Are you a pool owner? Or are you searching for the ideal pool cleaner? Maintaining the cleanliness of your pool is a continuous process, and purchasing a suitable pool cleaner is essential for multiple reasons. High-end pool cleaners do more than vacuum, scrub, or sweep the floors and walls of your pool. A genuinely functional cleaning unit ensures debris does not get to the filter, prolonging your pool’s lifespan. After in-depth research, we settled for Polaris pool cleaners. Most customers looking for top-notch construction and sophisticated engineering cleaners opt for this brand, thanks to their 40 years of service. This post takes you through the Polaris 280 vs 380 comparison.
Contents
Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 vs 380 Pool Cleaner Full Review and Comparison:
- Our Rating:
- Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner
- Product Dimensions: 20 x 23 x 10 inches
Item Weight: 6.2 pounds
Pool Type / Surface: In-ground / All
TailSweep PRO Compatibility-YES
Vacuum Inlet: 2.25 inches
Feed Hose: 31-feet.
Venturi jets: 2 jets
- Our Rating:
- Polaris Vac-Sweep 380 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner
- Product Dimensions: 9.75 x 20 x 22.5 inches
Item Weight: 16.88 pounds
Pool Type / Surface: In-ground / All
TailSweep PRO Compatibility-YES
Vacuum Inlet : 2 ¼" in
Feed Hose: 31-feet.
Venturi jets: 3 jets
Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner
- The polaris vac sweep 280 pressure side pool cleaner has a chamber filter holder that collects large debris like pebbles, acorns, and leaves, among others.
- This exceptional filter bag eradicates debris before it gets to your filter pump, extending the filtration unit’s lifespan.
- This Polaris pool cleaner is efficient in cleaning, thanks to its sturdy design. It also has an exceptional filter that prevents entry of pebbles into the device.
- Most top-tier pool cleaners have the three-wheel design, and the Polaris 280 implements it to enable proper maneuverability.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
Polaris 280 pool cleaner is functional in all types of in-ground pools. It has double jets and can work with a booster pump to offer more vacuum power and faster cleaning. The Polaris 280 cleaner easily connects to the pressure line and vacuums, scrubs, and sweeps all pool surfaces.
Benefits as compared to the others
- Like the polaris vac sweep 380 pressure side pool cleaner, this model is made for use in various kinds of in-ground pools, including fiberglass and vinyl.
- It’s easy to attach to a suction line and is compatible with any in-ground pool.
- The right pool cleaner should not take more than three hours to clean the pool.
- The Polaris 280 does an efficient job within 30 minutes to three hours, depending on your pool’s size.
Reservations as compared to the others
- All products that operate on technology usually have an error, and the Polaris 280 is part of the team.
- Most consumers have problems with the wheel citing slow or no movement under water. The device’s hose swivels also developed problems during the cleaning ordeal.
- Backup valves may also break into pieces.
- You may need to push the device since it gets stuck on stairs, and you can’t use it in vacuuming an above-ground pool since it’s made for in-ground pools only.
What consumers are saying
Most customers who had problems with bracelets and other large debris were impressed with the performance of Polaris 280. Steven Baker says his older 280 lasted for nine years before he had to replace it. After purchasing a new one, he liked its fast operation.
Mark says that although his pumps run for four hours, the 280 does a sufficient cleaning job. The cleaner also has an easily adjustable hose length.
Bottom Line as compared to the others
This device is a prudent investment, and the occasional maintenance and servicing do not worry any customer. If you are looking for booster pumps and tripe jets in the cleaning ordeal, other top-of-the-line variants such as Polaris 360 and 380 can be very compelling options.
If you are looking for a typical pool for use all year round, settle for the Polaris 280. It only requires an hour of occasional maintenance like other cleaners of various brands when put under perennial utility.
Polaris Vac-Sweep 380 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner
- The machine sports a belt unit that helps move the wheels and is cheaper and faster to replace than 280’s shafted unit.
- You can easily replace the belt when it’s worn out since it comes with a 12-month warranty.
- It has a Ziploc-format bag that holds debris and prevents it from getting to the cleaner’s main chamber.
- This 380 was made for more straightforward maintenance and more durability.
- In case you get stuck in a crevice, the Polaris 280 would need aid to become unstuck, but the 380 uses a backup inline valve for automatically backing up after every three minutes.
- This hinders it from driving itself into corners and being stuck.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
The Vac-sweep 380 is a sufficient pool cleaner that handles all types and shapes of in-ground pools. It cleans your pool’s walls and bottom leaving them crystal clear. It comes with a large filter bag that can carry significant amounts of debris and dirt from your pool. This Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 pressure side pool cleaner cleans your pool and evenly distributes filtered water around it.
Benefits as compared to the others
- This Polaris model was made to keep up its predecessor’s (Polaris 280) outstanding performance in cleaning walls and floors.
- It utilizes three nozzles rather than two and is made to reach tight crevices and clean the stairs.
- It comes with scrubbers to assist in cleaning, and a 31- foot hose lags to scrub the pool’s bottom.
- The three-jet unit is adequate for propelling the cleaner across the water and enables it to climb the pool’s walls easily; thus, the cleaner cleans pools of all sizes and shapes.
Reservations as compared to the others
- Unfortunately, like the 280, this cleaner lacks enough pressure to maneuver within the pool; thus, you may need to purchase a booster pump for proper cleaning.
What consumers are saying
Although it’s relatively costly, people who purchase love it and some are multi-generation users of the 380, meaning that they used a similar model for several years before replacing it.
What most individuals love about this cleaner is its cleaning efficiency in every section, including the walls, stairs, and bottom.
Bottom Line as compared to the others
The model is an incredible investment and is quicker than the 280. There are essential features that minimize the maintenance expenses; they include the extra nozzle and the belted mechanism. It’s also ideal for all kinds of in-ground swimming pools since they can handle any shape or size of a pool.
Takeaways and insights
The difference between Polaris 280 and 380 is most pronounced in the price than in features. 280 has two jets and uses a gear mechanism for movement while 380 sports three nozzles and has a belt mechanism.
You purchase a longer or extra hose for the 380 pool cleaner. You can also buy a booster pump for more power. Besides these, you can also purchase diverse options for tires and filter bags.
The 280 is a more straightforward device than the 380 and is more durable. It also has less moving parts, thus less possibility of breaking down.
When selecting between these two cleaners, you need to consider their style and if it suits your taste. Also, consider the debris amount and type. Polaris pool cleaners can remove oil from the walls, floors, and stairs.
Conclusion
Both the 380 and 280 are the most preferred pressure side in-door pool cleaners for good reasons. They are both known for their extensive lifespan, but they have different features that set them apart. While Polaris 380 has a longer tail for cleaning larger areas, the 280 has a shorter tail for small surfaces. 280 also has a bigger vacuum opening to accommodate large debris.
If you have a large in-ground swimming pool and are looking for a reliable and quick pool cleaner, then the 380 is a wise choice. But if you are looking for something with a lower maintenance and price tag, the 280 is waiting for you.
