Pool Buster vs. Pool Buster CG

[JohnT]

Copied from Pooltalk

Pool Buster vs. Pool Buster CG I'm getting ready to purchase the Pool Buster to use in conjunction with the Blue Pearl this season and would like to know if there is a significant difference in the regular model versus the commercial model. I don't want to spend the extra bucks if the difference is marginal. Any feedback on pros/cons of both models would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[DONNIE]

I bought the regular PB and love it. You HAVE TO get the fine mesh filter though. It will pick up leaves etc but dirt/sand will pass right thru the regular filter. I can't say anything bad about it at all.

Donnie

[CarlD]

I bought the regular PB and love it. You HAVE TO get the fine mesh filter though. It will pick up leaves etc but dirt/sand will pass right thru the regular filter. I can't say anything bad about it at all.

Donnie

Ditto. The CG comes with it and is a little more powerful.

When I got my PB there was only one on the market. I THINK I was the first one here to try it--and I really, really liked it. Last year was it's 3rd or 4th season--I've forgotten now. But last year (or was it the year before?) I got the finer mesh and WOW! As good as a skimmer vacuum, but MUCH easier, lighter and FASTER...When not using my Blue Diamond.

You can even use the PB while you are in the water, with a pole or a mask'n'snorkle. Is it easier that way? Maybe not, but it sure is cooler! and more fun, too!

The PoolBuster is a GREAT invention!

[DONNIE]

Be careful when ordering the fine mesh filter. There is another product that is a package of 5 fiber "socks" that you insert in the original filter. Can't tell you if they work or not but it is not the fine mesh filter assembly that fits into the PB.

Donnie

[CarlD]

Be careful when ordering the fine mesh filter. There is another product that is a package of 5 fiber "socks" that you insert in the original filter. Can't tell you if they work or not but it is not the fine mesh filter assembly that fits into the PB.

Donnie


They also sell paper disposables. The manuf claims these filter even more finely than the fine mesh. That's probably what you are seeing.

[joliecharlie]

Carl,
I bought the fine filter online as you suggested for my sand problem, however I cannot find the paper filter. I imagine it looks like a cone coffee filter???
If you happen to have a website link, would you please post it?
Thanks,

[CarlD]

Pool Buster is made by www.watertechcorp.com (http://www.watertechcorp.com)
They sell the parts on-line. They also sell the Blue Diamond robotic. It's a great cleaner but idiosyncratic: I have to take out my ladder before I run it and it once tried to eat the cord. You also cannot use it on odd-shaped pools without the remote, and then you must direct it (ugh!). But it works great on rectangular pools and is FAST!

I also have a Dolphin Remote control. This one, when it works, doesn't have a problem with the ladder, and it can handle multiple shapes easily, but takes 8 hours. It's the second one--I had SUCH problems with the first one the third season and raised SUCH a stink they gave me a new one.

[falken]

Ditto. The CG comes with it and is a little more powerful.


The CG no longer comes with the fine mesh bag (they have a GC MAX package for an extra $50 that comes with it now).

But yes, the finer bag is a must for the unit!

[gwrace1]

I bought the Pool Buster Max this week and so far love it. The regular filter bag was letting to much sand and fine silt pass thru so I purchased the finer sand filter bag.

My only complaint is that these things are pricey and they all should come with the sand filter bag. Twenty five to thirty dollars for a piece of material stitched to a rubber/plastic/vinyl lip is to much. It probably cost about a buck to make. They advertise that the product as sold will pick up fine sand. Not so without the optional sand filter bag.

[gwrace1]

The CG no longer comes with the fine mesh bag (they have a GC MAX package for an extra $50 that comes with it now).

But yes, the finer bag is a must for the unit!

Yes I noticed this to when reviewing the specs on the product website.

I also can't see any real difference in the specs that justify a $100-150 price premium for the CG model. Battery and Motor specs are the same as well as the run time and charge time. They do mention some added corrosion protection and supposedly 33% more suction power. However more suction power equates to more power consumption and less battery run time.
Owners manual on the Buster Max says two hours for initial charge gets you going and 1 hour maintenance charge is average for most pool cleaning jobs.

[CarlD]

I have the original from when it was first released. It's just fine. But if you have a VERY deep end--8' or more you may want the stronger unit.

I DID have troubles keeping the battery charged, but I waited too long to complain--2 years. Had it been within the first year they would have simply sent me the new motor/battery unit free, but after 2 years they couldn't unless I paid for it. I did and I'm GLAD I did--it's run FAR better ever since. And I got the fine bag then too.

Moral: If your PB seems to not be holding a charge too long, or is running slow, call before the warranty expires. You just have a bad rechargable--very common in rechargable devices.

With the PB and the Blue Diamond, I haven't even had the vacuum hose out of the basement in 2 seasons, about to be a third!

[tphaggerty]

I have the CG. At the time I bought (last year), the CG had a larger motor (thus the 33% more power). However, the big plus for me was that it had a 1 hour charger, versus an 8 hour (or maybe a 4 hour) for the regular unit. Since I have a big pool, I thought that would be a big deal as we might need to recharge quickly.

However, we have never run the unit for more than 30 minutes or so, didn't need to. So the charge time has not really been an issue. Our's did come with the fine mesh bag - we use that exclusively unless we are picking up lots of leaves. I bought mine through an online pool supply place in Texas, don't remember the name, but it was cheaper than the PoolBuster site.

LOVE IT! LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!

[karrde97]

I just bought the PB Max with fine mesh based on recommendations from this forum. My only complaint...it works TOO good! :) I tried to use it on opening my pool which wasn't covered over the winter and was still cloudy from algae. I could only run the PB for a minute before the bag was full. Plus, I couldn't see where I was cleaning. I threw in my Aquabug for a few hours one day and I'll use that for the BIG clean and then use my PB throughout the summer.

Can't wait to put on the goggles and hand vac under water.

[mariner09]

I'm trying to decide on the PB Max or the PB CG.

I did see the PB CG Gold, this contains a 2nd charging unit, a 5-pack of disposable filters and a sand & silt filter.

Anyone think it's worth the $150 delta over the PB MAX???

[rilesworld]

It seems to me the consensus is that a fine filter mesh bag is a necessity. I do not have one of these units but am considerring one as well. I have seen the Pool Buster Max for $165, add to that the cost of the fine filter mesh bag ($30) and that unit would cost about $195. I have seen the Pool Buster Max CG for $220 which includes the mesh bag and more power. The difference is only $25, so I am definately leaning toward the CG?

I personally don't think the Gold has enough extra to justify the price jump.

My $.02

Riles

[tphaggerty]

My 1 year old PB CG just quit working. One month out of warranty! The only real repair option is to replace the battery/motor pack. In the CG, this is $139 (direct from WatertechCorp), the Max is $89. So, if you are going to use the PB only for light pickup duties (cleaning corners after your normal cleaner is done), then you might want to lean towards the Max.

I have contacted WaterTech and asked what they might be able to do for me since the unit is basically only a year old. Hopefully we can work something out, I'll let everyone know. I love my PB, but $139 replacement after only a year is pretty severe...

[CarlD]

My 1 year old PB CG just quit working. One month out of warranty! The only real repair option is to replace the battery/motor pack. In the CG, this is $139 (direct from WatertechCorp), the Max is $89. So, if you are going to use the PB only for light pickup duties (cleaning corners after your normal cleaner is done), then you might want to lean towards the Max.

I have contacted WaterTech and asked what they might be able to do for me since the unit is basically only a year old. Hopefully we can work something out, I'll let everyone know. I love my PB, but $139 replacement after only a year is pretty severe...

I would agree. The regular PB battery replacement is $79. I got hit with that because I was more than a year out of warranty. Fair enough. But if they are the company I think they are, they'll extend the warranty that extra one month. I'll be very surprised and disappointed if they don't.

Let us know.

[cruzmisl]

My standard PB stopped working properly this year and I sent it back for repair. I asked if I could upgrade to the CG and they said no problem. I'll be able to make a comparo once I get the new unit back early next week.

[mariner09]

Riles,

Where did you find that $220 price for the CG???

[mariner09]

Seek and Ye shall find...

I found a PB Max CG on eBay for $219.99. Couldn't pass it up.

At that price, if I need to pay $25 for a micro bag, then so be it...

[ivyleager]

Just received PB-CG yesterday and used it today. While I like it's easy set-up (basically none compared to manual vac w/ hoses), it certainly does not have anywhere near the suction. I found that I had to go over some of the same spots again, and again. It really does not do a good job, comparatively, at picking up even small leaves. Again, had to try several times to get the one or two in my pool sucked up. I also found that I had to make sure I was pushing down on the pole to keep the PB in contact with the pool bottom. The other ting I'm not sure about is how high I can lift out of the water to do my walkin steps. I didn't do the top or the second step as the PB was about 1/2 out of the water by then. Can I do higher as long as the vacuum head is underwater???

I did, however, complete the job in about 20 minutes from start to finish, including cleaning silt-bag, and returning unit to garage. No need to roll up hoses, drag them around the pool, etc.

Easy, yes. The best cleaner ever....no.

CaryB

[tphaggerty]

Something is not right. Are you using the rollers or the brushes?? The PB CG easily picks up large leaves and such for me. The rollers provide better suction (they are OK for vinyl per Watertech), I switched to the brushes to, well, just brush a bit more... You do have to go directly over stuff, but you shouldn't have to go back and forth.

Perhaps pictures of your assembled unit or some description might help. Did you charge it for several hours before trying it out?

[ivyleager]

I am using the brushes as I have a vinyl lined pool, I guess I could try the rollers tomorrow. I charged the unit overnight, and did not feel any decrease in its power during the time it was used. I put everything together as directed, and I'm pretty mechanically inclined.....for a girl.

I used the silt and sand bag, instead of the regular bag. The only thing I read different from my set up is that directions said that the fine mesh bag is to be used with the silt & sand bag. Can't see how that should make any difference, but I'll try that tomorrow also.

The brushes supplied on this unit are rather long, and not very stiff. The brushes on my manual vac head are very stiff. I can see that these would provide better "brushing" of debris, especially along the liner seam area where I had the most difficulty.

Will try these changes and see what happens.

CaryB

[mariner09]

I was using the brushes as well and am going to switch to the wheels to get the advertised "better" suction than the brushes.

I did pick up a few leaves, but I really need the silt bag I just ordered today.

[hoffmans]

OK !!!
I just got off the phone w/ WaterTech.

The PoolBuster Max is $199.99 no bells and whistles.

The PoolBuster Comercial Grade is $349.00 it includes:
- Sand and Silt bag
- 5 disposable bags ( the sales girl AMY said they can be used 5 to 7 times before you have to throw them away)
- One extra charger
- the PoolBuster Vacuum CG w/ 33% more power.

On top of those prices you have to pay shipping and a small tax.

This is what i chose to purchase:
$199.00 - PoolBuster Max
$25.00 - One Sand and Silt Bag
$19.99 - One package of 5 of the Micro Filter disposables.

Subtotal = $243.99
Sales Tax = $2.46 (yes i purchased it over the phone- whats w/ the tax?)
Shipping = $35.16

Grand Total = $281.61

They said 7 to 10 business days for delivery.

Can i use it to do ALL my regular summer vacuuming ( not including major clean ups)?
I hate using the vac that came w/ the pool, it is soooooooo slow and i have to go over the same spot several times very slowly.

~Hoffmans

[tphaggerty]

I have a CG. With the fine bag, I really don't think you will need the disposable bags, but let us know how they work since you've already paid for them!

You can use the PB for the whole pool. But, I think the combination of a PB plus an automatic of some sort makes more sense, especially for a larger pool. I have the PB CG and a Pool Rover Plus for my 20x40 IG vinyl. I went for a month or so with just the PB, but covering the entire pool required several bag cleanings and I had to be there the whole time. My Rover cleans 95% of the pool in 2 hours and I only have to spend about 5 minutes on setup and cleanup.

I normally run the Rover every other day and use the PB to spot clean whenever. Its a great combo!

[Theusla]

I love my PB. It quit working this spring. I got lucky and it was still in warranty. Sent it back and they fixed it. Now i am good to go again. :)

[mariner09]

I must say that the silt bag makes a huge difference in this product's performance. I think it's great...

[CarlD]

I must say that the silt bag makes a huge difference in this product's performance. I think it's great...

I agree. A PB with the silt bag means never having to use a hose-based vacuum! Easier to set up and clean up, easier to vacuum with, and does a better job, too.

Plus on a hot day you can grab the PB and dive down to the bottom to spot clean and stay cool!

[joliecharlie]

The disposable bag is a shorter version of the skimmer socks (material women's tights are made of) . Works great for the fine stuff that still goes thru the silt bag. I am washing mine in the washer with bed sheets and reusing.

[hoffmans]

Bumping this up.
The Owner/Inventor/President of Pool Buster is stopping by to see what is being said of his product. Bumping up for his convience.

Other threads on this forum about the Pool Buster:
http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=986&highlight=Buster
http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=7220&highlight=Buster
http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=5301&highlight=Buster


~Hoffmans

[karrde97]

Mine works great except there seems to be a leak. When I pull the nozzle off, there's a trail on sand (what's in the pool) on one side. Just ran it today and it looked a little better. Sometimes it looks like it just blows the stuff right through even with the silt bag.

[belbog]

I bought the Poolbuster CG from PoolDr.com last spring. Used it exclusivily to clean my newly installed 18x36 vinly inground keyhole pool. After the cement apron was installed I had a ton of stuff in that pool, including some small rocks. Used it a couple of times a week from late May til early October and it worked great. This year I'm going to buy either a Blue Pearl or Blue Diamond. You can use the poolbuster to clean a pool the size of mine, but....you better be retired like I am. Takes a bit of time. This year I'll just use it for doing the stairs or a quick touch up. I think the CG is a more powerful model and comes with extra bags. Mine came with an extra charger, which unfortunately didn't work at all. I just threw it in the trash. I suppose I could've asked for a replacement but one seemed enough.

[Jimmy C]

Hi all, After reading these posts I splurged and purchased a Pool Blaster Max CG. Boy am I sorry! This thing is a toy, and I spent real money for it ($320 shipped).
My pool is close to several Texas Live Oak trees, and those leaves settle on the bottom of the pool after floating for just a few hours. The Pool Blaster is so weak that the vacuuming motion just pushed the leaves out of the way.
If I vacuum smaller debris the Pool Buster does a better job, but I still have to slowly go back over the same spot 4-5 times to get everything.
My pool is IG, Gunite, 16K gallons, and I used the Pool Buster wheels as recommended.
The manufacturer says the MAX CG pumps "up to 61 GPM". I think this is a typo, and it is more likely "up to 61 GPH" (gallons per hour instead of gallons per minute). Interestingly the rating of the Max is "up to 47 GPM" and the MAX CG is "up to 61GPM" and yet the size is the same and the weight is 5.65 pounds Max versus 5.70 pounds for the MAX CG. Both claim battery life "up to 1 hr." So what is the difference besides about $100? Getting 30% more water flow (61/47) has to mean a larger motor and a larger battery pack. Since the weight between the two models is virtually the same, I contend that the additional cost for MAX CG is based upon fraud.
My 2 Horsepower pool filter pump pumps 90 GPM, and that takes 220 volts at 10 amperes, so how the heck can the Pool Buster pump 61 GPM with a pack of AA size rechargeable batteries, and do so for "up to 1 hour"? It cannot and I've been duped ladies and gentleman.
The last time I fell for something as fake as this was when I was a kid and I bought a packet of "Sea Monkeys" which turned out to be a 1/4 teaspoon of brine shrimp eggs. This time I've spent real money, and I bet getting a refund will be a major headache.

comments welcome

Regards,
Jim

[Jimmy C]

hoffmans said:

>OK !!!
>I just got off the phone w/ WaterTech.

>The PoolBuster Max is $199.99 no bells and whistles.

>The PoolBuster Comercial Grade is $349.00 it includes:
>- Sand and Silt bag
>- 5 disposable bags ( the sales girl AMY said they can be used 5 to 7 times >before you have to throw them away)
>- One extra charger
>- the PoolBuster Vacuum CG w/ 33% more power.


Reply by Jimmy C:

My MAX CG came with one bag (not sure which type), and one charger. I paid a little less ($320.91 shipped) and the box was factory sealed. If I lay my MAX CG on it's site while in the water with the topmost part of the PB at surface level, and primed, the water discharge out creates a small geyser that is only 2-3" in height. I'd like to figure a way to measure the GPM flow rate, but I'd say with 100% certainty that the flow is much less than the advertised "up to 61 GPM" figure. Remember that 55 gallons is the typical capacity of a barrel. Does the PB MAX CG pump that much in a minute?

I'd really like to hear from others how much their PB MAX CG pumps based on the test I described above. Do so with a clean filter and fresh battery charge.

Jim

[ivyleager]

My PB CG died last year w/in a few months of purchase. I bought from WaterTech, and received a return number. Just sent in last month. I have not yet heard back from them. I'll give them another week or so, then call and raise hell.

Ended up buying a Polaris 360 which worked great last season, did a teriffic job. No compalints. Put it in this year, seems too slow and lacks power. I've tried all the gizmo tricks, just tired of having to constantly battle the pool cleaners. I've reached my limit. I'm due for a robotic. I'd rather have a gorgeous cabana pool boy do all the work.

CaryB

[Jimmy C]

No refunds on Pool Cleaners bought from many retailers. So I am trying to cut my losses and sell my Pool Blaster Max CG:

http://austin.craigslist.org/for/679653396.html



Jimmy

[CarlD]

Funny. My experience with it has been very good--and I bought one of the first ones on the market on a whim.

I DID have troubles with it losing a charge. But I didn't contact them during the warranty. Therefore I had to pay $79 for the replacement battery/motor, but it's been just fine since then. I did buy the fine bag, but not the disposables, and I've been happy with that. I think I am going into the 3rd season with the new battery...I had it all last year, so it must have been the 2006 season when I changed it. Note: I checked the post and this IS the third season. I bought it in the 2003 season.

You must remember to tip the PB nose UP while still completely under water before turning it off and let the water drain out the back not the front.

My main cleaner is a Blue Diamond robotic, so the PB is for spot cleaning or when I don't want to set up the robot.