Automatic Pool Cleaner Review:
Zodiac Baracuda G4
*All of our reviews are written from a non-biased point of view and are based upon research and testing.
The Zodiac Baracuda G4 pool cleaner comes in last place and earns a 2-star rating based on a combination of performance, ease of use and innovation. The cleaner is made by a company called Baracuda teaming up with Zodiac the maker of well-known Zodiac boats. Some of their other pool cleaning models would include the Zodiac Baracuda G3, G2, the X7 Quatro, the Ranger and others. The G4 retails around $400 and we found many places offering rebates.
When we searched the cleaner online, it was easy to find the manufacturer. Their site presents the product well but doesn't include technical specs on the pool cleaners or any relevant information about the company itself. The main reason that we choose this cleaner as one of our top 5 picks is due to the price point and the popularity. Maybe the popularity is due to the price point, but we don't understand the benefit of this suction-side cleaner which requires a lot of maintenance each year and drains a substantial amount of energy on top of your pools main filtration energy costs.
At first glance, the G4 strikingly resembles a high-tech swifter mop provoking questions about how this machine can do the same job as other traditional pool cleaners.
A suction-side cleaner, though it doesn’t require its own booster pump runs solely off of your skimmer. Like other suction-side units, you will find yourself emptying the skimmer basket frequently. The cleaner is fairly simple with only one operational “motor-like” unit inside designed for dividing water and helping propel the unit around the pool. This may be appealing to consumers looking for a unit that promises very few parts to replace though its likely you will be replacing those parts on a regular basis.
When we tested the unit on specific areas of the pool, we noticed it had a hard time climbing steps and cleaning hard corners. The upside of the cleaner is that you can leave the cleaner in the pool 24/7 and it will run continuously. That is a plus if you want a cleaner with no timer function and something you can just throw in the pool and go. Also, since the unit filters and collects in your filtration skimmer, you will not have to pull the unit out of the pool to empty the bag, but just empty your skimmer more frequently.
CONCLUSION:
If you are on a tight budget and want an average cleaner, then the Zodiac Baracuda G4 might be a cleaner to consider. After we had a chance to not only test the cleaner in our pools, but compare them to other pool cleaners on the market the disadvantages seem to outweigh the advantages. The old saying, “You get what you pay for” applies with this cleaner and we would highly suggest looking elsewhere if you want a more independent machine that requires very little maintenance. If you want something simple and basic and have the patience for future upkeep and annual parts replacement, then the Zodiac Baracuda G4 could be the cleaner for you.
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