Polaris 280 buoyancy issues

[tassmannn]

My Polaris 280 sometimes has issues staying on the bottom of the pool. I watched several videos on placing floats, and the first one on the hose is at the backup valve. I also have several swivels to allow the hose to flex, but it still hovers sometimes within 3 or 4 inches from the bottom. Any guidance will be greatly appreciated.

 

[ajw22]

Buoyancy issues are sometimes caused by suction-side air leaks, which introduce air bubbles through the return into the cleaner.

Do you have signs of air bubbles in your pump basket or coming out of your returns?

Suction Side Air Leaks

If you see air bubbles coming out of the return lines in your pool, you likely have a leak. Some signs that a suction side plumbing leak has occurred include: Read more

www.troublefreepool.com

Polaris Pool Cleaners - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Also, check for leaks in the hose, swivels, or at the wall fitting.

Is water coming out from the pressure relief valve at the UWF connection?

A member discovered his Polaris cleaner was floating when his bag developed a film inside that trapped air. He said washing the layer away is tricky. Just rinsing is not enough. He had success with mild dish detergent, turning the bag inside out over my hand and scrubbing with a stiff brush for half a minute or so. Then, he did the same on the outside, concentrating on the area at the top around the zipper. He started just rubbing the fabric against itself as you would hand-washing clothes. The brush works better.

 

[ajw22]

It is best to have only one swivel and set the floats as shown in the manual....

 

[1poolman1]

My Polaris 280 sometimes has issues staying on the bottom of the pool. I watched several videos on placing floats, and the first one on the hose is at the backup valve. I also have several swivels to allow the hose to flex, but it still hovers sometimes within 3 or 4 inches from the bottom. Any guidance will be greatly appreciated.

Be sure the backup valve is not leaking water, spraying when it shouldn't be. It will continue to pull the Polaris upward with even a minor leak. There is a very tiny O ring right at the orifice that sprays when it is backing up. That area of the housing gets worn and water can spray around the O ring and provide just enough lift to keep the cleaner off the bottom.

 

[tassmannn]

Thanks @1poolman1 . It was the backup valve. I ordered a new one today.

 

[tassmannn]

Installed a new valve and adjusted the hose, and now it tracks pretty well. Thanks all!