Anyone using roller vacuum for IG vinyl pool?

[ivyleager]

Hey all,

I've becoming lazy and cheap. Unwilling to purchase high end automatic pool cleaner.....too many horror stories on most. I also am tiring of pushing & pulling my vinyl liner bristle head vac around the pool, occasionally struggling against the suction, especially in the deep end. And don't get me started on the telescoping poles. No matter how tight I get them, they generally collapse on me several times each cleaning.

So, I remember reading a thread on the old forum about someone using a roller vac head on his vinyl pool. I'd love to switch to that.

Is there some reason that this type of vacuum head is only recommended for gunnite and cement pools?

Any input would be appreciated. TIA (thanks in advance, not transient ischemic attack).

CaryB
Caniac
18x36 24K IG vinyl pool, sand filter, BBB

[Zaphod]

Ivy:

When I went to replace the bristle brush on vacuum head, I also was looking at the rollerhead type. It was labeled as "for concrete pools."

I asked the pool guy (insert derisive comment here) if I could use it on my vinyl pool. He said the wheels would be too hard on the surface. I went with that info and bought a triangular-shaped head with bristles on the bottom.

Then again, I get the kids to brush and vacuum when I'm too lazy:) ... I don't notice problems with fighting against suction at ALL.

[cheshamjim]

I'm one of those poor souls who had a bad experience with a Dolphin. I ended up sending it back, so I'm kinda in the same boat you are. I know Ben sells a wheeled vacuum head (http://www.poolsolutions.com/cart/clean.php) on PoolSolutions. I couldn't determine from the description whether it can or cannot be used on a vinyl pool, but I don't see why not. The wheels in the picture appear to be made of plastic and they would cover the surfaces with a rolling motion as opposed to a sliding motion. This couldn't be any harder on vinyl than brushing with stiff bristles.

Bet you wouldn't feel much drag with this tool.

[haze_1956]

This one is similar to the one that came with my AG pool.

http://www.intheswim.com/Pool-Cleaning-Equipment/Pool-Vacuums-and-Pool-Vacuum-Hoses/Clearview-Vacuum/

Works fine.
.

[ivyleager]

Thanks. I currently use the triangular bristle head, too.

Can't rationalize the wear difference on the liner between robotic (aquabot or dolphin) or ATV type (polaris) and roller vac. It seem like 6 of one and half dozen of the other.

My husband's input is this (he who does no pool maintenance other than use leaf blower around concrete decking before a party): hire some cute young guy in a Speedo to do it. HMMMM. Not sure at all what he's thinking.

Anyway, off to WalMart to get a roller vac head.

CaryB
Caniac

[KirstenHW]

IvyLeaguer: I have my original Haywars super vac head (triangular) with added weights. Here's my post asking about the roller type ones Ben sells. I still haven't made the leap to the new one - mine still works fine - and I like that it is transparent so I can see when things are being vaced away.

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=3401

Kirsten