Top 20
Polaris 380 In Ground Pool Cleaner Questions & Answers
Polaris 380 wheels not turning
If your Pol wheel sometimes stops turning and you could force it half a turn to make it go again. Chances are that you have the same problem as mine: HAIR GETS AROUND THE AXIL OF THE DRIVE WHEEL.
This can be fixed by first removing the wheel cap with a flat head screwdriver, then remove the retaining clip that holds the wheel in place. (Be careful not to lose the clip!). Remove the wheel and remove the hair around the axil. Put things back in reverse order. You are set.
What is a backup valve
Should be located one hose length back from cleaner head. Sort of tear drop shaped in-line with the hose. It has a gear inside that changes water flow so the unit will lift off pool bottom every couple minutes in case it gets stuck in a corner.
How does polaris work
It is a random traveling, in the pool, cleaning unit.
It can either be driven by water flow without a booster pump, or by pressure, which would require an additional booster pump. This will be plumbed so that its intake comes off of the main pumps return line and then a dedicated discharge line to feed the in pool cleaning head.
There are different types designated by a 3 digit model number. x80 = needing a booster pump and x60 - no need of booster pump. These work off of the return lines coming back to pool from main pump. All of the in the pool return fittings will need to be dramatically reduced down except for one (1) where you feed the unit from.
Then there are suction style that plug into a skimmer or dedicated suction port. These will bring debris directly into the pump hair & lint pot basket and the finer stuff into the filter. Where the Pressure style cleaners have their own catch bag.
Another cool thing is they are equipped with a "Back Up Valve" this little doohickey will pick up the unit every 4-6 minutes and get out of any stuck predicament, like steps, ladders, corners, etc. and send it back on its way in a different part of the pool, pretty cool huh?
Good luck
Check this out:
Hayward great white just spins in circles
Could you clarify the exact model? The picture shows a Polaris 380, and the Great White is built by Sta-Rite/ Pentair,(now sold under the name Kreepy Krauly), not Hayward. Confused yet? Don't feel bad, I am too!
How many jets does the 380 have that may need to be cleaned, I see 3
It sounds like you have a clogged drive turban jet or an internal hose has popped loose. I normally tell people to double check the backup valve to verify that it has been installed the right way (widest part toward the wall,)There is a total of 6 jets, three vacuum jets blow debris into bag, one thrust jet bows water out of the nozzle on back of unit, one drive jet that operates the drive gears and one operates the sweep tail.It is best to disassemble down to the "water management system" listed above and rinse well, shaking it in all directions. Any small debris can clog the jets, including ants!
Turns on its side
Pull your head float off and shake it to see if it has water in it. Most of the time replacing the head float will resolve this. Check your hose floats also for condition and proper spacing.
Have had my current Polaris 380 for around 6
It is likely a coincidence but you may have a restriction of the water downstream from the device. This would cause a higher pressure and might therefore add to the stress on the backup device. Regardless of the cause you still need to new backup valve or a new part to replace the part that split. They are not hard to replace if you can get it apart.
If you have trouble getting it apart you can bring it down to Leslies Pool Supplies and they can put it back in order for just the price of parts.
I hope this helps.
Have had my current Polaris
I think it is a coincidence. On the other hand, there could be a restriction downstream causing the pressure to be too high. I would check for this but either way you will need to buy a new one. I hope this helps.
I have a polaris 380.
If all the belts, bearings, shafts, etc are in order and the wheels don't turn then the turbine is not providing power to the system. This turbine is under a cover inside the cleaner. Remove the cover to inspect it (look for any mechanical problems). You can also connect water pressure to it at this time to see if the jet that turns it will make the turbine turn. If the turbine is being hit by a jet of water it should turn if the friction in the belts, bearings, shafts, etc. is not too high.
Polaris won't move and seems to be nose down. The
Check the
pool cleaners filter screen in the in-line filter and clean, if necessary.Clean the skimmer basket, pump basket, and pool filter. If one of these is full or clogged, it could be weighing part of the cleaner down. Check all of the hoses, connections, and swivels for leaks that could cause loss of
water pressure. Finally, make sure that your wheel RPM is set correctly (between 28-30 RPM)
My polaris is standing on
Make sure that the
pool cleaners filter bag is not full of debris. It is likely that you have water in your float head. Remove the head float and shake it. If you hear water in it, you will need to order a new one. order a new one. Make sure that your hose floats are spaced evenly. Your thrust jets are probably not correct, which could make the directions not function properly. Try adjusting the jet and making sure that the sweep hose is sweeping properly.
Polaris 380 sweep hose isn't
There are a few things to check with these
pool cleaners. Make sure the opening at the end of the sweep hose is not blocked by the sweep hose scrubber. If you have any sweep hose weights, you might need to remove or adjust them.
Overall poor performance
1. does not
If the pool cleaner
does not cover the entire pool, check the hose length reaches within 6" of the farthest point of the pool. Set your thrust jet for 11:00 position. This will optimize random turning. If it is hanging on the stairs, check the
pool cleaners wheel RPM. It should be between 28-32. Verify that the back-up valve is cycling.
Not finding what you are looking for?