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ROBOVATIONS/CLASSIFICATION RECORD/ROBOT POOL CLEANERSRELEASED 2018REASSESSED 2026.01.21
Hayward

Hayward TigerShark QC

Random-path robotic floor cleaner with zero app overhead and dependable operation in residential in-ground pools. Trade-off: uneven coverage due to random pathing and periodic cartridge filter rinsing required after each use.

Hayward TigerShark QC
FIT CHECK

Will the Hayward TigerShark QC work in your pool?

Describe your pool using the controls. Each choice reads the spec sheet for you, flagging where the Hayward TigerShark QC 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 above the category median, with every figure charted against the category below.

7.5 in6 inTOP5 in6 inSIDEDimensional drawing
Key specificationsManufacturer-published
Footprint
7.5 × 6 in · 5 in tall
Weight
21.5 lbs
Mapping & navigation

Random-path suction propulsion with no mapping or sensor-based positioning.

Where it lands · ranked across 60 robot pool cleanersThis robotMedianTypical range
Runtime240min
90 min1,200 min
Above median
Price$1,489
$290$4,250
Near median
Weight21.5lbs
7.9 lbs34.5 lbs
Near median

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

OWNERSHIP

Living with it.

Stable suction across seasons; basket clogging and hose wear dominate preventable failures.

Owner reports document consistent suction across multiple seasons. Mature manufacturing platform with no documented recalls since 2018. Failure modes driven by debris clogging (weekly emptying required) and hose UV degradation over 2-3 years.

Owner effort~40 minhands-on per month
Consumables$180replaceable parts / yr
Reliability trend Stableowner-reported arc
What goes wrong · 3 documented · 0 self-recover
Common
Basket cloggingImmobilizes cleaner
Owner fixEmpty basket, rinse weekly
Occasional
Hose deteriorationLoss of suction, sluggish coverage
Owner fixReplace hose after 2-3 years
Occasional
Gasket and seal wearSlow leaks, reduced suction
Owner fixReplace gasket kit, low-cost
Upkeep routine
Weekly52×/yr
Empty the fine-mesh collection basket and rinse with garden hose.
Monthly12×/yr
Wash the fine-mesh basket thoroughly; check for mesh tears and gasket wear around the basket connection.
Seasonal4×/yr
Inspect hose exterior for cracks or splits that reduce suction; check cleaner-head gasket for deterioration (replacement gasket kit costs $15–25).
Yearly1×/yr
Drain the hose after final use in fall (if freezing is possible); store indoors. Inspect sweep hose (if equipped) and main hose cable for kinks.
As neededno fixed schedule
Replace collection basket (~$30–50) if mesh tears; replace hose (~$80–120) if cracks develop.
Cost over time · past the sticker
PurchaseRunning cost
Year 1
$1,669
Year 3
$2,029
Year 5
$2,389

$1,489 to buy, then about $180 a year in replaceable parts. Over three years that is roughly $540 past the sticker price. Excludes electricity and any repairs.

Safety notes

CautionSuction entrapment: Hose kinked against pool edge can lodge cleaner and raise pump pressure.

CautionPump overpressure: Clogged baskets raise system pressure; monitor gauge, do not exceed 20 psi.

NoteChlorine exposure: High chlorine levels above 3 ppm accelerate vinyl hose brittleness and degradation.

RECORD

How the assessment has moved.

Every announcement, release and reassessment behind the current classification.

Coming soon
Just launched
Active updates
Settled
Discontinued
  1. Sep 2024 · NewsTigerShark QC street price settles below $450 as cordless robotic cleaners expand
  2. Jan 2026 · Assessment changeClassified at Level II, Ready Now status confirmed
  3. Jul 2026 · AssessmentRobovations Score recorded at 61 of 100
  4. Jul 2026 · AssessmentRobovations Score revised 61 → 67
Editorial comparisons

How Hayward TigerShark QC compares.

All comparisons →
Hayward AquaVac 6 Series
Aquabot Elite Pro
Polaris Freedom
Hayward TigerShark QC
Goal-based

Legacy-brand in-ground pool robots: coverage and ecosystem fit

Hayward AquaVac 6 Series + 3 more
Read comparison
Common questions

What people actually ask.

6 answered
OperationHow often do I empty the collection basket?
Once per week for lightly-used residential pools under 15,000 gallons. Pools with high debris loads (leaves, pollen, algae) may require two to three empties per week. The pressure gauge on the skimmer basket signals clogging, typically around three to four hours of run time.
OperationWill the TigerShark work with my pump running only 4 hours per day?
Technically yes, but coverage suffers. Random pathing means fewer passes over the pool floor and unvisited areas. Best results occur with eight or more hours of daily pump operation.
OperationCan I use it in a saltwater pool?
Not recommended long-term. The QC uses standard plastic components and stainless fasteners rated for fresh water only. Saltwater chlorine generator pools show accelerated corrosion within one to two seasons, requiring replacement.
OperationWhat happens when the basket fills up?
Suction pressure increases, signaled by the rising gauge on the skimmer. If ignored, the cleaner stops moving and sits on the pool floor. Manual emptying resumes operation; there is no automatic shutoff or remote alert.
OperationDoes it clean pool walls?
No. The TigerShark QC cleans the floor only. Random pathing keeps it on the bottom; sidewalls and steps require a separate brush or wall attachment.
OwnershipHow much maintenance does it need?
Weekly basket emptying and monthly fine-mesh filter rinsing. Annually, inspect the hose for splits and the sweep hose (if equipped) for tears. Drain the hose at season’s end only if freezing is expected in your region.

More in this category

Other robot pool cleaners we have classified.

Polaris 9450 SportII
Robot Pool Cleaners

Polaris 9450 Sport

In-ground pools to 50 ft, offline timer schedule, waterline scrub
Verified$999
72/100Capable
Maytronics Dolphin E10II
Robot Pool Cleaners

Maytronics Dolphin E10

Above-ground pools 5K-12K gallons, small in-ground, floor-only coverage, manual scheduling.
Verified$549
69/100Capable
Maytronics Dolphin Nautilus CC PlusII
Robot Pool Cleaners

Maytronics Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus

In-ground pools 12,000–25,000 gallons, fine debris, owner-managed cord.
Discontinued$899
71/100Capable
Aquabot Breeze IQII
Robot Pool Cleaners

Aquabot Breeze IQ

Compact pools under 20k gallons, floor-only maintenance, budget-first operations
Discontinued$799
61/100Capable
Availability

Where it's sold

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

Some sellers strike through a “was” price of $1,900, above the $1,489 manufacturer list — a discount measured off that is not a real saving.

Amazon See current listings
Cite / Embed

Reference the Hayward TigerShark QC classification.

Embed the Autonomy Ladder™ mark or copy the citation. The mark links back to this assessment and updates if the classification changes.

RobovationsAutonomy Ladder™Level IIAssisted AutonomyIndependent classification
Citation
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By RobovationsUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
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