Zodiac Ranger vs. Zodiac G3: Which Pool Clearner is Best?

An automatic pool cleaner can be immensely helpful for keeping up with all of the maintenance your pool needs. Two of the most popular models are made by pool equipment company Zodiac: the Ranger and the G3.

If you’re in the market for a new cleaner, you might be wondering which of the two is the better option. Let’s get into the details below and figure out which option is the superior model.

The Zodiac Ranger

Pros

Quiet and Easy to Maintain. The Zodiac Ranger was designed for convenience and comfort. With minimal moving parts, it runs quietly, rarely breaks down, and can easily be repaired even with limited mechanical experience.

Effective. The Ranger is not the mot powerful model on the market, but it can handle a lot for a machine of its size and price. It can easily suck up dirt, twigs, and even pebbles, and its sturdy wheel deflector allows it to get around common obstacles like steps and corners.

Affordable. At more than $100 less expensive than the Zodiac G3, the Ranger is definitely the more affordable option of the two models listed here.

Cons

Short Range. The Ranger has a relatively short hose compared to similar pool cleaner models, including the G3. This means that if you have a particularly large pool, it may not be able to cover its entire surface area.

For Above-Ground Use Only. The Zodiac Ranger is an above-ground pool cleaner, so it can only clean effectively in depths of up to 8 feet. Although there’s nothing stopping you from trying it, attempting to use it in deeper water will probably not get you the same great results that it can provide in shallow water.

The Zodiac G3

Pros

Quiet and Easy to Maintain. Like the Ranger, the G3 is built with as few pieces as possible. It runs smoothly and quietly and is very easy to troubleshoot and repair if things start to go wrong.

Covers a Long Range

. The G3 includes a hose that is several feet longer than the one that comes attached to the Ranger. This allows it to reach more areas and clean larger pools than the Ranger can handle.

Effective on All Surfaces and At All Depths. The G3 is an in-ground pool cleaner, so it still works even when used in lower depths. This is essential if your pool has any areas that are deeper than 8 feet. It boasts the same great performance as the Ranger, but it can provide these results in a wider range of environments.
Cons
Higher Cost. The only real con to buying the G3 is that it will cost you more than the Ranger would. However, this is only relevant if the Ranger’s specs are sufficient for the job you need your pool cleaner to do. If they aren’t, the G3 is the only viable option for you.

Which is Better?

As you can see, both of these pool cleaners have their strengths and weaknesses. Instead of asking which is better, it might be more useful to ask which is better for you.

What do you need in a pool cleaner, and how much are you willing to pay to get the job done? These questions will help you decide which of these two top-class pool cleaners is best suited to your needs and ensure that you pick the model you will be the most satisfied with in the long run.