If you’re looking for a pool cleaner that does more than just sweep the surface, you might be wondering which one is best. We’ll look at the Polaris Vac-Sweep 280, 360, and 8050 Sport Robotic Pool Cleaners.
All of these passed through our tough 9-step testing, and this brand didn’t let us down.
Each one has its benefits and features. Choosing the right one for your needs will make cleaning your pool much easier, and you’ll love the clean-up it does!
Which are the Best Polaris Robotic Pool Vacuums?
Read very carefully before tapping any pool vacuum. If you feel somewhat confused, then don’t baffle, as we’ve brought you all the vital buying tips and considerations down there.
1. Polaris Vac-Sweep 280
If you’re looking for a reliable automatic pressure-side pool cleaner, the Polaris Vac-Sweep model 280 might be right. It operates on its own and requires little supervision.
It’s signature three-wheel design lets it navigate obstacles and clean all angles of your pool. It has an optional TailSweep Pro, which provides maximum water propulsion and eliminates pool spray.
The Vac-Sweep 280 comes with an all-purpose, zippered bag and a 31-foot hose with swivels and floats. It also features an in-line filter assembly, a backup valve, and a tail scrubber.
The unit also requires a booster pump. It cleans your pool in two hours. The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 can operate up to nine meters.
The Polaris Vac-Sweep is one of the best automatic pool cleaners on the market. It uses double jets to sweep the Bottom of your pool, scrub the walls, and vacuum the steps. With its extra-large Bottom opening, the Vac-Sweep 280 is a must-have for anyone with an inground pool. The cleaner also works well with vinyl or fiberglass inground pools.
Another Polaris pool cleaner is the Vac-Sweep 280. This model is similar to the 360 but has a slightly wider inlet. It incorporates a belt-drive mechanism and three jet nozzles to effectively clean your pool.
Both models are excellent, but the 360 is the clear winner. In addition to the Polaris 360, the 280 is also a good choice for homeowners.
Aside from the 280 pool cleaner’s high-quality design, the 280 also comes with a booster pump. It is required for use in a pool with a booster pump, and this will add a few hundred dollars to your overall budget.
It also has a water-saving feature that saves you a lot of time. However, it will require a booster pump, which can be expensive.
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2. Polaris Vac-Sweep 360
If you have an inground pool and are looking for a good pressure-side pool cleaner, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 380 is a good choice. This model features a single chamber filter bag for quick and efficient cleaning, a sweep hose tail to pick up dirt and dust, and a large Bottom opening for picking up large debris. This model is suitable for any size or shape pool.
The Polaris Vac-Sweep combines powerful cleaning with easy maintenance and comes with a strong after-sales service. Installation is easy, and you won’t have to worry about pump malfunctions.
You can also easily access the filter bags and clean them without hassle. You won’t have to install a separate pump, which also consumes little electricity. It is an all-around pool cleaner that’s great for busy families.
It is the more expensive model. However, it is a reliable option if you want a pressure pool cleaner that won’t require a booster pump. The Polaris 380 is similar but costs a bit more than the 360.
However, the 360 is better from a value-for-money standpoint. Both models are built remarkably well and last for a long time.
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 is a pressure-side automatic pool cleaner with an iconic three-wheel design. It cleans the Bottom of the pool as well as its walls.
The unit has a 31-foot hose and internal jets to pick up large debris. A backup valve is also included. You’ll be able to use this cleaner even on steep pools notorious for being dirty.
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3. Polaris 8050 Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner
While these devices are great for cleaning the pool, they are not cheap. These machines can cost more than two thousand dollars, and a basic model is only $1,000. On the other hand, Suction cleaners can stay in the pool year-round, collecting debris and other pollutants from the skimmer box and the filter.
They are also more expensive and may require complex repair procedures and maintenance. Choosing the right one is therefore vital in the long run.
The Polaris 8050 Sport robotic pool cleaner is designed to clean all in-ground pool surfaces, including tile lines. Its cyclonic cleaning action maintains debris suspension, ensuring powerful suction during the cleaning cycle.
The machine also features a convenient Push’N-Go filter canister that allows users to easily remove debris and see its location in the pool. The robot adjusts its suction to fit all types of surfaces, including those with uneven surfaces.
This robot pool cleaner features a patented turbine system for extremely quiet operation. Its patented SmartDrive(r) program steering system reduces friction by steering the cleaner away from obstacles. The machine is backed by a two-year limited manufacturer’s warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship.
In addition, a durable caddy makes it easy to transport. It is recommended for pools with smaller yards and has a long cleaning cycle, which can take up to two hours per cycle.
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4. Polaris Vac-Sweep 380
If you’re looking for a more advanced pool cleaner, you should look at the Polaris Vac-Sweep 360. This model can only clean the pool floor and the steps, while the 380 can clean the floor and the walls.
Another key difference between the two models is the number of propulsion jets. The more jets, the more thorough the cleaning process will be.
The 380 has a powerful all-wheel belt drive mechanism that increases vacuum power. This machine also has standard tire wheels, making it easy to maneuver around obstacles and uneven terrain. This pool cleaner is durable and designed to clean your entire pool.
For best results, set the wheel RPMs in the correct range and set the thrust jet to the 11 o’clock position. You can also adjust the machine to go in circles.
You’ll want a larger machine if you have a large backyard pool. The Polaris 380 can clean the walls, floors, and steps. This model requires a booster pump. It is recommended that you purchase a larger model to clean larger areas. There’s a wide range of features for this model. Make sure to check out Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 reviews before you decide to purchase it.
If you’re looking for an all-around pool cleaner, the Polaris 380 might be right for you. Its three-wheel design and turbojet technology make it a great all-around choice, and its ability to clean pools is well regarded.
Customers who own this cleaner are generally satisfied with it and have been using it for years. With all that it offers, it’s hard to go wrong.
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5. Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport
The Polaris Vac-Sweep line of pressure-side pool cleaners is a great choice for many pool cleaning needs. This model features a five-liter Super bag and a large, durable pump for maximum vacuuming ability.
It is compatible with chlorine and saltwater pools and is an excellent choice for swimming pools with many rocks, debris, and other elements. Its wide-throat entrance allows it to pick up even the largest rocks and debris. The high-quality, durable, powerful pump is easy to use and requires no maintenance.
The Polaris Vac-Sweep (r) 3900 Sport is one of the most powerful pressure-side cleaners available today. With more torque and an all-wheel-drive system, this machine can clean even the most demanding of pools.
It also comes with an auto-reverse feature that prevents you from having to restart your machine if it hits something. Another nice feature is the replacement parts for this unit.
The Polaris Vac-Sweep has an irrigation system with a 1-1/2-inch feed hose long enough to clean a 25-foot pool. The hose is also 31 feet long and can be cut to any desired length if necessary. It has a hose that’s easy to connect and disconnect from the main unit. The water-level gauge and a pressure tester are also included.
This model comes with a dual-chamber zippered Super Bag that collects debris as it sweeps the walls of your pool. Featuring reversible technology, the Super Bag is capable of freeing itself from clogged areas.
This cleaner is compatible with all in-ground pools. You’ll need a booster pump for this model to operate. You’ll also need a bottle of chlorine bleach and a Super Bag for the Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport pressure-side pool cleaner.
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How Does A Robotic Pool Cleaner Work?
These machines are powerful and remove particles of different sizes. Plus, they don’t connect to your pool circulation system in any way and don’t depend on the filter in your pool. They operate on good, old-fashioned electricity. You plug them into the electrical outlet, then put them into the water. It’s a bit odd, isn’t it?
They operate on extremely low voltage, which means they’re submersible. They’re equipped with extremely long power cords that can be connected to ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. These outlets will shut off automatically when any imbalance in electrical power is detected, and you will not be shocked.
Some models are “double insulated,” which means they’re built to work with no grounding plug. For safety’s sake, however, it’s best to connect them to a GFCI outlet.
A robot pool cleaner moves around your pool, cleaning the floors and walls using tiny brushes and then vacuuming all kinds of debris from silt to Acorns.
Most models will scrub the pool’s floor and walls, and some will clean the waterline around the pool since they’re not connected to your home’s filter system. Robotic cleaners come with filters or built-in cartridges for collecting debris.
Bonus: Robotic Pool Cleaners also enhance water circulation and serve as a second-stage filter for your pool. When water flows through the cleaner, any debris is gathered into a bag, which will reduce the amount of water to 2 microns to create an extremely healthy pool.
Why Robotic Cleaners Are Better Than Pressure-Side and Suction-Side Pool Cleaners?
Suction-Side Cleaners connect to your skimmer for your pool. They use the pump and filter suction to drive the cleaner across the pool and then collect particles off the ground. They’re the cheapest of the automated pool cleaners. Because they depend on your pool’s filter system, several things could be wrong if there’s no one to monitor it.
Pressure-Side pool cleaners (like Polaris 360 or Polaris 65) connect on one return jet within your pool. They use the pressure generated by the filter and pump to move the cleaning equipment through the pool.
The cleaner also creates a water vortex vacuum to draw particles into its bag for filtration. The cleaner also depends on the filtration system you have; however, it has its bag of filtering, and therefore, a lot less could happen.
Robotic cleaners for pools are the most efficient of the two cleaners. They cleanse your pool without the need for a filter system. They use suction instead of pressure and keep debris and dirt in their bag for filtering inside.
If you want to know more about the various automatic pool cleaners, the best time to employ them will best suit your pool.
Benefits of Robotic Pool Cleaners
- A robotic cleaner cleans and circulates water from the pool. Additionally, it keeps particles from the filter; increased circulation can reduce the pressure on your pump. A robotic cleaner could assist in the circulation and cleaning of your pool should your pump fail to function, the filter fails, or you experience an issue with the plumbing. When temperatures are at their highest in the summer months, it allows you to repair or replace without your pool turning green. By the flow rate, robots can clean pool water up to 55,000 gallons in an hour.
- Robotic cleaners do not depend on the circulation and filtration system. This feature has several advantages. Since robot cleaners capture particles in the onboard filter, this eases the pressure on your filter system and extends the time between cleaning the filter. In turn, this extends the life of the filter media. Due to this effective cleaning method, you can operate a robot cleaner for just pennies a day.
- Modern technology cleans the entire pool in a short time. The efficient coverage patterns ensure the most effective clean and scrubbing brushes effectively cleanse the pool’s surfaces, from the floor down to the steps, the walls, and the line of water. Certain cleaners can complete the cleaning of a pool in just one hour.
- Remote controls and modes can be programmed to give you the most control over your cleaning. You can control the duration and type of each cleaning cycle to suit the unique requirements of your pool. Many of the latest models come with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to control the machine using an app you can run on your smartphone. Some models come with remote controls for programming as well as other functions.
- Robotic cleaners are simple to set up, use and maintain. There’s no complicated plumbing installation, no booster pumps required, and no expensive adapters to locate. All you have to do is connect the cleaner to a standard outlet to turn it on and place it into the water. After the cleaning process, take the filter out and spray it using the garden hose. That’s it!
The 10 Best Features to Look For in a Robotic Pool Cleaner
1. Wide Tires and Four-Wheel Drive
You won’t be off-roading with it. A pool cleaner will not accomplish its work when it’s unable to maneuver within the pool. We suggest four-wheel drive and large tires made of rubber, not plastic so that the cleaner can navigate over bumps and not struggle to maneuver slippery surfaces on the sides and the bottom of your pool.
2. Energy Efficiency
The size of the cleaning machine will decide the amount of power it requires. Smaller cleaners can use around 200 watts of power each hour. Larger models will use more power, but you should stay clear of models that consume more than 1,000 watts each hour, as they’ll be more expensive to run with time.
3. Lightweight
The dimension of your pool cleaning machine doesn’t have any significance; its weight will. The bigger your pool, the greater the machine; however, you must be able to lift it to carry it out and into the pool. If the cleaner for your pool has a heavy weight, you’ll be having an issue maintaining the machine and your pool without assistance.
4. Swivel Cord
There’s no way to avoid the need for cords when using an automatic pool cleaner. Since it will be in and around your pool and climbing walls vertically and stairs and even stairs, the cord could easily get caught, preventing your cleaner in place. Swiveling cords can avoid tangles and allow your robot pool cleaner the flexibility it requires.
5. Programmable Timer
The purpose of a pool cleaning machine is to make life simpler. If you must get out and start it each time you wish it to start, this removes the ease and efficiency of using. The most effective cleaners have timers that can be programmed so that they can be set up and put away. Be sure to wipe it now and then. Even the cleaner needs cleaning!
6. Efficient Pool Cleaning Cycles
Each pool cleaner has different cleaning cycles for pools that last longer than the others. Ideally, you’ll want one who can cleanse your pool as swiftly and efficiently as possible while doing an excellent job. Some cleaners include various cycles to suit different levels of cleaning.
7. Climbing Ability
Ideally, you’ll want a pool cleaner with a robot adept at climbing. The most effective ones can climb up the pool’s edges to wash the waterline and climb the steps of your pool (if you have stairs) to complete the job.
8. High-Quality Brushes
Cleaning the debris and dirt from your pool is a difficult task. Pool cleaners do it using brushes. We recommend using hard-bristle brushes or rubber rotating brushes that clean dirt off almost every surface of your pool.
9. Deflecting Features and Sensors
The most irritating issue with robots that clean pools is that they may become trapped in corners occasionally. Certain models have deflecting capabilities that can help keep the robot from becoming trapped in corners or other obstacles.
10. Durability
Pool cleaners can be costly, and you’ll need one made of high-quality products that will last. In the end, you might need to repair and replace the unit, but you don’t have to do so for more than a couple of swimming seasons. Check the warranty before using the cleaner to know what you can do if it doesn’t work.
How to Use a Robotic Pool Vacuum?
- After you have assembled your cleaner, connect it to the GFCI outlet.
- Choose your preferred options for pool cleaning. The settings will differ based on the model, but the most popular options comprise Bottom Only and Waterline Only.
- The robotic cleaner should be brought about halfway along the length of your pool to avoid the chance of cable tangling.
- Submerge the cleaner and gently move between sides, and allow the air to be released.
- Turn on the pool cleaner and allow it to sink to the depths of the swimming pool. Important: Don’t start your cleaner before placing it in the water as it could harm the machine. Turn off the machine before taking it out of the water.
- Then it’s the first time, you clean your pool’s walls. Be sure to check that the cleaner can fully penetrate the walls of your pool. Should it not be, you’ll have to alter your cleaning routine according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Clean your cleaner every time it has finished its work. Take it off the pool and allow all the water to drain before taking it to the storage area.
How Long Do Robotic Pool Cleaners Last?
If you’ve found the perfect pool cleaner ensure that you take care of it. This is the only way to prevent an eventual robot revolt. But wait, there’s a different type of robot.
However, maintaining your equipment will ensure that it runs well and can perform its work for a long and long time. Make sure you read the instruction manuals included with the equipment before letting it go into your swimming pool. At a minimum, take care to ensure that it’s functioning correctly.
- Remove the cleaner from the pool when its cycle is completed. It will help preserve the motor and make your pool safer for children to swim in.
- Clean your pool cleaner after each use. This means inspecting the wheels and brushes for debris and cleaning and emptying the filter.
- Clean your clothes away from direct sunlight.
- Replace damaged brushes immediately for optimal cleaning power.
- Clean the cleaner out of the water by the manufacturer’s instructions.
- If you notice that the cord becomes kinked after a while, Wrap your cord in the reverse direction from what you typically do when you store.
- Monitor the condition of your brushes and replace them if they wear out. Imagine it as buying new brushes to use in your pool.
Cleaning your home isn’t a burden. Minor maintenance is nothing when compared to the amount of time of cleaning you’ll be able to save.
Robotic Pool Cleaner Troubleshooting Tips
- Check the drive tracks, brushes, and impellers if the cleaner becomes stuck with accumulated debris.
- All kinds of issues. Make sure that the power cord is properly connected and that the power cord is not damaged.
- If the machine you’re using doesn’t appear to be working properly, lift it out of the water to determine whether it is sucking up water in the way it is supposed to. If it’s not, you might need to get it expertly repaired (one of the very few occasions in your life that you’ll have to fix something if it’s not sucking).
Are Robotic Pool Cleaners Worth It?
Bottom Line: Yes! Robotic pool cleaners are worth the cost. It’s the most money you’ve ever put into your pool.
A pool cleaner that is automated will be able to clean your pool in about three hours, depending on the size of your pool. Regular maintenance will greatly affect your pool’s efficiency, including maintaining clean filters and keeping the valves to their optimal settings.
Even if you examine every component of your cleaner at the end of each use, the amount of time and effort involved in keeping it in good shape is not much compared to the time you spend bent by your pool using brushes.
The only thing you’ll gain by investing in an automated pool cleaner is discomfort in your back.
FAQ
1. How Long Will the Robot Swimming Pool Cleaning Equipment Last?
Modern pool cleaners comprise many electronic and moving parts, and the lifespan of a robotic pool cleaning machine can vary based on usage frequency and the level of maintenance.
However, most users will notice that a robot pool cleaner lasts a minimum of 3 to five years, and some prolong the lifespan of their equipment up to 7 years or longer with regular maintenance and parts replacement.
2. How Do Robot Pool Cleaners Function?
If you’re sick of moving a vacuum around in your swimming pool, a robot vacuum will take the burden of the tasks off your hands, automating cleaning the floors and walls of your swimming pool.
“Robotic cleaners are the most expensive yet the easiest pool cleaners to use,” says Stewart Vernon, COO and the founder of America’s Swimming Pool Company. “They employ software to decide the best method to cleanse your pool. They do not require being connected to a circulation or pump system. Instead, they utilize an individual filter bag.”
This kind of pool cleaner uses its power supply and onboard filtration to wash your pool with minimal involvement from the user during the cleaning process.
The robotic pool cleaners typically connect to a power supply located outside the pool with a power cord. Some are even cordless. After it is put in the pool, the robot moves across the pool floor and walls taking in dirt and debris inside an onboard canister or filter tray bag.
3. What Is the Cost of Robot Pool Cleaning Machines?
On the average robotic pool, cleaners are priced between $500 to $1,200. Some budget-friendly robotic pool cleaners are as low as $200 to $300. However, they are limited in terms of cleaning capacity and features. Options such as advanced steering, WiFi built-in or Bluetooth, and various kinds of filter media tend to raise the cost of a robotic pool cleaning machine.
4. Are You Able to Take a Dip in Your Pool While Cleaning?
Pool cleaners should be handled with care, but they are safe to use when swimming. But, they might not do as well at cleaning the pool when you’re swimming in the pool using it.
“Technically, you can swim while your vacuum is at work, but I do not recommend it,” Vernon states. “It’s best for debris to settle at the bottom of the pool for the vacuum to suck it up.”
If you’re swimming, Vernon clarifies that the water is bubbling, making it more difficult for your vacuum cleaner to perform the same.
5. Is It Possible to Put a Robotic Cleaning Machine in Your Pool?
It’s perfectly safe to keep the robotic cleaning machine in your pool when it is not using it. Be sure to remove it after mixing chemicals in the pool. Additionally, it’s not advised to keep it in the water for prolonged durations.
Instead, it should be stored in a protected space when it’s not being used. The best robotic pool cleaners have an integrated timer that operates the cleaner at predetermined intervals when it is stored on the floor in the water.
6. How Often Do You Need to Clean the Pool?
Although keeping your pool spotless is important, the frequency at which you need to operate your robot pool cleaner is determined by certain aspects.
“The answer depends on how often you use your pool, how dirty it gets from the surrounding area, and the model of vacuum that you purchase,” Vernon states. ” If you swim in your pool regularly or notice lots of debris that is sweeping through your swimming pool, then you should run your cleaner every day.”
If you don’t utilize your pool often, Vernon suggests running it once weekly for the best maintenance. It’s equally vital to pay attention to the filter and make sure you’re keeping it clean frequently. “For the best results, you’ll want a clean filter so that it can pick up as much debris as possible within its capacity,” Vernon says.
