Been running mine for almost a year. I love it. Seriously, it is a huge time saver. Pools I used to dread are just another stop now. The only drawback is battery life during the heaviest and hottest time in Phoenix. But that is a minor problem. I am going to run an extra battery this monsoon. It is a good product.
Thanks for the great feedback on the Bottom Feeder. I couldn't agree more. His goal is a low priced spare battery but the cost of the Lithium-Ion batteries is so high.
So I got mine delivered two weeks ago and so far I'm loving it. I'm getting through some pools in about 4mins. Dirt, leaves sucked up easily and I'm also not using the thruster ring to get a little more battery life. Oak trees will start dropping soon so that will be the next test for this but so far I'm very happy with this purchase. Also, highly recommend the portability kit.
Yes, the 2 hour battery time is a bit of an illusion since you can clean most pools in 5 minutes. I like the fact that you can just walk back there and drop it in and start vacuuming. No set up time. So a great time saver in many respects. The Portability kit makes it legitimate. 👍
@@ericcendejas7505 I didn't buy the filter add on. It does a real good job of picking up dirt already. I've picked up tons of filter sand, small rocks and wash in after heavy rains no problem. Only doesn't pick up the smallest of sand or DE.
They are not trying to compete with Hammer Head but are trying to fill the market share between a full size vacuum system like yours and skimming the entire pool when their is too much debris for a manual vacuuming. There is a big market for this on the West Coast for sure. I also love the full size Vacuum Systems with the 100 AH Battery! 👍
White Smith, I am curious how ANY of these types of units would work for a pool guy. It seems "gimmicky". ( sorry OP) I am a pool dude for 24 years, but I only do chemical treatments and repairs/installs. I also do not intend to get into cleaning/maintenance business, yet, I have a friend who does that. I am curious to how well this type of thing would do with constant daily use. Thoughts or further input?
What’s impressive is the weight with the battery. 12lbs only! I carry my Power Vac & the battery which together are 30lbs? Had I not just bought a PowerVac I would have given this serious consideration. 👍
It is super light Bill. You can actually take it back to every acct. I put the battery in my TK Caddy and carry the vacuum head back with my pole. Portability is what makes this thing impressive.
It's really fun to use. Really convenient and with surprising power.I find myself using it even when I could easily skim a pool. It makes you a lazy man! I will loose all of my bottom skimming skills in a year. 😜👍
This product is indeed amazing. It’s cheaper than traditional vacuums, it weighs less and you can easily do 20 pools on a charge. I actually have a used one for sale if anyone is interested.
The manufacturer has a canister in the works that will trap very fine dirt. He will have that ready soon. Mako Bags makes an 80 micron bag that will fit on the Bottom Feeder I have used it and it picks up dirt very well. The canister will pick up even finer dirt once that is ready.
Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To -MrDgvb1 I hope so I've been bugging Glen to have the canister ready almost a year now haha. hopefully we do get it sooner rather then later.
I like the system but I dont like it at the same time, I wish it came with an on and off switch , instead of unscrewing it in order to turn it off, maybe you can call them and ask them to put an on and off switch, then I would buy it.
Yes, he is working on adding an on/off switch possibly. It isn't a huge deal breaker in my opinion but an on/off switch would make it more user friendly. You are right on that. 👍
Im interested to know the life expectancy of the battery. If it runs up to 2 hrs per charge, how long can you expect to get those numbers before you start seeing a drop in operation time. Considering cost of replacement battery its really something to consider.Anyone had one of these for a while that could chime in?
You get a good solid 1:40 minutes and then the last 5 minutes it starts to run out of power. But you will work so fact with this thing - a 15k pool will vacuum up in 5 minutes.
@@SPL thanks for the reply. are you charging in between pools? i have a plug in in the back of my truck bed and am wondering if it would be a good idea to plug in in between pools.
Time wise there is no comparison. Attach this to your pool pole and in 30 seconds you are good to go. Drop it in and you can clean a 20,000 gallon pool in less than 5 minutes without stirring up the debris. I have been using it for about 45 days and it is a huge time saver. It will pick up finer debris then your skimmer net also.
Hi Dave.I am planning on buying a Bottom Feeder. I was talking to a guy from the company that sells it and he said that you have discount code that I could use for the purchase.Could you please send me the code or show me where to go to find it? Thank you
I am on my 3rd switch that turns this unit on. I am on my 2nd motor. and have had 2 batteries already. I am shocked to hear that people have had any longevity of this unit. I think they need to put more time in to make a professional unit and go back to the drawing board. I think it has potential, but this unit is NOT ready for daily routes of 10 - 16 pools a day, even with charging it every night. it has been broke more the last 2 years than it has been working, sorry. I think this might be a more residential expensive unit because it is not for business daily use. I have had it with this. I would suggest it even for a backup unit
There have been some failures with certain generations of the BF. The owner admits this openly. The latest generation is superior and you are not alone in these complaints.
Each pool takes 5-7 minutes to completely vacuum. For a 6 hour charge time the lithium ion battery would be the size of a car battery and cost $1,200. 😆
@@SPL your pools maybe I got some pools theres no way it would just take 5-7 min. Where you at AZ CA? Come down to GA and roll around with me in the fall there is no way you finish some of mine in 7 mins.
Anyone have an issue with the cord for the battery? Mine broke inside the battery side and it's rendered it useless. I recommended it to a friend and his did the same EXACT thing. I bought the switch cable because I worried that taking the cord off and on would really shorten its lifespan. Little did I know I guess that it would last only a few months anyway. It's really disappointing when you spend $1,500 and it lasts less than 6 months
It seems like a small amount of time but with this you just drop it in and start vacuuming. You can do a 15k pool in about 5 minutes. But that is a drawback for sure.
An excellent time-saver. It pays for itself in no time. I have been using one for a year and can't imagine going back to not using one.
Been running mine for almost a year. I love it. Seriously, it is a huge time saver. Pools I used to dread are just another stop now. The only drawback is battery life during the heaviest and hottest time in Phoenix. But that is a minor problem. I am going to run an extra battery this monsoon. It is a good product.
Thanks for the great feedback on the Bottom Feeder. I couldn't agree more. His goal is a low priced spare battery but the cost of the Lithium-Ion batteries is so high.
This is my favorite pool vacuum at of all the ones I've tried over the last 15 years. I just love this thang!!
So I got mine delivered two weeks ago and so far I'm loving it. I'm getting through some pools in about 4mins. Dirt, leaves sucked up easily and I'm also not using the thruster ring to get a little more battery life. Oak trees will start dropping soon so that will be the next test for this but so far I'm very happy with this purchase. Also, highly recommend the portability kit.
Yes, the 2 hour battery time is a bit of an illusion since you can clean most pools in 5 minutes. I like the fact that you can just walk back there and drop it in and start vacuuming. No set up time. So a great time saver in many respects. The Portability kit makes it legitimate. 👍
@@SPL clean most pools in 5 min. yeah right . come to texas lol.
It picks up dirt, don’t you need the filter assembly?
@@ericcendejas7505 I didn't buy the filter add on. It does a real good job of picking up dirt already. I've picked up tons of filter sand, small rocks and wash in after heavy rains no problem. Only doesn't pick up the smallest of sand or DE.
I have a HAMMER HEAD. It has a cord but it's still pretty awesome. I can get about 20-25 pools on a charge
They are not trying to compete with Hammer Head but are trying to fill the market share between a full size vacuum system like yours and skimming the entire pool when their is too much debris for a manual vacuuming. There is a big market for this on the West Coast for sure. I also love the full size Vacuum Systems with the 100 AH Battery! 👍
White Smith, I am curious how ANY of these types of units would work for a pool guy. It seems "gimmicky". ( sorry OP)
I am a pool dude for 24 years, but I only do chemical treatments and repairs/installs. I also do not intend to get into cleaning/maintenance business, yet, I have a friend who does that. I am curious to how well this type of thing would do with constant daily use. Thoughts or further input?
@white smith
What’s impressive is the weight with the battery. 12lbs only! I carry my Power Vac & the battery which together are 30lbs?
Had I not just bought a PowerVac I would have given this serious consideration. 👍
It is super light Bill. You can actually take it back to every acct. I put the battery in my TK Caddy and carry the vacuum head back with my pole. Portability is what makes this thing impressive.
Well well I see you finally got your hands on the bottom feeder. How do you like it overall? I still have mine and I still love it
It's really fun to use. Really convenient and with surprising power.I find myself using it even when I could easily skim a pool. It makes you a lazy man! I will loose all of my bottom skimming skills in a year. 😜👍
This product is indeed amazing. It’s cheaper than traditional vacuums, it weighs less and you can easily do 20 pools on a charge. I actually have a used one for sale if anyone is interested.
Thanks for the great feedback! Email details to me at david@swimmingpoollearning.com and I will pass it on to the guys in my group.
Still for sale?
Is the vac still for sale?
I'm sure this information is out there and available, but how long does it take to charge this unit's battery from 0 to 100%?
About 14 hours
I like the idea that this is cordless. Will it compete with the riptide?
It is in a category in between the full vacuum system and skimming/vacuuming the pool bottom. So, compete maybe but it wasn't designed to technically.
Searched Bottom Feeder from Parkway Drive and got this, I am not disappointed
Perfect! - LOL 👊
Howdy David. Working on replacing the propeller, any video on that sir?
They have one on their YT channel.
I need this in my life. Is it good with sucki g up fine dirt?
The manufacturer has a canister in the works that will trap very fine dirt. He will have that ready soon. Mako Bags makes an 80 micron bag that will fit on the Bottom Feeder I have used it and it picks up dirt very well. The canister will pick up even finer dirt once that is ready.
@@SPL great keep us posted. Btw- love the channel. Saved me lots of money.
I will. I just sent them a message about the Canister. 👍
Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To -MrDgvb1 I hope so I've been bugging Glen to have the canister ready almost a year now haha. hopefully we do get it sooner rather then later.
Can this be used safely on an AboveGround pool?
I like the system but I dont like it at the same time, I wish it came with an on and off switch , instead of unscrewing it in order to turn it off, maybe you can call them and ask them to put an on and off switch, then I would buy it.
Yes, he is working on adding an on/off switch possibly. It isn't a huge deal breaker in my opinion but an on/off switch would make it more user friendly. You are right on that. 👍
Im interested to know the life expectancy of the battery. If it runs up to 2 hrs per charge, how long can you expect to get those numbers before you start seeing a drop in operation time. Considering cost of replacement battery its really something to consider.Anyone had one of these for a while that could chime in?
You get a good solid 1:40 minutes and then the last 5 minutes it starts to run out of power. But you will work so fact with this thing - a 15k pool will vacuum up in 5 minutes.
@@SPL thanks for the reply. are you charging in between pools? i have a plug in in the back of my truck bed and am wondering if it would be a good idea to plug in in between pools.
In my perspective it looks like a serious commercial vacum cleaner since its metal and big and cool
It is a solid product. The 2 hour run time is also a plus! 👍
How does this compare to traditional skip netting, time wise?
Time wise there is no comparison. Attach this to your pool pole and in 30 seconds you are good to go. Drop it in and you can clean a 20,000 gallon pool in less than 5 minutes without stirring up the debris. I have been using it for about 45 days and it is a huge time saver. It will pick up finer debris then your skimmer net also.
Great to hear, thanks for the quick response.
thinking about getting one, still working well for youm how many times a day do you use it?
I wonder if there would be a way to combine the batter pack with the Riptide.
When are they gonna get the problem figured out with their batteries? Apparently they cant get their stock of batteries worked out
Soon. They have a new source.
@SPL That would be great because I need to order another vac! Their customer service at bottom feeder is my only problem
WOW, sold
Great and effective tool but keep in your truck or locked down with a rope chain because mine just got stolen out of my service truck this afternoon.
That is terrible news. I usually keep mine in my truck everyday too. Gonna be more cautious now. Sorry to hear that.
I’m looking into buying this but my route is about 40 to 45 pools a day. Idk the 10 hour charge for 2 hour usage seems ehh.
2.5 hours now with the new battery. Some guys buy another battery but in all honesty you can vacuum an average size pool in about 5-7 minutes.
Hey man question Which one do you recommend Riptide or bottom feeder ..?
Both have their good points. If you need the cart the Riptide is the way to go. If you need something very portable the Bottom Feeder is great!
Yeah but which one it’s better for the job like more powerful which battery last longer..? I tried riptide it’s good but too heavy with out cart
Hi Dave.I am planning on buying a Bottom Feeder. I was talking to a guy from the company that sells it and he said that you have discount code that I could use for the purchase.Could you please send me the code or show me where to go to find it? Thank you
Hi Greg - I used to have a code for the general public but only have a discount code for group members at this time.
Battery only last two hours?? How many pools do you do a day with it?
Takes 5-8 minutes to vacuum a pool with light to moderate debris. The updated version battery will last for 2.5 hours. So plenty of time really.
Do you still use Precision 2 li? Which do you prefer better?
Yes. It serves a different purpose over this one. This would be the one to get 1st in my order of things.
I am on my 3rd switch that turns this unit on. I am on my 2nd motor. and have had 2 batteries already. I am shocked to hear that people have had any longevity of this unit. I think they need to put more time in to make a professional unit and go back to the drawing board. I think it has potential, but this unit is NOT ready for daily routes of 10 - 16 pools a day, even with charging it every night. it has been broke more the last 2 years than it has been working, sorry. I think this might be a more residential expensive unit because it is not for business daily use. I have had it with this. I would suggest it even for a backup unit
There have been some failures with certain generations of the BF. The owner admits this openly. The latest generation is superior and you are not alone in these complaints.
hey buddy what’s the price of complete vacuum
Somewhere around $1,600
Hi David-
My Bottom Feeder was stolen from my truck yesterday. Do you know of any current discount codes?
Currently there are no public discount codes - that is pretty terrible man. Hate to hear of that happening to you.
@@SPL - Thanks David. Yeah, it was a tough day.
Can you hook up a power cable to it and not use the battery?
Not yet, but maybe one day...
How can I get the coupon code for this?
The wheels an everything are safe for vinyl liner pools?
It always makes me a little nervous but so far so good. No torn liners yet.
@@SPL I've been looking at the bull head one do you think it might be better for vinyl liners
their bags look better quality than the mako bags. This cleaner is good for pools with a lot of stairs.
Yes. Very light
I would like to see that charge time about 6 hours. I mean If you have a decent size route 2 hours might not give you enough charge time.
Each pool takes 5-7 minutes to completely vacuum. For a 6 hour charge time the lithium ion battery would be the size of a car battery and cost $1,200. 😆
@@SPL your pools maybe I got some pools theres no way it would just take 5-7 min. Where you at AZ CA? Come down to GA and roll around with me in the fall there is no way you finish some of mine in 7 mins.
Is this safe for pools with liners?
Debatable. I have used it in a liner pool but it makes me nervous.
@@SPL It was making me nervous thinking about it. Thank you.
Would this be safe for a vinyl pool?
I've used it cautiously in one - twice now.
It will need it
It comes in really handy.
Could this vacuum be used in a 12ft pool?
Yes, I don't see why not.
Good
can a homeowner buy and use this
Yes. You can purchase it directly from their site. Works exceptionally well.
Anyone have an issue with the cord for the battery? Mine broke inside the battery side and it's rendered it useless. I recommended it to a friend and his did the same EXACT thing. I bought the switch cable because I worried that taking the cord off and on would really shorten its lifespan. Little did I know I guess that it would last only a few months anyway. It's really disappointing when you spend $1,500 and it lasts less than 6 months
If you contact them they will send you out whatever you need. Like anything there are defects. But so fat glen had jumped on any complaints or issues.
powervac, hammerhead, or this?
Would say it depends on your debris load. You will like this in most cases.
Fml 10 hours for 2 hrs of power
2.5 hours with the updated battery
Not good for a weekly route
Depends on the area - the new one will have a 2.5 hr battery life.
2 hours of charge time isn't enough for that price tag.
It seems like a small amount of time but with this you just drop it in and start vacuuming. You can do a 15k pool in about 5 minutes. But that is a drawback for sure.
The riptide is way better
Riptide is awesome!
Debating between the riptide and botom feeder, which is better?