It’s both cool and challenging to have a pool; you have a great way to relax outdoors, but you have yet another thing to take care of and clean for proper operation. It would help if you vacuumed your pool to get rid of debris and sediment regularly; it’s a job that takes a lot of effort and time. You will be a lot more efficient if you decide to use an automatic pool cleaner, and your back will “thank you” too.
When it comes to pool-cleaning technology, Polaris stands out as it’s always providing high-quality products. Plus, it ensures fantastic customer service, which makes clients stay with Polaris for many years. As Polaris offers so many options and products, you should do diligence and find out more about the automatic pool cleaner you’re about to purchase. First, you will need to select one from the three main categories: pressure side, robotic, or suction-side. Keep reading our comprehensive buying guide on Polaris pool cleaners.
Page Contents
- Pressure-side pool cleaners
- Polaris pressure-side cleaners for above ground pools
- Polaris pressure-side pool cleaners for in-ground pools
- Polaris booster pumps
- Robotic pool cleaners
- Polaris robotic pool cleaners
- Suction-side pool cleaners
- About the Polaris brand
- Customer service and support
- Should you buy a Polaris pool cleaner?
- The conclusion
Pressure-side pool cleaners
If there would be a popularity contest for Polaris pool cleaners, pressure-side pool cleaners will get in the top 3. These pool cleaners are highly productive for gathering medium and large debris. They will also pick up many leaves and other trash that fall in the pool from the surrounding trees.
How pressure-side pool cleaners work
As the name suggests, pressure-side pool cleaners are powered by the return jets in the pool. The system’s side area is where clean water is pushed back into the pool after being filtrated. The suction side is where the water is sucked into the skimmer and throughout the pool’s filter.
With pressure-side pool cleaners, the device is connected to a hose already connected to the water return flow. Water pressure will take the floating device around the surface, whereas a sweep hose will swing underwater, right behind the cleaner. It will blow water flows into the walls and floors, loosening debris.
The end of the jet sweep features a skimmer bag that will pick up large debris, whereas the pool’s filter system will collect all sediment and small debris that the sweep hose removes. When using pressure-side pool cleaners, there are many benefits, easing out the load on the pool’s filter system as one important to name.
Backup valve
The automatic pool cleaner’s risk of getting stuck in the pool’s corner or right the stairs is never null. Polaris has a fantastic feature to eliminate that risk; Polaris pressure-side cleaners come with an effective backup valve.
Any now and then, the backup valve will operate, spreading all the water from the cleaner through a tiny flow on the valve’s side. The force of water coming through the backup valve pushed the automatic pool cleaner to a better position, allowing it to keep on cleaning the pool.
Ensure the backup valve from time to time because any issues with it will force the pressure side cleaner to operate inappropriately.
Booster pumps
Some pressure-side pool cleaners won’t be able to work without booster pumps. The tiny secondary pump will enhance the pool cleaner’s water pressure, allowing it to move effortlessly and be a lot more productive. If your pool is on the large side, you should always pair the pressure-side pool cleaner with the proper booster pump.
Note: even if you’re the handy kind of homeowner, it’s wiser to call the professional for installing a booster pump to your pressure-side pool cleaner.
Polaris pressure-side cleaners for above ground pools
Three kinds of automatic cleaners are available from Polaris for above ground pools, fiberglass or vinyl inground pools.
Polaris Vac-Sweep® 165
Should you look for a simple pool cleaner for your in-ground pool with fiberglass or vinyl surface, Polaris Vac-Sweep 165 is the cleaner for you. The cleaner is useful for cleaning pools not deeper than 8 ft. deep, requiring three hours or so for completing the cleaning.
For best results, cut the 32-ft hose to be 4 ft. shorter than the pool’s edge farthest from the return flow. Ensure that the sweep hose will be two ft. longer than the deepest part of your pool. You will need to use a pressure relief valve until the water pressure ranges from five to ten pounds per square inch. (psi)
Polaris pressure-side pool cleaners for in-ground pools
The massive wheels on these cleaners enable them to move around the walls and floors of your pool for the best cleaning results. If need be, they allow use for cleaning in-ground pools. Return jets power these pool cleaners, even though you may have to use a booster pump for superior water pressure in some situations.
These pool cleaners use small water jets for producing a vortex that collects debris in the filter bag (it’s placed on top of the cleaner). These models feature sweep hoses as well, and some models come with small scrubbers on end; it will help the cleaner do a better job at cleaning the walls and floors of the pool.
Your pool will be cleaned in three hours when using a pool cleaner from this category.
Polaris Vac-Sweep® 3900 Sport
The Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport is the kind of pool cleaners that never goes unnoticed; the pool cleaner gives an impressive 50% more torque to each of the three-wide Trax wheels. A large vacuum inlet (two and a half inches) is specific to this cleaner. No other model comes with TailSweepPro but only this one; it’s a superior sweep hose that reduces water spray out of the pool.
The pool cleaner features three jets and ensures incredible debris collection thanks to the dual-chamber bag. It also comes with an automatic backup valve, eliminating the risk of becoming stuck while doing its job. The pool cleaner is so effective that it will also pick up tiny rocks and acorns. Even though it’s not a deal-breaker for clients, keep in mind that Polaris 3900 Sport will need a booster pump.
When it comes to adjustments, be aware that it will be necessary to measure and even cut the leader hose; it should be as long as the pool’s deepest area. Ensure that the entire line put together is within six inches from the farthest zone from the return flow. Be prepared to make slight changes for the superior operation of the cleaner.
Don’t forget to verify the revolutions per minute (rpm) for the wheels, the sweep hose, thrust- don’t skip adjusting any of them. The better the settings you obtain, the better the pool cleaner’s performance for cleaning your pool.
Polaris Vac-Sweep® 380
Even if it’s not the most powerful cleaner within the Vac-Sweep category, Polaris Vac-Sweep 380 pressure side cleaner is still a very reliable choice for many pool owners. The cleaner also features three jets and comes with a two ¼ in the inlet. The three regular wheels will efficiently move as they come with an all-wheel belt drive.
Unlike the Vac-Sweep 3900 sport, Vac-Sweep 380 only has a single-chamber debris bag. You will be able to use it with the TailSweep Pro since it features a regular sweep. A booster pump is required for the most efficient operation of the pool cleaner.
Polaris Vac-Sweep® 360
Clients who like the appearance of Vac-Sweep 380, but don’t like the idea of also buying and using a booster pump, should take a look at Polaris Vac-Sweep 360. The pool cleaner comes with the same large inlet and three jets, but it’s effective without a booster’s help. Should you be interested in upgrading this pool cleaner, it’s good to know that you may also pair it with a TailSweep Pro.
Polaris Vac-Sweep® 280
Even if Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 doesn’t come with all the more sophisticated models’ bells and whistles, it’s still a very reliable and effective pool cleaner. The Vac-Sweep 280 is, in fact, quite a robust and performant pool cleaner. It sits on the smaller size as it has only two jets and comes with a 2.25 in the inlet. It would help if you paired it with a booster pump for proper operation.
Polaris booster pumps
You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to understand that a booster pump will enhance the automatic cleaner’s power and efficiency. Should you decide to use a Polaris pool cleaner that also requires a booster pump, you should stick with Polaris and purchase a booster pump. That’s how you will know for sure that your pool cleaner can operate with the booster pump.
Note: Once again, we highlight that it’s important to always hire professionals to install the booster pump.
Polaris PB4-60 booster pump
Clients who purchased one of the following models: Polaris Vac-Sweep 180, 280, 380, and 3900 Sport should also pair the cleaner with the Polaris PB4-60 Booster Pump. The ¾ horsepower booster pump offers all the power your pool cleaner will need for the best cleaning results.
The booster pump presents low-flow requests, allowing you to pair it with the two-speed pump on low or with a pump with adjustable speed. It’s wise not to lose the manufacturer warranty by installing the booster pump on your own. Unless you’re a certified installer yourself, you should always contact the professionals for installation.
Robotic pool cleaners
Who thought that cleaning the pool can be both effortless and fun? Unlike the pressure-side cleaners that “only” make pool cleaning effortless, robotic pool cleaners also add the fun factor into the cleaning. The two types of pool cleaners present differences, as pressure-side cleaners are pushed by water pressure, whereas the robotic cleaners use electricity for operating.
Yes, it doesn’t make sense when a device could use electricity around the water- we all know that outlets and water don’t make the perfect combination. Don’t worry, though, as robotic pool cleaners don’t use your regular outlet but a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. It’s an outlet with a tiny reset button; the voltage is low so that the cleaning will run safely. But all the fun and exciting combinations will cost you a bit more, so make sure you have a big wallet when planning to use a robotic pool cleaner for your pool.
How robotic pool cleaners work
No matter how old we are, we all like seeing robots in action- and robotic pool cleaners don’t make an exception. These gadgets sure look like fun and powerful workhorses, ready to clean your pool for many years to come. They will drive around the in-ground pool, drawing debris in the built-in canister. They can scrub and vacuum the pool floor and climb the pool walls and move up the stairs- isn’t that fun to watch? If that wasn’t enough work for your robotic pool cleaner, we should add that these smart pool cleaners are also great at scrubbing the tile and waterline of your pool.
Polaris robotic pool cleaners
You will be able to drain the water out very fast when using the easy lift system; it will ease your efforts when taking the cleaner out of the pool. Cleaning the canister won’t be a problem either; you need to pull it out and shake it to eliminate all debris. Spray it a bit when you’re done.
You will be able to use the Polaris robotic pool cleaners on all surfaces; portability isn’t an issue. The Polaris automatic pool cleaners come with easy to carry around transport caddy.
Polaris F9550 Sport
The robotic cleaner is just as cool as it looks; it has four fearless looking wheels and Aqua-Trax tires for safe and effective movement on all pool surface. The Activ Motion Sensor technology is the coolest feature on the cleaner, as it enables unthinkable navigation. You can practically point to the pool area you want the cleaner to go and do its job. You may use the robotic pool cleaner in large and free-form pools, especially since the cable is 70ft long.
You can also select the cleaning modes (floor, floor and wall, custom, and waterline only). If you like to work around a specific schedule, you will schedule a seven-day cleaning cycle with the cleaner.
The robotic cleaner features vortex vacuum technology so that it will collect large debris with impressive suction. It comes with a powder-coated allow caddy and remote control, solid blade scrubbing brush. The dirty canister indicator will tell you when you should clean the canister, adding to the long list of useful features.
Polaris F9350 Sport
If the price tag of Polaris f9550 throws you off, you may get similar performance and features for less money with Polaris f9350 sport. The cleaner comes with just two wheels and features aqua-tracks tires so that you may use it on pool surfaces.
The robotic pool cleaner also features the Activ Motion Sensor technology, which gives you a lot of freedom for navigating the cleaner wherever you need it in the pool. It’s the same vortex vacuum technology for the cleaner, so it will keep maximum suction while collecting large debris.
The cleaner will also collect debris in tight corners and under stairs. It comes with a caddy for transportation.
Suction-side pool cleaners
Just because your money is tight doesn’t mean that you should give up on the idea of using an automatic cleaner in your pool; your back and health are too precious. If that depicts your case, you should look for an excellent suction-side cleaner. Even if this type of cleaner is less potent than the pressure-side cleaners, it will still save you a lot of time and effort for cleaning the pool. The suction side pool cleaners don’t come with robotic cleaners’ high-tech features, but they’re still better than you doing all the work manually.
How suction-side pool cleaners work
A suction side pool cleaner needs to be hooked to the filter system’s suction side right where the skimmer is (or a designated suction line). The cleaner will move around the pool, vacuum debris, and send it to the skimmer and through the filter systems of your pool. You will work less, unlike your pool filter that will have to work more.
Unfortunately, Polaris doesn’t yet provide suction-side pool cleaners. However, they collaborate with the parent company, Zodiac; the company makes suction-side pool cleaners that equal Polaris pool cleaners in terms of performance.
Note: as you have to attach the suction-side cleaner to the pool skimmer, a siphon to the filter system can appear; it may ruin the filter while collecting large debris or rocks.
Polaris MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner
Zodiac MX 6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner is one of the most popular models within the category so that you won’t have unpleasant surprises with it. The suction side pool cleaner presents a particular low-flow design, making it perfect for pools with adjustable speed pumps or pumps with two speeds.
The cyclonic suction will ensure powerful vacuuming, whereas the articulating turbine blade will provide safe climbing. Assembling the cleaner is effortless as the swiveling hoses rock a quick-connect style.
You get plenty of accessories with the suction side pool cleaner; you should give it a try if your money is tight and you want to wait until reaching the “real thing.”
About the Polaris brand
Polaris is a widely known pool cleaner manufacturer that makes automatic pool cleaners and manual swimming pool cleaners at prices that most people afford.
Polaris has attracted and impressed its customers with superior product quality and customer service for the last four decades. The company also offers support in the swimming pool maintenance department.
Polaris only turns to the most revolutionary and effective cleaning technologies in their products, which explains its pool cleaners’ outstanding cleaning performance.
The company relies on numerous technologies, and we’re only listing the most impressive of them:
- Design for booster pump
- All-wheel belt drive
- Vortex vacuum technology
- Active motion sensor technology
- Programmable timer
- Patented jet sweep assembly
- Waterline only cleaning cycle.
Polaris pool cleaner categories
Robotic pool cleaners and pressure side pool cleaners make the main Polaris product line. The Polaris pool cleaners within the commercial product line come with fantastic design features and market performance.
Only the best and most experienced technicians in the pool maintenance industry are working on engineering the Polaris pool cleaners. The technicians will test every pool cleaner for quality assurance reasons.
Customer service and support
Search function
Even if Polaris pool cleaners are excellent, they will still wear and tear after some time. Polaris provides a handy search section on the website where you can easily find the components you wish to replace.
You will identify the replacement part by dialing in a part number/keyword in the search bar. All-purpose debris bags and backup valves make the components that require replacement after some time.
How-to videos
You can find the video/videos you need in the vast collection of how-to videos that Polaris offers to its customers. These videos will give you details on how particular pool cleaners work.
You can find how-to videos on mounting a Polaris pressure pool cleaner or trim the hose on the pressure pool cleaner.
These videos are also easy to understand and follow, as they include both verbal and visual information.
Contact information
Should you have any questions about your Polaris pool cleaner, you will be able to contact the company by phone, fax, email, social media, and even live chat.
Should you buy a Polaris pool cleaner?
Nobody says that it’s impossible to clean the pool with your own two hands (and some cleaning tools, of course). However, it’s not going to take many cleaning sessions to understand that investing in a robotic or automatic pool cleaner will save you a lot of effort and time. It can also save you money, mainly if you continuously deal with back pain and get treatment for it.
More importantly, automatic pool cleaners will expand the pool filter’s durability as they pick up debris before it reaches the filers. The list of benefits goes on with easier scheduling of pool maintenance; with many automatic models, you will plan the pool cleaner days before.
It will always be easier for you to select a model when you have all the details you need. The variety of models could be overwhelming if you know nothing about automatic pool cleaners, so give a good thought to the following aspects:
In-ground or above ground pool
It’s probably the easiest factor to consider when seeking an automatic pool cleaner. You need to look outside (if you’ve never used your pool so far).
Size of the pool
Bigger pools will require you to pair the Polaris pool cleaner with a booster pump, so it’s essential to know the pool’s size. If you don’t know it for sure, measure it before placing your order.
The budget
Price shouldn’t be the decisive factor when buying a pool cleaner. It’s always better to wait if you don’t have the budget for a performant and robust pool cleaner right now. A smaller and cheaper model won’t go to a great cleaning job and may give up even sooner than expected, forcing you to spend more on the pool cleaner later on.
It would help if you didn’t settle for the less powerful and smaller pool cleaner; it’s wiser to wait a bit longer and buy the more powerful and more performant pool cleaner. It will be a wise investment to make on any given day.
The conclusion
You no longer need to hurt your back or buy every year a new pool cleaner. It’s time to make an effort and get yourself an automatic pool cleaner- you will be able to use your energy and time with something else rather than cleaning the pool!
