Aquabuddy Automatic Pool Cleaner PO-CL-S3-BUWH-DIA

Cheap and an excellent performer – I have tried two pool cleaners and been recommended others most with mediocre reviews. I bought this one as it was cheap - prepared for the worst. Within 15 minutes after unpacking I had the unit operating in our 9.5m by 4.5m above ground pool. After two months it works faultlessly in a pool surrounded by eucalyptus leaves which it scoops up readily and is intercepted by the inline pool filter (a recommended extra).

It came with a spare yellow diaphragm unit which is the only part that will wear out. That part is the same as the far more expensive Barracuda cleaner sold by Bunnings.

The 10m segmented hose is flimsy but OTOH it is flexible and cheap to replace. I see no reason not to expect many years of use from it. Must give it 5 stars making allowance for it being as cheap as it is (see my note on gumnuts).

BTW 1. the skirt is silicone which is important to note as some have PVC ones which have too much friction with the liner so it wont work (eg the Hyclor which has on the box not for flexible pools, mine is a rigid PVC lined pool and it now gathers dust so bah to Hyclor). 2. Also smallish gumnuts will choke it as I discovered. I wonder if a single plate across the opening will stop them? It seems the expensive robotic cleaners can handle them but then it will cost multiple times and do read the reviews first.