overview, let's first compare it with other popular Pentair models to see how it stacks up.
The Kreepy Krauly Racer is a pressure-side cleaner like the Platinum, but it is marketed primarily for its speed, claiming to clean up to 30% faster than other models. The Racer features four-venturi jets for additional thrust and maneuverability, making it quick across pool surfaces. However, the Platinum is built for power over speed, with a wider intake throat and more substantial debris bag capacity to handle larger debris loads. While the Racer may be more suited for those looking for a fast cleaning cycle, the Platinum's enhanced suction and larger capacity make it better for pools that deal with significant debris. Both models require a booster pump, leading to similar issues with energy consumption and operational costs.
The Pentair Legend is a more affordable pressure-side cleaner, featuring a single-jet propulsion system and three-wheel design. The Legend offers decent maneuverability, particularly in pools with tighter corners or complex shapes, but lacks the powerful suction and large debris capacity of the Platinum. The Legend is better suited for smaller or less debris-prone pools, while the Platinum offers more robust cleaning for larger pools or those with heavy leaf loads. However, both models suffer from similar drawbacks: high energy consumption due to the need for a dedicated booster pump and a lack of advanced navigation or programmability.
The Pentair Rebel is a suction-side pool cleaner, making a direct comparison with the Platinum somewhat challenging. However, it's important to note that the Rebel does not require a booster pump and is generally more energy-efficient. While it lacks the power and capacity of the Platinum, it offers a simpler, more cost-effective solution for those who prefer low-maintenance equipment. The Platinum, by contrast, is more suited for heavy-duty cleaning, but with the trade-off of higher operational costs and more frequent maintenance.
The Pentair 360048 Kreepy Krauly Automatic is another suction-side cleaner, known for its simplicity and ease of use. It does not require a booster pump and is designed to work with the pool's existing filtration system, making it a more energy-efficient choice. While it lacks the heavy-duty cleaning capabilities of the Platinum, it is better suited for pool owners who want a low-maintenance solution. The Platinum, while more powerful, demands more time, energy, and money to maintain, particularly in pools with high debris loads.
Now that we've compared the Platinum to other Pentair models, let's explore its specific features, strengths, and weaknesses in more detail.
Installing the Pentair Kreepy Krauly Platinum is not as straightforward as one might hope. As with most pressure-side cleaners, the Platinum requires a dedicated booster pump, adding an extra layer of cost and complexity to the setup process. For pool owners without an existing booster pump, this means purchasing additional equipment and potentially hiring a professional for installation.
The setup itself involves connecting the cleaner to the booster pump, assembling the 30-foot hose, and making sure the float positions are correctly adjusted. While these steps are manageable for experienced pool owners, those new to pool equipment may find the process intimidating and time-consuming. Additionally, despite Pentair’s claims that the hose is kink-resistant, it has a tendency to tangle during initial setup, which can be frustrating.
The Kreepy Krauly Platinum is designed for heavy-duty cleaning, with a large throat intake and four-wheel drive to handle a variety of debris, from leaves and acorns to larger twigs and sticks. The cleaner moves quickly and efficiently across the pool floor, walls, and steps, making it suitable for larger pools or those that experience significant debris loads.
However, the Platinum's performance is not without its flaws. While it is effective at picking up larger debris, it struggles with finer particles such as sand, silt, and pollen. The large intake throat, while great for big items, lacks the finesse needed to capture smaller debris, often leaving them behind and necessitating additional cleaning efforts. The cleaner's random cleaning pattern also results in some areas of the pool being covered multiple times while others are missed, leading to an uneven clean.
The Platinum’s aggressive scrubbing brushes are a positive feature, helping to dislodge dirt and algae from pool surfaces. However, they are not as advanced or as efficient as the specialized brushes found on many robotic pool cleaners, which are designed to provide a deeper, more thorough clean. For pool owners looking for a spotless finish, the Platinum's brute-force approach may not be the best option.
One of the standout features of the Pentair Kreepy Krauly Platinum is its large-capacity debris bag, which is designed to capture a significant amount of debris and reduce the frequency of emptying. The bag attaches securely to the cleaner, and its high capacity means it can handle substantial amounts of leaves, twigs, and other large debris.
However, this large capacity comes with a few drawbacks. The bag is somewhat cumbersome to remove and reattach, requiring both hands and a bit of dexterity. It also tends to fill up quickly in debris-heavy environments, which means frequent stops to empty and clean the bag are necessary. The mesh material of the bag, while effective for larger debris, is not fine enough to capture smaller particles, leading to debris recirculating in the pool and increasing the workload for the pool’s filtration system.
Additionally, the debris bag is prone to wear and tear, particularly when exposed to high levels of sunlight or chemicals. This means replacement bags will be needed over time, adding to the long-term maintenance costs associated with the cleaner.
The Pentair Kreepy Krauly Platinum is not an energy-efficient pool cleaner. Its reliance on a dedicated booster pump means that it draws significant power to operate, leading to higher electricity bills and increased operational costs. The need to run both the pool pump and the booster pump simultaneously adds to the overall energy consumption, making this cleaner a less appealing choice for those looking to minimize their carbon footprint or reduce their monthly expenses.
While the Platinum does provide powerful cleaning capabilities, its high energy demand and associated costs may outweigh its benefits, particularly when compared to more energy-efficient robotic pool cleaners. For pool owners who value both performance and cost-effectiveness, the Platinum’s energy consumption is a significant downside.
The Pentair Kreepy Krauly Platinum is built with durability in mind, featuring robust construction and materials designed to withstand regular use in harsh pool environments. The four-wheel drive system provides good traction and reliability, and the cleaner’s overall build quality is solid.
However, this durability comes with high maintenance requirements. The various mechanical components, including the drive belts and booster pump, need regular inspection and occasional replacement to ensure optimal performance. The cleaner’s debris bag also requires frequent emptying and cleaning, and its susceptibility to wear means that replacements will be needed regularly. For pool owners who prefer a more hands-off approach, the Platinum’s maintenance demands may prove to be a deterrent.
While the Pentair Platinum offers strong cleaning performance, it falls short in terms of user convenience. Unlike many modern robotic cleaners that offer app connectivity, programmable cleaning cycles, and remote control options, the Platinum lacks these user-friendly features. Pool owners must manually start and stop the cleaner, and there is no way to customize its cleaning pattern or optimize its schedule.
Additionally, the cleaner’s design requires manual intervention to empty the debris bag and adjust the hose, detracting from its overall usability. For those accustomed to the convenience of robotic cleaners, the Platinum may feel outdated and cumbersome.
The Pentair LL505PMG Kreepy Krauly Platinum is a powerful and capable pressure-side pool cleaner that delivers solid performance for larger pools or those with significant debris loads. However, its high energy consumption, frequent maintenance needs, and lack of modern features make it less appealing compared to robotic pool cleaners.
If you already have a dedicated booster pump and need a cleaner that can handle heavy debris, the Platinum may be a viable option. However, for those looking for a more efficient, user-friendly, and low-maintenance solution, a robotic pool cleaner remains a superior choice.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.0/5)
While the Pentair Kreepy Krauly Platinum offers robust cleaning capabilities, its high energy consumption, maintenance demands, and lack of advanced features limit its overall appeal.
Platinum status is no longer. The Pentair is a solid cleaner, but is dated compared to more modern robotic pool cleaners in 2024.
