Robotic pool cleaners have been a game-changer in pool cleaning, and the Kreepy Krauly Prowler 820 has become one of the best selling. If you are thinking about buying one, but unsure if you need a robotic pool cleaner, this could be a great option. Also if you are looking to upgrade from a suction cleaner, this is one of the best robotic pool cleaners for the money. So let’s take a closer look in this post, Kreepy Krauly Prowler 820: Pool Cleaner Reviews
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Our 2 Minute Review
Product summary
Kreepy Krauly Prowler 820 Robotic In-ground Pool Cleaner features an internal filtration system that helps with proper circulation of chemicals in the pool, thus maintaining water clarity. Also, its advanced filtration system ensures that there is minimal cartilage tear and wear. It utilizes four different cleaning methods, including brushing, scrubbing, and vacuuming and filtration technology. The pool cleaner comes packed with a caddy and ultra fine filters so everything you need is in the box. Also covered by a 2-year manufacturers warranty, we feel this is up there with the best robotic pool cleaners for the money.
Pentair Kreepy Krauly 820 standout features
Cost saving efficiency
Using low voltage and efficienct cleaning patterns, this pool robot costs just 15 cents per clean on average.
Full Cartridge Indicator
No more guesswork, the Kreepy Krauly 820 cartridge indicator gives a signal light to the owner when it needs cleaning or emptying.
Dual filters included
The filters included mean your robot will be able to catch leaves and large objects as well as algae and micro particles
60 foot anti-tangle cord
The long cord with special swivel cable means your machine can run unsupervised without you having to worry about it getting tangled.
What we loved
- The built in auto reverse feature
- Plug and play simplicity
- Full Cartridge Indicator.
What we didn’t
- The cartridge is located at the bottom of the device
- No remote or Bluetooth connectivity
- It’s quite heavy, especially when retrieving from pool
Little Robot Shop overall rating:
4.5/5
Check best price on AmazonFull Review of the Kreepy Krauly Prowler 820
If you’re tired of manually cleaning your pool, but maybe don’t have the spare cash to splash on a top of the range robotic pool cleaner, the Kreepy Krauly Prowler 820 could well be the perfect model for you.
This automatic pool robot is great for cleaning all the dirt that settles in your pool from large and small debris to the algae that settles on the floor of your pool.
With its long cable, the robotic pool cleaner can handle pools up to 50 feet, but it does lack some of the connectivity features found in the premium pool cleaners.
How Pentair’s Kreepy Krauly Prowler 820 Works
Equipped with two sets of filters, the Kreepy Krauly 820 uses computer-controlled technology to plan a route around your pool. The pool robots powered tracks ensure optimum grip when moving along the floor of your pool while the durable spinning scrubbing brush agitates the dirt and fine debris before sucking it up into the large self-contained inner cartridge.
The tracks have enough power to drive the robotic pool cleaner up the walls of your pool, giving them a scrub and also cleaning the waterline.
You’ll be pleased to know the Prowler 820 also features an advanced filtration internal system that cleans your pool water and cleaner circulates chemicals more thoroughly throughout the pool. Not only will this increase your water clarity, but save money by reducing chemical needs.
And while we’re talking about saving money, in case you were worried it may be expensive to run, the Kreepy Krauly 820 operates on low voltage and cleans most pools in around three hours, which works out at about 15 cents a cleaning!
Finally, I want to mention is the generous 60 feet cable. The sweet swivel design helps prevent the cable from tangling and ensuring the robot can move around your pool and create its magic with ease.
Reliability
Similar to other Pentair pool cleaners, the Prowler 820 is no exception when it comes to reliability. If your swimming pool is filthy or has many leaves, you may need to stop the prowler and clean the filters, but this machine comes with a full cartridge indicator, so you will be aware when that is necessary.
I must add this, though. One of the issues reported about this machine from a few users is that the cartridge indicator light sometimes comes on when the cartilage isn’t full.
With proper maintenance, more on that in a moment, the Pentair Kreepy Krauly prowler 820 will last for many years.
Performance
When it comes to cleaning the pool bottom and walls Kreepy Krauly 820 Pool Cleaner does an impeccable job and delivers quality performance, especially for the price.
It’s worth knowing that it is not designed to clean ladders or steps leading into your pool, although it will try.
Ease of Use
Like most modern robotic pool cleaners, the Pentair Prowler 820 doesn’t require any installation, it comes ready to use with filters fitted in place.
To get your robot running, you will need to plug the power supply into a socket, the robot into the power supply, submerge it in the water and turn it on.
However, it’s probably a good idea to check the filters before you use it for the first time. This is in case you have a tear in one (unlikely but possible), and so you are confident about how to remove the filters after the first clean.
Just a couple of safety notes at this point. Do not switch the pool cleaner on until it is fully immersed in water. If you do turn it on while our of the water, this could potentially cause severe damage and will result in loss of warranty. Be sure to also turn your power supply off before removing the cleaner.
Also, the manufacturers make a point of not using an extension cable to power the power supply, it should be plugged directly into a properly located socket and remain at least 10-feet away from the pool at all times.
The most challenging part of using the robot is probably the weight. At 17lbs, this little machine is not light, and you have to remember that when you are removing it from the pool, it will also have the weight of the water too. Unfortunately, there does seem to be a little dirt escaping from the cleaning filters if you are pulling it out of the water slowly, but not much.
You will also need to turn the machine over to remove and clean the filters. Something that other models have eliminated the need for with top loading filter cartridges.
What Else Comes in The Box?
For ease of transportation and storage Kreepy Krauly 820 Pool Cleaner comes with a pool caddy. To ensure it properly clean your entire swimming pool, it comes equipped with a 60 ft cable. And you don’t have to keep an eye on it since the cable is tangle-free.
Ongoing Maintenance Required
Just like with any pool cleaner, the Kreepy Krauly 820 requires some ongoing cleaning and maintenance to keep it running efficiently.
Cleaning its mesh filter is one task that will have to be performed regularly. When you first start using the pool cleaning robot, it is highly recommended to clean it after every cycle. Luckily it is a simple task of just removing it, hosing it down and replacing it. It is an excellent habit to get into every time you remove your pool cleaner from the water.
Aside from that, perform visual maintenance checks. Do the tracks look OK and not worn? Same for the scrubbing brush? Also, check the fan to see if any leaves or debris are inside there. It is a simple case of unscrewing the cover and removing the leaves.
Be sure also to store the pool robot correctly. Remove from the water after every cycle, unplug it and don’t leave it exposed to the elements while not in use.
Extra Purchases Required
You’ll be pleased to know the answer is none! The caddy and filters are all included, so this set is self-contained and requires no installation.
Conclusion: final thoughts on the Kreepy Krauly prowler 820
Our verdict:
4.5/5If you desire a sparkly clean pool that you can jump on into at any time with minimal effort, then a robotic pool cleaner is definitely for you. When it comes to reliability, simplicity and high performance you are looking for in a pool then Kreepy Krauly 820 Pool Cleaner doesn’t disappoint.
It does a great job in vacuuming and brushing the entire pool from top to bottom, ensuring no algae or dirt remains in the pool, and it is easy to set up and use since you just put in the pool, plug and turn it on.
When compared to other robotic pool cleaners, the obvious thing it lacks is the ability to manual control or set a timer, you have to start it manually, but it is smart enough to shut off automatically once the cleaning cycle is over. Also, the lack of connectivity is easily made up for by the price, it is certainly at the lower end of the price scale and one of the best robotic pool cleaners for the money.
The ongoing cost is excellent, it works out at around 15 cents per clean, making it economy- friendly.
Like any purchase, it has few reported minor flaws that I have highlighted above, but I would happily say that if you are looking to buy a first robotic pool cleaner and don’t want to spend too much in case you unsure it would be of value to you, I recommend you buy the Kreepy Krauly prowler 820 with confidence.
FAQs
Can I leave the cleaner in the water when not in use?
No, you should not leave the cleaner in the pool. Also, always remember to turn the power supply “OFF” and unplug it from the power outlet before removing it. Both leaving in the pool and operating the robotic pool cleaner when out of the water may invalidate your warranty.
Does it come with a warranty?
Yes, it comes with the standard manufacturer 2-year warranty that you can read more by clicking here.
Can the Kreepy Krauly 820 clean steps?
Sadly not. This cleaner was not designed to automatically clean steps, swim outs, or to work under a solar cover.
Is the Kreepy Krauly prowler 820 OK to use on vinyl pools?
Yes, this is a great pool cleaning robot for vinyl lined pools. Check this out to find more robotic pool cleaners for vinyl pools.
Can it pick up large leaves?
Yes, it will grab almost anything
Can it be used for an above ground pool?
Yes, but it may be a bit of overkill depending on the size of your pool. You may find better value looking for a model that is specifically designed for above ground pools such as the Dolphin E10.
Will the Kreepy Krauly prowler 820 work on a pebble tech surface?
It certainly will. However, you may want to look to a model with more suction power to really get the dirt of the uneven surface, but this will do a job on it for sure.
Matt is the founder of the Little Robot Shop, who has spent much of the last decade hacking home cleaning with various robots and devices to make keeping his home clean as easy as possible. Not an easy task with two young children.
When not working on the Little Robot Shop website or YouTube channel, he works as technical support and product specialist for a fast-growing digital company. He does his best to get his younglings to code, which will be an essential skill in the future.
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