Polaris 380 slow in water, fast out of water

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John333

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Mar 19, 2020
2
BlackTruck2018
Trying to troubleshoot my Polaris 380. I've rebuilt it within the last year including wheel bearings, belts, etc.

This past week I noticed it has started running slowly while running along pool floor. This is also the week of a heavy pollen dump by our oak tree.

I took Polaris out of water to do an rpm test. With cleaner in upright orientation suspended in water but not on bottom (as it would run along pool bottom) rpm slow (didn't bother counting).

However, with cleaner tipped over in horizontal direction outside of water (held up suspended over water) rpm were 32 rpm...as is normal.

What would cause the cleaner to run slow in upright position, and normal in "tipped over" orientation?

Backup valve operating normally, quick disconnect filter screen cleaned.

I also took cleaner apart, checked belt tension, looked for debris in jets, etc. Feedhose o-ring appears to seal well but havent tried operating the unit with top cover removed to verify.

Any guidance / suggestions / help is greatly appreciated.

TIA,

John
 
I had a 360 which ran off pump pressure and usually when mine acted like that my cartridge filter was dirty. ACted like it had enough pressure but not volume.
Does the 380 pump feed before or after the filter?
 
I am experiencing the same thing as John333. The water pressure is strong and my Polaris just slowed down late last season. Disassembled to clean out (but nothing there) and the wheels are turning strong (didn't do the RPM test but will do so this season).
 
My RPM is little lower this season (23) and removed the blue restrictor per Polaris instruction. The unit is running slightly faster but not by much and a lot of water coming up from the pressure release valve. Just letting it run long than usual but may need open up again and/or buy a rebuild kit. And the tail is not moving as fast either so need to check the internals.
 
John333:

markayash asked if you had checked your cartridge filter. You replied that you had disassembled your DE filter, but you did not respond with information about the cartridge filter. It is contained in an in-line filter that is the first segment of the hose that connects to the side of your pool.

It functions to collect any debris that makes it past your DE filter (including DE itself) so that small debris does not make it to your Polaris and clog up the jets. Turn off your system, disconnect the Polaris water supply line from the side of your pool, unscrew the hose from the cartridge container, and pull the wire mesh filter out to check if it is clogged. When severely clogged, that filter will bring your Polaris to a complete halt.

Also, when you tear down the Polaris to clean the jets, don't forget the jet that drives the water wheel. On my unit, it is covered and not visible, easy to miss. If your Polaris is moving sluggishly, that is the most important jet to check. The three jets visible at the bottom of the main tube are responsible for creating the venturi suction that directs debris from the bottom of your pool into the collection bag, but they have little effect upon the units propulsion.

Hope this helps.

Caruso



 
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