Rob "RobsTV" Say: Great Deals Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Sales
Cleans better than you, and saves you money!, 2010-08-04
This review is for: Great Deals Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Sales
After installing a 14x28 11,000 gallon in ground pool 5 years ago, (using the common in Florida 15 year vinyl liner type, but with reinforced fiberglass walls behind liner and cement floor under liner, and 5 ft fiberglass steps), we followed all advice forums offered to keep pool clean. It's tough in hot Florida, (no screen enclosure), where water temperature is near 90 seven months out of the year.Was going through two 2.5 gallon jugs of liquid chlorine a week. Have an Energy Saver 2 speed pump, but on low speed, even after 12 hours a day, pool would be nasty after only a couple days. Ended up having to run the Energy Efficient pump on high speed 6 hours a day, and even then, pool was never really clean looking. Suffered like this for 4 years, and the pool was already starting to show signs of wearing out.Bought the Barracuda G3 on sale, mainly because I was tired of cleaning pool every other day. I would kick myself if I could. Should have had this from day 1. Writing this review after 10 months of use, so that to me, is accurate of what to expect. The G3 is connected and in the pool 24/7, unless we are in the pool, then we remove it. It has enabled us to run the pool pump on high speed for only 3 hours a day. No other work is needed. Chlorine use dropped to less than a jug a week, or less than 1/2 of what we used before. The lower chlorine use saves us about $20 a month, and the lower electrical usage for the pump saves us another $20 a month or a total of $40 a month! The best part is the pool now looks like new again. I never need to brush it or do anything except occasionally empty the pump basket. 3 hours a day of G3 takes care of it all. While it has no problems going from the deep end 6ft depth to shallow ends 3ft depth, it does not stay on the side walls very long, perhaps only for about 6 feet at a time before moving back to bottom cleaning.The hose would go into 3 step area and cause the G3 to hang. Solution was to hang a small one foot wide PVC board from end of steps grab rail. The hose "loop" now hits this board, and instead of going into step area, it forces hose out, which then keeps the G3 moving along fine.To get the G3 to work properly requires an initial few hours testing. First, make sure you temporarily use the included flow rate indicator at end of hose, then adjust range to around the middle of scale. Move the spring load part that fits into your skimmer to get more or less flow until indicated correct. Make sure main drain is off and returns are adjusted properly, so that they do not force hose (and therefore the G3) to move into wrong areas. Make sure filter is clean. If it starts to get dirty, the G3 will not work properly. I use a 300lb sand filter with 150lb of Zeobest instead, and it rarely needs cleaned (backwashed). You must adjust the weight on the hose. It should be positioned about 1/2 way onto the last section of hose. You also need to turn the weight for final, precise steering of the G3. Try turning the weight 1/4 turn at a time, and watch the G3 for 10 to 20 minutes to see results. Turn weight and repeat until entire pool is covered. Note that when you do remove the G3 or disconnect the hoses, you change the weight to G3 relationship, and you must again spend some time to re-adjust the weight. It must go together exactly as it was taken apart (even position in skimmer) to avoid adjustments.I also had to remove the guard wheel that is supposed to prevent it from getting stuck. It would get stuck on ladder and steps with guard installed. Removed and it now runs fine.

J. Hanks Say: Great Deals Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Sales
It works great, 2007-07-28
This review is for: Great Deals Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Sales
I have owned a Hayward Navigator ( did a good job but it was always getting stuff clogged in it and it costs about $100-125 per year in parts to keep it alive. ) Then I went with the Plaris ATV and it lasted 2 years and died. I went to lots of pool places around town who don't sell it because it broke down a lot. It would have cost me close to $200 to fix, or $300 or so for a new pool cleaner. I live in AZ and we get large dust storms that line the bottom of the pool with dirt and leaves. I stuck the Baracuda in and withen one and a half ours my pool looked like new. The thing only travels up the sides about 3-4 feet, no biggie. It stays off the steps too which is fine with me.The guy at the pool store said this is the longest lasting and cheapist to fix when and if it needs it.

Mildewman Say: Great Deals Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Sales
Gets stuck on main drain, 2008-08-09
This review is for: Great Deals Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Sales
We'd had a Haywaward Pool Vac for many years, but the constant replacing of parts was costing us over $100 a year.The Baracuda cleans okay, but it is not as good as the Hayward was since it does not seem to hit all areas of the pool. A relative has the same Baracuda cleaner and the same problem, so it is not something with our setup or pool, it is a cleaner fault. Again, though, the cleaning is okay with the Baracuda - it is better than nothing.The real fault in the Baracuda G3 (and presumably G4) is that the cleaner gets stuck on the main drain if the main drain is an anti vortex raised drain. Rounded main drain covers are available for purchase (at about $60 each) to help the cleaner go over the main drain, but many people have had problems with those products staying down over the drain.When I called Baracuda for help, they admitted they were aware of this issue. They said it was due to my 'non standard' pool design, but my 'non standard' pool design is soon to be required by building code, so Baracuda should get their act together and come up with a solution.Also annoying is the fact that Baracuda is aware that they have issues with certain drain covers, but NO WHERE in their literature did they say that. In other words, let the people buy it and then find out it does not work right in their pool.Because it gets stuck randomly, and I do not babysit my pool cleaner, the return period had passed by the time I realized the problem. Baracuda would not help, so I am stuck with a cleaner that does not work according to Baracuda's advertising. The cleaner is still under warranty, but they say it works as designed, so they won't help.We did our homework about this pool cleaner before purchase, but this problem was not publicized anywhere. So, to others, if you have or plan on getting raised, anti vortex, main drains (and you should, for safety reasons), AVOID the Baracuda G3 and G4 cleaners.Note that our previous Hayward Pool Vac, in our same alleged 'non standard' pool, never had this problem. I guess the extra money in maintenance is worth it for a product that does not need babysitting.Even if you don't have that type of drain, I'd avoid Baracuda products just due to poor customer service.

Linda P Say: Great Deals Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Sales
Does the job without needing attention, 2010-11-02
This review is for: Great Deals Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Sales
This is our third Baracuda cleaner, have been using these for many years in our in-ground pool. The previous cleaner lasted 8 years. A few years ago our pool was remodeled and now has a pebble surface which causes more wear on the cleaner. Even so, this cleaner is very durable, dependable, and rarely needs attention. The only part that needs to be replaced routinely is the bladder. The life of these varies considerably; sometimes they last almost 2 years, sometimes only a few months. Gritty debris in the pool such as pumice or sand seems to cause tears or erosion of this part as does high chlorine levels, so remove the cleaner if the pool requires super-chlorination. We run the cleaner whenever the pump is running, about 5 hours per day in the winter and 8-10 hours per day in the summer. It is attached to the skimmer (single skimmer construction) with an in-line leaf canister (Hayward) installed in the hose to trap debris before it enters the skimmer. Installation is easy; it is important to read and follow the instructions carefully and then fine tune operation with a few minor adjustments. Our pool has steps and a sun shelf, the cleaner does not get caught on these. It climbs the walls and covers the entire pool in a random pattern. I would highly recommend this cleaner based on our long-term usage.

H. Schultz Say: Great Deals Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Sales
Works but Expensive for what you get, 2005-07-08
This review is for: Great Deals Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Sales
Have been using the Baracuda G3 for a couple of months now. It does a fairly good job of cleaning most of the pool floor, but it does not crawl onto the sides of the pool as advertised. This is not a major concern for me, but may be for others. The inlet ports to the pool must be diverted down in order for the head to travel freely and randomly. It does not always get all of the bottom surface even after 24 hrs.Major weakness: this product is WAY over priced. It is nothing but molded plastic. They do not even provide a storage system. The tubes MUST be taken apart after each use and stored straight. I bought a mesh ball bag to hold the tubes, and a deck box. For the list price shown a storage system should be included.

WPMo Say: Great Deals Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Sales
When good, it's very good,...but when stuck..., 2010-07-03
This review is for: Great Deals Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Sales
I have experienced similar problems with the 'Cuda getting stuck by the steps. Very frustrating. I've never found any solution, and don't agree with the comment about finding its "sweet spot." Those are normal setup instructions not troubleshooting. Best performance I've had is when the wind is blowing the other way, and the pool's current keeps the cleaner away from the end of the pool with the steps. Other issues: the bumper wheel doesn't work and is colossally overpriced (but so are all pool supplies). I"m on the fourth diaphragm for the G3....about one a year. It clogs on anything the size of an acorn, or here in FL a palm nut. But I have to admit that when it is free to run and nothing's in the pool to clog it, the thing does a super job. But next time, I may try another brand.

James L. Novy "Cubs fan" Say: Great Deals Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Sales
Great catch!, 2010-11-17
This review is for: Great Deals Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Sales
When our Hayward (haywire!) finally pooped out, several people recommended the Barracuda due to its incredible simplicity and reasonable price. Despite reviews saying the pad wears out quickly, we figured the benefits of a reliable product would far outweigh occassionally replacing the $19 part. So far, so good.

L. Koewing Say: Great Deals Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Sales
Best Baracuda ever!, 2010-08-06
This review is for: Great Deals Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Sales
I owned the G4 for 5 years until it fell apart. I decided to replace it with a G3 since it has less moving parts. As soon I put it into the pool it started working, it goes into corners the G4 wasn't able to do for some reason. The foot of the G3 seems a little smaller than the G4, maybe that's why. It's racing around the pool and my pool is 100% spotless. I will buy this one again. Very powerful.

Cavity Search Say: Great Deals Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Sales
Works Just Fine!, 2009-03-31
This review is for: Great Deals Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Sales
First of all, this does NOT stick to the main drain if you shut it off. I close the valve to the main drain, use just the skimmer and cleaner port, and it works like a charm. If the main drain is sucking water, and the Baracuda is sucking water, of course it will stick!I bought mine in 2004, and it's worked great since day one. The parts I've replaced:The little doohicky inside, I don't know what it's called. Replaced last year (after 4 years of daily use) at a cost of $35. Local mom-pop pool shop had part in stock. It's probably cheaper on-line or elsewhere.The hose sections, replaced last week (after 5 years of daily use), at a cost of $100. I overpaid. Lowes has them at almost half the cost!Parts for these things are Expensive! The rubber plate thingy cost $100, although mine is still trucking along with no signs of wear. The plastic is a bit discolored, but I didn't buy it for looks.What's nice about the Baracuda is there are almost no moving parts. The innard doohicky, the plate thingy, and the hose are the only moving parts, as far as I can tell.Go to a well stocked pool shop and take a look at the pool cleaner parts section. You'll see a bunch of little doodads that cost a lot of money, and from what I've seen, most other cleaners have way too many moving parts. I picked up my father's Kreepy Krauly and rods, levers, and other widgets started waving around all over the place. It looked like a Willy Wonka pool cleaner!Anyway, this thing works as advertised. After manually vaccuuming the pool a few times, I had no problem scrounging up the scratch for this bugger.I can't for the life of me figure out why this is listed as a "toy" in Amazon. If your buying this to amuse your children, I suggest a Nintendo WII instead.

Dave in AZ Say: Great Deals Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Sales
Zero problems, quiet, no clogging pool cleaner., 2007-03-10
This review is for: Great Deals Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Sales
PROS:This thing never gets plugged. It has been going for 2 years without any maint. It sucks up rocks & leaves that would clog the cleaners that use gears & an impeller inside. It doesn't surface and start making slurping noises at night like some of the other cleaners. I can't see any wear, even on the rubber replaceable parts.CONS:It mostly stays on the bottom and doesn't go very far up the walls, and doesn't do the pool steps. That is ok with me as my problem is mostly leaves & dirt on the bottom.