The Hayward RC9740CUB SharkVac is one of Hayward’s more affordable robotic pool cleaners, designed for in-ground pools of all shapes. It promises wall-to-wall cleaning, efficient debris pickup, and an easy-to-maintain design. But how well does it actually perform over an entire swimming season? In this review, we’ll cover our hands-on experience, key features, pros, cons, and who this cleaner is best suited for.
First Impressions
Out of the box, the SharkVac has a clean, low-profile design with sturdy construction. The RC9740CUB version is the standard corded model (no caddy included), making it more budget-friendly. Setup is straightforward—just plug in the power supply, place the cleaner in the pool, and press the start button.
Unlike suction or pressure-side cleaners, the SharkVac doesn’t connect to your pool’s filtration system. Instead, it has its own internal filter and motor, which is a big plus for reducing strain on your pool pump and filter.
Key Features
- Coverage: Cleans pool floors, coves, and partial walls.
- Cycle Time: 2-hour cleaning cycle.
- Filtration: Top-access fine filter panels for easy removal and cleaning.
- Drive System: Tracks instead of wheels for better grip.
- Cord Length: 50 feet, suitable for most residential in-ground pools.
- Energy Use: Low-voltage operation for efficiency.
Performance Testing
We ran the SharkVac for an entire summer, cleaning the pool 3–4 times a week. Here’s how it did in different areas:
Floor Cleaning
This is where the SharkVac shines. It reliably picked up sand, leaves, small twigs, and pollen. The fine filter panels trap even small debris that might pass through skimmer baskets.
Wall Climbing
While it can handle partial wall climbing, it’s not designed for full wall and waterline scrubbing. It occasionally reached a foot or so up the wall before reversing direction. If you want full wall coverage, you might consider Hayward’s higher-end models like the TigerShark.
Navigation and Coverage
The programmed cleaning pattern is fairly efficient. It doesn’t just wander randomly—it moves in a methodical back-and-forth pattern. Still, like many mid-tier robots, it may occasionally miss a spot or two, so a second run can help after heavy debris days.
Debris Handling
Fine dirt, silt, and pollen were no match for the filter panels. For larger leaves, it still did well, though you’ll need to clean the filters more frequently during leaf season.
Ease of Maintenance
The top-loading filter design is a major plus. You simply pop the lid, remove the filter panels, and hose them off. No need to flip the cleaner over or wrestle with a bottom-loaded bag. The filters are rigid and easy to handle, and they rinse clean quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Because the SharkVac runs independently of your pool’s pump, it uses far less energy than traditional cleaners that rely on high-flow pumps. Over a season, this can mean noticeable savings on your electric bill.
Durability Over Time
After a full summer of use, the unit showed minimal wear. The tracks stayed in good condition, the motor remained quiet, and the cord didn’t tangle excessively. We recommend laying out the cord straight to avoid twisting and storing it out of direct sun when not in use.
Pros
- Excellent floor cleaning performance
- Easy-to-clean top-access filters
- Energy efficient and independent of pool pump
- Quiet operation
- Solid build quality for the price
Cons
- Limited wall cleaning ability
- No caddy included (optional purchase)
- May need two cycles after heavy storms
- Basic control—no remote or scheduling
Who Should Buy the Hayward RC9740CUB SharkVac?
This model is ideal for pool owners who:
- Have an in-ground pool up to 20′ x 40′
- Want a simple, reliable floor cleaner
- Prefer easy filter maintenance
- Don’t mind limited wall cleaning
- Want to save energy compared to suction/pressure cleaners
Tips for Best Performance
- Brush the walls weekly to help the cleaner pick up loosened debris.
- Clean filters after every use to maintain suction power.
- Straighten the cord before each cycle to reduce tangling.
- Run the cleaner more frequently during heavy debris periods.
Final Verdict
The Hayward RC9740CUB SharkVac offers strong cleaning performance for pool floors at a reasonable price point. It’s easy to maintain, energy-efficient, and built to last. While it’s not a full wall scrubber, it excels at what it’s designed to do—keeping your pool floor spotless with minimal effort on your part.
If you want a dependable robotic cleaner that doesn’t require plumbing changes or high pump speeds, the SharkVac is a smart investment. Just be aware of its wall-cleaning limitations and supplement with occasional manual brushing for best results.