I used this for an inground pool. What attracted me to this is how it was made and the ability to climb the walls. It claims it is 4-wheel drive. This should be using the Jet water coming from your pump to your pool return for Above Ground pool. But, I figured the design is using the pressure of water going to the robot; I can attach this to a Pond pump and set the pond pump on a timer. So it will automatically turn on when I set up the outlet timer. And it was interesting if it could also climb walls; from the users with above-ground pool videos, it worked for them, so I gave it a try. It needs to have a GPH rating of about 3500 to get this to move. The white hose that came with it is about 1 1/4 OD/ID. So it fits the attachments that usually come with a pond pump. So, I purchased the first saltwater pond pump (the same one used for large koi ponds) with a rating of about 3500 GPH. I have a Saltwater pool. not to large, just normal shape, about 16,000 gals, and the deep end is 7 feet. Attached is the white hose to it with a stainless steel hose clamp. Using the pond pump screw-on adapters, it fits pretty snugly. I used a large pond pump fine mesh bag, I actually purchased a few of them to make sure it would fit. It should be a Fine Mesh since I did not want particles to go to the pump and slow down its GPH to the vacuum. I attached it to a weight and used a bungee cord to do a test. Well, it WORKED! good enough anyway. Confirmed, it works with a pond pump, and it does climb the walls of my pool, not up to the water line. The brushes and 4-wheel drive mechanism work to do a light scrub on the floor and about 80% up the wall before it comes down in reverse. It will also go sideways on the wall. So the benefit of this are: +Cheap for a scrubbing pool vacuum, it keeps the slime buildup to the floor and to the walls. Cost of this vacuum + salt water pond pump from amazon is about 200 bucks since I purchase this with my prime membership discount. + I purchased a Salt Water Pond Pump that is made to stay on for a large pond. So I can just keep it on the side in the pool. I picked those that gave it great reviews and ran for 2+ years continues, the cost was like 80 Bucks. + Put on a Timer, I used an outlet timer that I can set when it will turn on and how long. I have this one every few hours, like 2 hours straight. This keeps the pool water moving and scrubs the pool floor and 80% up the walls. VS. and $800+ robotic pool vacuum that does climb walls, and 4 whee-drives most in this price range don't have a schedule set, you need to turn it on and let it run. Come back and turn it on each day. Because of all the above, I didn't need to keep running my poop pump during peak energy times 1pm- 7 pm, costing so much. I also had a separate DIY water aerator fountain running during the hot days in Texas also to keep water moving and keep the water 10 degrees cooler. And early mornings and late nights is when my actual pool pumps runs to filter the water, cost less not during peak hours. Negative. Does not pick up large items. like leaves more than 3 inches wide or long. The brushes on both ends, though are made of fine nylon paint brushes type, I am not sure how long it will last, but the manufacturer has replacement parts. Vacuum is not the best at vacuuming like the $800 true robotic vacuums, but this isn't $800 bucks. Adn those Vacuums cost more when parts go out since it is very complicated. So I have two other robotic pool vacuums as back up that can pick up large leaves, but these are not scrubbers and wall climbers, but good enough without costing 800-1500 each. I have had 5 homes with pools and have used them all. Name brands cost up to $1500, and less costly ones in a range of 300-400. And they do a very good job on the vacuum. But I keep my vacuum in the pool and want it to be on a schedule on its own. They all eventually need parts to be replaced or the whole thing to be replaced in 3 years or so. PLUS, NOT USE THE Pool pump that costs more to use energy cost during peak hours during the day. It is best to have a Separate pool cleaner vacuum which you can schedule a time for it to Start and stop, plus brushes for you when you are not using the pool, and keep the water moving. This has solved my needs plus it cost so much less. When your pool pump is not running, your water is not moving thus, it is faster for algae to stick to the walls and grow. But with pool vacuums that rely on a pool pump to run, you are forced to run it to clean it. This method works in all areas, keeps it clean, water moving, and separate from the pool pump, so it can run on its own schedule.
