Hayward Navigator Pro vs XL Compared: Which is the Best Cleaner?

Hayward Navigator Pro is a suction pool cleaner designed for inground pools of up to 40 ft.

For the record, there are various models in the lineup, each designed for a specific pool surface, with the Hayward W3925ADC specially designed for gunite pools, while there’s a variant for vinyl pools known as Hayward W3925ADV. So, regardless of your pool surface, you have a Hayward Navigator Pro that suits your pool.

If you’ve got an inground pool of up to 40 ft, you have a reliable cleaner in the Hayward PoolVac XL, and the good thing is, there are two variants each for a specific pool surface.

First is the PoolVac XL W32025ADV custom tailored for vinyl pools, and second is PoolVac XL W32025ADC, which will be a perfect fit if you have gunite.

One thing we like about the Navigator Pro is the compact and robust construction that makes it resistant to the hard pool conditions, from chemicals to scratches and, worse enough, the scorching summer sum.

You can leave it in the pool and not worry about its structural integrity, as the materials used are premium grade. The dimensions of the robot are 40.4 x 13.6 x 11.9 inches while the weight is around 18lbs.

You can also trust the craftsmanship of the PoolVac XL, so leaving it in the cold treated water or on the deck on a summer afternoon shouldn’t pose any chances of damage, and surprisingly, it will maintain its original color even after years, just like the Navigator and other Hayward pool cleaners.

The dimensions and weight are similar to the Navigator.

Hayward Navigator Pro is very easy to assemble, and you don’t necessarily need a professional to come down and get you started with pool cleaning if you’re the handy guy.

The fact that it works on your existing filtration system may make assembly and installation look pretty complex, but all you have to do is attach it to the skimmer or suction port.

Usability is excellent, particularly the ultra-quiet operation, so you can still enjoy your calm sleep even when the pool is next to your bedroom window or living room.

There’s no difference between PoolVac XL and Navigator Pro in terms of assembly and usability, as the PoolVac XL has the same design, and installing the cleaner is straightforward as long as you know what goes where.

You don’t need any tool to set it up, and you can be done in just 10 minutes. Furthermore, there’s a detailed Hayward PoolVac XL installation guide.

The improvised suction design and the lack of any noisy moving parts mean you can clean your pool and get going with your novel right on the deck without any distractions and disturbances.

The Navigator Pro is meant for inground pools, as earlier mentioned, and when it comes to cleaning orientation, it’s a versatile cleaner that handles the floor, walls, and coves but can’t clean the waterline.

But it’s unforgiving on the common pool dirt, especially the fine and medium debris such as silt and sand pebbles.

It also scrubs the toughest algae stains and sticky grime with such ferocity and picks up twigs, pebbles, and leaves, leaving your pool sparkling clean.

PoolVac XL is also suitable if you want to give your inground pool crystal clear vibes and is particularly a fantastic pick if you live in areas like Arizona, where you have to deal with stubborn silt and sand.

Like Navigator, it’s an almost complete cleaner as it covers floors, walls, and coves, but if you‘re thinking of the waterline, you might want to grab something better, preferably a robotic cleaner.

But it does a great job when it comes to dirt pickup courtesy of the wide vent and its constant suction, even during suction fluctuations. Nothing is invincible to the PoolVac XL: silt, sand, cones, leaves, twigs, crud, you name it.

The Hayward Navigator Pro is connected to a skimmer or a dedicated suction line, which creates a suction action that is responsible for propulsion.

Another core component of the drive system is the gear system, which pushes the cleaner forward as water gushes out of the turbine system, and the force is enough to ensure the cleaner climbs obstacles and doesn’t get stuck unless on some tricky drains that overwhelm it.

In the Hayward PoolVac XL, we also have a Turbine-Drive System, and together with SmartDrive, the unit guides the hose while the turbine action provides the required power to drive through the resistance of debris such as twigs and leaves so you’ll barely catch it stuck.

For optimal performance, you’ll need to execute a few maintenance practices on the Hayward Navigator Pro, but there’s no need to fret as this isn’t an intensive maintenance cleaner. The short-term maintenance includes emptying and unclogging the cleaner, especially the skimmer basket, when you notice a drop in its dirt collection abilities.

Regular hose connection inspections should also be done to ensure there are no loose hoses that could cause leaks. It’s also necessary to assess the condition of core components, including the flapper, shoes, wings, and the gear system. Last, you might at times have to adjust the weight balance of the cleaner and probably suction.

Maintaining the PoolVac XL is also a requirement, and the good thing is that keeping it in great shape won’t take a toll on you. You’ll need to clean main components and ensure there’s nothing that is blocking the flow of water in the hose and the main unit and dirt and debris isn’t stuck inside. It will also be necessary to check other parts to ensure they are not worn out or broken down and, if they have, get replacements.

Hayward is a renowned brand so you can be guaranteed that the Navigator will give you years of service and to cement this fact, the company offers a 2 year warranty just in case.

We also commend the company for its responsiveness and availability, meaning you can’t get stuck along the way, whether it’s matters concerning technical information about the cleaner or just a general inquiry. Replacement parts are also available at affordable prices.

Considering the PoolVac is also from Hayward, you get the same cover 2 years, so in case it breaks down and you’ve adhered to the Ts and Cs, contact the company, and you’ll get sorted. Support too is available and so are all replacement parts and supplies from hoses to the flappers and wings.