Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This is exactly the type of vacuum that you need for large Intex pools. Our pool is an Intex 18' x 48" model. We were having trouble cleaning out the small debris that would settle on the bottom using the water/siphon type vacuum. Small particles wouldn't be caught by the mesh bag (also tried cutting up my wife's pantyhose to replace the tie-on mesh bag hoping that it was a finer mesh, but particles still made it through back into the pool). You'd also have to siphon out the added water and re-add salt to the filtration system. A real pain-in-the-ass. This maintenance kit has a vacuum with hose that attaches to the filter intake port on the side of the pool, via a special (included) screw on adapter. Therefore, the power of the filter suction does the work, no excess water. Inside the vacuum head is a mesh bag which catches all of the heavy, large debris. The vacuum head unscrews, so that you can remove and clean the mesh bag. Small debris particles and algae pass through the bag to the filter, instead of back to the pool like the water/siphon vacuum. Perfect, exactly what you need. All you do is attach the vacuum head to the included hose and telescoping pole, then attach the other end of the hose to the screw on adapter (which you affix first to the filter intake on the side of the pool). IMPORTANT - make sure that you get as much air out of the hose, before you attach it, by submerging it in the pool water. The filter cannot pump air and will run poorly and not suction properly if air is in the hose/system. After everything is attached, turn on your filter and watch how easy it is to clean your pool. It really does a fantastic job. The vacuum head also has bristles so you can scrub at the same time. Our pool was crystal clear all summer, no lies. Also, the cost of this kit was great, especially considering that they give you the vacuum head, the mesh bag, the telescoping pole, the hose, the screw on adapter, a brush head for the the pole, and a deep bag skimmer head for scooping up leaves and large debris. Super item, should actually be included when you buy the pool, but it's not for some stupid reason. (Seriously, the pool cost me more than $900. Do you think that adding a $35 proper cleaning kit is going to break the bank at that point??? - Who's the marketing genius that dropped the ball on this one???) The only negative was that the box arrived opened during delivery. I couldn't tell if it was Amazon's fault or UPS. Although, I think it was Amazon's fault because the box is like a pizza box (sort of), you know, hinged on one side, flip it up and close it. The closing end/side only had one small piece of clear tape on it. The whole box should have been taped shut. So, it was bound to come open during UPS transit. Nevertheless, all items were there at arrival. A couple of other things - 1) the items in this kit seem pretty durable; 2) you need to be careful with the vacuum head as it is made of plastic and if you drop it or over tighten it could break/fracture (it's durable, just don't do something stupid); 3) the two screw-locks on the telescoping pole can come loose/unglued, but just apply some Gorilla glue and they will stay in place; 4) also, be gentle with the mesh bag when cleaning it, as it is only single stitched to the rubber grommet (you don't want to break the stitching or the large debris will pass through clog the filter intake valve constantly); 5) the telescoping pole (fully extended) almost reaches from one side of our 18' diameter pool to the other; 6) remember to clean your filter cartridge after you're done vacuuming (just take it out and wash the gunk/dirt off with your hose and re-install - then your filter will work at max effort); 7) if you are one of those people (my wife) who likes to vacuum/clean your pool while actually being in it - the hose (even full with water) floats and makes it very easy to maneuver around; 8) not trying to be sexist, but my wife loves this, as it is much easier for the ladies to use than the water/hose/siphon/vacuum type. That's it. I think I've covered everything that I have experienced. Honestly, I hated having to vacuum the pool with the water/hose/siphon each week for the wife and kids. This product made it almost enjoyable and cut the vacuuming time in half, maybe more.