While you may not want bugs floating around in your swimming pool, you will most certainly want the Hayward Aquabug as a feature in your pool. This handy bug gives your above ground pool a routine cleanse and better circulates the water, making your pool both clean and clear!
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General information on the Hayward Aquabug
This specialised cleaning tool only cleans cement and tiled swimming pools, and not temporary plastic or rubber lined pools.
Harnessing energy from your pool pump and fitted with a suction that instantly connects to the vacuum port, this nifty pool cleaner uses the features from the pool filter and pump strainer to purify the water.
The Hayward Aquabug offers a smoother process to circulate water, as the water is sucked from the depth of the pool which then filters through the pool pump and being released back into the swimming pool.
Four models are available for purchase with the most charming product names: The AquaBug 500, Diver Dave 700, Wanda the Whale 900, and the AquaCritter. While the appearance of these models may differ, they are all equipped with the same technology.
Are inground pools compatible with the Aquabug?
The Aquabug is an above ground swimming pool cleaner, so it is strongly advised to not be used as a cleaning agent for an indoor pool since it cannot climb up the walls of an inground pool. The Aquabug was specially designed to cleanse the floors of permanent above ground pools only.
In the event that you are seeking a suction cleaner for your inground swimming pool, our reviews section offers extensive advice on the optimal automatic cleaners for inground swimming pools.
Is the Aquabug compatible with salt water?
As long as your pool is aboveground and a salt chlorine generator is in use to transform the salt water to nature chlorine, an Aquabug will most certainly work in your pool.
Is a booster pump needed to accompany the Aquabug?
The Aquabug connects to a suction line leading to the pool pump and filter, which in turn produces power so that the Aquabug can dutifully perform its cleaning duties. Therefore, no, a booster pump is not needed, however a sizeable pool pump and filter will aid in a smoother and faster cleaning process of the Aquabug.
Is there a preference for pool pump horsepower?
While 1.5 HP is the preferred horsepower for working the Aquabug, the minimum amount of horsepower is uses is 1 HP. A pool pump below 1 HP may not employ sufficient suction power for the Aquabug to shift along the pool and to siphon the dirt on the swimming pool floor.
Are the suction hoses separate from the Aquabug?
The Aquabug is equipped with eleven connector hoses and one main hose, totalling to twelve hoses, that are all connected to the pool cleaning core. Therefore, the hoses are not separate to the model, as they are incorporated in the design of the product.
The main hose is attached to the cleaning core, while the connector hoses are situated behind the core as they are joined together by their corresponding connector ends at a length of 32 feet. A typical aboveground pool measures around 24 feet; thus the 32 feet connectors shall be adequate to clean this type of pool.
Is it possible to attach a leaf canister to the hose sections?
If you are wanting an extra addition to aid with the removal of leaves and debris, it is recommended to obtain the Hayward W560 leaf canister in the event that your pool pump a missing a strainer basket to catch any stubborn leaves and dirt.
Should I purchase additional hose extensions for my pool?
Measuring your pool is a great indicator if you need to acquire additional hose extensions. Starting from the suction line or skimmer, measure all the way to the outermost section of your pool. From this figure, add an additional three more hose lengths to ensure optimal motion around your pool. This is the figure that forms the length of the Hayward Aquabug hose that will operate in your aboveground swimming pool.
If your required hose length is larger than 32 feet, then you should buy additional hose extensions. Ensure that the connecting ends of the hoses are compatible to join.
Be mindful that the location of the vacuum port dictates the number of connector hoses that you will need. If the vacuum port is located at either end of the pool, then you will need more connector hoses than if the vacuum port is situated in the middle of the pool.
Also, the shape of the pool shall also determine the number of connector hoses in use. A rectangular shaped pool with a vacuum port at either end will need more connector hoses than round or oval shaped pools.
What happens if the surface of the pool floor is not smooth?
The Hayward Aquabug works efficiently on smoother surfaces, therefore pool floors with bumps or raised mounds will most likely cause problems in the performance of the cleaning bug. While a pool floor might not be perfectly smooth, the Aquabug does overlook such tiny flaws when doing its round of cleaning.
Is it possible for the Aquabug to suction dirt from the pool floor?
Yes, the Aquabug is designed to eliminate dirt from the pool floor, but this can only happen if the pool filter is frequently maintained and that the pool pump generates a strong water flow. Not only does the Aquabug suck dirt, but it also vacuums algae that drifts in the depths of the pool, provided that the water has been handled with algicide to destroy the algae.
Concluding remarks on being bitten by the bug
The perfect companion to help you clean your pool, the Aquabug will do all the physical labour while saving you endless time and effort in scrubbing your pool spotlessly clean.
It is essential to remember that before you connect the Hayward Aquabug to your pool pump, you need to backwash the filter and cleanse the pump strainer basket. Assembling the parts of the cleaning bug is simple and easy, and connecting the bug to the pool pump is straightforward. Remember to let the air out of the hoses prior to joining them to the vacuum port. After turning on the power of the pool pump and pool filter, ensure that the Aquabug has started to move, which signals that it is working.
Ensuring that the horsepower is above 1 and that that the pool’s surface is not significantly uneven will count towards the performance of the Aquabug. A Hayward W560 leaf cannister is a great additional buy to trap any unwanted leaves and dirt.