The Hayward RC9740WCCUB SharkVac XL is the bigger sibling to the standard SharkVac, designed to handle larger in-ground pools with more features and better wall-cleaning ability. It’s part of Hayward’s popular robotic cleaner lineup and is aimed at pool owners who want automated cleaning without the hassle of connecting to a pump or booster system.
In this review, we’ll break down the SharkVac XL’s design, performance, pros and cons, and whether it’s worth the upgrade over the base SharkVac model.
First Impressions
The SharkVac XL looks and feels like a premium robotic cleaner. It’s a bit larger than the base model, and the XL in the name isn’t just marketing—it’s designed for bigger pools and heavier cleaning loads. The unit comes with a power supply, a long floating cable, and large top-access filter cartridges. Unlike some premium cleaners, it does not include a remote or app control, keeping operation simple.
Key Features
- Coverage: Cleans floors, walls, and the waterline.
- Cycle Options: Standard 2.5-hour cleaning cycle or a quick clean mode for floors only.
- Filtration: Top-access filter cartridges with fine debris capture.
- Drive System: Rubber tracks for strong grip and climbing ability.
- Cable: 50-foot swivel cable to reduce tangling.
- Navigation: Smart steering technology for efficient coverage.
Performance Testing
We tested the SharkVac XL in a 20’ x 40’ in-ground pool over several weeks to see how it handled daily debris and larger messes after storms.
Floor Cleaning
The SharkVac XL did an excellent job picking up sand, fine dirt, and small leaves. The suction is strong, and the wide cleaning path means fewer passes to cover the pool floor completely.
Wall and Waterline Cleaning
One of the main upgrades over the base SharkVac is full wall and waterline cleaning. The XL climbed consistently and scrubbed right at the surface where oils and dirt tend to accumulate. This makes a noticeable difference in overall pool appearance.
Navigation
Thanks to its smart steering system, the SharkVac XL avoided the aimless wandering common in older robotic cleaners. It mapped the pool in an organized pattern, which minimized missed spots.
Debris Handling
The large filter cartridges handled a surprising amount of debris without clogging. Cleaning them is easy—just pop them out from the top, hose them down, and you’re ready for the next cycle.
Ease of Maintenance
Maintenance is one of the SharkVac XL’s strong points. The top-loading filters are much more convenient than bottom-access bags found in older designs. No need to flip the unit over, and the rigid cartridges are easy to handle.
Energy Efficiency
Like all robotic cleaners, the SharkVac XL runs independently of your pool pump, drawing much less power than suction or pressure-side cleaners. Over the course of a season, this can lead to noticeable energy savings.
Durability
After weeks of regular use, the cleaner showed no signs of performance drop. The tracks gripped well, the brushes held up, and the cable swivel kept tangles to a minimum. As with all robotic cleaners, proper storage and rinsing after use can extend its lifespan.
Pros
- Full floor, wall, and waterline cleaning
- Efficient navigation system
- Large top-access filter cartridges
- Energy efficient and quiet
- Strong suction for fine debris
Cons
- No remote or app control
- Relatively heavy when lifting from pool
- Quick clean mode still takes over an hour
Who Should Buy the SharkVac XL?
This model is ideal for pool owners who:
- Have a larger in-ground pool (up to 20’ x 40’)
- Want full wall and waterline cleaning
- Prefer easy filter maintenance
- Want an energy-efficient cleaner without extra plumbing
Tips for Best Performance
- Clean the filters after every use to maintain suction.
- Straighten the cable before starting each cycle to minimize tangles.
- Brush heavily soiled areas manually before running the cleaner.
- Store the unit out of direct sunlight when not in use.
Final Verdict
The Hayward RC9740WCCUB SharkVac XL is a capable, dependable robotic cleaner that delivers on its promise of full-pool cleaning. It’s easy to maintain, energy efficient, and built to handle larger pools. While it lacks advanced controls like Bluetooth or remote operation, it makes up for it with strong cleaning performance and reliability.
If you’re looking for an upgrade from a floor-only cleaner and want something that will tackle walls and the waterline without adding complexity, the SharkVac XL is an excellent choice for the price.