Pentair Kreepy Krauly Lil Shark Above Ground Pool Cleaner Review
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The Kreepy Krauly Lil Shark suction side pool cleaner features the famous one-moving-part design that delivers reliable pool cleaning years.
Lil Shark is designed specifically for above ground pools. It connects to your pool’s skimmer or suction port and then vacuums debris through your pool’s filter.
Bristles attack stubborn grime while pre-programmed moving patterns ensure the cleaner doesn’t miss a spot.
If you are looking for an affordable and durable automatic pool cleaner for your above ground pool, we highly recommend the Kreepy Krauly Lil Shark.
Read on for our full review.
If you are looking for a different type of pool cleaner, read our in-depth automatic pool cleaner buying guide with reviews of all types’ best pool cleaners.
Key Features
The Kreepy Krauly Lil Shark pool cleaner relies on a vacuuming plus scrubbing action to clean your pool.
As it moves around your pool, a double line of bristles agitate dirt and debris stuck on the pool surface. The loose dirt is then vacuumed up through the cleaner hose, up to your pool filter.
The combined vacuuming and scrubbing action produces far better results than vacuuming only. You still have to hand brush your pool if it is very dirty (e.g., when opening it), but for every day cleaning, the Kreepy Krauly Lil Shark handles everything like a champ.
You can adjust the cleaner’s settings to your pool size and shape. Check underneath the cleaner for the settings. A higher number will move the cleaner in tighter clockwise circles.
Whichever number you set, you’ll notice that the cleaner always moves clockwise in a circle, rather than randomly. This is by design. The pre-programmed moving patterns reduce the number of missed spots.
Obviously, it may still miss a few spots. If that happens, there’s an attachment to the cleaner for a vacuum pole. Attaching a pole allows you to manually steer the cleaner to where you want it to clean.
Most customers, however, say they almost never need to steer the cleaner manually. The trick is to set and forget it. Given enough time, it’ll clean the entire floor (the Kreepy Krauly Lil Shark doesn’t climb walls).
The Kreepy Krauly Lil Shark is easy to assemble. Everything you need is included. This includes 33′ of hose section, which is long enough for most above ground pools. For larger pools, you can order extra sections.
Something else you should consider ordering is an in-line leaf canister to trap large debris like leaves and acorns before they reach the filter. A leaf canister helps keep the cleaner working properly (by preventing the pool filter from clogging) and reduces the amount of work you need to do maintaining your pool filter.
Issues and Limitations
The biggest problem with pressure and suction side automatic cleaners is that you need to adjust the cleaner just right to get the results you want.
If you check the Amazon reviews for the Kreepy Krauly Lil Shark, most of the negative ones claim the cleaner stalls in one place, moves at a snail’s pace, or keeps hitting a wall and just sitting there.
The problem is likely the cleaner’s settings.
First, make sure you’ve installed the vacuum regulator and reducer cone. Next, check underneath the cleaner for the settings. Set different numbers and then observe how the cleaner moves.
When everything is set right, the cleaner should move at a moderate pace in clockwise circles.
Don’t forget to check your pump. An underpowered pump can limit the cleaner’s movement and cleaning performance. We recommend using a 1HP or 1.5HP pump.
One downside of the Kreepy Krauly Lil Shark that you can’t do anything about is its inability to climb walls. This is the case with most above ground pool cleaners. You have to scrub the walls manually.
If you have an above ground pool with a deep and shallow end, the Kreepy Krauly Lil Shark may also have trouble moving from the deep end to the shallow one. To be safe, we recommend buying a robotic pool cleaner instead if you have that kind of swimming pool.
Another issue with the Kreepy Krauly Lil Shark is that it takes a long time to clean the pool. Most pool owners opt to leave it in the pool whenever the pool is not in use. If you are looking for an automatic pool cleaner that can do a quick clean, you’ll have better luck with a robotic cleaner.
Product Specifications
Type: Suction side pool cleaner
Pool type: Above ground
Hose length: 33′
Weight: 13.1lbs
Warranty: 1 year
Pros and Cons of the Pentair Kreepy Krauly Lil Shark Cleaner
Pros
- Affordable.
- Excellent cleaning performance thanks to vacuum and scrubbing action.
- Reliable one-moving-part design.
- Easy to set up.
Cons
- It requires some trial and error to determine the right settings.
- Doesn’t clean pool walls.
- Cleans slowly.
Where to Buy the Kreepy Krauly Lil Shark Above Ground Pool Cleaner?
About the Author
Roger Corbinetti I’ve owned a pool for over 20 years. During that time, I have owned and reviewed dozens of pool cleaners, especially robotic pool cleaners. I created RoboticPoolCleanersCompared to help other home owners leverage my experience to select the right pool cleaner, pool heater, pool cover and modern pool appliance for their needs & budget.
