Replace old Polaris 280 or switch to Electric?

[zandra898]

Hello!
We have a 12,000 gallon rectangular pool - it came with an old Polaris 280 that needs replacing. I am wondering if we stick with a new 280 or switch to a robotic cleaner like the Dolphin Premiere or the Polaris IQ.

I am wondering if the side pressure cleaner is easier since we can just leave it in the pool and it will automatically clean (as programmed) if we are away or forget, whereas the robot we would have to be much more proactive?

Any and all thoughts/advice would be much appreciated! Thank you!

 

[Rocket J Squirrel]

Consider the Polaris Quattro. It is pressure driven and scrubs like a robot.

 

[ajw22]

I am wondering if the side pressure cleaner is easier since we can just leave it in the pool and it will automatically clean (as programmed)

Yup, that is why I like my Polaris 380 and a 280 is equally good.

It lives in my pool and runs early every morning so I have a clean pool every day with little effort.

 

[1poolman1]

Hello!
We have a 12,000 gallon rectangular pool - it came with an old Polaris 280 that needs replacing. I am wondering if we stick with a new 280 or switch to a robotic cleaner like the Dolphin Premiere or the Polaris IQ.

I am wondering if the side pressure cleaner is easier since we can just leave it in the pool and it will automatically clean (as programmed) if we are away or forget, whereas the robot we would have to be much more proactive?

Any and all thoughts/advice would be much appreciated! Thank you!

My 280 has been in my pool for 30 years with only normal maintenance being required (bearings, tires, wheels, bags as needed) and a new booster-pump motor about twelve years ago because I was lazy.

 

[Homebrewale]

I had a Polaris and then went to a robot. In either case, I took the cleaner out of the pool. I don't like them being in the way. I don't like looking at them in the pool. I'm also not overally worried about every tiny bit of dirt in the pool. I only clean my pool once per week.

 

[Mayorb]

I'm generally in the "stick with what works" camp. There's a reason the 280 has been on the market for 30 years.
But if going with a robot I would advise to shop local (retail or pool service company) that also services the brand in-house.

 

[Buggs]

Like 1poolman1, my Letro Legend has resided in my pool for 25 years requiring only anticipated maintenance. Unfortunately, the Legend's bag is too loose-weaved to capture fine dirt. Until recently, when I brushed the pool, I could see the silt being stirred up. Seems I could never keep the dirt in suspension long enough to have it removed by my circulation filter.

The fine dirt - along with brushing being probably my least favorite pool maintenance activity - was my motivation for getting a robot cleaner.

I see the Legend and the Dolphin (with its uber-fine filters) as being complimentary, especially since we have trees planted right next to the pool. With it's huge bag capacity, the Legend is epic at picking up leaves and debris, whereas I can drop the Dolphin in periodically to have it deal with the fine dirt and scrub most of the pool. I only have to brush the steps and the area just beneath the coping where the Dolphin can't quite reach.

R.J. Squirrel: Thx for the lead on the Polaris Quattro. I see it also has the fine-filters. That would be a great option if my Legend quits. If it had a larger debris basket it would be perfect.

 

[zandra898]

Thanks everyone for the input! Right now I am leaning towards getting a Dolphin Quantum - hope I don't regret the switch! Now matter what pool bot I look up it's gets a mix of both excellent and terrible reviews...