PoolVac V-Flex™ Automatic Suction Pool Cleaner by Hayward - Review

This is the NEW PoolVac V-Flex by Hayward. The PoolVac V-Flex is a big upgrade from the standard PoolVac model. The V-Flex Turbine is a flexible turbine; the vanes collapse as water passes through the mouth of the cleaner allowing it to pick up larger debris. It is a noticeable difference from the old fixed turbine.

Along with the upgraded V-Flex turbine the A-Frame has also been redesigned with a larger and longer lasting bearing that will give this part a much better lifespan. If your familiar with the old PoolVac, then you probably know that this part used to wear out frequently.

This design chang
e is significant because it fixes two of the main issues with the PoolVac, those being, the parts wear out fast, and small debris jams the cleaner. The old fixed turbine would just get jammed too often on debris. The V-Flex turbine won't have this issue.

I say in the video that the V-Flex turbine opens to allow larger debris to pass thru but technically the water passing thru will collapse the turbine down creating a larger opening for debris. It is easier to understand  in most cases by saying it opens to allow large debris to pass.

As you can see from this video the PoolVac V-Flex is a beast when it comes to picking up dirt and debris. This pool is in pretty terrible shape and the PoolVac slices through the dirt and debris on the bottom like a knife thru butter. It works amazingly well with the new V-Flex Turbine.

The PoolVac V-Flex is a geared  cleaner which means it has a pre-programmed steering cycle, called the AutoPilot in this cleaner, which will allow it to get full coverage of your pool. With the AutoPilot steering system the cleaner won't get stuck on the step areas of the pool either.  I prefer geared cleaners over the bouncing type for that reason.

Note that this cleaner is part of Hayward's Expert Line Program which means that this cleaner is sold only at the Brick and Mortar pool stores and to service professionals at their local distributor - in my case at SCP and Superior Pool Products. It is not sold on the internet. So if you want the Hayward PoolVac V-Flex you will have to drive down to your local pool store and pick it up.

If you have a PoolVac now and want to upgrade it to the V-Flex you can buy purchasing the Upgrade Kit . The  Upgrade kit is also available at your local pool store and will not be sold online. If your PoolVac is due for a rebuild this Upgrade Kit would be a great idea.

By redesigning the Turbine and A-Frame Hayward has given the PoolVac  new life. The Navigator V-Flex is a solid choice for a suction side cleaner.




To see a video on the Hayward Navigator V-Flex: