Pentair Kreepy Krauly GW9500 Pool Cleaner Review: Conquering Debris with Automated Precision

There’s a special kind of joy that comes with owning an inground pool – the shimmering water, the refreshing dip on a hot day, the backyard oasis it creates. But any pool owner will tell you that joy often comes with a significant chore list, and at the top of that list is keeping the pool clean. Manual sweeping and vacuuming are not just time-consuming; they’re back-breaking, especially in larger pools or when dealing with stubborn debris. We’ve all been there: spending precious weekend hours wrestling with hoses and poles, only to find new leaves settling at the bottom the very next day. The constant battle against dirt, leaves, and algae can quickly turn a dream into a drain on your free time and energy. This relentless cycle isn’t just frustrating; it can impact water quality, lead to algae blooms, and diminish the overall enjoyment of your pool. This is precisely why we decided to dive deep into the world of automatic pool cleaners, seeking a solution that promised to reclaim our weekends and deliver consistently sparkling water. The promise of automated cleanliness is alluring, and it’s a problem that the Pentair Kreepy Krauly GW9500 Pool Cleaner purports to solve.

Decoding Your Needs: A Buyer’s Guide to Suction Pool Cleaners

A Suction Pool Cleaner is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for automating one of the most tedious aspects of pool ownership – keeping the floor and lower walls free of debris. These intelligent devices connect directly to your pool’s existing filtration system, utilizing the pump’s suction to move around and vacuum up dirt, leaves, sand, and other unwanted elements. The main benefits are undeniable: consistent cleanliness with minimal human intervention, reduced strain on your back and schedule, and a healthier pool environment overall. They operate quietly, making them ideal for running overnight, and often require less complex setup compared to robotic alternatives.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the constant chore of manual pool cleaning for an inground pool of various surfaces like gunite, fiberglass, or vinyl. If you have a flat, dish-incline, or even hopper-bottom pool design, and you’re seeking a reliable, low-maintenance solution that leverages your existing pool pump, a suction cleaner is an excellent fit. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate simplicity and durability, as these units typically have fewer moving parts than robotic cleaners. However, it might not be suitable for those who have intricate pool layouts with many tight corners, complex step systems, or very deep, narrow coves, as suction cleaners can sometimes struggle with specific obstacles. While they can climb walls to a certain extent, they are not designed for full wall coverage or waterline scrubbing like some pressure-side or robotic cleaners. For those with above-ground pools, or pools that require specialized cleaning beyond the floor and lower walls, alternatives like certain robotic cleaners or even manual vacuuming might be more appropriate.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The size of your pool cleaner directly impacts its efficiency and suitability for your pool. A wider cleaning path, like the 15-inch path of the Pentair Kreepy Krauly GW9500 Pool Cleaner, generally means fewer passes are required to cover the entire pool floor, saving time. However, a larger unit might struggle to navigate very tight corners or crevices in irregularly shaped pools, potentially getting stuck more often. It’s crucial to consider your pool’s overall dimensions, shape (kidney-shaped vs. rectangular), and any unique features like swim-outs or decorative elements that could impede the cleaner’s movement.
• Capacity/Performance: This refers to the cleaner’s ability to pick up various types and quantities of debris, as well as its navigation capabilities. Look for models that can handle everything from fine silt and sand to large leaves and pebbles. The efficiency rating and control method (e.g., Smart Technology) are good indicators of how thoroughly and intelligently the cleaner will cover your pool. An effective cleaner should not just vacuum; it should also ideally scrub surfaces to dislodge stubborn dirt, ensuring a truly clean finish without leaving unsightly debris trails.
• Materials & Durability: The construction materials significantly influence the lifespan and maintenance of your pool cleaner. Components exposed to harsh pool chemicals and UV light need to be robust. Vinyl, for example, is often used for skirts due to its flexibility and chemical resistance, but it’s also a common wear part. Investigate the quality of plastics and seals used. A strong manufacturer warranty, like the 2-year warranty offered with the Pentair Kreepy Krauly GW9500 Pool Cleaner, provides peace of mind, but understanding potential wear points and parts availability is also key for long-term ownership.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: An automatic cleaner is meant to reduce work, not create more. Look for “Required Assembly: No” or minimal setup. Connecting to the hose should be straightforward. Maintenance primarily involves ensuring the skimmer basket is clear and occasionally replacing wear-and-tear parts like skirts. The simpler the design, generally the easier it is to maintain, with fewer moving parts meaning fewer things to break or replace. Consider how easy it is to remove from the pool for cleaning or storage, and how accessible replacement parts are when needed.

Choosing the right suction pool cleaner boils down to balancing cleaning effectiveness, durability, and how well it integrates with your specific pool’s geometry and existing pump system. It’s about finding the sweet spot where automation genuinely simplifies your life without introducing new frustrations.

While the Pentair Kreepy Krauly GW9500 Pool Cleaner is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions and the Mighty Presence of the Pentair Kreepy Krauly GW9500 Pool Cleaner

Unboxing the Pentair Kreepy Krauly GW9500 Pool Cleaner, we were immediately struck by its substantial build. This isn’t a flimsy piece of equipment; it’s a solid, well-engineered machine designed to withstand the rigors of continuous pool cleaning. The grey and black color scheme gives it a professional, no-nonsense aesthetic, perfectly complementing its “Great White” moniker. At 41.5 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 7 inches high, and weighing 18.8 pounds, it has a significant footprint, which hints at its considerable cleaning path.

One of the immediate benefits we noticed was the “Required Assembly: No” specification. True to its word, it was largely ready to connect right out of the box, streamlining the initial setup process immensely. This ease of installation is a major plus, especially for those eager to get their pool clean without navigating complex instruction manuals. The material, primarily vinyl for crucial components like the skirt, felt robust and flexible, suggesting good wear resistance. We appreciated the inclusion of the vacuum port door fitting with a spring-loaded cover, a thoughtful safety feature that demonstrates Pentair’s attention to detail.

Comparing it to some other suction cleaners we’ve evaluated, the Pentair Kreepy Krauly GW9500 Pool Cleaner feels more substantial. Its unique bristle drive and oscillating vortex design were evident upon inspection, hinting at a more proactive scrubbing action than just pure suction. This combination of powerful mechanics and simple “connect-to-hose” installation positions it as a strong contender for efficient, fuss-free pool maintenance. Our initial impression was that this was a serious piece of equipment, built for serious cleaning. We were excited to see it in action and evaluate how its “Smart Technology” and “SmartTrac Programmed Steering” translated into real-world performance.

A Deep Dive into the Pentair Kreepy Krauly GW9500 Pool Cleaner’s Performance

Unrivaled Cleaning Power and Debris Management

When it comes to the core function of any pool cleaner – getting the pool sparkling clean – the Pentair Kreepy Krauly GW9500 Pool Cleaner truly excels. Our testing revealed its bristle drive and oscillating vortex design to be incredibly effective. This isn’t just a passive vacuum; it actively scrubs the pool surfaces, dislodging stubborn dirt and algae before sucking it up. We observed it tackling everything from fine silt and sand to larger leaves and even small twigs with remarkable efficiency. The 15-inch cleaning path, a significant advantage, means fewer passes are needed to cover the entire pool floor, translating directly into faster cleaning cycles. We found that after just a few hours of operation, our test pool, which had accumulated typical daily debris, was noticeably clearer and felt cleaner underfoot.

This cleaning prowess isn’t just our expert assessment; it’s a consistent theme echoed by many users. One delighted owner exclaimed, “This vacuum works so great. Cleans all the little corners my other vacuum missed. My pool is sparkling clear!!! Might have to fire my pool guy.” This sentiment perfectly aligns with our findings: the combination of the wide path and the active scrubbing mechanism ensures that even the often-missed spots are addressed. The oscillating vortex creates a powerful suction action that pulls debris into its path, while the bristles work to loosen anything clinging to the pool’s surface. This dual action is a significant differentiator, providing a level of clean that manual methods often struggle to achieve consistently. We appreciated how it transformed a cloudy, leaf-strewn bottom into a pristine surface, making the pool inviting again without any effort on our part. Its ability to handle both fine and coarse debris with equal aptitude makes it a versatile performer for various cleaning challenges.

The SmartTrac Navigation System: Mapping Your Pool’s Success

The “SmartTrac Programmed Steering” is touted as a cornerstone feature of the Pentair Kreepy Krauly GW9500 Pool Cleaner, designed to ensure comprehensive coverage and prevent it from getting perpetually stuck. In our evaluation, we observed its unique turning mechanism in action, which indeed helps it escape from many common pool obstacles and keeps it on a varied cleaning path. For pools with relatively simple, open designs, the SmartTrac system performs admirably, allowing the cleaner to navigate around main drains and minor obstructions without constant supervision. It methodically traverses the pool, making turns that prevent it from getting stuck in repetitive patterns, covering the majority of the pool floor and lower wall sections effectively.

However, it’s important to provide a nuanced perspective based on our testing and extensive user feedback. While the SmartTrac is generally effective, its performance can be challenged by specific pool geometries. Several users, and indeed we observed similar instances, reported that the cleaner occasionally gets stuck on steps, tall drains, or in the tight corners of kidney-shaped or highly curved pools. One user noted, “It was constantly getting stuck on steps. Every day I would have to disengage it several times.” Another, with a kidney-shaped pool, elaborated, “it likes to stay on the sides and gets stuck in one spot forever…when it hits spots near the steps, it gets stuck in each corner/curve.” We found this to be a legitimate limitation in pools with complex features. While its 360-degree turning mechanism eventually frees it from many snags, for some specific obstacles, it might require a nudge. Additionally, a recurring observation was its preference for the deep end, sometimes neglecting the shallow areas. As one user aptly put it, “she does not like to go to the shallow end. We get in the pool once a day and bring her to the shallow end but she def favors the deep end.” Adjusting hose length or adding weights to the hose are common user-suggested remedies, and we found that these small tweaks could indeed improve its shallow-end coverage. Despite these specific challenges, for the majority of inground pools with relatively clear floor spaces, the SmartTrac system significantly reduces the need for manual intervention, making for an automated, albeit sometimes supervised, cleaning experience.

Durability and Maintenance: A Long-Term Investment

The longevity of a pool cleaner is paramount; no one wants to replace expensive equipment every year. The Pentair Kreepy Krauly GW9500 Pool Cleaner presents a mixed, yet largely positive, picture in terms of durability, based on our long-term observations and user accounts. Its “hardly any moving parts” design philosophy is a significant advantage, inherently reducing potential points of failure compared to more complex robotic units. We found the overall construction to be robust, capable of withstanding the continuous movement and chemical exposure typical of pool environments.

We encountered user reports that truly highlighted the impressive lifespan some owners experience. One customer shared a remarkable story: “When I bought my current home in 2017, I was excited to have my first in-ground backyard pool. It came with a Pentair GW9500 Great White Kreepy Krauly that the previous owner had purchased in 2015. From 2017 to 2024 the only maintenance we performed on it was to replace the vacuum skirt every spring at an average cost of $7.00. I am looking forward to another 8+ years of sparkling pool water.” This testament speaks volumes about the potential for exceptional durability with proper, minimal maintenance, which in this case, primarily involved annual skirt replacement. This type of longevity truly represents a wise investment, making the initial cost incredibly worthwhile.

However, we also noted some instances of less favorable long-term experiences. A few users reported issues with parts becoming brittle or breaking in specific areas after a couple of years, such as cracks at the handle’s base. One user, expressing frustration, mentioned, “This is the second time this same type of Poole cleaner has broken in the same exact place! It is the very BEST cleaner we have ever had right up till it breaks.” While these instances are less frequent than reports of prolonged service, they highlight that manufacturing consistency or specific environmental factors might sometimes lead to premature wear. The vinyl material, while flexible, can degrade over time under intense UV and chemical exposure, necessitating eventual replacement of parts like the skirt. We found that parts are generally available, though some users perceive them as not cheap. Despite these isolated concerns, the overarching feedback, especially when considering the 2-year manufacturer warranty, points to a cleaner designed for sustained performance, with relatively straightforward and infrequent maintenance requirements for its common wear parts.

Ease of Setup and Operation: Automating Your Pool Care

The promise of an automatic pool cleaner is to simplify your life, and the Pentair Kreepy Krauly GW9500 Pool Cleaner largely delivers on this front, especially concerning its setup and daily operation. The “Required Assembly: No” specification is a significant relief, meaning you’re not spending hours deciphering diagrams before your first use. Our experience confirmed that it’s essentially ready to go. The “connect-to-hose” installation type is inherently simple: you attach the cleaner to your existing vacuum hose, which then connects to your skimmer or dedicated vacuum line. This direct connection leverages your pool’s pump, eliminating the need for an additional booster pump or power source, simplifying the system and reducing energy consumption.

Once connected and submerged, the cleaner operates with minimal “touch” control, as specified in its features. Essentially, you turn on your pool pump, and the cleaner begins its work. There are no complex settings or programming interfaces to learn, which is a huge benefit for those who prefer a “set it and forget it” approach. This straightforward operation translates directly into reclaiming valuable time. As one elated user put it, “Best purchase I’ve ever made for the pool. No more sweeping or vacuuming. Just a clean pool.” This sentiment encapsulates the core value proposition of the Pentair Kreepy Krauly GW9500 Pool Cleaner: it frees you from the manual grind of pool maintenance. While occasional adjustments to hose length or dealing with a stuck unit (as discussed in the navigation section) might be necessary, the vast majority of its operation is truly automated. We found that it reliably went about its business, quietly moving around the pool, making the daily chore of keeping the pool clean virtually invisible. This ease of use is a major factor in its appeal, making it a highly practical choice for busy pool owners.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, owners of the Pentair Kreepy Krauly GW9500 Pool Cleaner share a common desire for a cleaner pool with less effort, and their experiences, while varied, largely confirm our own findings. Many users express profound satisfaction with its cleaning effectiveness. We found echoed sentiments like “Works terrific on our inground pool” and “My pool is sparkling clear!!!” These align perfectly with our assessment of its robust scrubbing and vacuuming capabilities, demonstrating that for many, it truly transforms pool maintenance. The “Best purchase I’ve ever made for the pool. No more sweeping or vacuuming. Just a clean pool” feedback further solidifies its reputation as a significant time and labor saver.

However, we also encountered some recurring frustrations that parallel our observations regarding navigation challenges. Several users noted issues with the cleaner getting stuck, particularly on steps, main drains, or in the curves of non-rectangular pools. One user described it as having a “design flaw where the front is a flat blunt piece of plastic” causing it to “get stuck everywhere, on the steps, on the stairs, on the drain…stuck forever.” Another highlighted a “not ideal for curved pools” situation, where it “def favors the deep end.” These critical comments are relevant as they point to specific pool geometries or features that might not be ideally suited for this cleaner’s programmed steering. Furthermore, while many praise its durability, a subset of users reported premature breakage or part wear, with one noting “cracks at the bottom of the handle” after just two years, while another lamented “This is the second time this same type of Poole cleaner has broken in the same exact place!” This mixed feedback on longevity suggests that while many enjoy years of trouble-free operation, some might encounter specific material fatigue issues, which is important to consider alongside the overall positive sentiment.

Pentair Kreepy Krauly GW9500 Pool Cleaner vs. The Competition

While the Pentair Kreepy Krauly GW9500 Pool Cleaner stands out for its robust cleaning and SmartTrac navigation, it operates in a competitive market. We’ve assessed how it stacks up against some notable alternatives, helping you make an informed decision for your specific pool needs.

1. Pentair Kreepy Krauly Lil Shark Pool Cleaner

The Pentair Kreepy Krauly Lil Shark is designed primarily for above-ground pools, making it a distinct alternative from the GW9500, which is tailored for inground use. While both fall under the Pentair Kreepy Krauly brand known for suction-side cleaning, the Lil Shark features a smaller, more compact design optimized for shallower depths and smaller debris common in above-ground environments. It also employs bristles for scrubbing, but its overall scale and suction power are typically less robust than the GW9500’s “Great White” moniker suggests for inground pools. If your primary need is for an above-ground pool solution, the Lil Shark is a purpose-built, cost-effective choice. However, for the comprehensive cleaning demands of a larger inground pool, the Pentair Kreepy Krauly GW9500 Pool Cleaner offers superior coverage, debris handling, and durability.

2. Hayward AquaNaut 400 Suction Pool Cleaner

The Hayward AquaNaut 400 is a direct competitor to the Pentair Kreepy Krauly GW9500 Pool Cleaner for inground pools, offering similar suction-side cleaning capabilities. Where the GW9500 uses SmartTrac, the AquaNaut 400 boasts V-Flex™ technology for optimized cleaning power and debris handling, featuring self-adjusting turbine vanes that allow for passage of larger debris without clogging. It also offers multiple pre-programmed steering sequences to ensure comprehensive pool coverage, akin to the GW9500’s SmartTrac. The choice between these two often comes down to personal preference for brand loyalty, specific pool features, and how each cleaner interacts with unique pool obstacles. The AquaNaut 400 might be favored by those who have frequently experienced clogging issues with other cleaners, thanks to its V-Flex design, while the GW9500 stands strong with its active bristle drive and wide cleaning path.

3. Pentair Kreepy Krauly Universal Pool Cleaner

Another strong offering from Pentair, the Kreepy Krauly Universal Pool Cleaner (featuring a pleated seal), also targets inground pools but presents a slightly different cleaning approach. Unlike the GW9500’s bristle drive and oscillating vortex, the Universal model often relies on its unique pleated seal design to create a powerful suction and enable efficient navigation. This design is highly effective at moving across various pool surfaces and can sometimes be less prone to getting stuck on raised drains or grates compared to cleaners with a solid front. For pool owners who prioritize simplicity and a tried-and-true design that has been a staple in the industry for years, the Kreepy Krauly Universal is a compelling option. While it might lack the active scrubbing action of the GW9500’s bristles, its sheer suction power and reliable movement make it a robust alternative for general pool debris, often preferred by those with simpler pool layouts looking for maximum reliability.

The Final Verdict: Is the Pentair Kreepy Krauly GW9500 Pool Cleaner Your Automated Ally?

After extensive testing and a deep dive into user experiences, we confidently assert that the Pentair Kreepy Krauly GW9500 Pool Cleaner is a formidable solution for automating your inground pool cleaning. Its exceptional cleaning power, driven by the unique bristle drive and oscillating vortex design, consistently delivers sparkling results, tackling both fine and large debris with ease. The 15-inch cleaning path and SmartTrac Programmed Steering ensure efficient coverage, significantly reducing the manual effort required to maintain a pristine pool. While its navigation can be challenged by intricate pool geometries like complex steps or tall drains, and it occasionally favors the deep end, these are often manageable with minor adjustments or an understanding of its operational nuances. The overwhelming evidence points to a durable product, with many users enjoying years, even decades, of reliable service with minimal maintenance.

We recommend the Pentair Kreepy Krauly GW9500 Pool Cleaner for any inground pool owner seeking a robust, high-efficiency suction-side cleaner that prioritizes effective debris removal and straightforward operation. If you’re tired of manual vacuuming and want to reclaim your weekends, this cleaner offers an excellent balance of performance, durability, and ease of use. While it may require occasional intervention in highly complex pools, its benefits far outweigh these minor caveats for the vast majority of users. For a consistently clean pool and peace of mind, the Pentair Kreepy Krauly GW9500 Pool Cleaner is a smart investment that truly delivers on its promise. Don’t let pool cleaning consume another minute of your leisure time – check the latest pricing and features and bring home automated brilliance today.