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+--- Thread: Pool Cleaner recs? (/showthread.php?tid=143762)
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Pool Cleaner recs? - pinkoos - 11-01-2012
Hi,
Looks like our Polaris has some worn out ball bearings and other issues and it would cost about $300 to fix. It's already several years old and so we're thinking to just buy something new now. I think our local pool supply warehouse has models starting around $500 and going up from there.
Anybody know of any particular brand/model that you like? Anything to stay away from?
I know pretty much _nothing_ about this topic, so please be kind!
Thanks.
Re: Pool Cleaner recs? - rgG - 11-01-2012
I have a Polaris 360, I think that is the model, that is well over a decade old. You can get a rebuild kit from Amazon, for some models, that should make it like new. I replaced the belts and tires on mine a couple of years ago, and it was pretty easy. And, it cost a lot less than a new one.
What model is yours and I will see if I can find you a link to a similar repair kit, if it is available.
Re: Pool Cleaner recs? - rgG - 11-01-2012
Here is a link to the 360/380 full repair kit. According to the reviews, there is a video from Polaris that makes the installation simple. I didn't have to order the full repair kit, just a belt and the tires, IIRC, but this should give you almost a new machine for a fraction of the cost. A Polaris should last a long, long time, if you just replace the worn parts.
http://www.amazon.com/Polaris-Model-Pool-Cleaner-Tune-Up/dp/B0028IY6KC
Re: Pool Cleaner recs? - pinkoos - 11-01-2012
Ours is a Polaris 280.
Re: Pool Cleaner recs? - rgG - 11-01-2012
pinkoos wrote:
Ours is a Polaris 280.
Here is the link to that kit. It also gets great reviews.
http://www.amazon.com/Polaris-Cleaner-Factory-Tune-Up-A49/dp/B001CAXCB6/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
Re: Pool Cleaner recs? - pinkoos - 11-01-2012
rgG wrote:
[quote=pinkoos]
Ours is a Polaris 280.
Here is the link to that kit. It also gets great reviews.
http://www.amazon.com/Polaris-Cleaner-Factory-Tune-Up-A49/dp/B001CAXCB6/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
Thanks. I'll look into this option.
Re: Pool Cleaner recs? - numbered - 11-01-2012
I have been through a couple of alternatives to the Polaris....and am waiting for the last one to die so I can go back to a Polaris.
You will find that cleaners, like Gaul, are divided into three parts:
--Pressure side cleaners (like your Polaris) that use a booster pump. It sounds like your pump is OK?
--Suction side cleaners with no pump. (They work using the flow from your regular pump.) Less initial cost (no extra pump required) but lots of unhappiness if much stuff falls into your pool
--Robotic cleaners. This is the latest craze. Think pool Roombas. More expensive, and performance varies. Lots of people like them.
I think rgC's kit recommendation is good if you can find one. The one issue with repair is the hose. I have been told by a couple of different pool guys that replacement is due when the hose becomes inflexible/brittle. I am not sure if the kits include new hose. They are really simple to work on if you have any DIY interest.
I have seen new replacements (from pool stores with a presence on Fleabay) for your Polaris for around $350. Local stores are more like like the $500 you found.
As I suggested above, I am going back to pressure-side Polaris, and the 280 you have is considered a venerable beast.
Re: Pool Cleaner recs? - rgG - 11-01-2012
Here is a new 280 for $344.50 at Amazon, if you don't want to rebuild. They also have a 360 for a little more, $394.00, which is a very good price.
I would stay with Polaris.
Link to 280
http://www.amazon.com/Polaris-Vac-Sweep-Pressure-Side-Automatic-In-Ground/dp/B002HRET6A/ref=pd_sim_lg_1
Link to 360
http://www.amazon.com/Polaris-Vac-Sweep-F1-Automatic-In-Ground/dp/B002HRET56/ref=sr_1_2?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1351800777&sr=1-2&keywords=hose+for+polaris+360
Re: Pool Cleaner recs? - pinkoos - 11-01-2012
Thanks again to you both for the detailed replies, explanations and links. Very helpful!
Re: Pool Cleaner recs? - pinkoos - 11-01-2012
By the way, which are the robotic brands/models that are considered good?