Choosing cleaner for new build

[bdbull]

We're having our pool built now and have been given several options for automatic cleaners. I've done some reading about the cleaners. I'm sure there are differing opinions but I generally see the robotic cleaners recommended over the cleaners that require a separate booster pump. Our build includes a Polaris 280, but we can upgrade to a Polaris Quattro Sport for $700 or a Polaris Alpha IQ+ for $900. I'm leaning towards the Alpha IQ+, but was curious to get some opinions from those that already have pools on which option you would choose. Or, would you stick with the standard Polaris 280 and buy something else from a retailer instead of upgrading to one of the other options? Just looking to get info so I can make a more informed decision.

Pool is 16x36 free form, tanning ledge, spa

 

[1poolman1]

Polaris 280 is a solid cleaner if you decide to go with that type. I always look at cost of repairs (I'm in that business). Of the three you mentioned, it has the least cost of repairs.
The one in my pool has been running for about 20 years. New tires, bearings, bag, all aftermarket (CMP) and it just keeps working. Those parts need replacing in every cleaner from time to time. Only replaced the feed hose kit once in that time.

If you get a 280, get a Swasher sweep-tail end or complete sweep-tail kit. Keeps the tail from spraying out of the pool, is heavy duty and will last a long time. Relatively new, can be found on Amazon. Your builder may not have heard of them.

 

[tcat]

I personally hate suction or pressure cleaners with a hose. Bought Aquabot 4WD 9 years ago, no repairs. Just toss it in and pull out as needed. Replaced this year with Aquabot SP200 (from Target), under $500. Same cleaner with added swivel cable. Does a great job on 13x32 x8' deep (no ledge).

 

[HermanTX]

The positive part of a Polaris 280 is easy of operation. Mine stays in the pool 24/7. I have program times to run as needed. Very few moving parts. I did a complete rebuild 18 months ago for less then $175 and that was after 8 years of operation. There are regular maintenance items such as debris bag, tail sweep scrubbers, etc but relatively low cost. The debris bag is quite large so I empty it weekly but that is dependent on your specific pool environmen.

The downside is that is requires a booster pump which is extra cost plus the energy cost to run it. It has a hose but I have only changed part of it once and I just remove the whole cleaner and hose if there are plenty of people in the pool.

I have not been convinced that a robot is better, especially if you have to remove it after each cleaning cycle.

 

[tcat]

I only remove mine to extend life. Very easy to remove. I only run one 3 hour cycle a week and store it in a cabinet (maybe 2-3x per week when acorns fall). It's out of the way, no extra pump, easy clean baskets, never replaced a part, almost no cost to run.

 

[bdbull]

Thank you for the information.

 

[chiefwej]

My first pool had a Polaris booster pump and cleaner. I have also had a pool with a pop up floor cleaning system and have used suction side cleaners. Then I broke down and bought a robot. There is no comparison. Sure, they are expensive (about $1k) and can fail after a few years use. But nothing else cleans as well, and does it by itself. Other methods req the main pool pump and even a booster pump, drawing lots of electrical power, so the saving can help pay for replacement cost.

Building a pool today, I would forget any discussion of cleaners with the pool builder. Just allow about $1k to buy yourself a robot after the build is complete.

 

[bdbull]

Building a pool today, I would forget any discussion of cleaners with the pool builder. Just allow about $1k to buy yourself a robot after the build is complete.

I'm leaning towards the robot. So I'm trying to decide if I should just go with the Polaris 280 that is included in the build and buy a robot cleaner on my own or upgrade to the Polaris Alpha IQ+ for $900 from the builder. Will probably come down to comparison of warranties.

 

[HermanTX]

I'm leaning towards the robot. So I'm trying to decide if I should just go with the Polaris 280 that is included in the build and buy a robot cleaner on my own or upgrade to the Polaris Alpha IQ+ for $900 from the builder. Will probably come down to comparison of warranties.

I would not get the Polaris 280 if you feel you want to have a robotic cleaner in the near future. The addition of the booster pump is a cost factor as well as it takes room on your equipment pad, also it requires a dedicated return line to the pool.

I would look at performance rather than warranties. Search this forum and others for Reviews of the Alpha IQ+ and find any issues. I know I read once that the control of direction via the app was not always great but that is a feature I think is seldom used. All other features of this cleaner look great.

You do not say what other pool equipment you will have or automation. The Polaris uses the Jandy iAquaLink app which is fine. If you have also Jandy automation system then everything is on 1 app.

 

[tcat]

My Target special.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Just know that robots don’t last more than 3-5 years on average especially now after COVID caused so many manufacturing problems. So you’re looking at dropping a grand every 5 years for new one. And before you ask, they are NOT repairable. The manufacturers design them that way and the cost of repairing a robot is often just a little less expensive than buying a new. That’s the manufacturers revenue model and you’re stuck with that. Some folks can easily stomach that cost and other can not. It’s a judgement call on your part.

I say this all the time but I often get ignored (not uncommon) - install a dedicated suction port in your pool. The additional plumbing run to do that costs nothing in comparison to the overall pool build but it gives you an immense amount of flexibility in the future if you need to manually vacuum or you decide to try out a suction cleaner. There is literally no downside to having a suction line but you will kick yourself in the future if you ever need to manually vacuum.

 

[tcat]

Just know that robots don’t last more than 3-5 years on average especially now after COVID caused so many manufacturing problems. So you’re looking at dropping a grand every 5 years for new one. And before you ask, they are NOT repairable. The manufacturers design them that way and the cost of repairing a robot is often just a little less expensive than buying a new. That’s the manufacturers revenue model and you’re stuck with that. Some folks can easily stomach that cost and other can not. It’s a judgement call on your part.

I say this all the time but I often get ignored (not uncommon) - install a dedicated suction port in your pool. The additional plumbing run to do that costs nothing in comparison to the overall pool build but it gives you an immense amount of flexibility in the future if you need to manually vacuum or you decide to try out a suction cleaner. There is literally no downside to having a suction line but you will kick yourself in the future if you ever need to manually vacuum.

I'll disagree there. My 4WD is 9 years old and still does a great job. Only reason I just bought the new one is for the swivel cable.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

I'll disagree there. My 4WD is 9 years old and still does a great job. Only reason I just bought the new one is for the swivel cable.

Because you bought it 10 years ago! Stuff made back then was better built than the junk manufactured today. COVID literally destroyed the supply chain and manufacturers cut corners on quality big time to overcome supply issues. The robots manufactured today are junk. Sure, they look nice and have more “features” but the quality control is garbage. And the manufacturers could care less because once they get past the 2 year warranty period, the dead robot represents an opportunity for the manufacturer to sell you a new one or make lots of money off of a repair.

 

[bdbull]

I say this all the time but I often get ignored (not uncommon) - install a dedicated suction port in your pool. The additional plumbing run to do that costs nothing in comparison to the overall pool build but it gives you an immense amount of flexibility in the future if you need to manually vacuum or you decide to try out a suction cleaner. There is literally no downside to having a suction line but you will kick yourself in the future if you ever need to manually vacuum.

Just went out and looked at the equipment that's already been installed. Looks like the plumbing and booster pump are already installed, but nothing is bolted down on the pad. When we picked out our tile back in June we were told we didn't need to decide on the cleaner until later. The work from this company has been good, but the communication leaves much to be desired.

What function does the booster pump have if I do not have a suction cleaner?

 

[tcat]

No function other than adding to your electric bill if you use it (and repair bills). I had a booster pump for a Kreepy Krawly. Removed it and tied line into main flow. One jet on a separate line is kind of nice for an aerator.

 

[Mark Kelly]

As a pool company Service manager for close to 20 years and primary cleaner repair tech, my advice is to go with the 280. In our city of around 6 million (greater Toronto area) we are one of the very few, if not the only authorized Polaris warranty and repair center. The 280 is bulletproof! Have it tuned up every few years and it will last decades. Avoid the Polaris upgrade your builder is suggesting.

We're having our pool built now and have been given several options for automatic cleaners. I've done some reading about the cleaners. I'm sure there are differing opinions but I generally see the robotic cleaners recommended over the cleaners that require a separate booster pump. Our build includes a Polaris 280, but we can upgrade to a Polaris Quattro Sport for $700 or a Polaris Alpha IQ+ for $900. I'm leaning towards the Alpha IQ+, but was curious to get some opinions from those that already have pools on which option you would choose. Or, would you stick with the standard Polaris 280 and buy something else from a retailer instead of upgrading to one of the other options? Just looking to get info so I can make a more informed decision.

Pool is 16x36 free form, tanning ledge, spa

As 20 years as a pool company Service Manager and primary repair tech for an authorized Polaris warranty and repair center in a city of 6 million, my advice is to go with the 280. By far the best bang for your buck pressure side cleaner, and your builder has included it in the build. There is the added expense of 3 hours each cleaning session to power the booster pump. If no automation panel at equipment pad, we advise clients to install Intermatic brand timers so cleaner can be set to run 3 hours early morning daily. Make note that filter pump must be running when the cleaner booster pump is running. Avoid the Quattro upgrade your builder suggests. Nice cleaner, but my least favourite repair and parts often back ordered as its a low volume product due to initial high cost. We have as many as 100 robotic cleaners from Jandy (Polaris), Pentair and Hayward come in for repair each year. The 3 major components (Controler, Motor Block and Floating Cable) are quite expensive if you have past the end of your warranty coverage. It’s not uncommon for robotic repair clients to abandon a 3 or 4 year old cleaner because of a $500 or more repair cost. A new motor block is worth about 70% of the initial cost of the cleaner. Add the labour on top of parts cost and you can see where I’m going with that. If after a year or 2 with the 280 you feel like taking the plunge on a Robotic cleaner, only consider ones from Polaris, Pentair or Hayward! Trust me on this. Avoid buying any cleaner from a big box retailer. They are all made in China knock offs, and parts for upkeep are nonexistent. Buy from a pool product supplier that can prove they are an authorized robotic sales and repair dealer for the specific brand you are interested in. Very important. “Cheap is expensive” was my father’s favourite expression and it’s true with pool equipment more than ever. You get what you pay for. Hope my 20+ years of cleaner sales and service has helped inform you and helps with your cleaner decision. All the Best, Mark.

 

[Mark Kelly]

Forgot to mention, if you do decide on the Polaris 280, might be wise to upgrade regular tail
scrubber. The “Sweep Hose Pro”’ is the upgrade part name. Mark.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Just went out and looked at the equipment that's already been installed. Looks like the plumbing and booster pump are already installed, but nothing is bolted down on the pad. When we picked out our tile back in June we were told we didn't need to decide on the cleaner until later. The work from this company has been good, but the communication leaves much to be desired.

What function does the booster pump have if I do not have a suction cleaner?

It sounds like you are way farther ahead in your build than I assumed from your original post. At this point you’ve been setup with the “standard” pressure side pool cleaner (it’s not a suction cleaner, it’s a pressure cleaner). I would echo the above sentiments and say that you should go with the Polaris 280 and run it for a season or two. If you wind up hating it, then you can always buy a robot later. With a new pool build, learning how to test your water and care for your pool is a much higher priority than fussing over what cleaner you have.

 

[tcat]

My only experience is pressure side cleaner and Aquabot. I assume a suction side cleaner is probably much better than pressure side, but either have a bulky hose. I don't like the hose or cleaner in the pool while swimming (daily), and found it to be a PITA to remove and store (let alone cleaning the PITA bag). I just throw my Aquabot in, runs 3 hours, pull it out. Sounds like I've been lucky not needing repairs. $500 for 9 years (and still working) seems worth it. Hopefully the new one (another $500) last another 9 years. I have the old one for spare parts (all interchangeable).

 

[bdbull]

Man this is all great information. Thank you all for the information and opinions.

Expounding on this, I see one feature that is touted by all of the robotic cleaners: water line scrubbing. I'm assuming the Polaris 280 can't do that because it's just not "smart" enough. If running the Polaris 280, do I just handle that part of the cleaning process by manually scrubbing/brushing the water line?