I actually have and use a Wanda the Whale for about 3 or 4 years now. It actually works pretty good in removing small leaves, dirt, sediment etc. from the bottom of the pool. If you try to use it on a neglected pool that has turned green, Wanda doesn't do an exceptional job sucking up the algae because the travel pattern is completely and totally random. The hose tends to keep pulling Wanda back towards the skimmer where the hose is attached and there-by misses a lot of the area furthest away from the skimmer. Vacuuming is definetly better. But if you don't have time to vacuum and are running the filter anyway, it is a reasonable alternative. If the pool is choked with leaves, Wanda is virtually useless as the suction hole on the bottom is small and will clog up fast.

The hose segments do tend to curl up, and I have had to replace a number of the hose segments because the plastic will tear right at the connector. I historically will run Wanda about every 3rd day and the skimmer on the other two. I did buy the large in-line Leaf Basket to keep the debris out of the pump.

Hope this Helps.

BTDG