Last summer I replastered my 30-year-old pool with a Pebble Sheen finish and have been very happy with the results. However, one unanticipated result is that the rougher texture of the Pebble Sheen finish causes the sweep hose scrubber on the end of my Polaris 280 to wear down more quickly. This year, I replaced the tail of the sweep hose with an attachment called the AlgaeBlaster. It basically has three small holes drilled into the side which allows water to shoot out and scrub the plaster instead of using a sponge-like scrubber. I can't vouch for the claims the manufacturer makes about improved cleaning efficiency, but it does eliminate the need to buy replacement scrubbers. I haven't seen a lot of discussion about the AlgaeBlaster on the forum, so I thought I'd share my experience with it.
Pebble Sheen Finish Wears Out Polaris Sweep Hose Scrubbers
- Thread starter JimM01
- Start date
tcat
Silver Supporter
- May 30, 2012
- 1,584
- Pool Size
- 17000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool Edge-40
Re: Pebble Sheen Finish Wears Out Polaris Sweep Hose Scrubbe
I have the same finish. I went through maybe 2 or 3 "scrubbers" last season. Decided to buy a robot this year and keep my pressure cleaner as a back up. The nozzle idea sounds good, if the tail doesn't swing out of the pool... I'm surprised they don't make a tail that has bristles all the way around and down it; now that would scrub!
I have the same finish. I went through maybe 2 or 3 "scrubbers" last season. Decided to buy a robot this year and keep my pressure cleaner as a back up. The nozzle idea sounds good, if the tail doesn't swing out of the pool... I'm surprised they don't make a tail that has bristles all the way around and down it; now that would scrub!
Re: Pebble Sheen Finish Wears Out Polaris Sweep Hose Scrubbe
Jim -
I have the same issue with my Polaris. How does the AlgaeBlaster work?
Thanks,
Steve
Jim -
I have the same issue with my Polaris. How does the AlgaeBlaster work?
Thanks,
Steve
Re: Pebble Sheen Finish Wears Out Polaris Sweep Hose Scrubbe
The three holes drilled into the outside of the AlgaeBlaster allow water to shoot out of the holes when you attach it to the end of your Polaris tail. This allows the tail end to "float" above the plaster, which keeps it from scraping the finish and wearing down. The water jets act like mini pressure washers to loosen dirt and algae from the plaster instead of the scraping action of a tail sponge. There's a picture of it on their website: http://www.algaeblaster.com/
The three holes drilled into the outside of the AlgaeBlaster allow water to shoot out of the holes when you attach it to the end of your Polaris tail. This allows the tail end to "float" above the plaster, which keeps it from scraping the finish and wearing down. The water jets act like mini pressure washers to loosen dirt and algae from the plaster instead of the scraping action of a tail sponge. There's a picture of it on their website: http://www.algaeblaster.com/
i have the same issue. i have a Pentair Racer, and the tail scrubber is done. Pool guy wants $22 for one of those little pieces of foam.
Amazon has them 5 for $10. http://www.amazon.com/Polaris-Sweep...04244107&sr=8-2&keywords=polaris+280+scrubber
I only have robot experience but I would think it would actually be advantageous to have those scrubbers touching the pool surface.....even if they do wear down rather quickly.
Much like spraying your car clean or wiping it with a rag, that physical touch to the surface would seem to do a better job. $22.00 a pop would get my attention, though.
Much like spraying your car clean or wiping it with a rag, that physical touch to the surface would seem to do a better job. $22.00 a pop would get my attention, though.
Just to follow up on my original post, the AlgaeBlaster lasted for five months of daily use and was finally wearing down to the point where I replaced it. It's now about $20, so going with the original scrubber sponge may be more cost-effective at 5 for $10. I didn't notice any significant difference in cleaning ability between the AlgaeBlaster and the sponge, so I may go back to the sponge when the AlgaeBlaster wears out again.
I've got a Pebble sheen finish and a Pentair Racer - 14 months old now - the scrubber on the end of the hose has no wear on it at all. Love the Pebble Sheen finish, but others complain, maybe some are finished smoother than others?
I took the tail off my racer and it cleans just as good or better. All the tail seemed to do was stir up the dirt off the bottom, thus keeping the racer from going over it.
check this out as a superb alternative!! it was we all were waiting for...
SWEEP HOSE TAIL SCRUBBER BRUSH for Polaris and Pentair | eBay
SWEEP HOSE TAIL SCRUBBER BRUSH for Polaris and Pentair | eBay