After being asked to test and review the Polaris 280, I can share that Pressure-Side Cleaners simply cannot compete with modern Robotic Pool Cleaners. Robotic Pool Cleaners are more efficient, offer a better user experience, and a better clean. A Pressure-Side Cleaner, such as the Polaris 280, can waste thousands of dollars a year in electricity. If you haven't made the switch yet, now is the time! Make sure to check out my Top 5 Robotic Pool Cleaner Video Here: ruclips.net/video/8Dp2PLrHuuE/видео.html Here are my 5 Top Robotic Pool Cleaner Picks if you're looking to make the switch: Dolphin Premier - amzn.to/3i4IcCk Dolphin Sigma - amzn.to/3q56mky Dolphin Quantum - amzn.to/3COWOPN Aquabot Elite Pro - amzn.to/3qqwq9R Dolphin Escape - amzn.to/3ufjmFu
But they can't stay in the entire time. If i have to go out there, then I mind as well just do it myself. And please show us the calculations on "thousands of dollars per year". My yearly electricity bill is under 2k, and I run AC in the desert, and have a massive CNC mill that runs a few hours a day.
yeah the dam "robots" break more often, and I need to pull them out of the pool. A broke p280 typical cost is about 50 bucks.... and can be repaired by the owner. Robots break and it is about 200 bucks and NOT owner repairable. ... I fundamentally disagree with your findings!
The problem I have with robot vacuums, is they cannot stay in the pool, they are also really heavy to get out, which means bending down to pull it out and wait for the water to drain. Other than that. They do a wonderful job keeping the pool clean and getting every corner. Polaris, needs to add brushes or a sweep under the vaccum. They are extremely expensive and the only polaris that I may get is the 360 or the kreepy krawly. :)
I have used both, all have +'s and -'s , Once you set up the Polaris CORRECTLY, it runs fine and you don't have the electric cord running across the yard and it is in the middle of the robotic pool cleaner price range. The 1st 280 I had lasted 15 years with 1 unit re-build ( $115.00 kit) and 1 $500 pump. i don't think these new Low Voltage or Battery unit are going to last that long.
Had the same Polaris for over 20 years and having used tractor electric cable pool cleaners as well, I won’t be changing. My pool once opened and cleaned twinkles like diamonds for the rest of the season. Maintenance costs are minimal and the Polaris does its job with minimum attention other than emptying the bag. Strongly disagree with this review but you pays your money and makes your choice.
I largely focus on repairing vac sweeps and I have for years it’s a large portion of my job if this helps anybody this is my two cents. Both of these cleaners have a place. If your pool has an existing booster pump go with a pressure side cleaner. Although there’s a yearly maintenance to ensure that they stay running it’s at a minimal cost specifically the 280. One thing Not mentioned in this video is that after these electric cleaners go out of warranty they become insanely expensive to fix dolphin prices can range between $300 to $500 for a cord or motor replacement in my experience with dolphins. This is a guarantee to happen largely because of the assembly of their motor units and the composites they use on their cord. He’s right the initial cost to install a pressure side cleaner is more expensive 500 for a cleaner 500 for a pump, but in the following years, even when both parts are out of warranty, you can generally rebuild one of these two pieces of equipment for the same cost as a single motor unit for one of these robotic cleaners.
Once you factor in the energy cost of running the booster pump for it however, it isn't any cheaper than any modern robotic pool cleaner I've found. Not to mention the motor of the booster pump can go out, it has in my pool after a few years, which then requires an electrician to come back out to reinstall. The dated design and lack of power and scrubbing is what really gets me off of a suction-side cleaner. Although, I know a lot of other pool owners I've talked to swear by them. Not to mention most robotic pool cleaners are coming with a 2-3 year warranty. I have a write up on my site if you want to read more of my thoughts: www.thepoolnerd.com/robotic-pool-cleaners-vs-pressure-side-cleaners
The tech hasnt changed in 40 years because it hasnt needed to. My 280 has been going for 16 years, same for the booster pump, I've only changed disposable parts. The scrubber needs to be replaced once or twice a year for $7.00. I leave my cleaner in the pool the entire summer, only taking it out for a party. I have a vinyl, I have never in 16 years experienced stuck on debris that requires scrubbing. Barely any parts to this thing, trouble free. Yes it wanders aimlessly but I'm not being charged by the mile, the pump runs for 30 minutes per day. Fine debris is picked up by the silt bag which stays on all season, never required an extra large bag. I never have to take my cleaner in or out of the pool and dont have a cord that is running from an outlet across my patio into my pool.
So it sounds like you're really not a fan of this...but my pool just was built and they gave me a booster pump. So I'm faced with spending $599 for one of these or like $1100 for the modern robotic cleaners that I guess don't need that booster pump they installed. Tons of good reviews for this 280 but you're very down on it, so I'm confused now.
In the long run, the robotic pool cleaner is definitely the better choice. It’s definitely more bang for your buck. The power usage alone from running a booster pump is exponentially greater than running a modern robotic pool cleaner. These cleaners have been around for decades and just can’t compete with the more modern cleaners. A lot of pool builders tend to push these pressure side cleaners (just like I was when I built my pool) as it’s all they know (plus usually makes them more money). A robotic pool cleaner will also provide a better cleaning performance. I’d highly recommend the Dolphin Quantum or Dolphin Cayman if you’re on a budget! Both will have the 2 year warranties from Maytronics. Otherwise, if you want the best of the best, go with the Dolphin Premier or Dolphin Sigma! Both of these cleaners have a 3 year warranty, multiple filter options, programmable timer, and a lot more. Here are the links for all of them if you want to check them out: Dolphin Premier - amzn.to/3i4IcCk Dolphin Sigma - amzn.to/3q56mky Dolphin Quantum - amzn.to/3COWOPN Hopefully I could help! Let me know if you have any questions!
After three years, my 280 is giving me trouble and I want to switch to a Dolphin, but I feel stuck as I have already invested in the 280, which is what the installer recommended..
I understand that robotic cleaners are better overall and would be a better choice when installing a pool. But the real question I had was: is this cleaner worth keeping in an existing pool? I just moved to a home with a pool with this cleaner hooked up to a timer, so aside from the electricity to run the pump, this pool cleaner is effectively free to me. Knowing that, is it bad enough to stop using entirely, in leui of a relatively expensive robotic cleaner?
Keep it! these older pressure cleaners are so much more reliable, they are also easier to use as you can just leave it in the pool 24/7 and schedule it with the booster pump.
@@almightyian Thanks! I've learned a lot more about these since I posted my comment. I think most people would be best keeping the pressure-side vacuum. I invested in a robotic one and now that I've had it for awhile, I'm so glad I did. What really sold me is the electricity usage... the robot uses over 8x less electricity than a booster pump. I live in NorCal in PGE land where our rates are approximately $0.50/kwhr year round, so the electricity savings alone will pay for my $1,200 robot in 2-3 years (it has a 3 year warranty). Also, we have a shallow pool (3 - 5 ft) with sloped sides, so the Polaris was ALWAYS spraying salt water out of the pool, no matter how much I fiddled with it. So the corrosion of the salt water to our surrounding fence/equipment was another factor. The robot really does do a much better job cleaning the pool, in every way. The only downside is it's not as easy to use, since I put it in and remove it and spray it off each time (which wouldn't be as necessary if we didn't have a salt system).
@@DavidCrabill Does the Polaris spray water? I have a pentair legend pressure cleaner (copycat of the Polaris) and have never seen it spray water before.
@@almightyian Definitely. If we had a more traditionally shaped pool, I could prevent it from spraying. But if I lower the tail pressure to the point of not spraying, the tail no longer sweeps water. There are tail attachments I could have tried installing which might have reduced the spraying. In addition to the rust and corrosion, it constantly sprayed our windows, leaving salt water streaks on them.
Most robotic pool cleaner will have an anti-tangle swivel! It’ll help avoid any tangling or knots. Combine with the better performance and energy efficiency, I’m definitely glad I made the switch!
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After being asked to test and review the Polaris 280, I can share that Pressure-Side Cleaners simply cannot compete with modern Robotic Pool Cleaners. Robotic Pool Cleaners are more efficient, offer a better user experience, and a better clean. A Pressure-Side Cleaner, such as the Polaris 280, can waste thousands of dollars a year in electricity. If you haven't made the switch yet, now is the time!
Make sure to check out my Top 5 Robotic Pool Cleaner Video Here: ruclips.net/video/8Dp2PLrHuuE/видео.html
Here are my 5 Top Robotic Pool Cleaner Picks if you're looking to make the switch:
Dolphin Premier - amzn.to/3i4IcCk
Dolphin Sigma - amzn.to/3q56mky
Dolphin Quantum - amzn.to/3COWOPN
Aquabot Elite Pro - amzn.to/3qqwq9R
Dolphin Escape - amzn.to/3ufjmFu
But they can't stay in the entire time. If i have to go out there, then I mind as well just do it myself. And please show us the calculations on "thousands of dollars per year". My yearly electricity bill is under 2k, and I run AC in the desert, and have a massive CNC mill that runs a few hours a day.
yeah the dam "robots" break more often, and I need to pull them out of the pool. A broke p280 typical cost is about 50 bucks.... and can be repaired by the owner. Robots break and it is about 200 bucks and NOT owner repairable. ... I fundamentally disagree with your findings!
The problem I have with robot vacuums, is they cannot stay in the pool, they are also really heavy to get out, which means bending down to pull it out and wait for the water to drain.
Other than that. They do a wonderful job keeping the pool clean and getting every corner.
Polaris, needs to add brushes or a sweep under the vaccum. They are extremely expensive and the only polaris that I may get is the 360 or the kreepy krawly. :)
I have used both, all have +'s and -'s , Once you set up the Polaris CORRECTLY, it runs fine and you don't have the electric cord running across the yard and it is in the middle of the robotic pool cleaner price range. The 1st 280 I had lasted 15 years with 1 unit re-build ( $115.00 kit) and 1 $500 pump. i don't think these new Low Voltage or Battery unit are going to last that long.
Had the same Polaris for over 20 years and having used tractor electric cable pool cleaners as well, I won’t be changing. My pool once opened and cleaned twinkles like diamonds for the rest of the season. Maintenance costs are minimal and the Polaris does its job with minimum attention other than emptying the bag. Strongly disagree with this review but you pays your money and makes your choice.
I largely focus on repairing vac sweeps and I have for years it’s a large portion of my job if this helps anybody this is my two cents. Both of these cleaners have a place. If your pool has an existing booster pump go with a pressure side cleaner. Although there’s a yearly maintenance to ensure that they stay running it’s at a minimal cost specifically the 280. One thing Not mentioned in this video is that after these electric cleaners go out of warranty they become insanely expensive to fix dolphin prices can range between $300 to $500 for a cord or motor replacement in my experience with dolphins. This is a guarantee to happen largely because of the assembly of their motor units and the composites they use on their cord. He’s right the initial cost to install a pressure side cleaner is more expensive 500 for a cleaner 500 for a pump, but in the following years, even when both parts are out of warranty, you can generally rebuild one of these two pieces of equipment for the same cost as a single motor unit for one of these robotic cleaners.
Once you factor in the energy cost of running the booster pump for it however, it isn't any cheaper than any modern robotic pool cleaner I've found. Not to mention the motor of the booster pump can go out, it has in my pool after a few years, which then requires an electrician to come back out to reinstall.
The dated design and lack of power and scrubbing is what really gets me off of a suction-side cleaner. Although, I know a lot of other pool owners I've talked to swear by them. Not to mention most robotic pool cleaners are coming with a 2-3 year warranty.
I have a write up on my site if you want to read more of my thoughts:
www.thepoolnerd.com/robotic-pool-cleaners-vs-pressure-side-cleaners
The tech hasnt changed in 40 years because it hasnt needed to. My 280 has been going for 16 years, same for the booster pump, I've only changed disposable parts. The scrubber needs to be replaced once or twice a year for $7.00. I leave my cleaner in the pool the entire summer, only taking it out for a party. I have a vinyl, I have never in 16 years experienced stuck on debris that requires scrubbing. Barely any parts to this thing, trouble free. Yes it wanders aimlessly but I'm not being charged by the mile, the pump runs for 30 minutes per day. Fine debris is picked up by the silt bag which stays on all season, never required an extra large bag. I never have to take my cleaner in or out of the pool and dont have a cord that is running from an outlet across my patio into my pool.
So it sounds like you're really not a fan of this...but my pool just was built and they gave me a booster pump. So I'm faced with spending $599 for one of these or like $1100 for the modern robotic cleaners that I guess don't need that booster pump they installed. Tons of good reviews for this 280 but you're very down on it, so I'm confused now.
In the long run, the robotic pool cleaner is definitely the better choice. It’s definitely more bang for your buck. The power usage alone from running a booster pump is exponentially greater than running a modern robotic pool cleaner. These cleaners have been around for decades and just can’t compete with the more modern cleaners. A lot of pool builders tend to push these pressure side cleaners (just like I was when I built my pool) as it’s all they know (plus usually makes them more money).
A robotic pool cleaner will also provide a better cleaning performance. I’d highly recommend the Dolphin Quantum or Dolphin Cayman if you’re on a budget!
Both will have the 2 year warranties from Maytronics.
Otherwise, if you want the best of the best, go with the Dolphin Premier or Dolphin Sigma! Both of these cleaners have a 3 year warranty, multiple filter options, programmable timer, and a lot more.
Here are the links for all of them if you want to check them out:
Dolphin Premier - amzn.to/3i4IcCk
Dolphin Sigma - amzn.to/3q56mky
Dolphin Quantum - amzn.to/3COWOPN
Hopefully I could help! Let me know if you have any questions!
This guy has a massive bias and some bullshit claims. Don't listen to him.
After three years, my 280 is giving me trouble and I want to switch to a Dolphin, but I feel stuck as I have already invested in the 280, which is what the installer recommended..
I understand that robotic cleaners are better overall and would be a better choice when installing a pool. But the real question I had was: is this cleaner worth keeping in an existing pool? I just moved to a home with a pool with this cleaner hooked up to a timer, so aside from the electricity to run the pump, this pool cleaner is effectively free to me. Knowing that, is it bad enough to stop using entirely, in leui of a relatively expensive robotic cleaner?
Keep it! these older pressure cleaners are so much more reliable, they are also easier to use as you can just leave it in the pool 24/7 and schedule it with the booster pump.
@@almightyian Thanks! I've learned a lot more about these since I posted my comment. I think most people would be best keeping the pressure-side vacuum. I invested in a robotic one and now that I've had it for awhile, I'm so glad I did. What really sold me is the electricity usage... the robot uses over 8x less electricity than a booster pump. I live in NorCal in PGE land where our rates are approximately $0.50/kwhr year round, so the electricity savings alone will pay for my $1,200 robot in 2-3 years (it has a 3 year warranty). Also, we have a shallow pool (3 - 5 ft) with sloped sides, so the Polaris was ALWAYS spraying salt water out of the pool, no matter how much I fiddled with it. So the corrosion of the salt water to our surrounding fence/equipment was another factor. The robot really does do a much better job cleaning the pool, in every way. The only downside is it's not as easy to use, since I put it in and remove it and spray it off each time (which wouldn't be as necessary if we didn't have a salt system).
@@DavidCrabill Does the Polaris spray water? I have a pentair legend pressure cleaner (copycat of the Polaris) and have never seen it spray water before.
@@almightyian Definitely. If we had a more traditionally shaped pool, I could prevent it from spraying. But if I lower the tail pressure to the point of not spraying, the tail no longer sweeps water. There are tail attachments I could have tried installing which might have reduced the spraying. In addition to the rust and corrosion, it constantly sprayed our windows, leaving salt water streaks on them.
and how about the cord tangling on the robotic pool cleaners? A real pain to deal with.
Most robotic pool cleaner will have an anti-tangle swivel! It’ll help avoid any tangling or knots. Combine with the better performance and energy efficiency, I’m definitely glad I made the switch!
Get the 280. The new stuff is a PIA.