The Shrimp KIT from The Bottom Feeder

Choosing the right portable pool vacuum can change how fast you work, how often you replace gear, and how well you serve different pool types. This episode digs into a practical comparison between the long-proven Bottom Feeder and the new Shrimp kit. Both are cordless, both use real, service-grade parts, and both target pros who need speed without a cart. The key difference is scale: footprint, throat size, handling, and where each tool fits along a route that ranges from leaf-heavy backyards to delicate water features. If you’ve been tempted by cheap plastic compact vacuums, you’ll want to hear why their true cost rises over a season of breakage and part shortages.

The Bottom Feeder has been the portable benchmark for years, with incremental upgrades that kept it reliable and balanced. Its 18-by-11-inch body covers ground fast, runs on a LiFePO4 battery, and handles most debris you’ll find after standard wind events. The Shrimp trims that platform down to 12 by 8 by 9 with a five-inch throat, and the surprising part is how close the suction feels in real use. The smaller opening boosts thrust, so even with slightly less power, the Shrimp picks up debris with confidence. You trade a wider cleaning path for agility, and that trade pays off on steps, spas, and tight nooks where the Bottom Feeder can feel oversized.

Battery tech matters when you’re racing between stops. Both systems lean on LiFePO4 packs rated for roughly 1,500 to 2,000 cycles, offering stability and long life. The Shrimp delivers about two and a half hours of runtime, which is plenty for spot-vac tasks or routes with light debris. Its charger takes around six hours to top off, slower than the newer Bottom Feeder charger, but predictable and easy to schedule. The Shrimp’s new magnetic switch is a standout: a sealed, push-to-on, pull-to-off tab that removes water intrusion worries and should reduce switch failures that plague underwater toggles.

Handling is where the two machines feel distinct. The Bottom Feeder’s weight and width help it stay planted when you pull backward. The Shrimp, being lighter and more compact, can lift slightly on the backstroke unless you add a touch of downward pressure. That adjustment becomes second nature in minutes. The Shrimp shines in shallow areas, working in about four inches of water, which covers most steps and features. While the Bottom Feeder can operate in as little as two inches, many techs will prefer the Shrimp’s control in tight spaces, fountains, and spillways where maneuverability beats raw coverage.

Durability separates pro tools from throwaway gadgets. Many compact plastic vacuums look appealing at a low price, but they struggle to last through a full season of commercial use, and parts can be hard to source. The Shrimp uses professional components, stainless threaded fittings, brass-plated connectors, and a real motor with a prop, so you’re buying longevity and predictable serviceability. The kit includes a vac bag at 120 microns, a charger, a handle for easy carry, and a 20-foot pole extension that completes a portable setup without extra accessories. At a listed $1,199, it’s an investment—but one designed to return value over years, not months.

So which should you buy? Think in categories. If most of your route sees moderate to heavy leaf loads and you want a single cordless workhorse, the Bottom Feeder remains a balanced, high-coverage choice. If you manage many pools with light debris, need quick spot vacs, or handle spas and water features daily, the Shrimp becomes the smarter primary or complementary tool. Many techs will pair them: Bottom Feeder for big cleanups, Shrimp for precision and speed. Homeowners who want pro quality without a cart will also find the Shrimp a compelling fit. Either way, you’re choosing between two durable platforms built for real service work, not disposable convenience.