navigator dies, now what?

[fofa]

IG, plaster, 30K gallons, 8 1/2 foot deepend.
Have had my navigator in constant use for 5 years now. Noticed it was slowing down a little, but still worked, but the parts that touch the pool were getting worn through. Took it in to my LPS (whom I do trust) and they gave me an estimate for $360 to fix it. Was not expecting that! So I can buy a brand new one for $300 with shipping on eBay, so makes no sense to fix it in my book. But then I figured if I was going to spend that, might as well check into what other suction side (I have a dedicated suction port) might work also. The polaris ATV has many bad reviews, so blew that off. Any one know what might be good to leave in the pool all the time without costing an arm and leg for repair? Maybe something better at leaves and acorns than the navigator? What about the "The Poolcleaner" anyone have that one? Or the Sta-Rite Great White? WHat about them round disk looking things (Kreepy, Barracuda, etc).
No I am not buying a robotic or changing to a pressure side.
Since here in Texas the pool runs all years, my cleaner is in pretty much 365 days only taken out during swimming (and set on the side) and then put right back in.
Thanks

[thepoolman1]

Try "the Pool Cleaner." For years it was marketed throught Jacuzzi as "The Tracker." I was never a fan of Jacuzzi products, but the rep gave me a demo model to try. It turned out to be a great machine. Since Jacuzzi's pool division has been sold and is basically no longer in existence, the original manufacturer has been marketing the cleaner themselves.

I have not had to service any of the ones I have sold in the last 4 or 5 years, but know that parts are available and are much easier to obtain now that Jacuzzi is out of the mix.

Because of their wheel design they climb well and don't get stuck on main-drain covers, especially the 4-wheel model. The suction port doesn't easily clog with debris because of it's design.

All-in-all a great cleaner. No, I don't work for the company, just like to recommend a good product that has worked well for me.

[Phillbo]

I've always liked my Hayward.

http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-Pool_and_Patio-Pool_Equipment-Cleaning_Supplies-All-Hayward_Pool_Vac_Ultra_Pool_Cleaner



If you have a Leslie's Pool store near by, they service them with no labor cost. The one in my pool was about 8 years old when I bought the house , I had new wings and a tranny replaced for 75.00. Works great .

[fofa]

Yes, I have liked my Navigator, except for the large oak leaves and acorns stopping it. But that seemed minor. But now it needs a major overhaul. Even if I buy the parts (online) it will still run about $175.00. Found a Jacuzzi 4 wheel tracker (aka ThePoolCleaner) brand new online for $199.00. So I bought one. Sitting next me as I speak (wife is making me put under the tree) figured I would try it since have heard not a thing bad about it. Figured it might do better on leaves and acorns. Suppose to take less suction to work it. I might rebuild the navigator, might not, depends on how well the Tracker does or doesn't do. I'll let yall know later.

[fofa]

The Tracker 4x (aka ThePoolCleaner) seems to be doing a pretty good job. The navigator seemed to cover the pool a tad better say in a 2 hour period, but no real complaints. It also seems to handle acorns without a hitch, and does pretty good on leaves unless you get a whole bunch, then they clog up the intake port. But that is to be expected. The navigator seemed a little worse for that. Does not seem to climb the walls as well, but I need to make final adjustments so it is most likely my fault (don't want to mess around in the cold water mostly).
Need to design a new barrier between the handrail and the steps. The PVC pipe I have there to block the navigator from wrapping around the handrail, well this thing just climbs over it.