If you are a pool owner, you know that keeping your pool clean is a continuous process. Having the right (side) pool cleaner is incredibly important for a variety of reasons. The right cleaning device will do more than just sweep, vacuum, and scrub the walls and floors in your pool.
A truly functional unit will also ensure that large pieces of debris never reach your filter, which will prolong the lifespan and working ability of your pool.
Polaris has sold the top selling pressure pool cleaners for 40-years running, and customers have come to expect high-quality construction and impressive engineering when it comes to this brand.
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280, Vac-Sweep 360, and Vac-Sweep 380 promise to maintain the integrity of your pool. They look nearly identical but vary greatly when it comes to their price, making it hard for consumers to know which truly is the superior device.
Cleaning Ability
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280, the 360, and the 380 model all feature high-quality pressure pumps that are designed to clean your pool as effectively and as efficiently as possible. These devices are designed to work in in-ground pools of every size and shape, making them incredibly versatile and intuitive devices.
Their jets all promise to completely clean your pool in 3 hours or less, allowing you to spend less time waiting for your pool to be clean.
While these devices are all high functioning side pool cleaners, there are a few important differences when it comes to their cleaning ability. The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 features only two venturi jet vacuums, while the Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 and Polaris Vac-Sweep 380 feature three powerful jet vacuums, giving them a more powerful intake.
Similarly, the Polaris 280 and 380 require a separately sold booster pump to operate at maximum efficiency, while the Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 operates on a pool circulation pump and does not at all require a booster pump.
While all of these devices live up to the Polaris name and will provide you with a clean pool, after carefully comparing them, it’s clear that one is more powerful than the rest. The fact that the 280 model features one less jet makes it slightly less functional than the others.
While the Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 and 380 are nearly just as powerful, the fact that the Vac-Sweep 360 does not require a booster to function makes it our pick in this category.
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Extra Features
These side pool cleaners all have a variety of extra features that make them superior to those of other brands. Accompanied by all of these models is a large capacity filter bag, which can collect an impressive about of dirt and debris, ensuring that these items never damage your pool’s filter.
The presence of a large capacity bag also means you will have to change your cleaner’s bag with less frequency and ensures it can clean your entire pool without the bag has to be replaced in the process.
Another feature of these models is the presence of a special in-line backup valve. This unique feature ensures your cleaning device will never get stuck. If your device gets cornered, it successfully frees your device, allowing it to clean without interruption.
Not having to monitor your side pool cleaner constantly allows you to multitask and ensures you will only associate your pool with fun and enjoyment.
When it comes to the extra features of these cleaning devices, there were no apparent differences. All models feature a large filter bag and back-up valve, making them incredibly functional. It is worth noting that the Polaris Vac-Sweep 380 is hundreds of dollars more expensive than the other two models, but offers virtually no extra features or upgrades.
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Installation & Design
An optimal side pool cleaner will include user-friendly elements that make installation and use easier than ever. All of these models come ready to connect to a 1.5-inch dedicated pressure line, making them incredibly easy to install.
The fact that they are designed for use in all in-ground pools makes them extremely user-friendly and highly adaptable.
Additionally, all of these models have a durable three-wheel design that makes them rugged and easily maneuverable, ensuring they last the test of time. These Polaris cleaning devices feature all-wheel drive, making them even more versatile. Users will appreciate the 31-feet of feed hose, which allows it to easily circulate warm water to the deepest areas of any pool.
When it comes to installation and design, Polaris devices have identical installation methods and extremely similar designs. The Polaris Vac-Sweep 380 does, however, come complete with a wall mount, keeping it on hand easier than ever. If having a place to store your cleaning system is important to you, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 380 device is an easy pick. If not, all of these user-friendly cleaning systems should suffice.
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Polaris 280 vs 360 vs 380: Conclusion
While sold at incredibly different price points, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 280, the Vac-Sweep 360, and the Vac-Sweep 380 are surprisingly similar.
- CLEANS IN 3 HOURS: Powered by a separate Polaris booster pump, dual venturi jets create...
- FOR IN-GROUND POOLS: Safe for all pool shapes and surfaces including vinyl, fiberglass,...
They have similar installation methods, user-friendly features, and an ultra-durable design. They all seek to keep your pool free of large debris and microscopic algae alike, ensuring your pool maintains its cleanliness all season long.
As mentioned before, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 380 has a significantly higher price point than both the 80 and the 360 model. With that said, it doesn’t have significantly different features that make it worthy of the extra cost. Upon comparison, our pick is the Polaris Vac-Sweep 360. It has a lower price point and does not require a separate attachment to operate fully, making it the best value overall.
- NO BOOSTER PUMP NEEDED: This advanced pressure-side cleaner is powered by the water...
- FOR IN-GROUND POOLS: Safe for all pool shapes and surfaces including vinyl, fiberglass,...
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Last Update: 2024-04-16 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
