The Ultimate Pentair 920 vs. 930 Comparison Review

Pentair 920 vs. 930Pentair 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.

Pentair 360322 Kreepy Krauly...
Pentair 360323 Krauly Prowler 930...
Dimensions and Weight
23.5 x 20 x 19.5 inches, 16lbs
23.5 x 20 x 19.5 inches, 16lbs
Type
Robotic Pool Cleaner
Robotic Pool Cleaner
Pool Type
Inground, All Liners
Inground, All Liners
Pool Size
Up to 50Ft.
Up to 50Ft.
Coverage
Floor, Walls, Waterline
Floor, Walls, Waterline
Suction Rate
3,735GPH
3,735GPH
Brush
Active Brushing
Active Brushing
Filtration
Fine and Ultra Fine Filter Cartridge
Fine and Ultra Fine Filter Cartridge
Cleaning Cycle
Standard, (2 Hours)
Standard, (2 Hours)
Cleaning Modes
Standard and Quick Clean
Standard and Quick Clean
Enhanced Cleaning Cycles
Manual Drive
Cable
60 Ft.
60 Ft.
Remote Control
Power Supply
Power Supply and Mobile App
Bluetooth / Wi-Fi / App Control
Bluetooth
Weekly Timer
Caddy
Pentair 360322 Kreepy Krauly...
Dimensions and Weight
23.5 x 20 x 19.5 inches, 16lbs
Type
Robotic Pool Cleaner
Pool Type
Inground, All Liners
Pool Size
Up to 50Ft.
Coverage
Floor, Walls, Waterline
Suction Rate
3,735GPH
Brush
Active Brushing
Filtration
Fine and Ultra Fine Filter Cartridge
Cleaning Cycle
Standard, (2 Hours)
Cleaning Modes
Standard and Quick Clean
Enhanced Cleaning Cycles
Manual Drive
Cable
60 Ft.
Remote Control
Power Supply
Bluetooth / Wi-Fi / App Control
Weekly Timer
Caddy
Pentair 360323 Krauly Prowler 930...
Dimensions and Weight
23.5 x 20 x 19.5 inches, 16lbs
Type
Robotic Pool Cleaner
Pool Type
Inground, All Liners
Pool Size
Up to 50Ft.
Coverage
Floor, Walls, Waterline
Suction Rate
3,735GPH
Brush
Active Brushing
Filtration
Fine and Ultra Fine Filter Cartridge
Cleaning Cycle
Standard, (2 Hours)
Cleaning Modes
Standard and Quick Clean
Enhanced Cleaning Cycles
Manual Drive
Cable
60 Ft.
Remote Control
Power Supply and Mobile App
Bluetooth / Wi-Fi / App Control
Bluetooth
Weekly Timer
Caddy

Pentair Prowler 920 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

Pentair Prowler 920 Cons

  • The power supply is not fully waterproof
  • Caddy not included
  • Sometimes misses some deep corners and coves
  • No Bluetooth for app operation
  • No Manual Drive function

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

Design and Aesthetics

The Pentair 920 comes in the traditional robotic pool cleaner design. It boasts excellent craftsmanship courtesy of the high-grade materials that can withstand the scorching summer heat on the deck and the harsh pool chemicals. We also like the compact and lightweight design.

The Pentair 920 measures 23.5 x 20 x 19.5 inches and weighs around 16 lbs. Besides the compact design, the clever carry handle at the top further enhances portability. The Prowler 920 has been finished in white, gray, and flashy blue.

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.

verdict

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

One of the advantages of the Pentair Prowler 920 is the plug-and-play design. There is not much assembly required as most of the parts come assembled. The only assembly needed is connecting the power cord, positioning the control box, and plugging it into the mains. For the record, the control box should be at least 10 ft from the pool and in a covered zone, as the compartment is not fully waterproof.

When it comes to usability, we like the fact that the 920 comes with a control box where you can access all the controls, from starting a cleaning schedule to stopping one and programming the Weekly Timer.

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.

verdict

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

The Pentair Prowler 920 is a versatile robotic pool cleaner. To start, it is designed for inground pools of up to 50 ft courtesy of the 60 ft swivel cable. Unfortunately, the cable has a not-so-good build quality and gets tangled easily. When it comes to pool shapes, the Prowler 920 can handle everything, from rectangular pools to free-form, kidney-shaped, oval, and custom pools, just to mention a few.

As for pool liners, the 920 can work in fiberglass, gunite, and vinyl pools. When it comes to coverage, the Pentair 920 offers comprehensive cleaning. It cleans the pool floor, steps, walls, and tile line. Just to mention, there are two cleaning modes. First is Standard Cleaning, which handles the floor, walls, and tiles, and Quick Clean for the pool floor only.

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.

verdict

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

Pentair Prowler 920 Cleaning Performance

Pentair 920 is an effective pool cleaner with excellent cleaning performance courtesy of high suction and an active brush system. Under the hood, it packs a powerful motor that delivers enough suction to suck up all kinds of small and large debris. Talking of suction, the Pentair Prowler 920 can move 3,735 gallons per hour.

Regarding dirt agitation, the Prowler 920 has an active brush system that is unforgiving to all kinds of stains and grime, especially on the walls and waterline. It spins 2x times faster for more scrubbing power. Unfortunately, there are no enhanced cleaning cycles. The standard cycle is 2 hours. But we like the fact that it is an energy-efficient pool cleaner that will cost you less than 15 cents to clean an average-sized pool.

Pentair Prowler 930 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.

verdict

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

Pentair 920 Filtration

One of the standout features of the Pentair 920 is the filtration system. There are two filter options depending on the dirt and debris you are dealing with. For the fine dirt, you can go with the Fine Filter Kit that captures insects, leaves, cones, acorns, twigs, you name it. The Ultra Fine Filter Kit will come in handy for those living in areas with fine silt.

Talking of the filter kit, the Prowler 920 has a top-load filter system for easy access when emptying or changing the filter. Also worth mentioning is the indicator that alerts you when it’s time to empty the filter basket.

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.

verdict

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 920 is an intelligent robot pool cleaner that relies on a simple yet efficient navigation system. There are sensors that prevent the robot from hitting obstacles, such as walls and pool ladders, and steps. However, this navigation system is not invincible, as the robot might get stuck in corners occasionally. But you don’t have to free it manually. The robot has an auto-reverse function that pulls the robot out whenever it gets stuck.

Unfortunately, the Pentair 920 doesn’t have a smart mapping function like the high-end robotic pool cleaners. It doesn’t have the capability of scanning and creating pool maps. It moves in a random pattern, but at the end of the day, it leaves no spot untouched, though, at times, it misses the coves and deep corners.

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.

verdict

Again, it’s hard to call a winner as booth Pentair pool cleaners have similar navigation and mapping.

7. Maneuverability

The Pentair Kreepy Krauly 920 boasts excellent maneuverability courtesy of Pentair’s choice of maneuvering system; tracks instead of wheels. The power tracks are great as they can easily climb obstacles better than wheels which often get stuck.

Besides the climbing ability, tracks give the robot the traction required to move around the pool easily and the agility to climb walls without sliding. Unfortunately, there is no Manual Drive function that allows users to control the robot’s movement.

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.

verdict

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 920 is among the latest robotic pool cleaners from the American brand. It tags along with several convenience features. First is the Weekly Timer that lets you schedule cleaning sessions throughout the week. You can set it to clean a full cycle, i.e., daily, the entire week.

The other options are 3 times a week or 2 times a week. While there are no Enhanced Cleaning Cycles, we are glad there is a Quick Clean function that cleans the pool faster but covers the floor only. Unfortunately, there is no Bluetooth for mobile app operation, Automation mode, or Delay function.

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.

verdict

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 920 comes with the following items:

  • Pentair Kreepy Krauly 920 Robotic Pool Cleaner
  • Power Supply Unit
  • 60 Ft. Swivel Power Cord
  • Fine and Ultra Fine Filter Cartridge
  • Documentation

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

verdict

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

While the Pentair 920 is made to last, it still has a 2-year limited warranty. That means, in case the cleaner develops a problem and the warranty’s terms and conditions have been adhered to, you are eligible for repair or replacement within the first two years of purchase. When it comes to support, there is a team of experts who are always ready to resolve and offer help where necessary.

The 920 also comes with a detailed user manual. When it comes to replacement parts and supplies, there are plenty on Amazon. Just make sure you know the exact part number before purchasing.

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.

verdict

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?

faqThe Pentair 930 and 930W are very similar, except that the 930W is a new model while the 930 is a discontinued one. Besides, the new 930W comes with WiFi connectivity.

2. How much does a Pentair Prowler 920 weigh?

Pentair 920, the cleaner alone, weighs around 16 lbs and comes with a clever carry handle for easy retrieval from the pool and portability.

3. Can I leave the Pentair Prowler in the pool?

Yes. The Pentair 920, as well as the 930, and all robotic pool cleaners, in general, can be left in the pool. However, it is advisable to store them safely indoors in winter.

4. Why is my Pentair Prowler 920 not climbing walls?

There are several reasons why your Pentair 920 or 930 is not climbing walls. But in most cases, the robot has been set to Quick Clean, a cleaning mode for cleaning the floors only.

5. What is the difference between Pentair 930 and Warrior SI?

The Pentair 930 and Warrior SI are very similar. The difference is the aesthetics and the fact that the Warrior SI doesn’t come with the caddy.

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.

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