Keeping your swimming pool clean makes it more inviting – and helps prevent potentially harmful buildup that can endanger the health of your friends and family. Getting it cleaned indeed takes a lot of effort and time, but thanks to automatic pool cleaners, you can have a pool where anyone can jump in and have fun anytime without worry.
For over 40 years, Polaris has been an all-American powerhouse of a brand – providing cleaning solutions to thousands of satisfied pool owners. Currently the best-selling brand for pool cleaners on the market, it’s held that spot for various reasons – foremost being its outstanding technology, high reliability, and ease of installation.
Here’s a quick list of their best-automated products to get you started.
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7 Best Polaris Automatic Pool Cleaners
Polaris’s Vac-Sweep 280
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner is a powerful unit that can handle grime and dirt in all in-ground pools. You can quickly and easily connect the pressure-side Polaris pool cleaner to your dedicated pressure line and start your clean-up. Remember, however, that this model requires a booster pump.
The 280 is best known for its three-wheel design, and it can work like a pro regardless of the shape and size of your pool. It can effectively scrub, sweep, and vacuum your pool, as well as clean the bottom of it.
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 features a large opening ideal for large debris like acorns, leaves, and pebbles – so you don’t need to worry if you have a considerable amount of foliage around your pool. With its dual venturi-jet vacuum, you can be sure that it has more than enough power to suck everything in.
Since it can collect larger debris, it also comes with a large-capacity filter bag. The Polaris 280 can gather all the rubbish even before it reaches your filter and pump basket. This is a huge perk – it means less time and money spent on filter cleaning work. You are also helping extend the longevity of your pool’s filtration system.
Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport
Another model from Polaris’ pressure side pool cleaners is the Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport model Polaris pool cleaner.
What makes the product stand out is its impressive vacuum power, legendary performance, and incomparable convenience. You know that as long as it is from Polaris that it will be reliable, but the model beats the standard that the brand has set.
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport Polaris pool cleaner model can encapsulate all the Polaris’ expected features plus additional durability, performance, and reliability.
Cleaning your pool can be done much faster now because this one produces the best drive torque and vacuum power, so there’ll be lesser hang-ups in getting the job done. It boasts an all-wheel PosiDrive system complete with a durable stainless steel drive chain that can deliver 50% additional torque.
All of this is made possible by having a dual-chambered zipper SuperBag so dirt and debris can be cleaned quickly and less frequently.
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport pool cleaner also comes with TailSweep Pro – an advanced sweep hose development that can blow debris out of those hard-to-reach angles, keeping the swimming pool water from spraying out of the pool.
Polaris F9550 Sports
If you’re looking for the best possible cleaning product on the market, you can’t go further than the Polaris F9550 Sports Robotic In-Ground pool cleaner. The product is such a futuristic cleaner that you can’t help but be in awe when you watch it clean your pool. This impressive 4WD comes with an Easy Lift system, dirty canister indicator, motion-sensing handheld remote, and a Vortex Vacuum technology for industry-leading cleaning performance.
You can set the model face to face with your pool terrain, and it will expertly climb through the walls of your pool and the steps and meticulously scrub the tile lines with its solid-blade scrubbing brush.
If that is not impressive enough, the 9550 Sport robotic cleaner has a 7-day programmable timer that you can 100% set as you deem necessary. Schedule the cleaning cycles and let them do their job. You can oversee the swimming pool cleaning while doing other chores since it comes with an intuitive motion-sensing remote.
All you need is to point the Polaris Vac-Sweep 9550 Sport automatic pool cleaner to where you want it to clean, and it will happily scrub even larger pools that are 60’ long.
Polaris Vac-Sweep 65
Another of Polaris’ pressure side automatic pool cleaners is the Vac-Sweep 65 model. Ideal for above-ground vinyl pools, this installs in just a matter of minutes and effectively loosens debris on those hard-to-reach areas and tight corners.
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 works by trapping larger debris like pebbles and leaves on its built-in filter bag. It is more than capable of cleaning swimming pools with a depth of five feet and even if it has a bumpy bottom. Give it a maximum of three hours, and it should leave you with a clean and inviting swimming pool.
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 pool cleaner is driven by the sanitary water’s pressure returning to your pool. The process allows your filter and skimmer to be free of contaminants. Thanks to its unique filter bag, it can remove debris even before it gets into the pump basket. It may be a minor detail, but the feature considerably impacts the longevity of your entire filtration system.
Polaris Vac-Sweep 165
The Vac-Sweep 165 by Polaris is one of the brand’s pressure side pool cleaners that are best used in vinyl, in ground pools. It can also work well if you have a fiberglass pool.
This model operates with a filtration and pump system; and it can be installed in a matter of minutes. It is powered by the pressure of clean water that is going back to the pool.
The Polaris 165 takes advantage of an original jet sweep assembly that knock-backs the water against the pool. The process aims to loosen the swimming pool’s debris, especially on those challenging and tight corners, if your type of pool isn’t the usual shape or has an uneven bottom.
With its integrated removable filter bag, you can be sure that you have all the debris floating around collected before it gets into your filter or pump basket.
Polaris’s Vac-Sweep 280 Black Max
The Polaris 280 is already a great option, but if you want a sleeker look, then the Black Max variant is what you are looking for. It is the dark-colored version of the brand’s blue-and-white 280 models. Like its standard version, this too needs a booster pump.
Sharing the same features as the Polaris 280, the product is one of the best automatic cleaners for in ground pools. It comes with a backup valve, an all-purpose zippered bag, a universal wall fitting attachment, and a 31’ hose.
The product uses a narrow turbine, idler wheel, and drive shafts to collect, stir, and trap the debris on your pool floor and walls. It also comes integrated with double venturi jets so it can conveniently move around in your in-ground pool and do its cleaning job effectively.
Capable of holding small and medium-sized debris, the BlackMax can collect acorns, leaves, and pebbles without passing through the pump basket. The minor system it follows helps prolong the life of your pool filtration system.
Polaris Turbo Turtle
You won’t find a cleaner as cute and as efficient as the 6-130-00T Turbo Turtle pool cleaner. The adorable turtle is ideal for above-ground pools of up to 5′ in depth.
This turtle pressure side pool cleaner effectively loosens all the debris on those hard-to-reach areas on your pool. It traps and collects large debris and stores it in its filter bag. The cleaner is an adorable pool decoration as well. If you have kids, they’ll love the cleaning turtle to bits.
The Turbo Turtle powerfully vacuums your pool’s bottom and systematically sweeps the sides, and in less than three hours, your pool is all clean and debris-free. It ensures that it collects the dirt even before it gets into the filter, which adds years to your pool filtration system.
Easy to install and maintain, the Turbo Turtle Polaris pool cleaner can keep your pool clean every day.
Which Is the Best Polaris Pool cleaner?
This is a tough call given that all the contenders are from Polaris, a brand well-reputed for their practical, innovative, and reliable Polaris’s pool cleaners.
All are qualified to be the best Polaris pool cleaner, depending on your needs.
Owning any Polaris pool cleaner from the brand is a sure win already, but if there is one ultimate champion among the models, it will be the Polaris F9550 pool cleaner.
Simply put, the model comes with so many futuristic features and top-of-the-line tech that you’ll find yourself killing time while watching it zip along with your pool – it’s just that great to see in action.
It’s incredible how Polaris explored the possibility of robotics and integrates that into their cleaning products. No doubt, it cleans very well thanks to its ActivMotion sensory technology, where it becomes more focused and would take more time cleaning areas that need additional scrubbing.
Another thumbs-up for the F9950 Polaris pool cleaner is its programmability. You can set it to focus on the dirtiest areas of your pool or select its cleaning cycle so you can leave it as is. If you forget to pre-program it, its remote comes in real handy because you can direct it to the areas you want to be cleaned, and it will follow without any complaints.
Yes, this is not the first robotic pool cleaner, but it is undoubtedly one of the first to handle irregularly shaped pools. Debris – big or small – doesn’t matter because it will clean it up without any effort. There is no need for you to pick up twigs, pebbles, and leaves yourself because the robot cleaner can do it all.
One thing to make this perfect is if the best Polaris pool can make its power cord length longer. Six feet can go around, but you will need a longer power extension cable to make it a completely seamless cleaning product. Other than this flaw, it’s one of the most impressive Polaris robotic pool cleaners you can buy today.
Objectively, this is the best among all of Polaris’ pool cleaners. Sure, it comes with a heftier price tag, but you get the best quality and much more with the model. It always gets the job done, and it will leave your pool clean all the time, giving you back some of your time back in the process. Polaris Robotic pool cleaners are the future of pool cleaning.
What if you’re looking for something a little more affordable? Read on for more.
What Is The Difference Between The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 And The Polaris Vac-Sweep 380?
The Polaris vac-sweep 280 and Polaris Vac-Sweep 380 are two of the top choices for pressure-side cleaners – and cost about half that of the F9550 Sports, making them a relatively affordable, high-quality product.
Both of these Polaris pool cleaner models have established a name for their durability and long-lasting performance. But it is vital that you also note their differences to make a better choice between the two. You have to consider your personal needs, design, and overall functionality so your purchase is geared towards a satisfied purchase.
Here’s a handy table to help make your comparisons easier:
| Features | Polaris 280 Pool cleaner | Polaris 380 Pool cleaner |
| Number of Propulsion Jets | For propulsion, this model uses two jets. | This model uses three jets for propulsion. |
| Drivetrain System | Gears and jets propel the wheels, which means lesser maintenance is required. | It uses a wheel belt drive for a faster operation. |
| Number of Moving Parts | This has lesser moving parts which come in handy during routine maintenance. | This has more moving parts, which makes maintenance more time-consuming. |
| Scrubbing Tail Length | It has a shorter tail so that it can cover less scrubbing space. | It covers more scrubbing space thanks to its long tail. |
| Cleaning cycle Length | For average-sized pools, expect the cleaning cycle to take 3 hours. | The expected cleaning cycle for average-sized pools is 2.5 hours. |
| Filter Bag Size | It is integrated with larger filter bags. | The filter bags are smaller. |
| Vacuum Opening Size | This has a larger vacuum opening so large debris can be collected without any problems. | The vacuum opening is smaller, so it can’t collect all debris on the pool. |
| Overall Costs | Upfront and maintenance costs are lower. | Higher upfront and maintenance costs. |
The choice is up to you based on what you are looking for. If your pool is a large ground pool and you want the cleaning to get done fast, then the Polaris 380 pool cleaner is exactly what you need. However, if you are looking into lowering maintenance costs while still getting the job done, you should get the Polaris 280 pool cleaner model.
If you’re looking for even more economy, you might want to consider the Polaris 360. Here’s how it fares against the 280.
Battle of The Pool Cleaner: Is The Polaris 360 Better Than 280?
At a glance, the Polaris 280 is the more expensive option not just for its upfront costs but also the maintenance costs involved, but it does an excellent job in cleaning your pool. While the 360 model is a bit cheaper, this comes with considerable drawbacks – which we’ll soon dive into.
If you can get past these considerations, then one difference that can make one model better than the other will be the Polaris 280’s booster pump compatibility.
The Polaris 280 is the best choice for you if your pool has a pre-existing booster pump. If it doesn’t, then your best Polaris pool cleaner option will now fall to the Polaris Vac-Sweep 360.
Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 does not need an additional booster pump.
Here are other factors that can help you make your choice between the Polaris 280 and 360:
Debris Cargo
If heaps of leaves are regulars in your pool, then the Polaris 280 is a better option for you because it has a bigger vacuum opening to collect this kind of debris. At the same time, it also has a larger debris bag so you can collect more of the larger debris before it starts to get stuck in your cleaner.
As a huge plus, the Polaris 280 is compatible with other types of bags, so you can also use the same cleaner, but this time for finer debris. You can switch up the bags depending on the season and current weather conditions.
Another reason to point towards the Polaris 280 is that it receives freshly filtered water courtesy of the boost pump attached to the equipment. The methodology prevents the debris from clogging up the Polaris’ hose.
With the Polaris 360, you will have a greater chance of being clogged up because the water you receive is not filtered. So, if you have some vegetation or perhaps some shedding trees around or near your pool, the Polaris 280 is better than the 360.
Monthly Power Bills
When it comes to electrical charges and keeping the electric bill at its minimum, the Polaris 360 is the best and more practical choice for your household.
Just do the math. The Polaris 280 needs two pumps – one from the main pool and the booster pump being the second. Sure, you won’t be running it 24/7, but just a maximum of four hours a day. It might not sound much, but it is an unnecessary addition to your bill when you add it up over time.
Now your new best friend in saving costs, the Polaris 360 only relies on the main pool pump. It doesn’t need anything else, so it means a handful of savings for you.
Maintenance Costs
Both Polaris options would need to be maintained and repaired over time to ensure longevity for both your pool and its cleaning system.
Like all appliances and gadgets, these cleaners also get affected by the usual wear and tear. The debris bag can develop holes, the wheels go thinner, and the gears can eventually break. The booster pump of the Polaris 280 would also need a replacement after 4 to 7 years, and if you seek a professional to help install a new one, you’re looking at considerable future expenses.
It is not something that you have to worry about with the 360 since it doesn’t need a booster pump – but look at the bigger picture. Over time, the 280 is your best choice because the 360 unit is pressured to work twice as hard. This means you will have more maintenance and replacements done on the Polaris 360 over the years.
The Polaris 280 is only required to work a maximum of four hours, but the Polaris 360 works as long as your pool pump is on. Consider scheduling regular inspections if you choose to go with the latter.
Conclusion
Getting a Polaris pool cleaner is one of the smartest choices you can make. It is a brand trusted because of its superb performance and unwavering reliability. Owning a pool is a pretty major investment and needs proper care over the years – so investing in a great system that keeps your friends and family safe in a spotless pool is well worth the time and money.
Pools come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and environments – so making the perfect choice for your pool can be a bit daunting. We hope that you’ve been well-informed about Polaris’ various products, and have made that choice a little bit easier for you.
