Pentair 920 vs. 930, which is the best robotic pool cleaner in the Pentair Prowler 900 series? If you are in this dilemma, this is the place to be. We have compared the two pool cleaners, analyzing their pros, cons, similarities, and differences.
The Pentair Prowler 920 and Prowler 930 are part of the Pentair 900 series together with the Pentair Prowler 910. Of the three, the 920 and 930 stand out. They are similar in almost every aspect, but at the end of the day, some differences should inform your purchase decision.
The difference between the Pentair 920 and 930 is the accessories and convenience features. The Pentair 930 comes with a caddy and Bluetooth connectivity, features the Pentair 920 lacks.
For more regarding how the two compare, read along.
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pentair Prowler 930 Pros
- Compact, lightweight, and durable design
- Plug-and-Play design (No assembly required)
- Cleans all inground pool types
- Cleans floors, walls, and waterline
- Active brushing for effective agitation
- Customizable filtration level
- It comes with a caddy for easy portability
- Supports Bluetooth connectivity for app operation
- Manual Drive feature
Pentair Prowler 930 Cons
- The power supply is not fully waterproof
- Sometimes misses some deep corners and coves
Pentair 920 vs. 930 Face-to-Face Comparison Review
Now, to the main agenda of the day, how does the Pentair 920 compare to the Pentair 930? To help you make the right decision, we have compared the two based on the essential factors considered when buying robotic pool cleaners. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
1. Design and Aesthetics
There is not much difference between the Pentair Prowler 920 and 930 in terms of design, dimensions, and aesthetics. It also has a robust design courtesy of the premium materials used in the construction and can withstand the effects of all harsh outdoor conditions and pool chemicals.
Like the Pentair 920, the 930 measures 23.5 x 20 x 19.5 inches and weighs 16 lbs. It is also equipped with a handle for easy portability. The only major difference is the finish. While the 920 is white, gray, and flashy blue, the 930 is white, black, gray, and dark blue.
As far as design and aesthetics are concerned, there is no winner. Both pool cleaners have a premium design and are compact and lightweight. They also come with carry handles for effortless portability.
2. Assembly and Usability
The Pentair Prowler 930 is exactly the same as the Pentair 920 in terms of assembly and usability. It also features a plug-and-play design with almost all parts assembled. Here again, the only thing required of you is connecting the power cord to the power supply unit and plugging it into the mains.
Remember, the power supply must be at least 10 ft from the pool and in a covered zone to prevent water from getting inside the electrical components. Operation is also pretty straightforward right from the control box.
There is no winner in assembly and usability, as both models come in a plug-and-play design. There is no assembly required. They also have excellent usability, so the round ends in a draw.
3. Cleaning Orientation
In terms of cleaning orientation, the 930 is similar to the 920. It is also an inground pool cleaner that can handle any pool shape, be it rectangular, oval, kidney-shaped, custom, Roman, you name it. It comes with a 60FT swivel cable that enables it to handle pools of up to 50 ft, unrestricted. Unfortunately, the swivel cable tends to tangle often.
Regarding pool types by material, the Pentair Prowler 930 can handle gunite, fiberglass, and vinyl pools. Last, on coverage, this robotic pool cleaner is designed to clean the pool floor, walls, and waterline. Like the Prowler 920, The Prowler 930 has two cleaning modes; Standard Cleaning for the floor, walls, and tile line, and Quick Clean, which cleans the pool floor only.
In this third round of this Pentair 920 vs. 930 comparison review, there is no winner, as both models are similar in terms of cleaning orientation. They are inground pool cleaners that can handle up to 50 ft pools of any shape or materials. Besides, they can clean the pool floor, walls, and waterline and have two cleaning modes.
4. Cleaning Performance
The Pentair Prowler 930 is also a reliable robotic pool cleaner that is unforgiving to all kinds of pool dirt, including insects, leaves, twigs, acorns, sand, and so on. It packs excellent suction courtesy of a powerful motor. Like the Prowler 920, the Pentair 930 can move 3,735 gallons per hour. On the other hand, the active scrubbing brush eliminates all kinds of stuck-on dirt and stains, including algae and waterline stains.
The brush spins two times faster than your typical robotic pool cleaner brush. But just like the Pentair 920, there are no enhanced cleaning cycles. The standard cleaning time is 2 hours. Regarding energy efficiency, this is also a low-voltage pool cleaner that uses just 15 cents to clean the pool.
The Pentair 920 and 930 are similar in terms of cleaning performance. They come with the same motor, meaning the suction rate is at par, and the same brush system, so you get the same level of scrubbing. That said, this round also ends in a draw.
5. Filtration
The Prowler 930 is similar to the Prowler 920. It also comes with customizable filter levels. You can choose the Fine Filter Cartridge for common dirt, including pebbles, insects, leaves, acorns, etc. There is also an Ultra Fine Filter Cartridge designed to capture ultra-fine debris such as sand and silt.
Like the Pentair 920, the Pentair 930 has a top load filter basket for easy access during emptying and general maintenance. Also worth mentioning is the full cartridge indicator that alerts you when the cartridge needs emptying.
The Pentair Prowler 920 and 930 both have the same filtration system with two cartridge options; a Fine Filter Cartridge and an Ultra Fine Filter Cartridge. They are also top-load access systems. That said, this round ends in a draw.
6. Navigation and Mapping
The Pentair 930 is also an intelligent robot vacuum that can navigate your pool. It has obstacle detection, which prevents it from hitting obstacles. Whenever obstacles are detected, the robot changes direction. However, like the 920, it will sometimes get stuck, but the auto-reverse function frees it up.
On mapping, it’s unfortunate that the Pentair 930 lacks any intelligent pool scanning and mapping system. Instead, the robot cleans in a random pattern but ensures that every inch of the pool is covered. Perhaps the only problematic areas are the deep corners and coves.
Again, it’s hard to call a winner as booth Pentair pool cleaners have similar navigation and mapping.
7. Maneuverability
The Pentair 930 is similar to the 920 when it comes to maneuverability, as it is also equipped with tracks instead of wheels like many robot pool cleaners out there. As mentioned above, tracks give the robot better climbing ability, so it will hardly get stuck because of obstacles on the pool floor.
Tracks also give the Pentair 930 better traction on the pool floor and the agility required to climb walls. But one unique feature that the Kreepy Krauly 930 brings on board is Manual Drive. You can manually control the robot and direct it to specific spots via the mobile app.
Here, the Pentair 930 is the best option. While they both use tracks for maneuverability, we like the fact that the 930 can be controlled manually courtesy of the Manual Drive function available on the mobile app.
8. Convenience Features
The Pentair 930 is also equipped when it comes to convenience features. To start, it comes with a caddy which makes portability effortless. This is one of the differences between the Pentair 920 and 930. But like the 920, it comes with a Weekly Timer that allows you to schedule the robot to clean every day of the week, 3 times a week, or 2 times a week.
It also lacks Enhanced Cleaning cycles, but you can opt for Quick Clean for those simple touch-ups on the pool floor. The Pentair 930 is a smart robotic pool cleaner that allows for app operation courtesy of Bluetooth Wireless Technology. You can start a cleaning session on the app and even drive the robot manually with the Manual Drive function.
While they share several features, the Pentair Prowler 930 is the winner in this round. It has a caddy for easy portability and Bluetooth connectivity for remote operation. There’s also Manual Drive for targeted cleaning.
9. What’s in the Box?
The Pentair Kreepy Krauly 930 comes with the following items:
- Pentair Kreepy Krauly 930 Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Power Supply Unit
- 60 Ft. Swivel Power Cord
- Fine and Ultra Fine Filter Cartridge
- Caddy
- Documentation
Here, it’s evident that the Kreepy Krauly 930 is the winner as it comes with a carry caddy that makes transportation easier and effortless. But definitely, you are paying more for it.
10. Warranty and Aftersales
The Pentair Kreepy Krauly 930 also tags along with a 2-year warranty. Just make sure to read the terms and conditions of the warranty so you don’t void it unknowingly.
Support is also available from the company, and so are instructions manuals and other resources. The robot’s replacement parts and supplies are also available at affordable prices.
In this round, it’s hard to call a winner as the two robotic pool cleaners are from the same brand, come with a 2-year warranty, and replacement parts and supplies are readily available.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between Pentair Prowler 930 vs 930W?
2. How much does a Pentair Prowler 920 weigh?
3. Can I leave the Pentair Prowler in the pool?
4. Why is my Pentair Prowler 920 not climbing walls?
5. What is the difference between Pentair 930 and Warrior SI?
Wrapping Up
Here you have it, folks, a Pentair 920 vs. 930 comparison review. So, which is the best bang for the buck? Well, the Pentair 920 is an ideal robotic pool cleaner if you are on a budget and don’t mind the fact that it doesn’t have a caddy and Bluetooth. However, the Pentair 930 is the best choice overall as it comes with a caddy and Bluetooth for remote app operation and targeted cleaning courtesy of the Manual Drive function. Check out all the latest Pentair 920 and 930 deals and discounts on Amazon.
Professional engineer with 7 years of experience in trading and service of swimming pools covers all tricky cases and the most detailed reviews of pool equipment. Helps in challenging cases with a cup of coffee!