The Pool Blaster Catfish Li is a manually guided, battery-powered pool and spa vacuum. It is best considered for small areas and spot cleaning when you want to avoid setting up a suction hose. It does not travel around the pool by itself.
This review is based on Water Tech’s documentation, not a hands-on test. Runtime and package details below are manufacturer claims; they are not measured results from this site.
What It Does
Water Tech identifies the Catfish Li as SKU 20050CL and advertises up to 45 minutes of cleaning from its rechargeable lithium battery. It can be held directly or attached to a standard telescopic pole, which the page says is not included.
The useful distinction from a suction cleaner is that debris is collected in the vacuum’s own filter rather than sent through a hose to the pool filtration system. You still guide the head over the area and empty the collection system.
Confirm the Exact Package
The current manufacturer page contains differing descriptions of head size and included filter bags. Confirm the package contents with the seller rather than assuming every Catfish-branded unit includes the same accessories. Check the model number on an older unit before ordering a charger, filter, or other replacement part.
For a small pool, the time needed to guide the vacuum and empty it may be acceptable. For extensive leaf fall or a large floor, compare the head width, collection capacity, and repeated emptying with a larger cleaner. Maximum advertised battery runtime is not the same as a guaranteed whole-pool cleaning time.
Charging and Use
Read the Catfish Li operator’s manual for your version. Water Tech requires the correct certified charger and dry charging surfaces. Keep the charger away from pool water; do not substitute a charger merely because its connector fits.
Use the vacuum at the operating depth and orientation specified in the manual. Stop before inspecting or emptying it, clean the filter as directed, and allow components to dry for storage. Do not treat the product as a toy or operate it around swimmers.
Sand, Algae, and Fish Ponds
Pickup depends on the filter fitted and the debris. Removing loose material does not disinfect water or replace proper pool treatment and brushing. Do not assume a bag that catches sand will retain every fine particle.
This is a pool and spa cleaner. The old suggestion that koi would instinctively avoid the vacuum was not a safe basis for pond use. For a stocked pond, choose equipment specifically suited to pond maintenance and its animals instead of relying on that assumption.
Verdict
Consider the Catfish Li if quick, manually guided cleanup is the job you want to simplify. Confirm the pole, bags, charger, and replacement-part support before comparing prices. If you want automatic floor cleaning in a compatible Intex pool, the Intex Auto Cleaner uses a different approach and has its own pump and connection requirements.
