easy to use, works well and helps save some time when cleaning my pool

This is a good handheld pool vacuum. I had a different one but it had a screen for its bag, and I could watch the dust go in the bottom and come out the top during a 'cleaning'. It could only handle the big leafy stuff, so I could never get the dirt material out of my pool. This one is doing a lot better though. It has an actual cloth style bag that's really thick too. It feels like multiple layers and I can't see through it like I could with the screen. This one does pick up that dust and dirt problem, and hardly any comes out while I'm using it. It does suck slower than my other did, but I don't think it's a power thing. I think it's because the thick bag is filtering more small stuff, which will naturally slow the rate of the water flowing through it. I adjusted for it by sweeping at a slower pace, giving it more time to pull in anything that the bristles are churning up.Filtering more debris, including the fine particles, leads to more frequent emptying, especially after the dust storms. Some might find that frustrating, but I don't mind when it's actually cleaning the stuff I couldn't before. Plus, my pool doesn't have an option for automatic vacuums, so this is the next best filtration choice for my situation. Oh, one more thing, the filter bag even captured algae that was under the dirt. I know because I can see it when I'm cleaning out the bag, instead of seeing it in my pool. I think that's another reason why this one is now my preferred vacuum, and also why I feel it's a good one to recommend, especially if your pool equipment has the same limitations as mine. Thank you.

It's okay. Think about how good your typical hand vacuum is compared to a full-size vacuum. It's the same way with this pool vacuum. In water it's a lot harder to vacuum things. You really have to get close to the detritus to suck it up. It's not completely ineffective, and being portable we can just use it while we're sitting in the tub, which is nice. It's easy to use.

I just recently purchased the POOL BLASTER Catfish (Gen 2) Cordless Spa & Hot Tub Vacuum, looking for an efficient way to handle spot cleaning in my spa and pool steps here in Donalsonville, Georgia. As of April 26, 2025, this device aims to simplify underwater cleanup tasks.Product Overview:The POOL BLASTER Catfish (Gen 2) is a handheld, cordless, rechargeable vacuum specifically designed for cleaning spas, hot tubs, and performing spot cleaning duties in small inground or above-ground swimming pools. This second-generation model promises increased suction power and debris capacity compared to its predecessors, along with a specified runtime of up to 45 minutes per charge.Design and Operation:This vacuum operates as a self-contained unit, eliminating the need for hoses, cords, or external pumps. Its design is focused on underwater maneuverability, allowing users to simply submerge the unit, switch it on, and guide it over debris like sand, silt, or small leaves. Debris is collected internally within a filter chamber or bag. The operation is intended to be straightforward point-and-clean.Key Features and Performance:* Cordless Convenience: The battery-powered, rechargeable design offers complete freedom of movement underwater, making it ideal for the confined spaces of spas and for quickly targeting specific areas in pools.* Enhanced Power & Capacity (Gen 2): The claim of "More Power" suggests improved suction capable of lifting common spa and pool debris effectively. "More Capacity" implies a larger internal filter bag/chamber, reducing the frequency needed to pause cleaning and empty the unit.* 45-Minute Runtime: This provides ample time to thoroughly clean most spas or hot tubs, or to address multiple spot-cleaning tasks around a small pool on a single charge.* Filtration: The internal filter captures debris. The ease of removing, emptying, and rinsing this filter is crucial for user convenience and maintaining suction performance. The fineness of the filtration determines its ability to capture very small particles.Intended Use Cases:The Catfish Gen 2 excels in specific scenarios:* Spas and Hot Tubs: Its size, cordless nature, and maneuverability make it an ideal primary cleaning tool for these smaller bodies of water.* Pool Spot Cleaning: Perfect for quick removal of debris from steps, benches, swim-outs, tight corners, or any small area needing attention between larger cleanings or where automatic cleaners might miss. It is not designed or suitable for cleaning entire large swimming pools.Considerations:While highly convenient for its niche, potential users should note:* Suction Limits: While improved, its suction power is tailored for light debris and won't match that of larger, dedicated pool vacuums.* Filter Maintenance: Regular emptying and cleaning of the filter bag are necessary for optimal performance.* Battery Care: Like all rechargeable devices, battery longevity and charging time are factors.Based on typical Pool Blaster products and the requirements for underwater use, the Catfish Gen 2 is expected to be constructed from durable, impact-resistant plastics designed to withstand exposure to pool and spa chemicals. The overall build should feel solid enough for regular home use, with attention paid to watertight seals protecting the motor and battery compartment. Components like the handle, power switch, and filter chamber access points should be designed for functional durability. While perhaps not professional-grade heavy-duty, the build quality is generally geared towards reliable performance for consumer spa and pool maintenance tasks.

The POOL BLASTER Catfish offers strong suction and does a great job quickly picking up debris from the pool or spa. It’s especially convenient that it can be attached to a standard pool cleaning pole, making it easier to reach deeper areas. One downside is the fabric-style filter—it captures fine particles very well, but it tends to clog quickly when dealing with fine dust, which reduces suction power after just a couple of minutes. A screen-style filter might allow for longer cleaning sessions. If your pool or spa doesn’t have much dust settling, this vacuum should perform very well.

To be completely transparent, i purchased the previous version of this product and walked away with a less than positive feeling and ended up returning it. It didnt have much suction power and didnt really do what I had hoped. I still have a need for a spot vacuum and gave this new version a try. Needless to say, I walked away this time absolutely impressed. It had plenty of suction power, and the battery life held up for me while spot cleaning my in ground pool. It's time to get the pool back into summer shape and due to very hard water, our salt water system kicks out flecks of a calcium salt as a by product of the chlorination process. These lovely flecks accumulate along the sides of our pool and they drive me nuts. This pool blaster worked perfectly and sucked them right out of the pool quickly. It attached easily to my trusty ole utility pool and got the job done well. Absolutely recommended.