Mark on Amazon 12 years ago
02/19/2011, 09:04 AM
Very happy with Baracuda G3 so far (update 2013)
Old review is below, but I'm updating to say the Barracuda has been in my pool for over 2 years now and I haven't had a single service issue with it. I have followed the instructions about removing the unit from the pool if you need to do a heavy chlorine shock, and I only run the pump 2 hrs or less per day (which has kept the pool perfectly clean), so perhaps these are the tricks to avoiding diaphragm wearout that others have complained about. Still very happy with it and would buy an identical pool cleaner if I needed to.
Old review:
Just recently purchased, so I can't comment yet on it's long term durability, but its operation and cleaning performance has been great since the first minute I put it in the pool. Before installing, I actually spent 5 minutes reading the instructions (unusual for me!). The instructions were well written and this made the reading process painless and informative. I set up the hose length, hose weight, and adjusted the flow rate (with the easy to use flowmeter provided)as recommended. From the minute I dropped it in the pool, it was doing a better job covering all the corners and sides than my old, complicated Polaris ever did.
I have read some reviews indicating that the diaphragm (the only moving part) can wear out and need to be replaced more often than desired. However, this appears to be such a simple and easily replaced part, that even if I need to do this annually (or more often), I wouldn't consider that a major problem. My previous Polaris cleaner seemed to need maintenance performed on its complicated gearbox every year or two, which was VERY costly, or time consuming when I did it myself, so the simplicity of the Barracuda is a welcome change. Also, I'm careful with maintaining proper chlorine levels and only run my pump about 1 to 2 hours a day, even in Summer (and my pool remains sparkling clean), so if others are running their pump and pool cleaner 6 or 8+ hours per day, or frequently chlorine-shocking the pool with the pool cleaner in it, that might explain the premature wear.
I'll report back if I experience any long term issues, but so far I've been extremely happy with this pool cleaner and would highly recommend it. Wish I'd junked the Polaris and bought one of these years ago.
(One interesting question... The instructions indicate different installation/setup arrangements (weights on hose, etc.) depending on U.S./Mexico or Canada. Does anyone have a clue as to why there would be different recommendations for different Countries???)