Swimming Pool Vacuum Systems the Ultimate Comparison

I’ve been asked many times to put together a review video comparing the four major vacuum systems on the market today. These would be the Riptide, The Bottom Feeder, Power Vac and the Hammer-Head Vacuum. Each one of these has some pros and cons and each one is a little different. Overall you really can’t make a wrong choice between the four. Let me highlight some features for you about each system in no particular order.






Riptide:
This is probably the Tesla of vacuum systems. Riptide is always innovating and to prove that point they actually scrapped their first version entirely and started over almost completely. They basically only kept their vacuum head. And the vacuum head comes with a 10- year warranty because it is that durable. 

Essential the version you will get is as close to complete as it can get. The High Torque Motor (uses rare earth magnets) making it the most powerful vacuum on the market. The cord has a new protective external layer and comes in 40 ft or 60 ft lengths. The cart is now e-coated before powder coating
And the Transport Rack Is e-coated now too- Electrostatic Coating- All of our powder coated parts are now electrostatic coated (ecoating) and then powder coated over. This makes the finish of our components much more durable. Extremely high-quality integrated steering knuckle -Integrated Stainless Steel Steering Knuckle. This allows you to hook any pole directly up to the Riptide vacuum without the need for any adaptors while being effortless to maneuver in the water. The SL model Riptides now include a Diagnostic/Tool Kit with a battery load tester, the load tester is essential for quickly determining battery condition. 

Watch my Riptide review video here: https://youtu.be/REv3-5NlB-8

Power Vac:
The Power Vac wins in the maneuverability department hands down. Imagine pushing an office swivel chair around the pool bottom and you get the idea. Ideal for vinyl pools because of the safe wheels and vacuum head clearance and great for steps and spas. It takes some getting used to for sure but it works great and is actually was the first vacuum system on the market back in 1995.

The Vacuum head is unique in itself with the wide-body 20 inches by 11-inch cleaning path allowing you to pick up large debris through the 6” diameter throat. It has 35 lbs. of thrust and comes with the choice of a 40 ft or 60 ft cord. The cart is also one the most refined of the big three and it is extremely well made. You can also make the Power Vac portable and easily plug it into their battery case (sold separately). The Power Vac has a proven track record of being extremely reliable and well built. 


Hammer-Head:
The Hammer-Head has been around almost as long as the Power Vac. The vac head is shaped differently but it has the same power as the Power Vac. You can get the standard 21” vacuum head or the larger 30” vacuum head. For most service techs the 21” vacuum head will work fine. You can also get the cord in 40 ft or 60 ft length and the cart is probably the least refined of the big three. It is well balanced and functional. 

NON-MARKING, BEARINGLESS, CAST URETHANE HEAD WHEELS
STAINLESS POLE SWIVEL MOUNT (two positions adjustable angle standard on the Resort-30)

ALL STAINLESS HARDWARE
FEATURING THE PATENTED SMART SWITCH™ (The new HH1062 Smart Switch comes standard on all Hammer-Head pool cleaning units. SMART SWITCH™ features include a motor-saving overload sensor, two speeds, and an automatic shutoff when the motor is out of the water for more than a minute).

Bottom Feeder:
Fast. Light. Powerful.
Finish vacuuming a pool faster and easier with The Bottom Feeder Professional-Grade Battery-Powered Swimming Pool Vacuum. This cordless portable pool vac is so lightweight and easy to use, you can carry everything in one hand in only one trip from the truck to every pool on your route. With no hoses, long cords or carts, simply connect the 2-Hr. rechargeable lithium-ion battery poolside, and you’re off and running in seconds – no sinking hoses, untangling cables, or priming to deal with. This cordless pool vac simply is the best tool to vacuum swimming pools in minutes, freeing up valuable time on your pool route. Weighing in at only 12 lbs., this compact and lightweight battery-powered pool vacuum is the lightest commercial-duty swimming pool vacuum system available. Compact and powerful, The Bottom Feeder’s high-torque onboard motor produces more than enough

thrust to make it effective at picking up leaves, twigs, small stones, and coins along with the finer debris – especially utilizing our signature “The 57” Super-Duper Fine 57 Micron Debris Bag – and can vacuum in as little as four inches of water. Our new generation lower-amperage, the higher-torque motor allows the battery’s runtime to last up to two hours or more before needing a recharge. Coupled with a light and sturdy aluminum frame with stainless steel reinforcement, our portable battery underwater powered vacuum system has increased durability, cutting down on wear and tear and the need for repairs or replacement parts. Designed by professionals for professionals, The Bottom Feeder is a revolutionary pool cleaning system that combines American ingenuity with lightweight flexibility.

Bottom Feeder:
Fast. Light. Powerful.
Finish vacuuming a pool faster and easier with The Bottom Feeder Professional-Grade Battery-Powered Swimming Pool Vacuum. This cordless portable pool vac is so lightweight and easy to use, you can carry everything in one hand in only one trip from the truck to every pool on your route. With no hoses, long cords or carts, simply connect the 2.5-Hr. rechargeable lithium-ion battery and you are good to go. Weighing in at only 12 lbs., this compact and lightweight battery-powered pool vacuum is the lightest commercial-duty swimming pool vacuum system available. 

The 18 lbs. thrust motor makes it effective at picking up leaves, twigs, small stones and coins along with the finer debris. So there really is plenty of power.

Bottom Feeder Review: https://youtu.be/QnrZmsAXE9Y

Other products mentioned:


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