Swimming pool maintenance in Arizona can be challenging and requires many well-balanced elements to maintain a clean and tranquil pool including filters, pumps, chemicals and more. One major element of pool maintenance is mechanical aid that will clean the pool floor and walls and help pick up debris. That’s where pressure side pool cleaners come in.
Years ago, there used to be several different types of pressure side pool cleaners (both companies and models of cleaners) for swimming pools. Now, there’s just one left. The Polaris, owned by Zodiac, is unique in that all the debris it picks up is contained on the cleaner itself in a separate bag. The Polaris is a great cleaner for pools with heavy debris. This family of cleaners most commonly works off a second pool pump or motor that boosts the filter flow to high pressure, thus propelling the cleaners and helping to pick up the heavier debris.
Four models of pool side cleaners are most commonly in use.
- The “180” is the oldest model, gear driven and has the smallest “throat” for picking up debris.
- The “280” is the second generation in the Polaris lineup. It is also gear driven but also has a larger debris throat. This model is one of Pool People’s favorite!
- The “380” is similar to the “280” but is belt driven. Our experience is that this model experiences lots of wear the belt slippage issues due in large part to the amount of debris and extreme chemical conditions our Arizona pools experience.
- The “360” model is completely different in makeup. It doesn’t require a booster pump and is designed to hook up to the return fitting in the pool, thus working off the main filter pump. This model is the least seen in Arizona.
If you have questions about which pool side cleaner is best, come into Pool People in Glendale, Arizona, and ask us what will work for your swimming pool. Pool People provides regular pool and spa cleaning, pool and spa maintenance, pool remodeling, pool and spa repairs, as well as tile cleaning for residents of the Northwest Valley in Phoenix. We also have a fully stocked pool store at 5830 W. Thunderbird Rd., Suite B-6, Glendale, AZ.