POOL BLASTER Catfish Cordless Pool Vacuum for Spot-Cleaning, Hot Tubs & Spas, Handheld Rechargeable, up to 45 Min Runtime, Quick, Efficient Swimming Pool Cleaner, Above Ground & Inground Pool Steps

The media could not be loaded. Water Tech CATFISHPPV Pool Blaster, Catfish*** Updated August 23, 2014 ***My first vacuum finally went dead a few days ago. I then ordered the replacement - I was expecting the same stuff. The new one arrived with some much needed improvements, i.e.,It has push button to turn ON/OFF. Although, this is not an issue for me (see my older review below) but for most users, it is. This is a good improvement.Other noted improvements (minor point - in my opinion):It has a few drain channel on both sides, thus when pulling out of the water, it has less water splashing (since motor is still running). Also, AC/DC adapter has a replaceable pin type, i.e., flat for US and round for Europe.This last one, I am not sure if it is an improvement though, i.e., the bag material has been changed from meshed nylon to coffee filter paper like !!In my opinion (also I use this to clean KOI pond), this is more of a backward step. Because, paper filter is a very fine filter not suitable for filtering dirt and sand from the pool/pond. Dirt and small sand will be difficult to rinse clean and won't last as long as the previous meshed nylon bag. There is only one bag in the box. Replacement is $15 - $20 a pop (per Amazon search). This may end up more expensive for many users.In my case, I continue to use old bag with new machine.I also have comments for the manufacture (if they ever read this review). I would like that you consider(1) making the rechargeable battery to be replaceable. You can make money selling battery module (this is better than the poor bag design)(2) design the DC motor and battery compartment to be "water tight". This way, it will prolong the life of your product (mine went dead from corrosion - even though I used it in KOI pond - no chlorine).(3) protect electronic component from corrosion (perhaps applied grease to each pin)*** Below is the original review of my first unit *** since July 2013Like many of buyers, I was quite nervous after I ordered this Pool Vacuum. But on the other hand, I do not want to spend > $100 for pool vacuum for my experimental 300 gallon KOI pond either !!First of all, the shipment arrived quickly. Everything is well packaged. Initial inspection shows no sign of damage what so ever. In the box, I have the following items:- vacuum machine (that blue machine in the picture)- dirt trap with rubber o-ring, 2 microfiber dirt bags- nozzle head (the transparent plastic part at the top)- vacuum head with brush and roller (that blue triangular shape)- 1 small package of silicone grease- the vacuum handle extension (4 pieces) - mine come in white (plastic) and not aluminum as shown- instruction manuals- Power adapterHere are the steps taken:1. Read (scan quickly) through all instructions. I give it a 7 (out of 10) in terms of clarity of what was written.It is important to understand that "you need to ensure proper grease on the inside cap of your machine at all time"This will (a) prevent water to get to the battery and (2) smooth out when you twist it to ON or OFFI must admit it is not the best design idea for On-OFF switch. But this thing is cheap, so this is not a complain.I check the grease and found that mine came properly greased.2. Charge the vacuum. The charger has LED that will turn green when it is fully charge. Mine took about 2 hours.3. Assemble the pieces together (I need to remove some residual sand. So, I user the micro-fiber bag). As my KOI pond is only 3-4 feet tall, I only need 2 sticks of the extension handle.Feedback after using it:- First use, I did not use the vacuum head (triangular piece) as there were lots of gravel- It does the job very well. The suction is quite good, suck up pea gravels, sand, leaves, pine straw and fish drops.I notice the suction drop off after a few mins. but this is due to the debris that clog inside the bag. After unload and rinse the dirt bag - - all is good.- I don't remember if this is written in the manual. But I will NEVER OPEN THE CAP until I finish the use. This is my own precaution to ensure no water will get to the battery chamber.- I used it several timed now. Each time for about 15-20 mins. I never turned it OFF, even when I change the dirt bag. So far, it runs ok- when done, I let the water drip off (takes about 30 sec), open the cap. Leave the extension handle as a stick to hold it up and let water drip down. dried it out- I will not recharge unless I am sure it is completely dry !!- so far, the grease on the cap are quite ok. But I will apply more soon.NOTE: one pack of silicone grease probably last just 1 summer. You will need to buy more.I have not check the price, but I will just use the normal grease I have in the garage as it seems to be the same just different color.Overall, I am quite happy with it. The quality of the machine is quite ok (all plastic of average quality - - it matches well with the price). Use it properly with proper care (apply more grease as needed. Do not leave it in full sun all the time). I believe this thing will last 2-3 years.*** Updated April 8 2014 ***I used it sparingly during the winter months. Each time always follow the same routine as explained above. So far, it still works great. Noticed that during cold weather, a fully charged batt did not last as long - - I guess this is normal for any batt anyway. Just re-greased it and now ready for spring + summer heavy dose of usage.*** Updated August 3 2014 // applied simple DIY and it can last longer ***well, just slightly over a year, of heavy usage, it will not recharged anymore. To test that only the battery is bad and not the DC motor, I plug in the AC/DC charger to the unit and use paper clip to short-circuit the 2 metal points (where the metal plate on the cap would have done the job)... and motor is running again. So, it is clear that the rechargeable battery is dead. Disconnect the connector, unscrew the 2 screws to see the battery looking for part# to order the replacement. Well, Water Tech does not sell this item nor that I can find it from anywhere.This means, this unit is useless and I may need to spend another $100+ for a new one. At that point, I had a eureka moment.I try the MacGyver approach. I cut the wire (red & black) as close as possible to the battery. Drop the battery in recycle bin. I have a long spool of 2-wire (the left over from sensors of garage door opener). I thread the external wire through one of the holes and connect it to the red&black ones (make sure to remember which wire connect to red), tape it nice, screw the cover plate back on. Drill a tiny hole on the white cap and thread the other end of the external wire through, use silicone to seal it. I make sure I have a this external wire long enough for use with the pond. Then connect the other end to the AC/DC adapter (the wire connected to red should connect to the inside wire of the adapter).Here it is, the unit has been modified and can be used directly with AC/DC adapter (be careful to seal and insulate all electrical wires properly to avoid any electrocute). And it works great, in fact better than with battery since it is driven directly from AC/DC adapter. Motor spins at max rate at all time without slowing down due to the loss charge. Anyhow, I don't think this will last forever, most likely the adapter will get overload at some point.NOTE: Do not try this if you do not have basic electrical knowledge.

Didn't want the vac hoses around using the pool vac port, considered robot cleaners but never went there, got tired of using the skimmer to try getting silt off the bottom, started looking around, found this on a hopefully unbiased website as tops in its class. I think they were right. Minimal assembly to put it together. Easy to get to filter for cleaning it. The buoyancy is just the right feel when submerged. Run time is far more than I need to vac my 11k gal pool. It surprised me just how small and how large a debris it sucks up in a decent path width. It is almost a pleasure to use and admire the results. Perhaps relief is a better word as my chore just got a lot easier. As a product design engineer back in the day (not for this product's company) I would say this was a well thought out, proven out, and effective design.

I bought mine in 2022 and tonight it simply died. I was shocked and bummed.The charger has a green light so its charged I think. I had noticed the battery life had been decreasing from like 45 min (where I could clean once around and go back and pick up anything that settled in my 15' so like twice around) to just once around. I noticed the rubber start tab was cracked too and maybe that contributed to its demise, letting moisture in the motor or battery? always kept it inside and sometimes I did leave it on the charger for longer than necessary. IDK but I did read they last between 3-5 years and I am at that timeframe. Regardless of its end of life I do plan to order another because it worked well and was easy enough to use.

Been hesitant on buying any of these cordless vacs for the pool and finally gave in. I only really have dust/sand in my pool living in the desert and it's a pain to hook up the pool vac with hose to stay on top of it. This is all you need for an above ground pool, save some bucks, forget the robo vac and just get one of these. The included sock style filter is super easy to clean, gets the finest desert dust out the pool, sand, tiny pebbles, and picks up anything else with zero issues. I've only had it a week and already wish I had bought this a long time ago. Hopefully it lasts, time will tell. I'll update this review with any future issues should they arise. So far, it's amazing.