Polaris 280 vs 380 – Check Why I Suggest Polaris 380!
Polaris 280 and 380 are good pool cleaners that come with many similarities, but here Polaris 380 would be the best pick.
What Features Made Polaris 380 the Best Pick?
- Polaris 380 is featured by triple jets, while the 280 has two jets. The three jets provide a greater vacuum power to give faster cleaning.
- The 380 doesn’t require a separate booster pump. Instead, it can work with the pool filter pump. But a separate booster pump is required for the 280.
- It has a large throat for the big debris while Polaris 280 cannot clean the larger debris. Thus, you may need to use the 280 for longer to clean the pool thoroughly.
- Polaris 380 has a sweep hose to clean the tight corners, as well as the steps. In contrast, Polaris 280 cannot clean corners or steps.
These features ensure Polaris 380 works like a dream to do the job efficiently. If you want to clean your pool quicker in no time with the best suction power then you can consider 380. To check their price simply press the button below.
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Similar Features
- Polaris 280 and 380 works on all types of pool surfaces.
- Both are tail sweep pro compatible.
- They have a 31-feet feed hose.
- The pool cleaners come with a 2-years warranty; moreover, they can last for more than 15 years.
Quick Comparison
| Specifications | Polaris 280 | Polaris 380 |
| Editor’s Rating | 4.4 out of 5 | 4.7 out of 5 |
| Dimension | 20 x 23 x 10 inches | 9.75 x 20 x 22.5 inches |
| Weight | 6.2 pounds | 16.5 pounds |
| Best for | Walls, and floors | Walls, floors, and steps |
| Venturi Jets | 2 Jets | 3 Jets |
| Tires | Classic | Classic |
| Drive Mechanism | Shaft Drive | All-Wheel Belt Drive |
| Auto Backup | Yes | Yes |
| Single Chamber Bag | Yes | Yes |
| Surface / Pool Type | Inground / All | Inground / All |
| TailSweep PRO® Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Requires Booster Pump | Yes | Yes |
| Feed hose | 31 feet | 31 feet |
| Warranty | 2-years | 2-years |
Similarities and Dissimilarities Between Polaris 280 vs 380
Design
There is no major difference when it comes to the design of the Polaris 280 and 380 apart from the size. The 380 is smaller than the 280, but the 280 is lightweight than the upgraded version. Polaris 280 uses a shaft drive mechanism, while the 380 uses an all-drive wheel mechanism.
The dimension of the Polaris 280 is 20 x 23 x 10 inches while the 380 is 9.75 x 20 x 22.5 inches (L x W x H). The Polaris 280 is 6.2 pounds, and it is easy to handle rather than the 380 since it is 16.5 pounds.
Suction Power
Polaris 380 is powered by three venturi jets to provide excellent vacuum power plus quick cleaning than the 280. The device will take 3 hours or less to sweeps, scrubs, plus vacuum the walls to floors. The 380 works with the pool filter pump, plus it increases the suction power when needed.
Polaris 280, on the other hand, creates great suction power with its double jets. And to entirely clean the pool, it needs 3 hours or more. This will sweep, scrub, and vacuum the floors and walls, and you cannot clean the steps with the Polaris 280. Moreover, this requires a separate booster pump to increase the suction power. So, if you want the boost suction power, plus want to clean the pool quicker, Polaris 380 is the best choice for you.
Filter Bag
Polaris 280 and 380 have large-capacity filter bags. But the 380 provides a zip lock bag while the 280 doesn’t. However, the bags will collect any large debris to tiny dirt. Remember, the bags are large enough that you don’t need to change the bag very often. However, changing the bags is a breeze, and to clean the bags use warm soapy water, and let it dry.
Cleaning Ground
When it comes to purchasing a pool cleaner, the first thing you should consider if the device can clean every type of surface or not. Fortunately, both the Polaris 280 and 380 are perfect for all types of inground pool.
Polaris 280 features a shaft drive, while the 380 has an all-drive system, to ensure the cleaner vacuum, sweeps, and scrubs the walls to floors, and steps as well. But remember, the 280 cannot clean the steps or the corner, which is a downside.
Accessories
You will get a 31-foot hose kit, a wall or deck mount, the pressure-side pool cleaner, the operating instructions, and a single chamber filter bag. The operating instructions contain how you can install the device easily without the help of a professional. Since these two are the same in terms of accessories, you can select one matches your preference.
Warranty
Polaris 280 and 380 robotic cleaners are warrantied for a two-year period. The heat pumps provide a two-year warranty, while the heat pump compressors offer a five-year warranty. The complete electronic systems are warranted for three years. The warranty will not cover if you failed to install the device or operate it.
Conclusion
Both Polaris cleaners are capable of cleaning large and small pool surfaces effectively. After reading the whole guide, if you are still confused about which one to select, my recommendation is the Polaris 380. It provides quick clean, better suction power, and clean all the surfaces that 280 cannot do for you. So your best bet will be the Polaris 380 rather than the 280.
Frequently Asked Questions About Polaris 280 vs 380
| What should I do if the 380 cleaner tipping over?
If the cleaner tipping, then verifies if the wheel RPM’s are in the range or not. The heat float is not filled with water, and then try to run the cleaner without the bag. If this doesn’t solve the issue, then clean the bag with warm soapy water. Why is 280 hanging up on steps? Polaris 280 cannot work on the steps; that’s why it hangs upon, while the 380 can work on steps. Why does the hose become tangled? If the hose becomes tangled, then check the swivels to make sure it is spinning freely. Then keep the hose under the sun for 24 hours. Which has the all-wheel-drive? The Polaris 380 has an all-wheel drive, it includes a two-wheel drive, one on the two-wheel side, while another is on the opposite side. What is the main difference between Polaris 280 and 380? If you choose the Polaris 280, it requires a separate booster pump while the 380 can work on its pool filter pump – this is the significant difference between them. |
Read another pool cleaner comparison from the link below.