Automatic bottom cleaner Hayward Navigator V-Flex
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Automatic pool cleaner Hayward PoolVac V-Flex
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Transport trolley for Hayward Tiger Shark
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Questions and answers
how much does a pool cleaner Hayward cost?
The current range of Hayward at Quimipool has two cleaners: Navigator V-Flex at 295 € (Top Sales, offer) and PoolVac V-Flex at 345 € (upgraded version with SmartDrive). This is a significantly lower price than the equivalent electric range from Dolphin or Zodiac, but bear in mind that they are hydraulic: they need your pump to be running during the cycle and rely on the pump's power to move and vacuum. In terms of total investment, you have to add the electrical consumption of keeping the pump running for several additional hours per week.
why does Hayward only have hydraulic cleaners?
This is a strategic decision by the brand. Hayward is committed to robust mechanical construction, few parts with electronics and long life: the opposite philosophy to modern electric ranges with app, sensors and lithium battery (which have better coverage and performance but introduce more points of failure). In the US Hayward does have a range of electric robots (AquaVac, TigerShark), but their current European distribution is concentrated on hydraulics. If you value simplicity and mechanical durability over modern electrical performance, Hayward is consistent with that choice.
difference between Hayward Navigator V-Flex and PoolVac V-Flex?
The Navigator V-Flex ($295) is the standard model: hydraulic with V-Flex valve and random motion pattern. It works well in small-medium rectangular residential pools. The PoolVac V-Flex ($345) incorporates SmartDrive technology, an optimized motion pattern that reduces uncovered areas and improves performance in pools with irregular shapes or sloping bottoms. The €50 difference is justified when the pool is larger than 9x4 m, has an irregular shape (freeform, oval) or has a steeply sloping bottom that the standard Navigator tends to leave incomplete.
what is V-Flex technology from Hayward?
V-Flex is the automatic flow regulation system used in the Navigator and PoolVac from Hayward. In traditional hydraulic cleaners, you have to manually size the pump flow to the robot: if the pump is too strong, the robot gets out of control; if it is too weak, it does not move. The V-Flex incorporates a valve that automatically adjusts the water flow to the robot based on the actual incoming flow, maintaining stable performance over a wide range of pumps. In practice, this makes installation easier and reduces the need for fine tuning.
does my pool need a specific pump to use a Hayward?
You do not need a specific "Hayward" pump, but you do need your filtration pump to have sufficient flow to move the robot. For reference: the Navigator and PoolVac work well with pumps that deliver at least 9 m³/h at the point of the robot. If your pump is 0.5 hp or has years of use and is performing below its rated flow, the robot may move slowly or not climb walls well. If you have doubts about compatibility, it is best to consult with the technical team indicating model and age of your pump.
what do I do if my Hayward Navigator or PoolVac is not working properly?
First check the basics: (1) the pump flow rate, (2) that the V-Flex valve is set to your actual flow rate (not the factory setting if your pump is different), (3) that the fins, turbo wings and wheels are not worn, (4) that the internal diaphragm is not broken and (5) that the floating hose has no leaks or air leaks at the connections. If after these checks the robot is still not working properly, the official technical check-up Hayward (59,90 €) covers complete diagnosis and replacement of internal parts.
where do I buy spare parts for my Navigator or PoolVac?
In the spare parts section of Quimipool the most common parts are available: fins, turbo wings, wheels, diaphragms, floating hoses, skimmer connectors and complete replacement kits. There is also the complete Navigator leaf catcher (74,90 €), which is a large leaf pre-filter that is inserted before the robot and significantly reduces the frequency with which you have to clean the main basket. If you have an older Hayward (Tiger Shark, AquaVac), the catalog of specific spare parts is more limited but some parts are still available on request.
i have an old Hayward Tiger Shark, can I still keep it?
Yes, within certain limits. The Tiger Shark was the premium electric robot from Hayward for years; although it is no longer sold as a new model at Espa, the Tiger Shark trolley (135 €) is still available as a spare part at Quimipool. For other parts (baskets, brushes, power supplies, floating cable, motors), the catalog is more limited and usually requires prior consultation with the technical team indicating serial number of the equipment. As a general reference: if your Tiger Shark is still working well, it should be maintained. If it has a significant failure (motor, electronics), it is usually more worthwhile to invest in new equipment than to repair old technology.
does Hayward work with salt chlorination?
Yes, the Hayward Navigator V-Flex and PoolVac V-Flex hydraulic pool cleaners are fully compatible with salt chlorinated pools. As they are hydraulic without electronics, there are no electronic components in contact with the water that can be affected by salt. The materials (plastic casing, rubber fins, turbo wings, wheels) are selected to resist chlorine and salt in normal residential concentrations. As with any robot, it should be rinsed with fresh water between uses to prevent salt crystals from accumulating on rubber and seals.
Cleaners HaywardThe American hydraulic range with V-Flex technology
Hayward is one of the historic brands of pool equipment in the United States and Europe. Its range of pool cleaners in Quimipool is currently focused on two hydraulic suction models: Navigator V-Flex (295 €, Top Sales) and PoolVac V-Flex (345 €). Unlike Dolphin o Zodiac, , Hayward opts for the simplicity of hydraulics without resorting to electric or cordless ranges in its residential catalog.
This category groups the models Hayward available. If you come with an older Navigator or PoolVac and need a spare part (bags, diaphragms, wheels), you will also find here the official accessories: the complete Navigator leaf catcher, the Tiger Shark transport trolley and the overhaul service.
Related categories: hydraulic pool cleaners, , automatic pool cleaners, , pumps Hayward, , pool filters Hayward, , robot pool cleaner spare parts.
HaywardTechnical context of the brand
Hayward Industries is an American company founded in 1925 and headquartered in New Jersey, specializing in swimming pool, spa and industrial water treatment equipment. In Europe it operates through Hayward Pool Europe, with an established distribution network in España. Its catalog covers pumps, filters, salt chlorinators, heat pumps, lighting and, in pool cleaners, a range historically focused on hydraulics.
Unlike Dolphin (Maytronics) o Zodiac (Fluidra), Hayward does not compete in the segment of automatic electric robots or cordless with battery. Its pool cleaner proposal is: hydraulic suction cleaners with v-Flex technology (valve that automatically regulates the flow rate according to the power of your pump), robust construction, no electronics and no battery. It is the "cleaner for decades": few parts, few points of failure, simple mechanical maintenance.
The historical electric range of Hayward (Tiger Shark, Aqua Vac) is discontinued in most European markets Quimipool the Tiger Shark transport trolley is still available as a spare part for those who keep the model in use.
The range available in Quimipool
| Product | Type | Price | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hayward Navigator V-Flex | Hydraulic suction | 295 (Top Sales) | Residential pools, floor and walls up to a certain height |
| Hayward PoolVac V-Flex | Hydraulic suction | 345 € | Residential-medium swimming pools, improved coverage |
| Complete leaf picker Navigator | Accessory | 74,90 € | Leaf pre-filter for Navigator |
| Transport trolley for Tiger Shark | Accessory | 135 € | Replacement trolley for historical Tiger Shark |
| Cleaner overhaul Hayward | Service | 59,90 € | Official technical review |
Top Sales Model: Navigator V-Flex (295 €). It is the most sought after reference of the brand.
How to choose a pool cleaner Hayward
The choice between the two available models comes down to pool and pump flow rate:
Navigator V-Flex (295 €)
The model standard and best seller of the brand. Cleans floors and walls up to a certain height. Uses V-Flex technology that automatically regulates the flow rate according to the power of your pump. When to choose it: small-medium residential pools (up to 9x4 m) with standard filtration pump (minimum flow rate approx. 9 m³/h). It is the pool cleaner Hayward with widely available spare parts and simplicity of maintenance.
PoolVac V-Flex (345 €)
Enhanced version with optimized motion pattern (SmartDrive) that reduces uncovered areas. Better adherence to walls and better performance in pools with sloping bottoms. When to choose it: medium residential pools (9x4 to 11x5 m), irregularly shaped pools or pools with a steeply sloping bottom, or when you want to maximize coverage without switching to electric. The €50 price premium over the Navigator is justified if your pool has any of these characteristics.
When Hayward NOT the right choice
If you are looking for a robot automatic electric with app, water line coverage and fine filtration, the range of Hayward current residential is not the option: see Dolphin or the electric series of Zodiac. If you want to cordless with battery, either: Liberty (Dolphin) or Freedom (Zodiac) are the ranges to be considered. Hayward, in its current range of residential cleaners, is the commitment to classic hydraulics with a long life.
Maintenance and spare parts for Hayward
One of the advantages of hydraulics Hayward is the simple maintenance, the unit has no electronics and no battery:
Before first use: adjust the V-Flex valve according to the actual flow rate of your pump. This is critical: if the pump has too much flow and you don't adjust the V-Flex, the robot moves too fast and reduces its ability to vacuum. If the flow rate is low, the robot will barely move.
Periodic maintenance: review the fins (the rubber flaps of the suction head), the turbo wings (sidewalls that improve adhesion), the wheels, the diaphragms and the floating hose. Fins and diaphragms must be replaced from time to time (every 2-3 seasons depending on use) to maintain efficiency.
Storage: remove the robot from the water between uses to avoid UV deterioration of the rubbers. If the pool is covered or not used for months, it is best to store the robot in a cool place.
Spare parts available at Quimipool in the section of robot pool cleaner spare parts are the specific HaywardThe following items are available: fins, turbo wings, wheels, diaphragms, floating hoses, Navigator and PoolVac replacement kits. The navigator sheet picker is a pre-filter that is inserted before the robot to retain large leaves and reduce clogging of the main basket.
Basic diagnosis of common malfunctions
| Symptom | Probable cause | Initial check |
|---|---|---|
| No movement or very slow | Insufficient pump flow rate, V-Flex incorrectly adjusted | Check actual flow rate, recalibrate V-Flex |
| Moves too fast and does not aspirate | Excessive pump flow | Reset V-Flex to lower flow position |
| Does not climb walls | Worn turbo flaps or wings | Check and replace fins/flaps |
| Loses suction | Broken internal diaphragms or leaking hose | Inspect diaphragms and hoses |
| Stays at a fixed point | Clogged wheels or tracks, large blade on headstock | Removing and cleaning wheels and headstock |
| Hose with bubbles | Air entering through skimmer connection or through leakage | Check skimmer connection and seals |
If, after these checks, the problem persists, the official technical review Hayward (59,90 €) covers complete diagnosis and replacement of the most common internal parts.
Need help choosing between Navigator and PoolVac? Our technical team can advise you according to your type of pool and pump. Contact us: https://www.quimipool.com/en/use-our-form-to-contact-us See also: Spare parts │ Technical Service │ Pumps Hayward │ Filters Hayward │ Hydraulic cleaners
