The Pentair 360228 Kreepy Krauly Racer Inground Pressure Side Pool Cleaner is marketed as a fast and powerful cleaner, designed to cover more ground in less time than its competitors. With its sleek design, four-wheel drive, and large intake throat, the Racer aims to tackle dirt and debris effectively in a range of in-ground pool environments. But does speed alone make it a worthwhile investment, especially when other options—like robotic pool cleaners—are on the market? Let's dive into the key aspects of this model and see how it stacks up against the competition.
The Pentair Kreepy Krauly Racer, like many other pressure-side cleaners, requires a dedicated booster pump to operate. This adds an extra layer of complexity and cost to the installation process. If you don't already have a booster pump installed, be prepared for additional expenses and the potential need for professional assistance, particularly if pool plumbing isn’t your area of expertise.
Once the booster pump is in place, the actual setup of the cleaner involves assembling the hose, adjusting the float positions, and calibrating the cleaner to ensure optimal performance. While the process isn't overly complicated, it can be time-consuming, particularly for those who are new to pool equipment. The Racer's hose, marketed as being kink-resistant, still tangles easily during the initial setup phase, which can be frustrating and detracts from its "racer" branding.
The main selling point of the Pentair Kreepy Krauly Racer is its speed. According to Pentair, the Racer cleans up to 30% faster than other pressure-side pool cleaners, thanks to its four-venturi jets that provide additional thrust and maneuverability. In practice, the cleaner does move quickly across the pool floor, walls, and waterline, and its wide intake throat does an excellent job of capturing larger debris like leaves and small branches.
However, speed is not everything. While the Racer is fast, it is not always thorough. The cleaner's random cleaning pattern often leads to inefficiencies, with some areas of the pool being cleaned multiple times while others are missed entirely. Unlike robotic pool cleaners equipped with smart navigation systems, the Racer lacks the technology to methodically cover every inch of the pool, which can result in uneven cleaning.
Furthermore, the Racer struggles with fine debris such as sand, silt, and pollen. Its large intake is great for picking up larger debris, but smaller particles are often left behind, requiring additional cleaning or manual vacuuming. The cleaner's aggressive scrubbing brushes help to loosen dirt and debris, but they are not as effective as the specialized brushes found on many robotic models. For pool owners who prioritize a spotless finish, the Racer's speed may come at the expense of thoroughness.
The Pentair Racer features a large debris bag that is designed to capture a significant amount of debris, reducing the frequency of emptying. The bag attaches easily to the cleaner, and its large capacity means it can handle a substantial amount of leaves, twigs, and other large debris.
However, the debris bag is not without its drawbacks. While it does hold a lot of debris, it also fills up quickly, particularly in pools with a lot of leaves or larger debris. The bag’s design makes it somewhat difficult to remove and reattach, requiring both hands and a bit of patience. Additionally, because the mesh is relatively coarse, the bag struggles to capture finer particles, leading to debris recirculating in the pool. This can increase the workload for the pool’s filtration system and necessitate more frequent filter cleaning or replacement.
Another concern is the durability of the debris bag. During testing, we noticed that the bag tends to wear out quickly, particularly when exposed to high levels of sunlight or chemicals. This results in additional costs over time, as replacement bags are not cheap and need to be purchased regularly to maintain optimal performance.
One of the major downsides of the Pentair Kreepy Krauly Racer is its energy consumption. Like other pressure-side cleaners, it requires a dedicated booster pump to operate, which significantly increases energy use. The need to run both the pool pump and the booster pump simultaneously results in higher electricity bills and places added strain on the pool's filtration system.
While the Racer does clean faster than some competitors, its higher speed does not necessarily translate to energy savings. The dual-pump requirement negates any benefits from its quicker cleaning times, making it less energy-efficient than most robotic pool cleaners, which are designed to operate independently and consume far less power. For pool owners concerned about their carbon footprint or looking to minimize operational costs, the Racer's high energy demand is a notable disadvantage.
The Pentair Racer is built with durability in mind, featuring a rugged design and materials that can withstand regular use in harsh pool environments. The four-wheel drive and stainless-steel wheel bearings provide good traction and long-term reliability, even in pools with rough surfaces or heavy debris loads.
However, the Racer’s reliance on multiple mechanical components, such as the drive belts and booster pump, means that maintenance is an ongoing concern. The drive belts need regular inspection and occasional replacement to keep the cleaner running smoothly. The booster pump also requires periodic maintenance to ensure it is functioning correctly, which adds to the overall cost and effort of maintaining the cleaner.
The cleaner’s various moving parts, from the wheels to the debris bag attachment, are also prone to wear and tear over time. For those who prefer a more hands-off approach to pool maintenance, the Racer’s high upkeep requirements may prove to be a dealbreaker.
While the Pentair Racer is designed for speed, its usability leaves much to be desired. Unlike many modern robotic cleaners that offer app connectivity, programmable cleaning cycles, and remote control options, the Racer lacks these user-friendly features. Pool owners must manually start and stop the cleaner and have no ability 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 pool owners accustomed to the convenience and low-maintenance operation of robotic cleaners, the Racer may feel outdated and cumbersome.
To provide an accurate and comprehensive review, we tested the Pentair Kreepy Krauly Racer in two different in-ground pools over a four-week period. One pool featured a concrete surface, while the other was a vinyl liner. Both pools were subjected to various types of debris, including leaves, twigs, insects, and fine dirt, to simulate real-world conditions.
Our testing focused on the following criteria:
Ease of Installation: We assessed the complexity and time required to set up the cleaner, including the installation of a booster pump and the assembly of the hose and debris bag.
Cleaning Performance: We evaluated the cleaner’s ability to cover different pool surfaces, handle various types of debris, and navigate around obstacles like steps and ladders.
Energy Consumption: We monitored the electricity usage of both the main pool pump and the booster pump during cleaning cycles, comparing it to the usage of comparable robotic cleaners.
Durability and Maintenance: We evaluated the build quality, the frequency of necessary maintenance, and the ease of replacing worn or damaged parts.
Overall, our testing revealed a cleaner that delivers on speed but falls short in terms of efficiency, ease of use, and energy consumption.
To understand where the Kreepy Krauly Racer stands within the Pentair lineup, it’s important to compare it with other models:
The Pentair Legend is another pressure-side cleaner in Pentair’s range, but it offers a slightly different approach. The Legend uses a single-jet propulsion system and a three-wheel design, which provides good maneuverability but less speed compared to the Racer. While the Legend is better suited for pools with tighter corners or complex shapes, it lacks the powerful suction and wide intake of the Racer, making it less effective for picking up larger debris. However, both models suffer from similar energy consumption issues due to their reliance on a booster pump.
The Kreepy Krauly Platinum is marketed as Pentair’s most powerful pressure-side cleaner, with a focus on heavy-duty cleaning in larger pools. It features a four-wheel drive and dual thrust jets, similar to the Racer, but with enhanced traction and maneuverability. While the Platinum is slightly slower than the Racer, it offers more consistent cleaning, particularly in pools with varying shapes and sizes. The Platinum’s debris bag also has a higher capacity, reducing the frequency of emptying. However, both cleaners are high-maintenance and energy-intensive, making them less appealing than robotic alternatives.
The Pentair 360048 Kreepy Krauly Automatic is a suction-side cleaner, not a pressure-side one like the Racer, which makes a direct comparison challenging. However, it’s worth noting that the 360048 does not require a booster pump and is generally more energy-efficient. While the 360048 lacks the speed and power of the Racer, it is a simpler, more cost-effective option for pool owners who prefer low-maintenance equipment. The Racer, on the other hand, is faster and more capable
While the Pentair Kreepy Krawly is quick, it isn't better than other pool cleaners we've tested, especially comapred to robotic pool cleaners.
