The Polaris 340 is an automatic pool cleaner designed for efficient and dependable cleaning of swimming pools. It is built with high-quality materials and is backed by a limited warranty covering defects in parts and workmanship. This cleaner is specifically designed to connect to a pool skimmer or a dedicated suction line (1-1/4" to 2" female pipe fitting).
Function Description:
The Polaris 340 operates on the suction side of the pool filtration system, meaning it uses the pool pump's suction to power its movement and cleaning action. It travels randomly throughout the pool, including climbing walls, to ensure comprehensive coverage. The cleaner is designed to move in both forward and reverse directions, which helps increase its randomness and avoid potential obstacles. It typically travels faster in forward motion than in reverse. The cleaning ability and wall-climbing performance are dependent on the pool's shape and the available water flow. It is particularly effective in pools without sharp angles or curves in the transition from the pool floor to the pool wall.
Important Technical Specifications:
The manual does not explicitly list all technical specifications such as motor power, cleaning width, or debris capacity in numerical terms. However, it provides operational parameters crucial for its performance:
- Hose Length: The hose should extend between 2 to 3 hose sections past the farthest point of the pool. Standard hose sections are 39 inches each. The kit includes 13 hose sections (43 ft total), with one leader hose and one standard hose section equipped with hose weights.
- Water Flow: The Polaris 340 requires a correct amount of water flow for proper operation, which is checked using a flow indicator (#29). The indicator has a "target area" representing the correct flow range.
- Wheel RPM: For optimal performance, the cleaner's wheel Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) should be between 30 and 34. This is a critical parameter for fine-tuning the water flow.
- Connection Type: It can connect to a dedicated suction line (1-1/4" to 2" female pipe fitting) or a pool skimmer.
- Components Included: The Polaris 340 box contains the cleaner head, 13 hose sections (including leader and standard hoses with weights), a flow indicator, a flow regulator, a universal adapter, a 90-degree elbow, and a 45-degree elbow.
Usage Features:
- Installation Flexibility: The Polaris 340 can be installed in pools with either a dedicated suction line or a skimmer. Installation in a dedicated suction line is recommended if available.
- Hose Adjustment: The length of the hose is adjustable by adding or removing standard hose sections to ensure it reaches the farthest point of the pool without being too long or too short. Hose weights (#27) are positioned on the leader hose (#28) and standard hose (#26) based on pool depth (more than 5 feet or less than 5 feet) to keep the hose submerged and prevent tangling.
- Water Flow Adjustment: The water flow to the cleaner is adjusted using either the pool's equipment area valves (for dedicated suction lines) or the flow regulator (#23) (for skimmer installations). The flow indicator (#29) helps verify the correct water flow range.
- Wheel RPM Check: Users are instructed to manually check the wheel RPM by marking a tire and counting revolutions for one minute while the cleaner is submerged and the pump is on. This allows for fine-tuning of the water flow to achieve optimal cleaning performance.
- Automatic Operation: Once installed and adjusted, the Polaris 340 operates automatically during the same time cycle as the pool filtration pump.
- Obstacle Avoidance: The cleaner's random movement and forward/reverse capabilities help it navigate the pool. Accessories like the Ladder Guard Kit (#G-21) can be used to prevent it from getting stuck around ladders or handrails. The UniCover (#5820) helps it travel over raised anti-vortex main drain covers.
- Ground Clearance Kit: An optional Ground Clearance Kit (#5-3500) is available to increase clearance for irregular surfaces or sharp convexes on pool bottoms.
- Hose Anti-Tangling: A 45° elbow (#20) or 90° elbow (#25) can be used at the suction line connection to prevent hose tangling, especially if the suction line is close to the water surface or for deep/shallow skimmers. The Revolve-it (#5800) accessory can also extend hose life and prevent permanent coils.
Maintenance Features:
- Pump Basket Cleaning: It is crucial to regularly empty the pool pump basket to maintain the Polaris 340's optimum efficiency. The frequency depends on the amount of debris in the pool.
- Pool Filter Cleaning: Regular cleaning or backwashing of the pool filter is recommended to ensure maximum efficiency. The manual suggests cleaning the filter when the pressure is 5-10 psi above the recorded clean pressure.
- Tire Replacement: The tires (#8, part #5-4005) provide traction and protect the cleaner and pool bottom. They are wear items and should be replaced when worn.
- Bottom Plate Replacement: The bottom plate (#21, part #5-3000) helps the cleaner travel over sharp corners and high spots. It is a wear item and should be periodically checked for wear and replaced as necessary.
- Flow Regulator Cleaning: The inlet in the flow regulator (#23) should be periodically checked and cleared of any debris.
- Hose Care: The hose should always be laid straight and flat when not in the pool to prevent permanent coils. During storage, hose sections should be disconnected, drained, and stored straight in an area out of direct sunlight.
- Winterizing: For winter storage, the Polaris 340 should be removed from the pool, drained of all water, and stored in an area where freezing cannot occur. Connectors and adapters should also be removed from the skimmer or dedicated suction line.
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a comprehensive troubleshooting section with solutions for common problems like the cleaner hanging up, being sluggish, getting stuck at the water line, "wheelies," tangled hoses, air bubbles, and not moving. A troubleshooting worksheet is provided to help users gather information before contacting customer service.
Important Considerations:
- New Pool Plumbing: New plumbing lines should be flushed out before installing the Polaris 340.
- Plaster Dust: The Polaris 340 should not be used to remove plaster dust in new pools.
- Safety: Always disconnect the hose when cleaning or backwashing the pool filter. Remove the Polaris before swimmers enter the pool or before chemical shock treatments. Handle the Polaris with care; it is not a toy and should not be handled while operating (except for wheel RPM checks) or picked up by the hose.
- Vinyl Liner Pools: The manual includes a warning about the use of Polaris 340 in vinyl liner pools, noting that certain patterns are susceptible to wear or removal from contact with various objects, including pool cleaners. Polaris is not responsible for and the warranty does not cover pattern removal, abrasion, or markings on a vinyl liner.
- Genuine Parts: Users are advised to insist on genuine Polaris replacement parts, identifiable by Polaris part bags or the Polaris logo, as non-Polaris parts may adversely affect operation or cause damage.
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