Polaris 280 Pool Cleaners

There are basically three types of automatic swimming pool cleaners: skimmer systems, booster-pump systems, and in-floor systems.

Skimmer Systems
With skimmer systems, the pool cleaner connects to the skimmer and uses the suction from the skimmer to continuously vacuum the pool. You use a standard vacuum hose to connect the skimmer suction opening with the vacuum head which then roams the bottom of the pool.

With this type of pool cleaner, you need to make sure the pump strainer pot stays clean. The strainer can become clogged with leaves and other debris which reduces the suction. You can prevent this by periodically cleaning the strainer pot or adding a leaf-collecting canister to the hose (easier).

Booster-Pump Systems
Booster-pump swimming pool cleaning systems involve installing a separate pump that catches water that is on its way back to the pool after visiting the filter and heater. The pump turbocharges the water, sending a high-pressure stream through a flexible hose attached to a cleaner that moves around the pool.

The two types of booster-pump systems are Vacuum Head and Sweep Head. Vacuum head pool cleaners have catch bags for collecting the debris. Sweep head pool cleaners stir up debris with their long swirling arms to propel it into the main drain where it is sucked into the debris basket or caught in the filter. Polaris pool cleaners fall under this category.

In-Floor Systems
In-floor swimming pool cleaning systems are built into the pool's circulation system. You need to plan ahead if you want to have this kind of pool cleaning system. In-floor cleaners can be used with concrete pools and must be installed at the time the pool is built. These cleaners work by having heads that pop up on the bottom of the pool and spray jets of water to push the dirt toward the main drain. The cleaning takes place in the circulation system.

The Polaris Pool Cleaners fall under the Booster-Pump group.
Details on selected polaris pool cleaners as follows:

Polaris 280 Automatic Pool Cleaner
The Polaris 280 runs off its own booster pump, working independently from the rest of your pool system. It enables the 280’s double jets to provide greater vacuum power and faster cleaning. The 280 vacuums, sweeps and scrubs the bottom and walls of any size or shape in-ground pool, be it gunite, fiberglass or vinyl. The extra large bottom opening picks up large debris like leaves, acorns and pebbles.The Polaris 280 is covered by the Polaris 5/1 limited warranty.
Includes: All Purpose Bag, Head, 31- foot Feed Hose with In-line Backup Valve and Sweep Hose.
Polaris 280 Reviews
***** Five stars - By Swimdad (San Jose, CA)
After receiveing the $85 quote to repair my aging Polaris cleaner I knew it was time for a new one. With all the incentives on the 380 or 3900 I was going to go with the 380 which was actually cheaper (after incentives) than the 280 but I started asking around - mostly pool professionals - and all (8 for 8) recommended the 280 even if the price were higher. We are happy with the purchase and I was able to save over $100 by buying off Amazon vs. any retail store. There were a few other online sites where it was $15-$20 cheaper but didn't have the reputation or # of stars.
***** Five stars - By Simon Walters (Orlando, FL)
No pool boy needed with this robot!
I just purchased my second Polaris 280. My first is still running but not as strong as when I first purchased it. However the thing works great. It does a nice job of stirring things up if it so the filter has a chance to work. The one thing they don't tell you is they also sell these in black and while the first one I got with my pool was white, I have a a black gunite pool and it makes sense to have a black one. The thing works like a charm and I can't say enough about it other than shut it off when changing the bag or you will get soaked.

Polaris 380 Automatic Pool Cleaner
Designed for people who believe cleaning should be performed regularly, thoroughly, and never, ever, by a human being. The 380 runs off its own booster pump, working independently from the rest of your pool system. This enables the 380’s three jets to provide greater vacuum power and faster cleaning. The 380 vacuums, sweeps and scrubs the bottom and walls of any size or shape in-ground pool, be it gunite, fiberglass or vinyl-lined. The large bottom opening picks up debris like leaves, acorns and pebbles. The Polaris 380 is covered by the Polaris 10/2 limited warranty.
Includes: All Purpose Bag, Head, 31- foot Feed Hose with In-line Backup Valve and Sweep Hose.

Polaris 3900 Sport Automatic Pool Cleaner (**New)
The Polaris designers have taken 40 years of experience with customers to design this latest and best booster-operated 3900 Sport cleaner. Improvements include better hose attachments, more powerful suction for wide-path vacuuming, and WideTrax tires for better climbing and maneuverability.
Features:
* Requires a booster pump
* For all in-ground pools
* Distributes clean, filtered water while cleaning. Circulates an additional 40GPM
* New all-wheel PosiDrive system delivers 50% more torque
* Durable plastic and Stainless Steel components for long years of service
* A new bag design with easy twist-release connector and full zippered access to the 5 liter (double-sized) SuperBag. Empty less often and collect more debris.
* WideTrax tires to improve climbing and maneuverability.