You’ll like the Catfish Ultra (Gen 2) if you want a cordless, convenient spot cleaner that’s about 15% stronger than the original and has a roughly 40% larger debris chamber. It’s great for weekly touch-ups, shallow steps, and light leaf or sand pickup, and the Xtreme multilayer bag cuts down filter upkeep. Expect noticeable suction noise and motor heat on long runs; it’s not for heavy post-opening jobs or commercial use. Keep going to see full details.
Some Key Takeaways
- Gen 2 boosts suction about 15% over the original Catfish Ultra for noticeably better sand and leaf pickup.
- Cordless lithium-ion battery enables convenient weekly touch-ups, with reduced runtime at higher suction.
- Debris chamber is roughly 40% larger, decreasing frequency of emptying during routine cleanings.
- Xtreme Multilayer Filter Bag extends filter life but heavy runs still require emptying and occasional maintenance.
- Best for small-to-mid inground or above-ground pools; not ideal for heavy post-opening or commercial cleanup.
Quick Verdict and Core Specs for the Catfish Ultra (Gen 2)
While it won’t replace a full-scale opening clean, the Catfish Ultra Gen 2 gives you a clear, efficient option for routine pool upkeep: it’s cordless, boosts suction by about 15% over the previous model, and sports a debris chamber that’s 40% larger, so you’ll capture more leaves, sand, and dirt without constant emptying. You’ll appreciate its rechargeable battery tech and improved motor for weekly touch-ups and shallow-area work. Maintenance tips: empty the Xtreme Multilayer Filter Bag after heavy runs, charge between uses, and store dry. It’s communal-friendly — simple to share, learn, and keep your pool inviting. Many homeowners find robotic pool vacuums like these improve outdoor enjoyment and reduce routine maintenance time.
What’s New: Major Upgrades vs. the Original Catfish Ultra
Because the Gen 2 focuses on practical upgrades you’ll notice in day-to-day use, it’s more than a few tweaks: you get about 15% stronger suction, a 40% larger debris chamber, and a beefed-up motor box that together deliver deeper, less-fussy cleaning for routine maintenance. You’ll appreciate the larger debris chamber and xtreme filter bag that hold more leaves and grit between empties, reducing interruptions. The enhanced motor feels more robust without adding complexity, and cordless operation remains simple. It’s a thoughtful evolution — not dramatic, but meaningful if you want dependable weekly upkeep with fewer hassles. Many homeowners who value relaxed outdoor living find automatic cleaners like this valuable for maintaining their pools with minimal effort, helping preserve their outdoor spaces.
Real-World Cleaning Performance: Suction, Debris Capacity, and Motor Power
Put the Catfish Ultra Gen 2 to work and you’ll quickly notice its stronger suction and larger debris chamber actually change how often you empty it. You’ll appreciate the 15% higher flow rate — it pulls sand and leaves more efficiently, reducing passes. Suction noise is noticeable but not intrusive; that tradeoff buys better pickup. The Xtreme Multilayer Filter Bag extends filter lifespan versus the original, though fine silt still needs attention. Motor heat rises during extended runs, so give it breaks for longevity. Overall, this feels like a team-oriented upgrade: more capable, still practical for regular pool caretaking. If you own a yard and enjoy maintaining outdoor spaces, consider how the right pool vacuum hose can improve reach and setup efficiency.
Usability and Features: Battery Life, Cleaning Modes, Heads, and Shallow-Area Cleaning
Several practical features make the Catfish Ultra Gen 2 easy to use: its rechargeable lithium-ion battery and cordless design free you from hoses and power cords, and the spot-clean and full-pool modes let you tailor runs to the mess. You’ll appreciate clear run times, though Battery longevity depends on usage and higher suction cuts runtime—expect solid sessions for routine cleaning, not marathon jobs. Head compatibility is strong: the 10.5″ brush head and nose cone swap quickly for steps and tight spots. Minimum 12.25″ operating depth lets you handle shallow areas confidently, while controls stay straightforward and reliable. Many homeowners store their cleaning gear in purpose-built pool caddies to keep accessories organized and protected.
Who Should Buy It and When to Choose a Different Pool Vacuum
If you mostly do weekly maintenance on a small to mid-size inground or above-ground pool and want a cordless, easy-to-use vacuum that captures leaves, sand, and everyday debris, the Catfish Ultra Gen 2 is a strong choice. You should buy it if you value quick spot-cleaning, shallow-area access, and a larger debris chamber for routine upkeep. Follow owners recommendations for filter care and charging to get consistent results. Choose a different vacuum for heavy post-opening cleanup, large-volume leaf fall, or commercial pools—seasonal alternatives like pump-powered or shop-vac systems handle dense, bulky debris better. The Catfish Ultra Gen 2 is especially well suited for homeowners who prioritize maintaining their outdoor living spaces with reliable, convenient pool-cleaning tools.
Some Questions Answered
Does It Come With a Charger and How Long to Fully Recharge the Battery?
Yes — it includes a battery charger, and you’ll need about 4–6 hours of recharge time to fully top the lithium-ion battery. You’ll appreciate the cordless convenience, though it won’t support extended continuous sessions without that recharge. If you’re part of a weekly-cleaning routine, the charger and recharge time fit well; if you expect heavy opening-day work, plan on additional runs or backup power so you won’t feel left hanging.
Is the Filter Bag Washable and Reusable?
Yes — the filter bag uses washable material and’s reusable. You’ll extend its reusable lifespan by rinsing after each use and deep-washing occasionally. Care instructions: empty debris, rinse with fresh water, air dry fully before storage; avoid bleach or heat. Cleaning frequency depends on use — after heavy weeks rinse every session, otherwise weekly. You’ll feel confident maintaining performance when you follow these simple, shared care steps.
What Warranty and Customer Support Options Are Available?
You get a limited warranty; the warranty duration is typically one year, so check your manual for specifics. You’ll have support channels including phone, email, and online resources/FAQs. If you need a replacement part or repair, contact customer service promptly and keep your proof of purchase. You’ll want to document issues and escalate via social media or retailer support if responses lag — that helps the community get reliable outcomes.
Can It Run While Floating or Does It Need to Be Submerged?
You shouldn’t run it while floating; it needs to be submerged to operate properly. If it floats intermittently you’ll lose suction and cleaning effectiveness, and prolonged surface running risks motor overheating. You’ll want to make sure full contact with the pool floor or walls for safe, efficient use. Treat it like a submerged tool, check that it’s steady in shallow areas, and avoid letting it drift to protect performance and longevity.
Are Replacement Parts and Accessories Sold Separately?
Yes — replacement parts and accessories are sold separately, and you’ll want to buy replacement filters and accessory kits as needed. You’ll appreciate that filter bags, heads, brushes and nose cones are available individually, so you can tailor repairs or upgrades without wasting money. Be critical when sourcing parts: choose genuine or high-quality compatibles to preserve suction and fit. That keeps your community of users running reliably together.
