Experts recommend Hayward Navigator Pro more than Hayward PoolVac XL
As of 9 Jan 2025, experts prefer Hayward Navigator Pro over Hayward PoolVac XL, but both Pool Cleaners have solid expert endorsements.
As per this month's meta ranking, Hayward Navigator Pro received 4 recommendations: from Pool Cleaner Lab, Cleanup Expert (2 Jan 2023) Pool Care Guy (22 Jan 2020) and 1 other. By contrast, Hayward PoolVac XL received only 2 recommendations from Pool Care Guy (22 Jan 2020) and ElectronicsHub (29 Apr 2024).
| Rank | Change | Price | Pool Cleaner | Salt Water Pool and Spa  | House Grail  | Pool Cleaner Lab  | Cleanup Expert  | Bob Vila  | Pool Care Guy  | ElectronicsHub  | TopTenReviews  | Swim University  | Better Homes and Gardens  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | - | $399 |  Hayward Navigator Pro The Hayward Navigator Pro is a highly regarded, durable, and energy-efficient pool cleaner specifically designed for in-ground gunite pools, offering effective debris removal capabilities and easy maintenance. | - | - | 2 | 4 | - | 7 | - | - | - | 3 |
| 11 | - | $599 |  Hayward PoolVac XL The Hayward PoolVac XL is a versatile and efficient pool cleaner that is compatible with all types of pools, praised for its cleaning performance, ease of use, durability, and energy efficiency. | - | - | - | - | - | 6 | 3 | - | - | - |
Curious to see this month's entire Suction Pool Cleaners ranking? It's here
Endorsement summary:
- On 22 Jan 2020 Pool Care Guy ranked Hayward PoolVac XL as #6 and Hayward Navigator Pro as #7
Rank Pool Cleaner ... ... #6 out of 10 Hayward PoolVac XL #7 out of 10 Hayward Navigator Pro ... ... Source: poolcareguy.com - Pool Cleaner Lab ranked Hayward Navigator Pro as #2
Rank Pool Cleaner ... ... #2 out of 10 Hayward Navigator Pro ... ... Source: poolcleanerlab.com - On 2 Jan 2023 Cleanup Expert ranked Hayward Navigator Pro as #4
Rank Pool Cleaner Comment ... ... ... #4 out of 7 Hayward Navigator Pro Most efficient... ... ... Source: cleanup.expert - On 12 Aug 2024 Better Homes and Gardens ranked Hayward Navigator Pro as #3
Rank Pool Cleaner Comment ... ... ... #3 out of 4 Hayward Navigator Pro Easiest to Use... ... ... Source: www.bhg.com - On 29 Apr 2024 ElectronicsHub ranked Hayward PoolVac XL as #3
Rank Pool Cleaner ... ... #3 out of 5 Hayward PoolVac XL ... ... Source: www.electronicshub.org
After counting and adding up the 64 expert endorsements of the January rankings, Hayward Navigator Pro outranks Hayward PoolVac XL. This is not to say that Hayward PoolVac XL is a bad option. Like Hayward Navigator Pro, it is recommended by experts, but less.
As can be seen below, Hayward Navigator Pro outranks Hayward PoolVac XL by 5 positions. This indicates that, as of 9 Jan 2025, Hayward Navigator Pro is more critically acclaimed than Hayward PoolVac XL.
| Rank | Change | Price | Pool Cleaner | Salt Water Pool and Spa | House Grail | Pool Cleaner Lab | Cleanup Expert | Bob Vila | Pool Care Guy | ElectronicsHub | TopTenReviews | Swim University | Better Homes and Gardens |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | - | $349 |  Zodiac Baracuda G3 The Zodiac Baracuda G3 is a highly recommended suction-side automatic pool cleaner for in-ground pools, praised for its compatibility, effectiveness, ease of use, durability, and energy efficiency. | 4 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 1 | - | 4 | - | 2 |
| 2 | - | $409 |  Pentair Kreepy Krauly The Pentair Kreepy Krauly pool cleaner is a highly compatible and versatile option that offers excellent cleaning performance, ease of use, and energy efficiency for pool owners. | 5 | 4 | - | 5 | 6 | 8 | 4 | - | 1 | 4 |
| 3 | - | $349 |  Zodiac MX6 The Zodiac MX6 Pool Cleaner is a versatile and efficient option for inground pools, suitable for various pool sizes and shapes, with a high-suction power and energy-efficient design, although it may have some issues with build quality and hose durability. | 1 | - | 5 | 2 | 9 | 4 | 1 | - | - | - |
| 4 | - | $449 |  Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X | 2 | 2 | 1 | - | - | 2 | - | - | - | 1 |
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Expert reviews [7]
Total expert reviews: 7
- with a score: 5
- without a score: 2
| Highest score by Cleanup Expert | 93 |
| Average score based on 7 reviews | 83 |
| Lowest score by House Grail | 74 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
Expert reviews [3]
Total expert reviews: 3
- with a score: 1
- without a score: 2
| Highest score by bestroboticpoolcleaners.com | 60 |
| Average score based on 3 reviews | 60 |
| Lowest score by bestroboticpoolcleaners.com | 60 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
From Seller:
- The Hayward Navigator Pro Suction Cleaner is equipped with patented SmartDrive technology and systematically travels the pool floor, walls and coves for thorough, reliable results
- Powered by the pool’s existing filtration system, saving energy and money
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From Seller:
- Over 30 years of proven and reliable suction cleaner technology
- Wall climbing capability and pool coverage may be affected by specific pool shapes and surfaces. The cleaner may not climb the wall under certain conditions. Unmatched pool coverage with SmartDrive steering
- Read more