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Installs in minutes on pools with a dedicated cleaner return line and a threaded 1-1/2" female pipe fitting.
Measure the deepest part of the pool to cut leader hose length equal to the greatest depth.
Attach the feed hose to the feed pipe and secure the bag collar to the feed hose.
Verify wheel revolutions per minute (RPM) are between 28 and 32 for optimal cleaner efficiency.
Adjusts the direction of the Polaris by setting the thrust jet position, typically around eleven o'clock.
Adjusts the sweep hose motion to a gentle sweeping motion by turning the adjustment screw.
Remove the bag collar, depress prongs to release bag, open closure and dump debris.
Disconnect Polaris before cleaning/backwashing filter, run system for five minutes before reconnecting.
Do not store in direct sunlight; drain water for winter to prevent freeze damage.
Check RPM, back-up valve cycling, thrust jet, and remove pool hardware or install guard kit.
Check filter screen, skimmer/pump baskets, hoses for leaks, and wheel RPM.
Check RPM, verify back-up valve cycling, and adjust 3-way diverter for water flow.
Verify back-up valve cycling, check RPM, empty bag if full, and check head float.
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 380 is an automatic pool cleaner designed to vacuum, sweep, and scrub all surfaces of a pool, ensuring thorough cleaning. It operates by connecting to a dedicated cleaner return line in the pool, utilizing the pool's filtration system and a booster pump to power its movement and cleaning actions. The cleaner is engineered to move randomly throughout the pool, and approximately every three minutes, it enters a back-up mode. This back-up action helps the Polaris move away from pool obstacles and enhances its random cleaning pattern, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the pool's surfaces.
Installation of the Polaris Vac-Sweep 380 involves a few key steps to ensure optimal performance. First, the Universal Wall Fitting (UWF) is installed into the pool's dedicated cleaner return line, which typically has a threaded 1-1/2" female pipe fitting. Before installing the UWF, the plumbing line should be flushed by turning on the filtration pump and then turning it off. The UWF, along with a blue restrictor disk, is then screwed into the return opening. The Quick Disconnect is subsequently turned clockwise into the UWF and pulled away to secure it.
Once the UWF is installed, the feed hose length must be adjusted to fit the pool. This involves measuring the deepest part of the pool and cutting the leader hose (the end that attaches to the feed hose) so its length equals the greatest depth of the pool. The leader hose is then attached to the feed hose and connected to the pool wall at the return line. The extended hose should reach the farthest point of the pool, with its end within six inches—either longer or shorter—of that point. If the hose is too long, it can be separated at the center swivel, and equal amounts of the excess can be cut from each 10-foot feed hose section. If the hose is too short, additional feed hose sections, swivels, and hose nuts can be purchased from an authorized Polaris dealer. After adjusting the hose length, the hose floats should be positioned as shown in the manual, typically 1.5 to 3 feet apart for feed hose floats and 2 to 3 feet apart for leader hose floats.
Assembling the cleaner involves attaching the feed hose to the feed pipe using a nut. The all-purpose zippered bag is then pulled out, and its collar is attached to the feed hose. The head float is pushed all the way in against the cleaner body. Finally, the pool filtration pump is turned on and allowed to prime before the booster pump is activated.
A crucial step for optimal performance is checking the wheel RPM (revolutions per minute). The Polaris should operate between 28 and 32 RPM for maximum efficiency. To check this, a mark is made on the single-wheel side tire. With the pump on, the cleaner is held below water level, and the wheel revolutions are counted for one minute. If the count is less than 28 RPM, several factors should be checked: the filter screen in the in-line filter for debris, the skimmer, filter, and pump baskets for debris, hoses, connections, and swivels for leaks, and the blue restrictor disk should be removed from the UWF. If an adjustable valve is installed on the booster pump or cleaner line, it should be opened completely. If the count is more than 32 RPM, the blue restrictor disk in the UWF should be replaced with the red restrictor. If the flow is still too high, the pressure relief valve should be unscrewed until the proper RPM is reached, noting that this valve should only be adjusted when a restrictor is installed. If an adjustable valve is installed after the booster pump, it should be adjusted to reduce water flow to the cleaner.
Fine-tuning the Polaris cleaner involves adjusting the thrust jet and sweep hose. The thrust jet powers the direction of the Polaris, with the factory position typically at eleven o'clock, though other settings may be helpful depending on the pool. The sweep hose should move in a gentle sweeping motion. To adjust this, the booster pump is turned off, and the sweep hose adjustment screw is turned clockwise to decrease the motion.
Routine maintenance is essential to keep the Polaris Vac-Sweep 380 functioning effectively. Cleaning the bag is a primary maintenance task. To do this, the bag collar is removed from the feed hose, and the prongs are depressed to release the bag from the cleaner. The bag closure is then opened, and the debris is dumped out. It is recommended to empty the filter bag when it is half full, especially if the dirt load is sand. It is often easier to empty the filter bag when it is dry, and alternating between two bags can be beneficial.
Cleaning the filters is another critical maintenance step. Before cleaning or backwashing the pool filter, the Polaris should always be disconnected from the pool wall. After cleaning or backwashing, the filtration system should be allowed to run for at least five minutes before reconnecting the cleaner. To clean the in-line filter screen, it is pulled out of the filter assembly, rinsed, and then pressed firmly back into place.
Proper storage and winterizing procedures are important for the longevity of the device. The Polaris should never be stored in direct sunlight. When storing it for the winter, all water should be drained out to prevent freeze damage, which is not covered under the warranty. The UWF should be removed from the pool wall by attaching the Quick Disconnect and using pulling pressure to unscrew it. If necessary, a UWF Removal Tool (part #10-102-00) can be obtained from an authorized Polaris dealer.
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 380 is designed for durability, with its frame warranted for a period of ten years. However, normal replacement items such as bags, tires, sweep hoses, or sweep hose scrubbers, which wear out due to use or improper installation, are not covered by the warranty. The limited warranty does not apply if failure is caused by improper handling, usage, storage, winter freezing, abuse, improper installation, removal of the in-filter screen, unsuitable application, improper maintenance, lack of reasonable maintenance, damage in transit or during installation, or damage from unauthorized repairs or alterations. The manufacturer is not liable for incidental or consequential damages, including damage to vinyl liners, plaster, tile, aggregate-based, and other pool surfaces, or damages resulting from the use of the product with a substandard pool circulation system or chemical imbalance.
For warranty claims, authorization to return a unit or part must be obtained from the Zodiac Customer Service Department. Customers should check with their dealer for local procedures. If further instructions are needed, the Customer Service Department can be contacted. Shipments should be insured against loss or damage in transit. This limited warranty is valid only in the United States, Canada, and Australia, and does not apply to Polaris Vac-Sweep 380 Automatic Swimming Pool Cleaners sold or installed in any other country. In the United Kingdom, these cleaners are warranted for two years from the date of invoicing to the first user.
General| Cleaning Pattern | Random |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | In-ground pools |
| Power Source | Hydraulic |
| Suitable Pool Types | In-ground |
| Debris Capacity | Large |
