Do you own a swimming pool and wonder which of the Polaris cleaner you should purchase? It can be daunting to pick the best model from the Polaris 280, 360, and 380.
Our experts went through and tested each one of these pool cleaners. Here we have reviewed the Polaris 280 vs Polaris 360 vs Polaris 380.
Get the features and the difference between the three products.
Contents
Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner
The Polaris 280 is a powerful pool cleaner that comes with some great features, as seen here:
Three-Wheel Base: Adds Stability
It is a unit with a three-wheel base that provides stability and makes it easy to climb the walls and stairs. That ensures that you get a thoroughly cleaned facility.
And you can bet on effective cleaning due to the dual jets that ensure all the debris and dirt get to the large filter bag.
For In-Ground Pools: Most Surface
The pool cleaner was developed to clean in-ground pools and works for both the fiberglass and vinyl floors. You can use it to clean other kinds of the floor – check the brand’s recommendation.
One thing is the ease and quick cleaning you enjoy as it connects to a dedicated suction line. It should clean your pool within three hours.
31 Feet Hose: For Reaching All Corners
You can also count on the pool cleaner’s ability to reach the furthest corner of your pool. What more, you can add hose if you feel the one in the package is not enough.
The cleaner also makes use of a rear sweep tail feature to help remove debris from walls.
Specs
- Product Name: Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner
- Product Brand: Zodiac
- MPN: B002HRET6A
- Price: $582.93
- Weight: 6.2 Pounds
- Product Dimensions: 20 x 23 x 10 inches
- Color: blue and white
- Warranty: 2 years
What We Like
- Back-up valve for effective cleaning
- Mid-priced pool cleaner
- Has a simple design
What We Do Not Like
- Requires a booster pump
Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner
Polaris 360 is like the 280 and 380 models, but it does not require a booster pump when cleaning your pool.
Some of its highlights are:
No External Booster: Save Cost
We note that the Polaris 360 model does not require a booster pump for operation and saves operating costs. You only attach it to the pool’s pressure line, and it starts to remove the debris.
Its cleaning system is driven by jets that provide enough pressure to bring down the dirt on the surface and walls.
For Most Pools: Multi-Surface Cleaning
Another great thing is the pool cleaner’s ability to clean most surfaces, including vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete. And it comes with an extra-large filter that guarantees more cleaning time and less emptying.
That also makes it the ideal model for collecting large pieces of dirt, trash, and other materials. One benefit of the large filter is the ability to prolong the filter’s life by preventing wear and tear.
Besides, the internal jets help to circulate the water around your swimming pool, over stairs, and on the walls.
31 Feet Hose: Reaches All Corners
The pool cleaner comes with a 31 feet hose that is long enough to allow for adequate movement. This hose is ideal for cleaning the most inground pool, and you can always add hose if you want.
Specs
- Product Name: Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner
- Product Brand: Zodiac
- MPN: B002HRET56
- Price: $489.99
- Weight: 14.77 Pounds
- Product Dimensions: 20 x 10 x 22.75 inches
- Color: blue and white
- Warranty: 2 years
What We Like
- A back-up valve for auto cleaning at set intervals
- Does not use a booster pump to make operation
- Recommended for most surface
What We Do Not Like
- The cleaner is designed for cleaning only inground pools
Polaris Vac-Sweep 380 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner
The main benefit of Polaris 380 is the large capacity filter bag that can collect more trash than the 280 and 360 ones.
Other notable features are:
Single Chamber Filter Bag: For Containing More Trash
The unit comes with one large filter bag that helps to collect more trash during the cleaning process. It is quite huge and contains every dirt without needing to empty after an hour of cleaning.
Its bag also prevents the materials from accessing the pool filter system to prolong its life.
Belt-Driven System: Effective Wheel Rotation
Another great thing is the smooth belt system that ensures the wheels rotate without failing. And one notable thing is you can replace this belt when it gets worn – no need of calling an expert.
You can know when it is time to replace it since the machine will stop operating.
Useful Back-Up Valve: For Freeing the Cleaner
The pool cleaner also uses a back-up valve that helps to free it in case it gets stuck. One thing to note about this valve is that it helps to reverse the model every few minutes.
31 Feet Hose: Covers More Ground
You also get the 31 feet hose commonly found in Zodiac’s pool cleaner, which means it covers more ground. The cleaner is also fitted with scrubbers that improve the reach and cleaning ability.
It also makes use of a triple jet system that guarantees effective wall climbing.
Specs
- Product Name: Polaris Vac-Sweep 380 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner
- Product Brand: Zodiac
- MPN: B002HRET5Q
- Price: $489.99
- Weight: 16.88 Pounds
- Product Dimensions: 9.75 inches x 20 inches x 22.5 inches
- Color: blue and white
- Warranty: 2 years
What We Like
- A massive debris collecting bag
- Able to clean walls and floor
- Comes with scrubbers
What We Do Not Like
- Use of a booster pump
Final Words
We have seen that the Polaris 280 and 380 requires a booster pump to clean effectively while the 360 model does not require one. The 280 model comes with a large filter bag, the 360 comes with an extra-large filter bag, while the 380 comes with a single filter chamber bag.
