Polaris 380 not moving (very sluggish)

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unmanifest

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Jul 31, 2017
12
Saratoga CA
Hello TFP experts - having a rather strange problem. I have a Polaris 380 that has been working great all these years I've had it. I'd rebuilt most of the insides last summer and haven't had any problems since then. About 3 weeks ago, I decided to replace the leaky old school booster pump hose connectors (white + red strap PVC? fittings) with the black quick connects (Amazon.com : Polaris Pool Black Softube Quick Connect Booster Pump Fitting, 4-Pack | R0621000 : Garden & Outdoor). When I turned on the booster pump after I put in the new connectors, I thought everything was fine (at least I didn't notice that the 380 wasn't moving normally). Later that evening, I realized there was a slightly loose connector with a small leak, so I fixed it and that's when I noticed the 380 was barely moving as it used to.

Today I finally took it out and looked inside. The feed pipe o-ring was all stretched out - so I replaced that. Everything else looks great - the belts, the turbine, the water management system etc. (everything is new since I rebuilt it just last summer new bearings, wheels, tires etc.). The 380 is still not moving as it used it.

So, my question for the experts: could this be because the pressure coming into the 380 is higher than it was (since there are no more leaks around the booster pump hoses anymore)? In other words, should I check the wall quick disconnect to reduce the pressure? Or is there something else more subtle that may be going on?

Appreciate any help. Thanks!
 
My Polaris 280 is slow to get moving if the temps are low. Not sure how you are connecting the booster to the pool. If applicable check if you have the correct restriction plate in the wall unit (I have had kids mess around with this) Blue disk on the first image. Also the bypass (black portion of the first image) has given me issues in the past. Lastly the backup device, it can sometimes get stuck partially open and that will rob your polaris of power. Check those warm up your pool, its amazing how warmer water wakes up my cleaners performance. Sorry if I didn't use the correct terminology for everything, hope the images helped.

100263100264
 
Have you done the wheel rpm checks specified in the manual?
 
Stratty said:
My Polaris 280 is slow to get moving if the temps are low. Not sure how you are connecting the booster to the pool. If applicable check if you have the correct restriction plate in the wall unit (I have had kids mess around with this) Blue disk on the first image. Also the bypass (black portion of the first image) has given me issues in the past. Lastly the backup device, it can sometimes get stuck partially open and that will rob your polaris of power. Check those warm up your pool, its amazing how warmer water wakes up my cleaners performance. Sorry if I didn't use the correct terminology for everything, hope the images helped.

View attachment 100263View attachment 100264
Click to expand...
Thanks for your reply. I doubt I'd have a temperature problem at this time of the year in the Bay Area (Northern CA). When I rebuilt the Polaris last year, I did replace the wall disconnect and I have the blue disc in the wall. Couple of days ago, I tried swapping that out with the 'red' disc to see if it helps but it didn't quite.
 
As much as you say you rebuilt all of the insides, if you have the pressure and the wheels are not moving then you have a problem internally.

Your problem may be with the turbine wheel - part 18 - or the water distribution system - part 28 - or how they interact. The water distribution system jets the pressurized water on the turbine wheel that moves the wheels.

Polaris 380 Parts diagram_.jpg

Polaris 380 Parts diagram_.jpg

 
I'd check the nozzles for small rocks. Theirs a nozzle under the turbine and two where the debris bag attaches. I've had small rocks lodge in the openings keeping the water pressure from driving the wheels several times.
 

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