- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Best robotic pool cleaner?
Posted on 5/29/24 at 9:56 am
Posted on 5/29/24 at 9:56 am
We currently have a Polaris P825 that's awaiting replacement parts that never seem to be available. We also have had some ducks find their way into our pool and they leave quite a mess on top of the light debris that is generally common on the windy/rainy gulf coast. Needless to say I'm getting tired of manually vacuuming the pool so often.
Until recently, our Polaris has been super reliable and very effective even if it's lacking in features. It's unfortunately been problematic since about the April 10th tornado outbreak that left a lot of debris in the pool. I did carefully remove the heavier branches, shingles, etc. that I could by hand/manual vac before switching it on for small leaf/sand removal duty, but I think either that heavy use, one of the subsequent power surges, or even just old age just finally got to it.
Polaris P825 - a new one now costs $900. Prices on alternatives seem to vary between $500-$1800.
Thinking I may have to just give up on our pool robot friend and replace it. I don't really have a problem with another Polaris just like it, but I wanted to see if there were alternatives available that may offer more features or possibly better reliability for the money.
What is the best, longest lasting automatic pool vac? Our preference would be one that can hang out in the pool for days at a time when we get super busy, but also can survive sitting in a pool closet for weeks without the rubber seals and parts degrading. We aren't easy on these things.
I've heard good things about one of the Dolphin products, but I don't really know much about them. The Polaris P825 is the only pool vac we've had since we got the pool.
Until recently, our Polaris has been super reliable and very effective even if it's lacking in features. It's unfortunately been problematic since about the April 10th tornado outbreak that left a lot of debris in the pool. I did carefully remove the heavier branches, shingles, etc. that I could by hand/manual vac before switching it on for small leaf/sand removal duty, but I think either that heavy use, one of the subsequent power surges, or even just old age just finally got to it.
Polaris P825 - a new one now costs $900. Prices on alternatives seem to vary between $500-$1800.
Thinking I may have to just give up on our pool robot friend and replace it. I don't really have a problem with another Polaris just like it, but I wanted to see if there were alternatives available that may offer more features or possibly better reliability for the money.
What is the best, longest lasting automatic pool vac? Our preference would be one that can hang out in the pool for days at a time when we get super busy, but also can survive sitting in a pool closet for weeks without the rubber seals and parts degrading. We aren't easy on these things.
I've heard good things about one of the Dolphin products, but I don't really know much about them. The Polaris P825 is the only pool vac we've had since we got the pool.
4
Posted on 5/29/24 at 10:07 am to dewster
Polaris robotics are good. You mention lacking in features so you would want to look at a model with "IQ" in the name for advanced features. These units have iAquaLink capability which means if you have Jandy iAquaLink automation they sync up. If you don't have this you can still use the Jandy app to change settings, etc. on the cleaner.
Dolphin has been good. I've seen lots of issues with their units and parts are difficult to come by. They are made in Israel so I would think supply chain is causing some issues there.
Robotic pool cleaners need repairs, tune-ups, etc. If you can find a local dealer who supports a certain brand that can be a huge difference maker. Otherwise you might be shipping the unit off to be repaired at a manufacturer's facility.
Dolphin has been good. I've seen lots of issues with their units and parts are difficult to come by. They are made in Israel so I would think supply chain is causing some issues there.
Robotic pool cleaners need repairs, tune-ups, etc. If you can find a local dealer who supports a certain brand that can be a huge difference maker. Otherwise you might be shipping the unit off to be repaired at a manufacturer's facility.
Posted on 5/29/24 at 1:05 pm to dewster
Dolphin Premier
I purchased one of these early last year. Use it weekly. No issues so far.
Does a good job of cleaning.
Main selling point was the 3 year warranty for me.
I do not leave it in the pool after it finishes the cleaning cycle.
Put it in and take it out each time.
I purchased one of these early last year. Use it weekly. No issues so far.
Does a good job of cleaning.
Main selling point was the 3 year warranty for me.
I do not leave it in the pool after it finishes the cleaning cycle.
Put it in and take it out each time.
Posted on 5/29/24 at 1:12 pm to dewster
I had a polaris 280 pressure sided cleaner that lasted 12 yrs. When the booster pump went out i was talked into and replaced it with a robotic dolphin active 20. I disliked the cord on the pool deck all the time, the power supply went bad after a year and then the machine got so finicky , it would clean when it felt like it. It finally crapped out right after 2 years.
I went back and purchased a new polaris 280 and new booster and i can tell you that i am back to being very happy again.
I went back and purchased a new polaris 280 and new booster and i can tell you that i am back to being very happy again.
Posted on 5/29/24 at 1:26 pm to PHNBK
My dolphin s200 is a paperweight after 3 years. I am shopping for a cordless.
Posted on 5/30/24 at 8:07 am to TDTOM
quote:
I am shopping for a cordless.
Polaris Freedom is nice and has a slick wireless charging dock.
Posted on 5/30/24 at 9:18 am to TDTOM
quote:what exactly is the issue?
My dolphin s200 is a paperweight after 3 years
Posted on 5/30/24 at 9:20 am to CAD703X
The robot blinks once then doesn't move. I have read I should be able to turn the tracks smoothly with no clicks. I cannot and when they do turn they click.
Posted on 5/30/24 at 9:35 am to TDTOM
quote:
The robot blinks once then doesn't move. I have read I should be able to turn the tracks smoothly with no clicks. I cannot and when they do turn they click.
hmm, its not terribly difficult to take apart. it seems like a gear or something might have cracked and jammed the tracks; especially w/ that clicking noise.
before you toss it; and since you're already considering it a total loss, why not take it apart and see if you can see the issue? the robot is 100% mechanical; the 'brain' is in the control box you plugged in so unless you have a computer issue, its more likely some broke in the actual dolphin housing itself.
mine had an issue w/ one of the tracks 'jumping off' and it turns out one of the rollers had lost its marbles
literally. the ball bearings were gone. i ended up spending maybe $100 at amazon and a random pool website or 2 but replaced just about every single part and it was better than new when done.
anyway, ymmv but what do you have to lose?
Posted on 5/30/24 at 9:38 am to CAD703X
I can give it a try. However, I am the least mechanically inclined human you will ever meet.
Posted on 5/30/24 at 9:45 am to TDTOM
quote:so just think how good you'll feel when you fix it!
I can give it a try. However, I am the least mechanically inclined human you will ever meet.
Posted on 5/31/24 at 6:19 am to PHNBK
Polaris 280 is a workhorse. Rebuild kits are available and they’ll make it like new. I’m at 12+ years and one rebuild 3-4 years ago..
Posted on 5/31/24 at 6:36 am to poule deau
quote:
Dolphin Premier
I purchased one of these early last year. Use it weekly. No issues so far.
Does a good job of cleaning.
Main selling point was the 3 year warranty for me.
I do not leave it in the pool after it finishes the cleaning cycle.
Put it in and take it out each time.
This one looks interesting - may have to consider purchasing when my current one shits the bed. On the surface, it looks better than the Nautilus.
I'm very leery about battery powered robotic cleaners as I feel over time the battery will not be able to perform as well as it does on day 1.
Thanks.
Posted on 5/31/24 at 8:37 am to dewster
I recently got the evo 614.
Solid unit at a good price for the reality of what is an electric vacuum that lives in a hostile environment.
It’s WiFi , steerable , 2 cleaning modes , wall and floor or just floor.
Good suction.
I try to pull it out often when not in use as that’s the number one factor on degradation of components.
It has sealed motors that can’t get covered in dirt.
See this link for full discussion.
I bought from marina.
Just can’t justify paying double for a different brand or model that does the same thing. It’s essentially disposable after 3-4 years.
Tfp discussion
Marina
Solid unit at a good price for the reality of what is an electric vacuum that lives in a hostile environment.
It’s WiFi , steerable , 2 cleaning modes , wall and floor or just floor.
Good suction.
I try to pull it out often when not in use as that’s the number one factor on degradation of components.
It has sealed motors that can’t get covered in dirt.
See this link for full discussion.
I bought from marina.
Just can’t justify paying double for a different brand or model that does the same thing. It’s essentially disposable after 3-4 years.
Tfp discussion
Marina
Page 1 of 1
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News