Polaris Pool Cleaners - Further Reading

Polaris Pool Cleaners

Polaris, part of Zodiac Pool Products, has a wide range of pool cleaners powered by water pressure and robotic.

Pressure Cleaners

Polaris pressure pool cleaners are:

• Quattro Sport
  • best pressure side cleaner today.
  • A member said "5 months in and all is going well. The Quattro is cleaning far better than the Pentair Racer it replaced ever did. Getting stuck in corners is no longer a issue because of the " spinning dance " it does every few minutes ( instead of reverse and forward again to get stuck). I do know one thing, if you turn the directional nozzle in the up position it will try to climb out of the pool ! I leave mine in 24/7, and the only thing I have noticed is that the original shine of the plastic is fading in a few spots. It is picking everything up from fine silt to golf balls!!"
  • Connection of the hose at the body can break so pull easy on it and use the handle to pull it out of the water
• 3900 Sport
• TR36P
• TR35P
• TR28P
• 380 - is powered by triple jets
• 360 - does not require a separate booster pump
• 280 - little brother to the 380
• 180
• 165
• 65
• Turbo Turtle

Zodiac offers several models of pressure cleaners under the Polaris brand. It is easy to identify each model. If you remove the bag and look down the throat of each unit, you will see small jets. The number of jets is the first number in the description of the unit. If the unit requires a booster pump for proper pressure, it will have an 8 or 9 as the second number. If a booster pump is not needed and the unit operates off the regular pool returns, it will have a 6 as the second number. Example: 380 has three jets and requires a booster pump.

Most Polaris pressure cleaners require a separate booster pump connected to a timer or pool automation. Polaris has two booster pumps:

• PB4-S60 - this has been the standard .75 HP booster pump for many years and runs on 115V or 230V AC. It is usually connected with flexible hoses and soft tube disconnects.
• PB4SQ - is an updated pump that is more energy efficient.

Installation Adjustments

A useful Polaris 360/380 Diagnostic Reference Pamphlet is linked to this thread.

Ensure the hose is cut to the correct length, from the wall fitting to the furthest point of the pool +/- 6".

If the hose is too long, then the "leader hose" (hose connected to cleaner) should be cut to the depth of the pool (remove the off cut from the swivel end and not the cleaner, but also make sure you do not remove too much to make the total hose too short), if you still have extra hose then remove equal amounts from hose 1 and hose 2 (at the first swivel from pool wall). This thread went through fixing a Polaris 380 hose knotting problem by adjusting the hose length sections.

Check your pressure and set it to 28 RPM, equaling 28 PSI (adjusted at the wall fitting).

Adjust the float behind the backup valve away approx 12 - 18" from the backup valve (the closer the float is, the higher the cleaner will lift towards the pool surface, and the further away the cleaner will be pulled along the pool floor).

Polaris Pressure Tester Stick

Polaris has Pressure Tester Sticks for the 360 (#9-100-6000) and 180/280/380 (POL-201-3282) cleaners, Polaris part number G35. The Polaris 360 stick is different as it has a larger diameter hose. You also need a PSI gauge to thread into the stick.

You remove hose from the inlet side of back-up valve and install the Pressure Tester Stick in its place. With booster pump running and holding the end of the wand under water you want to see 12-16 psi for the 360 or 28-32 psi for the 180/280/380 to verify enough pressure is getting through the hose.

Filters

Polaris cleaners may have a filter screen in the Universal Wall Fitting (UWF) quick disconnect (Zodiac 6-504-00) or inline in the hose (Zodiac 48-222). It is recommended the filter screens be cleaned periodically, at least once or twice a season.

Polaris Universal Wall Fitting (UWF)

The Polaris UWF threads into a 1 1/2" pipe in the pool wall.

If your pool wall has a 3/4" female threaded fitting then you can use the Polaris G-9 adapter to upgrade your wall fitting to the Polaris wall fitting 9-100-9001 that comes with all the Polaris cleaners.

Polaris UWF Quick Disconnect Not Easily Disconnecting

You have to push in and twist to separate the UWF.

Have the pump off so you are not pushing against the water flow.

It is hard to do that when it is unscrewed from the wall.

You can see the hook in the red circle that holds a tab and you have to push it in compressing the O ring, which is hard, to get the tab to clear the hook and twist out.

Stuck Universal Wall Fitting

If you need help unscrewing the UWF these tools may be what you need:

• There are two nubs inside that you can use to try to unscrew the fitting. This tool is designed to remove it. Zodiac Tool, Removal Uwf, Plastic (10-102-00
• There are also two notches in the back. You can slip a flat piece of metal into the fitting and unscrew like that. Polaris/Letro UWF Removal Tool - PT2000

Backup Valve

The backup valve is in the hose. The backup valve yanks the Polaris back and turns it around to reposition. It does this every few minutes to free the cleaner from a corner it may be stuck in and add to its random journey around the pool. Water should not continuously jetting out of the backup valve. If it is, the valve is broken.

The valve should go into backup about every 2 1/2 minutes to 3 minutes. If it is longer than that, the gears may be worn. Zodiac also has a “double-acting” backup valve. It runs twice as fast and backs up the cleaner more frequently, about every 1 minute 30 seconds to 1 minute 45 seconds.

The G52 is said to backup every 2 1/2 minutes, while the G59 backups approximately every 1 minute and 45 seconds.

The “double-acting” backup valve is used in smaller pools where the cleaner gets stuck more frequently in a corner.

The backup valve can be disassembled and the valve body unscrewed, although getting an old one apart may be difficult. How do I get the collar off a Polaris 360/ 380 back up valve discussed different techniques to open the valve.

The Zodiac G52 is usually the standard replacement backup valve. Pentair has the E10 backup valve, which is a bit more expensive than the Zodiac, but some people have said it works better and lasts longer on Polaris cleaners.

Polaris Foam Scrubber and Tail Spraying Out of Pool

SWASHER No Spray - Sweep Hose is reported to fix the problem of the tail coming out of the water and spraying around the pool.

Also, there is no more replacement for the foam tail scrubber with the Swasher tail.

Polaris Disc Causing Screeching When Cleaner Not Plugged In

A member had a screeching noise that stopped when the blue disc was removed. He discovered there was air in the lines causing the noise. His new pump drain plugs were leaking. A little Teflon tape was used, and the problem was solved.

Polaris Cleaner Floating

The Polaris cleaner floating is usually a sign of air from a suction side air leak getting into the cleaner and affecting its buoyancy. The bag will fill with air, making the Polaris float.

Do you see bubbles in your pump basket or coming out of your pool returns?

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?

Check that 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.

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, and then 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.

Polaris Always Goes to the Same Area

Check the hose to ensure it is not leaking and check the wall fitting for leaks. The hose will often stiffen as the water gets colder, and the cleaner will not move around as freely.

Remove the tires and turn them over so the inside edge is now outside.

Also, there is a small ridge on the outer edges of the tires. If the tire is worn down to that line, it needs to be replaced.

Turning them over will add a bit of life, but not much. As the tires wear, the Polaris will develop a pattern in the pool (every pool has one that the Polaris will eventually find). That's one reason for the backup valve. They do need a bit of maintenance once in a while.

Rebuild and Tune-Up Kits

Polaris 380 Repair Manual

Polaris 360 Repair Manual

Polaris 280 Repair Manual

Polaris 180 Repair Manual

The Polaris pressure cleaners need periodic maintenance for proper operation. When the cleaners begin moving slowly and stop climbing the walls, it is time for a tune-up or rebuild. The wheel bearings build up corrosion, causing friction, and the water pressure does not provide enough power to overcome even slight friction in the moving parts.

You can buy individual parts, or a Tune-Up kit, or a complete rebuild kit. The rebuild kit costs about half the price of a new cleaner and gives you every moving part to replace. All you need is a screwdriver, pliers, and some patience. There are many YouTube videos on how to repair and rebuild the cleaners.

Part diagrams for each cleaner are available online, and parts are available from many sources.

You should always replace the wheel bearings when you are in there. The bearings develop corrosion and friction. The cleaner does not have a lot of HP from the water pressure, and any friction in the bearings makes it slow and sluggish and does not climb the walls well. Replacing the bearings makes it climb the walls like new for a few seasons.

Booster Pump

Polaris has two booster pumps - PB4-60 and the newer, energy-efficient, quieter PB4SQ. Pentair also has a booster pump - LA01N.

Polaris is phasing out the white softtube connectors (p/n P133) and replacing them with black connectors. The black connectors (p/n R0621000) are the new style Polaris booster pump hose connection. It works with the original soft Polaris booster pump hose and screws into 3/4" booster pump housing. It is better and stronger.

PB4-60 Booster Pump

There are at least two different models of the same pump based on the year.

New model Polaris PB4-60 Booster Pumps have Serial Numbers beginning with "PB" and a manufacturing date on or after Dec 1, 2011.

Older models of the PB4-60 Booster Pumps were discontinued as of Nov 30, 2011.

There is an older model, PB4-60, and a newer model, PB4-60. The newer model (PB4-60s after serial number PB120111001)

The older model (PB4-60s prior to serial number M120111001)

There is an older model PB4-60 and a newer model PB4-60. The newer model (PB4-60s after serial number PB120111001) uses part number R0445500 (Polaris Mechanical Seal), whereas the older model (PB4-60s before serial number M120111001) uses part number P55 (Polaris Seal, Stainless Steel Cup and Spring).

For the older model, the stainless steel cup goes in the bracket/seal plate with the black graphite part pointing out. The rubber part goes in the impeller, and the ceramic sticks out. A 1" PVC coupling fits perfectly over the cup to help insert the stainless cup into the bracket/seal plate.

For the newer model, the rubber part goes in the backplate/seal plate/bracket with the ceramic sticking out, while the spring part goes on the impeller with the black graphite sticking out.

Note: New model Polaris PB4-60 Booster Pumps have Serial Numbers beginning with "PB" and manufacturing date on or after Dec 1, 2011.

Older models of the PB4-60 Booster Pumps were discontinued as of Nov 30, 2011.

New impeller R0536400, seal R0445500, oring R0536600.

Old impeller P15, seal P55, O-ring P95.

Polaris PB4SQ Booster Pump

PB4SQ Booster Pump Repair Instructions

Polaris/Zodiac/Jandy PB4SQ pump is a dual voltage (230/115V) pump with 3/4" inlet/outlet size, has an efficient 4-stage impeller, and comes with 4 quick connectors and soft tube hose

The Polaris PB4SQ booster pump has been plagued with pinhole leaks and cracks in the housing. Polaris now has a redesigned housing with visible reinforcements. Below are pictures of the old and new housing side by side.

The new design housing has the same part number, R0723100, as the old housing.

Robot Cleaners

Polaris VRX iQ+

The Polaris VRX iQ+ is sold at a popular pool store. The equivalent model from other stores is the Alpha IQ+. The 9560iq does not have a sensor that allows for better navigation. This doesn't have a combination basket like the dolphin. So you must switch to a fine silt basket or a regular basket, depending on conditions. They have a fine silt filter available, but you have to switch the filter to use with fine silt. It looks like the filters are much easier to clean than the Dolphin, but the dolphin has a combination filter with a regular and ultra find stage.

One member said it did a great job cleaning his pool. It picked up a lot of leaves and dirt/debris left over from the construction last season. It even got almost my entire tanning ledge. It also seems like it goes in a straight line more than other robots, which just go in whatever direction, so their claim of having better navigation is true.

Some reports of the VRXIQ cord getting tangled even with the swiveler. Straightening out the cord and making sure the swiveler rotated freely fixed the problem. Many others report no problems with the cord.

New VRXiQ+ Polaris pool robot - initial impressions

Polaris P965iQ vs Dolphin Oasis Z5 Review

Below is one members comparison:

So I’ve come from a Dolphin Oasis Z5 with treads that constantly perched itself on top of my drains to a Polaris P965iQ (Leslie’s white version) with 3 year warranty, rebate, etc. same as the new VRX-iQ+ without the extra gimmicks to break (blue light, etc.).

Anyway, the 4WD Polaris is undoubtedly a “better” cleaner. Never gets stuck. However the quality of Polaris to Dolphin is inferior. Polaris cord tangles more than Dolphin and is more rigid, regardless of the Polaris swivel mechanism. It’s not as good.

2 years into my Polaris, it’s already going back to Leslie’s for service. It has stopped working with Error 10 code. Motors seems to have died. My Dolphin Z5 I’ve fortunately kept as a backup, purchased in 2016, still running fine. Yes, it still constantly gets stuck on main drains, but always has. Mechanically the electronics and build quality are better.

Have been on phone with both Polaris and Leslie’s. Polaris provides parts to Leslie’s but your warranty lies with Leslie’s. In my case, Leslie’s isn’t local. Now I have 2 lengthy trips back and forth for warranty service. Yet Dolphin has filled the gap.

Will certainly follow through on warranty service based on my investment, but a both a Dolphin and Polaris customer, I’d not purchase a Polaris cleaner again. Instead I’d get the 4WD Dolphin equivalent.