Q:  Why does my Polaris 380 get stuck in corners or on other obstacles longer than 3 minutes?

A:  Your Polaris cleaner needs to operate at a minimum number of wheel revolutions per minute.  The optimal range is between 28-32 RPM.  It is easy to check the RPM by bringing the cleaner to the edge of the pool keeping it submerged.  Turn it so the single side wheel is up (make sure you hold on to the sweep hose so you will not get wet). Mark the single wheel or place a leaf or twig under the tire as a starting point; count the revolutions of the marked wheel for exactly one minute, beginning after the Polaris has completed a back-up cycle (back-up jet off).  If your wheel RPM is in the correct range, you will need to make sure your back-up valve is cycling.  Hold the back up valve out of the water and watch the back up jet to make sure it turns on and turns off.  This jet should be off longer than it is on.  Turn your Polaris 380 off, remove it from the water and spin one wheel and verify that all wheels spin together.  Finally, check your thrust jet located on the back of your cleaner; it should be in the eleven o’clock position.  If all the above items check out okay, then it may be necessary to install a ladder guard kit (part #G-21) to keep your Polaris from getting stuck on the ladder.

Q:  Why does the Polaris’ sweep hose spray water out of the pool?

A:  There are three things that can cause your Polaris to spray water out of the pool.   First, your sweep hose scrubber may be worn or missing.  You can replace it by purchasing part #9-100-3105.  Secondly, your sweep hose could be operating too fast.  The sweep hose should be moving in a gentle sweeping motion.  You can adjust the motion of your sweep hose by turning the adjustment screw until it slows down to a gentle sweeping motion.  Finally, it might be necessary to add a sweep hose weight (part #B-2) to keep your hose from spraying water.

Q:  Why doesn’t my Polaris clean the entire pool?

A: Your Polaris cleaner requires a minimum number of wheel revolutions per minute.  The optimal range is between 28-32 RPM.  It is easy to check the RPM by bringing the cleaner to the edge of the pool keeping it submerged.  Turn it so the single side wheel is up (make sure you hold on to the sweep hose so you will not get wet).  Mark the single wheel or place a leaf or twig under the tire as a starting point; count the revolutions of the marked wheel for exactly one minute, beginning after the Polaris has completed a back-up cycle (back-up jet off).   If your wheel RPM is in the correct range, you will need to make sure your back-up valve is cycling.  Hold the back up valve out of the water and watch the back up jet to make sure it turns on and turns off.  This jet should be off longer than it is on.  Turn off your Polaris 380, remove it from the water and spin each wheel to verify that all wheels spin together.  It is also important to make sure the feed hose reaches within 6” of the farthest point of the pool.  Finally, check your thrust jet located on the back of your cleaner; it should be in the eleven o’clock position.

Q:  Why does my Polaris 380 move too slowly?

A: First, make sure your filter pump is operating then turn on your booster pump, either manually or by a time clock.  Your Polaris cleaner requires a minimum number of wheel revolutions per minute.  The optimal range is between 28-32 RPM.  It is easy to check the RPM by bringing the cleaner to the edge of the pool keeping it submerged.  Turn it so the single side wheel is up (make sure you hold on to the sweep hose so you will not get wet). Mark the single wheel or place a leaf or twig under the tire as a starting point; count the revolutions of the marked wheel for exactly one minute, beginning after the Polaris has completed a back-up cycle (back-up jet off).   It is very important that you keep the filter screen in the quick disconnect clean. Gently rinse any debris from the filter screen. Also, you will need to verify that your hose swivels and nuts are securely attached to your feed hose pieces to prevent any water pressure loss which can cause your cleaner to move too slowly.  Next is your back-up valve is cycling?  To check hold the back up valve out of the water and watch the back up jet to make sure it turns on and turns off.  This jet should be off longer than it is on. Finally, turn the cleaner upside down and check to make sure your Polaris 380 has 3 distinct streams of water shooting into the bag.  If any of streams are obstructed, then consult you pool professional for assistance.

Q:  Why does the Polaris run on its side?

A:  If your bag is full of debris it may affect how your cleaner operates.  Make sure you empty the filter bag regularly.  Check for water in the head float by removing it from the cleaner and shaking it.  If there is water in the float, replace it (part #A-20).  Finally, make sure your float hose is floating and not sagging.

Q:  Why does my Polaris 380’s sweep hose get sucked into the vacuum tube?

A: The sweep hose should be moving in a gentle sweeping motion.  You can adjust its motion by turning the adjustment screw until it slows down to a gentle sweeping motion.  Also, verify that your sweep hose scrubber is not blocking the opening at the end of the sweep hose.  If it is, move the scrubber so that it will not block this opening.

Q:  Why does my feed hose tangle or tie itself in knots?

A:  To prevent your Polaris 380 from tying itself up in knots the hose length and float placement needs to be correct. The clear hose should be cut to the greatest depth of your pool and the entire feed hose (1 clear and 2 white sections) should reach within 6” of the farthest point of the pool.  If your hose needs to be cut, please refer to your owner’s manual for detailed instructions.  Next you will need to check float placement.  The clear hose should have one float behind the back-up valve and another float upstream 2-3 feet (toward the pool wall).  On the 2 white hoses the floats should be no less than 1-1/2 feet and no more than 3 feet apart.  Once you have verified that the hose and floats are properly cut and placed, you will also need to make sure your back-up valve is cycling. Hold the back up valve out of the water and watch the back up jet to make sure it turns on and turns off.  This jet should be off longer than it is on. Your Polaris 380 cleaner requires a minimum number of wheel revolutions per minute.  The optimal range is between 28-32 RPM.  It is easy to check the RPM by bringing the cleaner to the edge of the pool keeping it submerged.  Turn it so the single side wheel is up (make sure you hold on to the sweep hose so you will not get wet). Mark the single wheel or place a leaf or twig under the tire as a starting point; count the revolutions of the marked wheel for exactly one minute, beginning after the Polaris has completed a back-up cycle (back-up jet off).  Finally, the swivels that connect the hose to the cleaner and the hose sections to each other, need to turn freely and the flow arrows must be pointing toward the cleaner.

Q:  Why doesn’t my Polaris 380 climb the walls?

A: Your Polaris 380 cleaner needs to operate at a minimum number of wheel revolutions per minute.  The optimal range is between 28-32 RPM.  It is easy to check the RPM by bringing the cleaner to the edge of the pool keeping it submerged.  Turn it so the single side wheel is up (make sure you hold on to the sweep hose so you will not get wet). Mark the single wheel or place a leaf or twig under the tire as a starting point; count the revolutions of the marked wheel for exactly one minute, beginning after the Polaris has completed a back-up cycle (back-up jet off).  Next make sure the head float is pushed as close to the feed pipe as possible.  The thrust jet should be positioned between 11:00 and 1:00 o’clock for the maximum climbing ability. Turn your Polaris 380 off, remove it from the water and spin each wheel to verify that all wheels spin together.  Also, it is very important that you keep the filter screen in the quick disconnect clean.  If there is any debris in the screen, gently rinse it with water.  Finally, turn the cleaner upside down (while cleaner is operating) and check to make sure your Polaris 380 has 3 distinct streams of water shooting into the bag.  If any of streams are obstructed, then consult you pool professional for assistance.