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Essential safety guidelines and handling advice for operating the Polaris 360 pool cleaner.
Instructions for connecting the Polaris 360 to various pool return line types.
Step-by-step guide for fitting the universal wall connector to the pool return line.
Instructions for sizing and cutting the feed hose for optimal Polaris 360 performance.
Steps for assembling and connecting the Polaris 360 to the feed hose and pool system.
Procedure to measure wheel speed for correct water pressure verification.
Recommended maintenance for wear items to ensure Polaris 360 longevity.
Solutions for common problems encountered with the Polaris 360.
The Polaris Vac-Sweep® 360 is an automatic pool cleaner designed to provide years of dependable and efficient service, allowing users to spend more time enjoying their pool and less time cleaning it. This device operates off the pool's filtration system, turning on and off with the pump, and is designed to travel randomly throughout the pool, vacuuming, sweeping, and scrubbing the bottom. Its climbing ability is influenced by the pool's shape and available water flow, performing better in pools without sharp angles or curves in the transition from the pool floor to the pool wall.
The Polaris 360 comes ready to connect to a threaded 1-1/2" female pipe fitting on a dedicated return line. For pools with chlorinators, solar systems, or other air-inducing equipment, it is recommended to contact customer service before installation. The package includes an all-purpose bag, sweep hose, cleaner head, complete feed hose, three floats, back-up valve, pressure tester, sweep hose scrubber, and a quick disconnect with a universal wall fitting.
Before installation, the pool filter should be clean. The quick disconnect is connected to the universal wall fitting, and the pool pump is turned on to test water pressure. The pressure relief valve in the quick disconnect will release water if the Polaris is receiving too much pressure. If there isn't sufficient pressure, the filtration pump may not be adequate for operation.
The feed hose length is crucial for proper cleaner performance. With the pool pump on, the pressure tester is held underwater, and the hose is pulled to the farthest point of the pool (excluding the top step, as the Polaris typically doesn't climb there). If the hose is too short, a 6-foot hose section, a swivel, and two hose nuts can be added. If the hose extends past the farthest point, the excess is marked and cut from the first section of hose from the pool wall. The three hose floats should be positioned correctly: one against the back-up valve on the side opposite the cleaner, one four feet, and the other seven feet upstream from the back-up valve.
Once the feed hose is sized, the pressure tester is removed, and the hose nut is placed onto the feed pipe. The hose is connected to the feed pipe, ensuring any curve in the hose aligns with the curve in the feed pipe. The bag tie collar is snapped onto the feed hose, and the Polaris is gently placed into the pool. The pool filtration pump is then turned on.
For optimal operation, the Polaris 360's wheel RPM should be between 28 and 32. If the RPM is too low, the filter screen, skimmer, filter, and pump basket should be cleaned. Hoses, connections, and swivels should be checked for leaks. If an adjustable valve is installed, it can be adjusted to increase water flow. For dedicated return lines, a 3-way diverter can be adjusted. For other return lines, flow from other returns can be restricted using Polaris Standard Eyeball Regulator Disks. If the RPM is too high, the pressure relief valve can be unscrewed, or an adjustable valve can be used to reduce water flow.
The thrust jet adjusts the Polaris's direction, with a standard position at eleven o'clock. The sweep hose should operate with a gentle sweeping motion. To decrease its motion, the sweep hose adjustment screw is turned clockwise, ensuring the sweep hose scrubber does not block water flow.
Approximately every 3-1/2 minutes, the Polaris 360 enters back-up mode, where the back-up valve pulls it away from potential obstacles. The sweep hose also moves gently to prevent debris from getting trapped in hard-to-reach corners.
Regular maintenance is essential for prolonging the life of the Polaris 360. The filter bag should be emptied when it is half full, especially if it contains sand, as the cleaner performs best when the bag is not overloaded. Some users find it easier to empty the bag when dry and alternate between two bags. If the Velcro closure loses its grip, it should be rinsed, dried, and cleaned with a stiff brush.
The filter screen inside the quick disconnect acts as a safety filter. It should be periodically checked and cleaned by pulling it out, rinsing it, and pressing it back into place. Running the Polaris without the filter screen can damage the unit and void the warranty. If the filter screen clogs frequently, a pool professional should be consulted.
Wear items, such as wear rings, tires, and the sweep hose scrubber, should be periodically checked and replaced as needed. The rolling wear rings protect the sweep hose and should be replaced before the weights on either side begin to wear. Rotating them can maximize their life. The tires provide traction and protect the Polaris and the pool bottom, and should be replaced when their edges become rounded. The sweep hose scrubber helps keep the pool clean and prevents water from spraying out of the pool. Turning the scrubber as it wears can maximize its life.
Before cleaning or backwashing the pool filter, the Polaris must always be disconnected from the pool wall. After maintenance, the filtration system should run for at least five minutes to flush out return lines before reconnecting the Polaris.
For storage, especially during winter, the Polaris should never be stored in direct sunlight. All water must be drained to prevent freeze damage, which is not covered under warranty. The universal wall fitting should also be removed from the pool wall.
Common issues and their solutions are provided to ensure optimal performance. If the Polaris hangs up on steps or obstacles, the wheel RPM should be checked, the back-up valve verified for proper cycling, the thrust jet adjusted, and any unnecessary pool hardware removed or a Ladder Guard Kit installed.
If the Polaris is sluggish, the filter screen, skimmer basket, pump basket, and pool filter should be cleaned. Hoses, connections, and swivels should be checked for leaks, and the wheel RPM verified.
If the Polaris doesn't back up, the back-up valve's cycling should be checked, wheel RPM verified, the filter bag emptied if full, the head float checked for water, and the feed hose ensured to be floating.
If the Polaris only turns in one direction, the thrust jet should be adjusted, the hose end aligned with the feed pipe curve, the swivel on the feed pipe checked for free turning, and the feed hose ensured to be floating.
If the feed hose becomes tangled, its length should be remeasured, swivels checked for free rotation (flushing out debris if necessary), the feed hose ensured to be floating, and all wheels checked to spin together.
If the sweep hose is sucked into the vacuum tube, the opening at its end should be checked for blockages by the scrubber, and the sweep hose adjusted for gentle motion. If the sweep hose sprays too much water, it should be adjusted, and the sweep hose scrubber replaced if worn or missing.
For any additional questions or if troubleshooting solutions do not work, Polaris Customer Service can be contacted, providing the serial number, wheel RPM, back-up valve cycling status, feed hose length, swivel rotation, filter screen cleaning frequency, vacuum jet obstruction, and drive train functioning.
Several accessories are available to enhance the Polaris 360's functionality. A Ladder Guard Kit helps prevent the cleaner from getting hung up around pool ladders or handrails. A Sweep Hose Weight can be installed if the sweep hose tends to break the water surface. Various filter bags are available: a Disposable All-Purpose Bag for convenience, a Sand/Silt Bag for very fine silt and dust, and a Leaf Bag for larger, heavier debris. WaterStars fountains can connect to the universal wall fitting, allowing easy switching between the cleaner and a fountain. The SpaWand is a simple hand-cleaning device for spas, fish ponds, and other small bodies of water.
The Polaris 360 is built with quality materials and is backed by a limited warranty covering defects in parts and workmanship. However, wear items like bags, tires, sweep hoses, and scrubbers are not covered. The warranty also does not cover improper installation, handling, usage, storage, or damage from unauthorized repairs. It is crucial to use genuine Polaris replacement parts to ensure proper operation and avoid voiding the warranty.
General| Type | Pressure-side pool cleaner |
|---|---|
| Wheel Type | All-terrain wheels |
| Filter Bag | Yes |
| Compatibility | In-ground pools |
| Pool Type | In-ground |
| Cleaning Cycle | 2-3 hours |
| Hose Length | 31 ft |
| Power Source | Booster pump |
| Debris Type | Leaves, dirt, and small debris |
| Warranty | 1 year limited warranty |
| Cleaning Coverage | All pool surfaces |
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