Customer Reviews

Pentair Rainbow Spa Mini Vacuum Model 204 R201146

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I own a pool service company and we use this vacuum exclusively on our cleaning routes. Skip the rechargeable and pump models and save yourself a lot of time and money. Hook up your garden hose and the venturi action will vacuum up small rocks and sand easily and quickly. You can also connect a vacuum hose (not supplied) to it and vacuum through your skimmer if your spa has one. If the spa is raised, you can start a siphon over the edge and vacuum that way. We use the fine silt bag supplied and a water hose to create the venturi suction.

I was somewhat concerned when the item arrived in a VERY small package; however, when I used the vacuum I was very pleasantly surprised. I attached the vacuum to my telescoping pole (not supplied) and then to my garden hose. The first thing I tackled was my inground-gunite spa. Cleaning the spa has always been a difficult chore, but with the mini vacuum it took about 10 minutes to clean a winter's worth of leaves and dirt. My wife was amazed at the difference. I next tackled the pool proper. Using the brush attachment, I was able to clean leaves and debris that my $500 pool sweep was unable to pick up. The one drawback to this mini vacuum is that it is a little awkward to maneuver in corners and when the telescoping pole is extended. All-in-all, this is a great little vacuum, and well worth the money.

There really isn't a whole lot to say. It's inexpensive and it works. I recommend this for quick clean-up of the spa before a party or for just routine clean-up. If your spa is REAL dirty, like after a storm, this little vac will take forever to clean it. However, it WILL do the job.

I purchased this product to do light cleaning of a goldfish pond (8x10) before winter set in. As others have mentioned (and is advertised) there is no pole to attach the vacuum, but I have several telescoping poles, so didn't order another. Problem is, the adapter is much larger than standard poles, so you will have to purchase a special size to fit. Secondly, the suction is very light, and didn't pick up much of the heavier debris (small pebbles, etc). It did pick up some "muck" but nothing substantial and the small bag to sift water/debris is so small it isn't practical to use (unless you don't mind emptying every few minutes). The suction power wasn't too impressive, but that could be because we have a well pump, and it may not generate enough water pressure. Of course, you won't know that until you try it.
I would not suggest this product if you are looking for a small vacuum to do a light pond cleanup.

This product is convenient if you have a garden hose long enough or close enough. I've used it on a pool about 20' x 12' and it takes about 15 minutes to sweep the whole pool. It's great for picking up debris that's settled on the bottom, however, small sediment flows through the filter bag. The not too durable part is where the pole attaches to the unit. Since there are no wheels on the unit, it has to be pushed along the bottom of the pool, which puts tremendous torque on the connection to the pole. This is the part that broke off after about 8 uses. I might buy again on account of the low price, but I am going to try the Poolmaster 28008 to see if the wheels help.

This is a great tool for cleaning out a mildly dirty spa. It is easy to use and easy to handle. My only complaint is that the holes are a little too big in the bag and some of the debris slips out. But overall, a very good value for the money.

This will by no means do anything like a real vacuum, complete waste of money for my 1,200 gallon pond..

Other reviewers have mentioned a design weakness where the pole connection joins the main part of the device. There is no flexibility in this connection so, even with careful use, it is only a matter of time before it breaks. That said, I found few other options and it works great in our spa. It is easy to use for that application but I would imagine that managing the hose in the deep end of the pool could be difficult.

This product worked great for our small inflatable pool. It picked up everything except the fine silt left by the powdered chlorene that had settled in the bottom of the pool. That just passed though the bag and recirculated in the water. Next year we will cut back on the amount of chlorene now that we have the vac and we should have no problems at all.

Like some others, I was surprised by the tiny box and suprised again when I hooked it up--it really grabs the debris in my fountain. Effective on small yaupon leaves, berries and larger oak leaves. Comes with multiple inlet attachments--my favorite is the one with the wheel that keeps the unit at the correct distance from the bottom. The hose mounting is a little awkward but, honestly, I'm not sure there's a better solution. Build quality is good, with heavy plastic and the friction fit for the different nozzles works and keeps them in place. I've had a little trouble with the net coming loose--the net slips over a tapered pipe segment and a ring is pushed on to hold it in place. Careful seating of the ring seems to solve the problem.

It's a great solution for my 8' diameter fountain--small, inexpensive and very effective at removing the junk the trees seem to constantly drop.