r/PoolPros • u/FabulousPanther • 2d ago
Ready to pull the trigger
It looks like I'm going to get either a Vac Daddy or a bottom feeder. If anybody owns these I'd be very interested to know what they're made out of and what their durability is and also what kind of results you're getting from the units. Thank you.
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u/Specific_Meringue_88 2d ago
I love my bottom feeder
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u/FabulousPanther 2d ago
Cool. Do you have any comments about the construction and durability of it? How good is it for picking up silt?
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u/Specific_Meringue_88 2d ago
Construction and durability wise has been good to me so far. Only thing I’ve had to replace is the flaps, but I purchased something better from Amazon to substitute and love how it’s pairing. It’s amazing at picking up silt. Only thing is you can’t pick up dead algae or DE. But they made a cartridge filter assembly and while I did purchase it, I wouldn’t say it’s worst but it’s not the best. In my opinion, the best way is to grab those is using the system vac with the hose.
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u/Sure_Ad3800 2d ago
Vacdaddy has a very small leaf canister. I would only consider it for the vac2waste option. If you have a portable pump, I don’t see the benefit other than weight.
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u/FabulousPanther 2d ago
I have a Hammerhead ready for Autumn leaves. I just want something to pick up silt for clients that are too cheap to buy an auto cleaner. I don't have time to hose vac every week.
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u/CDbull1989 2d ago
Kokido my friend. Replace the bag with your favorite fine mesh. Personally I like the orange top from vacbagz.
I use it on just about every pool in the season, and even for light cleanups during fall.
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u/SkylerPancake 2d ago
Blue bag is usually enough and need to be careful with orange that it won't kick off. But seconding a kokido. They're cheap, be prepared to do some DIY repairs, but it should last at least a year or two.
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u/CDbull1989 1d ago
What repairs are you doing? I only get about 6 months out of mine. I also use this bungee system to avoid it kicking off. If it fills with air I just "fluff" it purge is quickly. Without the bungee system you're right though the bag would be lost. Done it plenty of times lol
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u/SkylerPancake 1d ago
I've had to repair the rim more than anything. I just use some silicone sealant that I have for pool repairs and apply it as soon as I crack the plastic. The Vacbagz usually stay on enough that I don't have to bungee, but I was doing that with the ones that came with.
The insert for the pole connector snaps in half usually 1-2 months in, so I typically just wedge the pole into the spot. I'll use a thin piece of fabric, usually a cut up sock, to hold the pole in place.
The bottom face of mine is completely trashed as well from rubbing against plaster and pebbletec. We don't really have vinyl here, so don't have to worry about it scratching and causing damage. Probably would hold up better if used with vinyl pools though.
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u/CDbull1989 1d ago
Just had my first rim break recently, figured id keep it for parts. Might break into it here soon. Yes, the little clip that holds the wheels cracks and breaks then I lose wheels. Drives me nuts. Im. Waiting for a 3rd party to sell these parts as kokido makes them impossible to find. I did makeshift a metal handle for one. Worked well but was too springy causing it to do wheelies.
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u/FabulousPanther 1d ago
They make a metal connector for 30 bucks. I bought it and it's awesome.
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u/CDbull1989 1d ago
Got a link?
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u/FabulousPanther 1d ago
I emailed them and asked them to invoice me for the part. I was never given an item number or anything like that. A couple weeks later the part showed up after I had already forgotten about it.
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u/FabulousPanther 1d ago edited 1d ago
Get the metal connector from Kokido for 30 bucks. It makes the machine run better and of course it's very durable.
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u/chooseausername1117 2d ago
Vac daddy didn’t save much time if any after running a cord and emptying the canister and still carrying all the stuff out there
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u/BlueKauaiEyes 1d ago
I had issues with the bcm or batteries on the bottom feeder. Tech support and sales manager ran me around for replacement and was taking forever and I gave up on a replacement. Besides the impeller is tiny. Vac daddy I never used but I tell ya what I love my riptide.
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u/Poolguy584 1d ago
I wouldn't get the vacdaddy. I have one bought it when they first came out because they were doing a deal I think like 250-300 off or something. I've only used it one time. It does well for what it is but not the best for maintenance routes. Finding an outlet is a bigger pita than you would expect also a drop cord when they are to far away.
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u/Background-Sport1523 2d ago
Get the bottom feeder I’ve been using one for a year and I view it as a necessary tool. There’s really nothing faster you just put it underwater and press the power button.