The Polaris Vac-Sweep series are very popular pressure-side pool cleaners made for cleaning inground swimming pools of all shapes and sizes. The Polaris brand has been in the automatic pool cleaner business for many years. The Vac-Sweep models are probably the most recognizable pressure-side pool cleaners that they offer to the residential swimming pool owner.
There are both inground and above ground models available. The Vac-Sweep 165, 180, 280, 360, 380 and 3900 Sport are designed for inground swimming pools, while the Vac-Sweep 65 is made for above ground pools up to 5 feet deep.
The Vac-Sweep 165 looks almost exactly the same as the 65 model, but it is designed for cleaning an inground vinyl or fiberglass pool that is up to 8 feet deep.
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 180 was the original pressure pool cleaner that had all the basic design features, which was carried over to the subsequent models. However, I am not going to review the original model. I will start with the Vac-Sweep 280, which might be the most popular model in the series.
Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure-Side Pool Cleaner
The Polaris 280 can clean the walls and floor of an inground swimming pool. It has a single chamber filter bag where it stores the leaves and other debris that it removes from the swimming pool floor. This keeps most of the debris away from the pool pump basket and filter. The sweep hose tail at its back sweeps across the swimming pool bottom to stir up dirt while the tail scrubber does the scrubbing.
Key Features Of The Polaris 280
- It has two jets for faster cleaning.
- Sweep hose tail for cleaning corners.
- It is an inground pool type cleaner for all pool surfaces.
- Single chamber debris bag for capturing larger rubbish such as acorns, pebbles and leaves.
- It is powered by a separate booster pump, which leaves the skimmer free to get rid of surface scum.
Polaris Vac-Sweep 280: FAQ
The Polaris 280 comes packed with a 31-foot hose kit, single chamber filter bag, operating instructions, backup valve, pool wall fittings and sweep hose with scrubber.
No, the booster pump is not included with the purchase of the pool cleaner. The Polaris 280 will not function without the extra water pressure that the booster pump adds. Therefore, it is an essential piece of equipment.
Unfortunately not. You need to have a Zodiac/Polaris PB4-60 booster pump if you want this pressure pool cleaner to function properly. If you already have a different brand name 60Hz booster pump, you might be able to use it. Otherwise, you will need to buy the booster pump to provide extra pressure-side power for the pool cleaner.
Yes, the back-up valve is included with the Vac-Sweep 280. This valve changes the pool cleaner’s direction and position in the swimming pool. This helps it to change its cleaning pattern and to avoid getting stuck on obstacles.
Many owners think it is a simple and reliable pool cleaner. It works very well once you have the water pressure and wheel rev/min fine-tuned to your specific pool.
The sweep hose sometimes sprays the area around the pool with water. This water spraying problem might be fixed by installing the Tail Sweep Pro attachment. It prevents the hose from spraying water and also improves its sweeping action. It is quick and easy to install since no tools are required for the job.
Polaris 280 vs. 360, 380 And 3900 Sport
There are other Polaris Vac-Sweep inground pressure-side pool cleaner models available such as the 360, 380 and 3900 Sport. They work along similar lines, but there are a few small differences between them:
- The Polaris 360, 380 and 3900 Sport have 3 jets, while the Polaris 280 has only 2 jets.
- The Vac-Sweep 360 is the only model that does not need a booster pump.
- Polaris 360, 380 and 3900 Sport have all-wheel drive, while the Polaris 280 has a shaft drive.
- The Polaris 3900 Sport has a dual-chamber debris bag, while the other models have single chamber bags.
Polaris Vac-Sweep 280: Verdict
The Polaris 280 is not too difficult to install, if you follow the instructions and watch a few videos, but it will not operate without the extra pressure from a booster pump.
The Polaris 280 is not without its problems, such as getting stuck on the steps, its tail sweeper hose spraying water everywhere. Moreover, the single chamber filter bag might be good at catching leaves and other large debris, but it is poor at removing fine dust and dirt.
Overall, owners seem to think that the Vac-Sweep 280 is better than the other models. Pool professionals also tend to recommend the Polaris 280 as an affordable pressure-side pool cleaner for inground swimming pools (buy Polaris 280 on Amazon).
Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure-Side Pool Cleaner
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 is a pressure-side inground pool cleaner which runs on a dedicated pressure line coming from the swimming pool pump.
Its primary advantage over other similar models (such as the Polaris 280 and 380) is that it does not require a booster pump. This saves money when it comes to pump installation costs and electricity usage.
The disadvantage of the Vac-Sweep 360 is that it is not as powerful as the other models that are boosted by a booster pump.
Key Features Of The Polaris 360
- Pressure-side pool cleaner is connected to a dedicated pressure line.
- Made for cleaning inground pools.
- Single chamber filter bag for storing the dirt and debris it collects.
- A back-up valve helps to get it unstuck from corners.
- Tail sweep hose scrubber cleans the area behind the pool cleaner.
- It does not need an extra booster pump: pool pump provides all the pressure.
- Included accessories: 31-foot hose kit, filter bag and operating instructions.
Take note that there is a Polaris 360 Black Max model available, which has a black color scheme. The dark color makes it much less visible if you have an inground swimming pool with a dark floor. Do not buy the Polaris 360 Black Max if you have a pool with a light color bottom: there is a small chance that the plastic wheels might leave dark marks on light pool surfaces.
What is the warranty on the Polaris 360?
It is covered by a limited warranty. You need to mail the warranty card to Polaris as quickly as possible. Please note that the limited warranty does not cover damage done to vinyl liners or freeze damage to the pool cleaner. It also does not cover wear and tear on certain pool cleaner parts such as the all-purpose bag, MaxTrax tires, sweep hose scrubber, sweep hose and the wear rings.
What parts are included in the box?
All-purpose filter bag, head float, pool cleaner body, sweep hose, sweep hose scrubber, replacement eyeball, eyeball regulators, feed hose, hose floats, back-up valve, pressure tester, quick disconnect with universal wall fitting.
Is the back-up valve included with the pool cleaner?
The back-up valve is included along with everything you need to connect it to a dedicated pressure line. The pool cleaner goes into reverse every few minutes so that it does not get stuck in a corner somewhere.
What are its advantages and disadvantages?
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 is easy to install, because it does not need a booster pump installation.
The Polaris 360 does not require an expensive booster pump like the Polaris 280/380 models do: as a result, the 360 model is less powerful when compared to the Polaris 280.
Similar to other automatic pool cleaners, it does not clean the stairs of a swimming pool. Furthermore, you will probably need to replace the filter bag and the tail scrubber once a year.
Polaris Vac-Sweep 360: Verdict
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 is slightly different from the 280 and the 380 models because it does not require a booster pump in order to function: it runs on a dedicated pressure line from the swimming pool pump system. This reduces the overall installation cost and electricity consumption of the Polaris 360. However, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 and 380 models are more powerful because of the extra pressure provided by the installation of a booster pump.
If you want a pressure-side automatic pool cleaner that works without a booster pump, then look no further than the Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 (purchase Polaris 360 on Amazon).
Polaris Vac-Sweep 380 Pressure-Side Pool Cleaner
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 380 is a pressure-side pool cleaner made for cleaning inground swimming pools with any shape or surface. It is designed to clean and sweep the pool floor and pool walls.
The biggest benefit of the Polaris Vac-Sweep 380 might be its large capacity filter bag.
Its biggest drawback might be the extra cost of installing and running its own Polaris booster pump (the PB4-60).
Key Features Of The Polaris 380
- All-wheel belt drive mechanism and classic tires.
- Debris is stored in its own single chamber filter bag.
- It has three venturi jets which push it around the pool and up the walls.
- Created for cleaning inground pools with all types of surfaces.
- Powered by a separate booster pump (not included with pool cleaner).
- It randomly scrubs, sweeps and vacuums the pool floor and pool walls.
- The back-up valve reverses the cleaner every 3 minutes to get it out of tight corners.
What components are included in the box?
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 380 comes with a 31-foot hose kit and operating instructions. The complete automatic pool cleaner is made up of these parts: all-purpose zippered filter bag, head float, cleaner body, sweep hose, sweep hose scrubber, feed hose, hose floats, back-up valve, in-line filter assembly, quick disconnect with universal wall fitting, and restrictor disks.
Which booster pump matches the Polaris 380?
You need to buy and install a booster pump to provide additional water pressure for the pool cleaner. The PB4-60 booster pump is recommended for the Polaris 380 swimming pool cleaner.
What is the warranty?
The pool cleaner comes with a limited warranty from the manufacturer. Please note that certain vinyl liners can be easily scratched or damaged by various objects in the pool. Therefore, the limited warranty does not cover damage to the vinyl liner of a swimming pool.
Polaris Vac-Sweep 380 vs. 280
The Polaris 380 is similar to the Polaris 280, so it has similar performance and reliability.
The biggest difference is that the Polaris 280 has two jets, while the Polaris 380 has three jets. This simply means that the 380 is more powerful when it comes to cleaning a swimming pool.
Another difference is the price: the Vac-Sweep 280 is a few dollars cheaper than the 380 model.
If you have a big pool, then you might want to use the more powerful Polaris 380. The 280 model is more suitable for small to medium size inground pools. Both of these models require the installation of a booster pump to boost their performance.
Polaris Vac-Sweep 380: Verdict
The Vac-Sweep 380 has a large vacuum throat, which means less trouble with picking up leaves and acorns. Its large capacity filter bag holds the debris and keeps it away from the pump filtration system. However, it struggles to clean the swimming pool steps.
If you are interested in the Polaris Vac-Sweep 380, then you can view its price, details and reviews on Amazon. It might help you to make a wise decision when it comes to buying the best pressure-side pool cleaner for your inground swimming pool.
Polaris 3900 Sport: Better Than Cheaper Vac-Sweepers?
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport is the most advanced model in the Polaris Vac-Sweep pressure-side pool cleaner series. Is it better than the cheaper Vac-Sweep models?
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 looks slightly different from the other Vac-Sweep pool cleaners, but it still works on the same principles.
The Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport needs extra water pressure to clean effectively, therefore the installation of a booster pump is essential for its operation. Polaris Vac-Sweep pressure-side pool cleaners require a booster pump, except for the 360 model, which only requires water pressure from the pool pump’s pressure return line. These pool cleaners work by hydraulic power.
The Polaris 3900 Sport has three wheels, which are connected to its gearbox with a stainless steel chain. The chain transfers power from the gearbox to the wheels. The gearbox is powered by water pressure from the booster pump.
It has a dual chamber debris bag which captures more debris, so you do not have to clean it as often. The water passing through the filter bag gets filtrated at a rate of about 40 gallons per minute.
The TailSweep Pro is included with the Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport. The other pressure-side models have the ordinary tail sweep. The TailSweep Pro sweeps the pool bottom and corners while reducing the chance of water spraying outside the pool. Because of the TailSweep Pro, the tail sweeper spends more time washing the pool surfaces instead of areas around the swimming pool.
If the pressure pool cleaner gets stuck against an obstacle, it will eventually reverse itself and continue cleaning.
Can it be used for above ground swimming pools?
The Polaris 3900 Sport cleans inground swimming pools, it cannot be used for above ground pools. However, it can work on all pool surface types.
Does the Polaris 3900 Sport require a booster pump?
Yes, the Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport requires a booster pump. The PB4-60 booster pump is recommended for the Polaris pressure-side pool cleaners. A length of hose and a few quick connectors are usually included with the booster pump.
How does the pool cleaner move around?
The Polaris 3900 Sport has three wheels that are driven by hydraulic power, which is provided by water pressure from the booster pump. A stainless steel chain links the wheels and the gearbox system. The wheels have wide tires, which provide better traction. The tires wear out with regular use, so it will need to be replaced after regular use.
What is the capacity of its debris bag?
The Polaris 3900 Sport has a large, 5-liter capacity, dual chamber debris bag with zippers. The debris is sucked into the bag by the vortex jet action. The double debris bag increases the time between bag maintenance. The zippers on the bag might be a problem if debris get stuck between the teeth. You will probably replace the bag once per year.
Why does the pool cleaner have a tail?
This pressure pool cleaner drags a sweep hose with a TailSweep Pro attachment behind it. The tail sweeper has a brush to sweep surfaces behind the pool cleaner. It might also blow debris out of tight corners.
What components are included?
These components are normally included in the box: 31-foot feed hose, back-up valve, feed hose connector, hose floats, in-line filter, pool cleaner body, quick disconnect universal wall fitting, restrictor disks, sweep hose, TailSweep Pro attachment, and dual chamber debris bag with zippers. The Polaris 3900 Sport/P39 owner’s manual is also included in the box.
Is the Polaris 3900 Sport available in white?
I do not think so. The Polaris 3900 Sport is only available in the black, gray and blue color scheme. It will look at its best in pools with a dark bottom and dark walls. If you have a whitish or lightly colored swimming pool, then you might want to consider the Vac-Sweep 380 which has a white and blue color scheme.
Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport vs. 380
There are many similarities between these two pressure-side pool cleaners because they belong to the same series of Polaris Vac-Sweep pressure cleaners.
First, they both have three Venturi jets. They both require the same booster pump, and they can only be used for inground pools. The automatic back-up valve is found on both cleaners.
Nevertheless, the Polaris 3900 Sport has been updated with a slightly larger 2-1/2-inch vacuum inlet. It also has the stainless steel chain drive system, while the Polaris 380 has a belt drive system. The tires on the 3900 model are wider than the tires on the 380 model, so it provides better traction.
The Polaris 3900 has a dual chamber filter bag, while the 380 has a single chamber debris bag. The 3900 also has the TailSweep Pro sweep hose brush system as a standard feature.
The Polaris 380 has a standard TailSweep attachment. The 380 model is compatible with the Tailsweep Pro, but you need to buy it separately and then install it yourself.
Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport: Verdict
I have come across a few very negative reviews concerning the Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport that make it look like a bad apple. It seems that the first generation units suffered from a few teething problems. However, this was a few years ago and the newer generation units seem to be working according to specifications.
The Polaris 3900 Sport now seems to be a good sport in the swimming pool. Current owners are satisfied with its cleaning performance. Still, you need to take the time to set it up properly according to the instructions in the manual. This is not difficult to do, but it might require some trial and error.
Basic plumbing skills and tools are necessary to install the booster pump. You can hire a plumber to install the booster pump if you do not have the skills to do it yourself.
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport costs a few hundred dollars more than the Polaris 280 or 380, yet it does not seem to perform better than the previous models. I would probably save some money and buy one of the older Vac-Sweep pool cleaners. Nonetheless, the 3900 Sport is more powerful, and it has a larger capacity for debris (check price on Amazon).