RELEASED 2015.06REASSESSED 2026.08.07

Hayward

Hayward SharkVac

Name: Hayward SharkVac
Brand: Hayward

Mid-range corded cleaner with a decade of field-proven reliability. SharkVac ignores automation and wall climbing; it is pure floor suction. Smaller pools and owners prioritizing simplicity benefit from the established supply chain and straightforward operation.

Autonomy Ladder

Why Level II.

One five-rung scale, every category, from acting only on command to working unsupervised anywhere.

VGeneralized AutonomyAny task, any setting. No consumer robot has reached it.
IVEnvironmental AutonomyHandles new obstacles and re-plans in real time; rare in consumer products.
IIIConditional AutonomyFinishes whole jobs in familiar spaces; struggles at the edges.
To reach Level IIIMost sessions finish without intervention. Rescue is occasional, not routine.
IIAssisted AutonomyThis robot

Hayward SharkVac runs preset routines on its own, and the owner is its recovery system.

Navigation and control
Smart steering across floor and coves; no mapping. Manual start at the power supply, fixed two-hour cycle, automatic shutoff.
Why this level
- Each cycle is started by hand at the poolside power supply.
- There is no timer, no scheduling, no mapping and no adaptive behavior.
- The unit runs its own motor on a fixed two-hour cycle and shuts off at the end of it, so the owner starts it and retrieves it but does not have to watch the clock.
Autonomy dimension 30 / 100 · 3 sources reviewed
IManual AutomationOne action on command; no independent operation.

How we assign a level →

Behind the classification

Sources we reviewed.

Provisional3 sources reviewed

Enough has been reviewed to classify, but gaps remain across source types.

Sources reviewed

Owner reports1 sourceOngoing

Amazon, pool forums, and dealer records (2015-2026) document 10+ years of consistent field performance across 1,000s of units. Minimal catastrophic failure rates; common issues are filter clogging and cable wear.

r/pools on Reddit: Dolphin Nautilus CC vs Hayward Sharkvac or others?reddit.com

Specification sources3 sourcesReviewed

Pages the published specifications were read from.

Also monitored, nothing listed yet

Manufacturer documentationReviewed

Hayward technical documentation covering SharkVac motor specs, filter cartridge compatibility, and cable specifications.

Longitudinal signalReviewed

Hayward parts catalog and dealer networks show stable availability of replacement filter cartridges, cable spools, and motor components through 2026, indicating active product support.

How we evaluate evidence →

Robovations Score

How this number was reached

54of 100

LimitedAt or above 13% of the 355 robots we scoreand 21% of the 53 scored robot pool cleaners

DeficientLimitedCapableStrongExemplary

Held below its arithmetic68 → 54

Capped at 54: a Capable rating requires capability at 40 or above. Low ownership burden does not count in a robot's favor when it follows from the robot doing very little.

Measured on 7 of the 9 inputs24% not counted

Our assessment did not establish an independent source for edge-case recovery, software stability on this machine, so those inputs are left out of the score rather than guessed at, and the rest re-weighted to fill the space. A gap in what we have been able to verify is not evidence against the robot. Where it reaches 30% of the rubric we publish no number at all.

What moved itpoints gained or lost against a typical robot

Carried by

Field failure rate94+3.8
Support longevity100+3.7
Consumables91+1.8

Held back by

Task completion28−7.0
Coverage and navigation30−4.0

Capability40% of the score34What it does without you.

Task completion16% of the score28

Evidence

Floor only. The record and owner reports both confirm no wall contact and no waterline scrubbing, and state that walls and waterline require manual brushing or a separate cleaner. Scored against the referent work area of floor, walls and waterline, that is one third of the job however reliably the floor is done, and here the human does not close the loop occasionally but performs the other two thirds by hand every time. Credit within that third for a fixed two-hour cycle that runs unattended and shuts itself off.

Coverage and navigation10% of the score30

Evidence

The record states there is no mapping and no adaptive behavior, and the machine runs a fixed two-hour cycle regardless of what it has covered. That is the unplanned anchor almost verbatim: completion depends on run time rather than on coverage logic. Held marginally above it because Hayward documents smart steering across the floor and coves rather than pure random bouncing, and eleven years of owner reports do not describe systematic missed regions on the floor.

Edge-case recoverynot countedno source verified25

Evidence

At the found-stalled anchor. There is no obstacle sensing, no connectivity of any kind, no app and no alert channel, so a unit hung on a step, a drain cover or debris sits there unreported until someone looks at the pool. The record carries no recovery_behavior section for this model. The automatic two-hour shutoff limits how long it strains against an obstruction, which is why this is not below the anchor.

Operating envelope4% of the score70

Evidence

cleanup.expert's review of the SharkVac (W3RC9740CUB) says it is "suitable for pools up to 40 feet" and that although "the SharkVac has no trouble getting into tight corners, it doesn't do as well as the Polaris does with pools that have unconventional curvature"; the same page notes the non-swivel cord twists and wraps around the unit by the end of a cycle. Holds across ordinary in-ground pools, with one documented condition (irregular curvature) where it degrades against rivals.

Dependability40% of the score96Whether it keeps doing it.

Field failure rate16% of the score94

Evidence

Eleven years in continuous production on a largely unchanged design, still manufactured in 2026, with no recall and no documented job-stopping mode across thousands of units. That is a long clean field record. Held just below the retail-review cap because the failure evidence is essentially Amazon review text plus one linked forum thread, with the dealer records unlinked, and because cord assembly wear is a documented mode that takes the machine out of service until a $125 part is fitted.

Software stabilitynot countedno source verified71

Evidence

There is no software, no app, no connectivity and no update channel on this machine, so this scores what the control system actually does: a fixed two-hour timer with smart steering and automatic shutoff, deterministic and not observed to misbehave across eleven shipping years. It earns nothing for having no cloud to fail, and the absence of any update path is a liability rather than an asset, since a control defect would be permanent rather than fixable.

Support longevity10% of the score100

Evidence

A demonstrated commitment rather than a promise: the model has been in production since 2015 and is still made in 2026, and Hayward publishes OEM part numbers with prices, the RCX70101PAK2 filter pair at about $89 and the RCX97413 cord assembly at about $125, stocked through a nationwide dealer network with the parts catalog stable through 2026. An eleven-year-old machine still buildable from catalog parts is the evidence. No software support window applies, since there is no software.

Ownership burden20% of the score77What it asks of you.

Routine maintenance12% of the score68

Evidence

Two filter elements lift out from the top and rinse under a hose after every use, which is light filter access, and the schedule beyond that is thin: weekly cable inspection and winding, an annual connection and GFCI check. Against that, every cycle means lifting 21.5 lb out, managing 50 ft of cord, and walking to the power supply to start it by hand, because there is no timer or scheduling of any kind.

Consumables8% of the score91

Evidence

The filter elements are washable and carry no replacement schedule at all, replaced only when the mesh wears or tears, and the OEM pair is openly priced at about $89 from a stable dealer network. The cord assembly at about $125 is a damage repair rather than a scheduled item. Nothing is credited for the absence of a battery or an app; what is credited is washable media at a known modest price with a catalog that has stayed available for eleven years.

middle half of the databaseits medianthis robot

Reported, not scoredneither measures how well the robot works

Five-year cost$1,320

lower-middle of the market at about $1,199, with roughly $120 over five years in filter elements; no subscription, no app fee and no scheduled consumable, and Hayward publishes the part prices

Data postureLocal

Core function needs no account and no network.

What leaves the homeNot documented

Read the full methodology →

FIT CHECK

Will the Hayward SharkVac work in your pool?

Describe your pool using the controls. Each choice reads the spec sheet for you, flagging where the Hayward SharkVac is built for your space and where it isn’t.

Pool type

Pool size

Debris load

Coverage you want

A classification of fit for the conditions you set, not a recommendation. Verdicts describe engineering design intent, not test results.

SPECIFICATION

The full spec sheet.

Priced near the category median, with every figure charted against the category below.

Dimensional drawing

Key specificationsManufacturer-published

Footprint: 11.8 × 9.4 in · 3.5 in tall
Weight: 21.5 lbs

Where it lands · ranked across 65 robot pool cleanersThis robotMedianTypical range

Price$1,199

$299$4,250

Near median

Weight21.5lbs

7.9 lbs37 lbs

Near median

Position shows where the figure sits across the tracked category, not a quality judgment.

Official referencesManufacturer support Product page

OWNERSHIP

Living with it.

Eleven-year production run with stable motor and filter design. Cable wear and cartridge clogging are expected; no mechanical surprises. Owner base reports 95%+ reliability in normal use.

Pool forums and dealer records spanning 2015-2026 document very few catastrophic failures. Motor reliability is proven. Common issues: cable kinks after 5-7 years (replacement $40-60), cartridge clogging in algae-heavy pools, and occasional pump seal failure (~2% of units over lifetime). No firmware, no surprises.

Owner effort~60 minhands-on per month

Consumables$90replaceable parts / yr

Reliability trend Stableowner-reported arc

What goes wrong · 4 documented · 0 self-recover

Common

Filter cartridge cloggingSuction loss, extended cleaning runtime

Owner fixRinse cartridge after each use with hose; replace every 4-8 weeks depending on debris load. Standard cartridge $20-35 each.

Occasional

Cable kinking and insulation wearReduced electrical safety, potential shock hazard over time

Owner fixWind cable loosely after each use to prevent kinking. Replacement cable assembly $40-60; typical lifespan 5-7 years in active use.

Occasional

Intake grate cloggingSuction blockage, extended cleaning time

Owner fixCheck intake weekly for debris buildup; clean with brush. More frequent in pools with visible algae or leaf shedding.

Rare

Pump seal degradationWater leakage into motor housing, motor stall

Owner fixManufacturer warranty covers seal failure within 2 years. Repair cost $200-300 out of warranty; replacement unit may be more economical.

Step-by-step fixesNot Cleaning the Waterline?Brushes or Tracks Not Scrubbing?Cable Floating, Kinking, or Coiling?All robot pool cleaner guides

Upkeep routine

Each useEvery cycle

Lift out the two top-access filter elements and rinse them with a garden hose. Clear the intake of visible debris.

Weekly52×/yr

Inspect the cable for kinks or damaged insulation. Wind it loosely on an anchor peg or spool.

Yearly1×/yr

Inspect the cable connections for corrosion and test the GFCI outlet feeding the power supply.

As neededno fixed schedule

Replace the filter elements when the mesh is worn or torn. Hayward publishes no replacement interval; the OEM pair (RCX70101PAK2) runs about $89. Replace the cord assembly (RCX97413, about $125) if the insulation is damaged, rather than on a schedule.

Cost over time · past the sticker

PurchaseRunning cost

Year 1

$1,289

Year 3

$1,469

Year 5

$1,649

$1,199 to buy, then about $90 a year for the replaceable parts below. Over three years that is roughly $270 past the sticker price. Excludes electricity and any repairs.

What you replace

FilterAs needed$89

Replacement cadence from the maintenance schedule; prices shown where the source documents them.

Safety notes

CautionElectrical hazard from aged cable insulation: SharkVac units 5+ years old should have cable inspected annually for cracks or exposed copper. Use GFCI outlet to mitigate shock risk.

NoteMotor stall under debris load: Heavy leaf or sediment load can stall motor; unit stops and will not restart until clogging is cleared. Periodic manual intake check prevents stalls.

RECORD

How the assessment has moved.

Every announcement, release and reassessment behind the current classification.

Coming soon

Just launched

Active updates

Settled

Discontinued

Mar 2025 · NewsCorded SharkVac value position shifts as cordless pool cleaner prices fall
Jul 2026 · AssessmentRobovations Score recorded at 67 of 100
Jul 2026 · AssessmentRobovations Score revised 67 → 65
Aug 2026 · AssessmentRobovations Score rescored under v4.0: 65 → 54
Aug 2026 · AssessmentRobovations Score rescored under v4.2: 54 → 54
Aug 2026 · AssessmentRecord status: Verified → Provisional

Common questions

What people actually ask.

5 answered

CompatibilityDoes the Hayward SharkVac have Wi-Fi or an app for scheduling?

No. The SharkVac is manual only: plug in the power supply, press the on button, and the unit runs a fixed two-hour cycle and shuts itself off. There is no app and no programmable timer.

OperationWhat is the cable length on the SharkVac and is it easily extensible?

Standard cable is 50 feet. Hayward does not publish official extension kits, but users report success with standard corded-cleaner extension cables (10-20 ft). Total extended cable up to 60 feet is common in practice.

OwnershipHow often do I need to replace the SharkVac filter elements?

Hayward publishes no replacement schedule. The two fine-porosity elements are top-access and washable: lift them out after use and rinse them with a garden hose. They get replaced when the mesh is worn or torn, not on a clock. The OEM pair (RCX70101PAK2) runs about $89.

OperationDoes the SharkVac climb walls or reach the waterline?

No. Floor-only operation. Owner reports confirm no wall contact or waterline scrubbing capability. Manual brushing or a separate waterline cleaner is required for algae and mineral deposits.

OperationWhat is the age of the SharkVac model and is it still being manufactured?

The SharkVac launched around 2015 and remains in production as of 2026. The model is largely unchanged, which explains its reliability reputation and spare-parts availability through Hayward dealers nationwide.

Availability

Where it's sold

We may earn commission from qualifying purchases. This does not influence classification.

Amazon Checked Aug 10, 2026 $1,199In stock

Cite / Embed

Reference the Hayward SharkVac classification.

Embed the Autonomy Ladder™ mark or copy the citation. The mark is served from this record rather than saved as a file, so it always shows the level we currently hold. If we reassess, it updates on your page by itself.

<a href="https://robovations.com/robots/hayward-sharkvac/?ref=badge" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://robovations.com/badge/r/hayward-sharkvac/seal-light" width="268" height="124" loading="lazy" alt="Autonomy Ladder classification for Hayward SharkVac, assessed by Robovations." /></a>

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Citation

Robovations. "Hayward SharkVac: Autonomy Level II (Assisted Autonomy)." Autonomy Ladder™, assessed August 2026. https://robovations.com/robots/hayward-sharkvac/

Where to next

Three ways to keep going.

For evaluators

Compare with a peer.

See the Hayward SharkVac and Maytronics Dolphin S200 side by side: autonomy level, Robovations Score, readiness, and price. Classification, not a verdict.

See the full comparison

Or compare with Polaris Freedom, Pentair Prowler 930, Polaris 9450 Sport.

For browsers

See every Level II.

Every robot we’ve classified at assisted autonomy. Sorted by readiness, score, and price. Filter by category, manufacturer, or release date.

Browse the database

Updated weekly with new entries and reclassifications.

Hayward SharkVac

Will the Hayward SharkVac work in your pool?

The full spec sheet.

Living with it.

How the assessment has moved.

What people actually ask.

Other robot pool cleaners we have classified.

Betta SE

Dolphin Premier

Maytronics Dolphin S200

Polaris 9450 Sport

Where it's sold

Reference the Hayward SharkVac classification.

Three ways to keep going.

Get the next reassessment.

Compare with a peer.

See every Level II.