Hayward 900 Wanda the Whale Automatic Pool Cleaner Review: The Unsung Hero of Above-Ground Pools

I remember those summer afternoons all too well. The sun beating down, the delightful sound of water lapping against the sides of the pool, and me, hunched over with a telescoping pole, painstakingly guiding a manual vacuum head across the pool floor. Every pass was a battle against floating hoses and missed spots. It was a time-consuming, back-breaking ritual that stood between me and actually enjoying the pool. After a windy day or a summer storm, the task felt Herculean, turning a source of relaxation into a source of dread. This is the silent struggle of many above-ground pool owners: the constant, manual upkeep required to keep the water sparkling and inviting. The dream of a low-maintenance backyard oasis quickly evaporates under the heat of repetitive, tedious labor. This is precisely the problem that automatic pool cleaners were born to solve, and why we were so eager to get our hands on this one.

What to Consider Before Buying a Suction Pool Cleaner

A suction pool cleaner is more than just a gadget; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your time and sanity during the pool season. These devices work by harnessing the suction power of your existing pool pump and filter system. They attach to your skimmer intake and autonomously navigate the bottom of your pool, vacuuming up dirt, sand, small leaves, and other debris directly into your filter. The main benefits are profound: a consistently cleaner pool with dramatically less manual effort, improved water circulation as water is drawn from the bottom up, and more time spent swimming instead of scrubbing. It’s a game-changer for anyone who values both a clean pool and their free time.

The ideal customer for this type of product is an above-ground or on-ground pool owner who has a compatible and sufficiently powerful filter pump and is tired of the manual vacuuming grind. They are looking for an affordable, “set it and forget it” solution for routine cleaning. However, it might not be suitable for those with very weak, underpowered pumps (typically the small ones bundled with entry-level Intex or Bestway pools), as these cleaners rely entirely on the pump’s suction to move and clean. It’s also not designed for inground pools with deep ends or complex shapes. For those pool owners, a more powerful robotic cleaner with its own internal motor and filter bag might be a more appropriate, albeit much more expensive, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Pump Power & GPH Rating: This is the single most important factor for a suction-side cleaner. Your pool pump must have a high enough flow rate, measured in Gallons Per Hour (GPH), to create the suction needed for the cleaner to move and vacuum effectively. We found, and user feedback confirms, that pumps under 1500 GPH may struggle. A stronger pump, around 2500 GPH or more, allows the cleaner to operate at peak performance.
• Pool Size & Hose Length: The Hayward 900 Wanda the Whale Automatic Pool Cleaner comes with 32 feet of hose. This is generally sufficient for round pools up to 24 feet in diameter or ovals of a similar size. For larger pools, like a 30-foot or 33-foot round, you will need to purchase additional hose sections to ensure the cleaner can reach every corner.
• Debris Type & Filter System: These cleaners excel at picking up fine-to-medium debris like sand, silt, dirt, and small insects. For pools surrounded by trees that drop large leaves or acorns, investing in an inline leaf canister is highly recommended. This accessory connects between the cleaner and the skimmer, capturing large debris before it can clog your pump basket or main filter.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A major appeal of Wanda the Whale is its simplicity. There are no complex electronics or filter bags to empty and clean. Maintenance is straightforward: periodically check that the cleaner’s intake is free of clogs and backwash your main pool filter when pressure rises to ensure strong suction. Its durability is a testament to its simple mechanical design.

This simple yet effective technology is what makes suction-side cleaners so popular, and the Hayward Wanda the Whale has been a category leader for years for good reason.

While the Hayward 900 Wanda the Whale Automatic 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: Charming Design Meets Simple Engineering

Unboxing the Hayward 900 Wanda the Whale Automatic Pool Cleaner is a refreshingly straightforward experience. There are no complex parts or intimidating electronics. Inside, you find the main cleaner body—a cheerful, smiling whale—the sectional hoses, a flow gauge, and a few small connectors. The plastic construction feels solid and durable, designed to withstand the chemical environment of a pool. The famous whale design isn’t just for show; its hydrodynamic shape and wide base contribute to its stability on the pool floor. Assembly is, as Hayward claims, incredibly fast. The hose sections click together intuitively, and the entire unit connects directly to the skimmer line. We had it assembled and ready for the pool in under 10 minutes, no tools required. One small piece that elicited some debate was the decorative tail. Many users note that it tends to fall off, and frankly, its function is purely aesthetic. We attached it for our initial test, but its absence doesn’t impact performance in any way. The immediate impression is one of purposeful simplicity—a tool designed to do one job well without unnecessary complications. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a sense of this simplicity firsthand.

Wanda in the Water: A Deep Dive into Performance

Looks and easy setup are one thing, but the real test is how a cleaner performs day in and day out. We put the Hayward 900 Wanda the Whale Automatic Pool Cleaner through its paces in a 24-foot round above-ground pool with a powerful 2 HP, 2-speed pump. Over several weeks, we evaluated everything from its setup quirks to its long-term cleaning efficiency and durability. This is where this charming little whale truly shows its worth, but also where its critical dependencies become clear.

Installation and Setup: A 10-Minute Promise Put to the Test

Hayward’s claim of a sub-10-minute setup is not an exaggeration. We found the process to be intuitive and fast. The individual one-meter hose sections connect with a simple twist-lock mechanism. A great tip we picked up from seasoned users is to connect the hoses while they are in the water; it makes them more pliable and easier to join. Once the hose is assembled to the correct length for your pool (it should reach the farthest point from the skimmer with about three extra feet), the next step is crucial: purging the air. This was a point of initial frustration for some users who reported the cleaner wouldn’t move at first. The solution is simple. Before connecting the hose to the skimmer, hold the other end up to one of your pool’s return jets. This forces water through the entire length of the hose, pushing all the air out in seconds. Once you see a solid stream of water coming out of the end, you can turn off the pump, connect it to the skimmer’s dedicated suction port, and turn the pump back on.

When we followed this procedure, Wanda sprang to life instantly. The entire process, from opening the box to watching her start her first cleaning cycle, genuinely took less than 10 minutes. This ease of use is a massive selling point. There are no booster pumps to install, no electrical cords to run, and no complex programming. It’s a purely mechanical, plug-and-play system that taps into the power you already have. This simplicity is a feature that really sets it apart in a market sometimes crowded with overly complex gadgets. For pool owners who want a solution, not a new hobby, this is a significant advantage.

Cleaning Performance and Coverage: The SmartDrive® Difference in Action

Once submerged and connected, the Hayward 900 Wanda the Whale Automatic Pool Cleaner gets to work immediately. The magic behind its movement is Hayward’s patented SmartDrive® programmed steering system. Internally, a turbine is spun by the flow of water, which in turn powers a set of gears that slowly turn the wheels. This system creates a crisscrossing pattern that, over the course of a few hours, ensures the entire pool floor is covered. We were impressed by how methodical it was. It’s not a “smart” cleaner in the electronic sense—it doesn’t map your pool—but the randomized pattern is remarkably effective at achieving full coverage. As one user aptly put it, with a 2500 GPH pump, “Wanda fly’s across the bottom and really does a great job!”

The unit’s suction is focused on the intake port on its underside, and it proved highly effective at collecting sand, silt, dead algae, and small leaves. After a windy day, we let Wanda run for about three hours, and the pool floor was spotless. The deluxe bumper ring is another clever design feature. It allows the cleaner to gently nudge off walls, steps, and ladders without getting stuck, maintaining its cleaning cycle without interruption. We never once had to intervene to free it. However, performance is directly tied to pump power. We ran a test on the pump’s lower speed setting (approximately 1 HP), and Wanda’s movement became sluggish, just as some users with weaker pumps reported. One user noted, “If she stops moving… that’s because you need to backwash the filter to get a strong suction again.” This confirms our findings: for Wanda to be your new best friend, you must provide her with adequate suction. When you do, the results are fantastic.

Durability, Maintenance, and Long-Term Value

One of the most compelling aspects of the Hayward 900 Wanda the Whale Automatic Pool Cleaner is its proven longevity. The design is brilliantly simple, with very few moving parts to wear out or break. The core of the unit is the turbine and gear system, which is well-protected within the robust plastic housing. This simplicity translates directly to reliability. We saw numerous reports from owners who have been using their Wanda for over five years with no issues, like the user whose unit from July 2016 is “still going strong.” Another owner bought one used two years ago, and it’s still powering over an uneven pool bottom with “root ditches and… small sinkholes.” This kind of durability is rare in pool equipment, especially at this price point.

Maintenance is minimal. There are no onboard filters or bags to clean. All the debris is sent directly to your main pool filter. The only upkeep required is to occasionally check the cleaner’s intake for clogs (like a stray twig or large leaf) and, as mentioned, keep your main filter clean to maintain suction. This low-maintenance aspect enhances its overall value proposition. You’re not just buying a cleaner; you’re buying back countless hours over many summers. When you compare its modest initial cost to the hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a robotic cleaner, the value is undeniable. For the price, it’s hard to find a more reliable and effective automatic cleaning solution for an above-ground pool, a fact you can verify when you check the latest price and availability.

What Other Users Are Saying

After our hands-on testing, we delved into a broad spectrum of user feedback to see how our experience lined up with the real world, and the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. Many users affectionately refer to the cleaner as “she” or “Wanda,” treating it like a cherished member of the family or a hardworking pet. One owner exclaimed, “Wanda is our new best friend! Installation was a breeze in under 10 minutes.” Another, who had been cleaning their pool manually for 18 years, said, “I don’t know why I haven’t gotten one sooner. Go Wanda go!” This enthusiasm speaks to the sheer relief this product provides from manual labor.

The most common praise centers on its effectiveness for the price. One user who switched from a more expensive Aquabot Rover Jr. reported that Wanda “did a fabulous job! Works way better than my more expensive aquabot.” However, the critical feedback is just as important and consistent. The two main caveats are pump power and hose length. As one user warned, “YOU NEED A PUMP THAT MOVES THIS THING. Otherwise she will just stay still.” Others noted needing to buy extra hose sections for pools larger than 24 feet. The comical, recurring complaint is about the tail. “Her tail keeps coming off so now she is Wanda the tailless whale,” one owner joked, a sentiment echoed by many. These critiques aren’t deal-breakers but are crucial for setting the right expectations for prospective buyers. You can explore a wide range of these firsthand user experiences online.

How Does Wanda the Whale Compare to the Alternatives?

While the Hayward 900 Wanda the Whale Automatic Pool Cleaner is a top-tier choice for above-ground pools, it’s essential to understand its place in the broader market. The alternatives we’ve selected are primarily designed for inground pools, highlighting Wanda’s specific niche and value proposition. If you have an inground pool or are considering a different type of suction cleaner, here’s how they stack up.

1. Zodiac G3 Suction-Side Pool Cleaner

The Zodiac G3 is a workhorse designed for inground pools, particularly those with low-speed pumps. Its key feature is a single moving part—the durable Long-Life Diaphragm—which provides incredible reliability and quiet operation. Unlike Wanda, it’s engineered to climb walls and is suitable for various inground surfaces like vinyl, fiberglass, and tile. For an inground pool owner who prioritizes simplicity, quietness, and efficiency with a variable-speed pump, the G3 is a fantastic alternative. However, for an above-ground pool, it’s overkill and not specifically designed for that environment.

2. Hayward Navigator Pro Automatic Pool Cleaner

Staying within the Hayward family, the Navigator Pro represents a significant step up in technology and price. It’s built exclusively for inground gunite (concrete) pools and features a more advanced turbine-driven SmartDrive system for enhanced navigation and coverage. It actively scrubs the pool surface as it moves, making it more effective on the rough, porous surface of a gunite pool. Pool owners with large, inground gunite pools who are battling tougher, stuck-on debris would find the Navigator Pro to be a far superior choice. For above-ground pool owners, Wanda remains the more appropriate and cost-effective solution.

3. Pentair Kreepy Krauly Universal Pool Cleaner

The Pentair Kreepy Krauly is an icon in the pool industry, famous for its simple, rugged design that has been trusted for decades. Like the Zodiac G3, it features only one moving part, making it exceptionally reliable and easy to maintain. Its “pleated seal” design allows it to navigate and clean the floor and walls of various inground pool types. The Kreepy Krauly is the go-to choice for pool owners who want a time-tested, no-frills cleaner that simply gets the job done year after year. While it’s a stellar choice for inground pools, its design is not optimized for the typical flat-bottom layout of above-ground pools, making Wanda the specialized choice for that category.

Final Verdict: The Best Friend an Above-Ground Pool Owner Can Have

After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the Hayward 900 Wanda the Whale Automatic Pool Cleaner is an outstanding investment for the right pool owner. Its brilliance lies in its simplicity. It does one job—cleaning the bottom of an above-ground pool—and it does it exceptionally well, without complicated features or a high price tag. Its ability to turn a dreaded chore into a hands-off, automated process is truly transformative for any pool owner who values their time.

We wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone with an above-ground or on-ground pool who has a filter pump rated for at least 1500 GPH (with 2500 GPH or more being ideal). If you have a larger pool, be prepared to purchase an extra hose section or two. For its price, reliability, and sheer effectiveness, it delivers value that is nearly impossible to beat. If you’re ready to stop scrubbing and start swimming, and to trade your vacuum pole for a piña colada on the deck, then look no further. You can bring home your own hardworking Wanda the Whale today and reclaim your summer.