IMPORTANT INFORMATION
OWNER’S MANUAL
Important Information
The Polaris Vac-Sweep®380 automatic pool cleaner comes ready to connect to a threaded 1-1/2" female
pipe fitting on a dedicated return line. Other connections are possible, but they require additional fittings
(see Section B on page 4).
The Polaris 380 is intended for use with a Polaris Booster Pump.You should have a licensed electrician
install the cleaner’s booster pump. The booster pump must be installed according to the electrical
codes applicable in your area. Improper installation can result in serious or even fatal injury.
The following are important points to remember when installing and operating the Polaris 380.
• Always turn the filtration pump on before turning on the booster pump.
• Always disconnect the Polaris from the pool wall when cleaning or backwashing the pool filter.
• After cleaning or backwashing, let the filtration system run for at least five minutes before
reconnecting the Polaris.
•New plumbing lines should be flushed out before installing the Polaris.
• The Polaris should not be used to remove plaster dust in new pools.
• Always remove the Polaris before swimmers enter the pool.
• Always handle the Polaris with care. Do not let children or pets play with the Polaris; it is not a toy.
• Except when checking the wheel RPM, do not handle the Polaris while it is operating (see page 7).
•Never pick up the Polaris by the head float.
• Always remove the Polaris from the pool before chemical shock treatments. As a general rule, any
pool water that is unsafe for swimming is unsafe for the Polaris.
• Carefully cut the hoses following the instructions on page 5.
By following these simple guidelines, you can help protect against injury and prolong the life of your new
Polaris 380.
U.S. Patents: 4,618,420; D 288,373. Unique product shape is a registered trademark.
Before the Polaris is installed, please take a moment to record the serial number. For the location of
the serial number, refer to the Exploded Parts Diagram on page 14.You will be asked for this number
when contacting our Customer Service Department.
Serial # K _____________________
WARNING: USE OF POLARIS 380 IN A VINYL LINER POOL
Certain vinyl liner patterns are particularly susceptible to rapid surface wear or pattern removal caused
by a variety of objects coming into contact with the vinyl surface, including pool brushes, pool toys,
floats, fountains, chlorine dispensers, and automatic pool cleaners. Some vinyl liner patterns can be
seriously scratched or abraded simply by rubbing the surface with a pool brush. Ink from the pattern
can also rub off during the installation process or when it comes into contact with objects in the pool.
Polaris is not responsible for, and the Limited Warranty does not cover, pattern removal, abrasion or
markings on a vinyl liner.
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Table of Contents
I. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
II. Installation Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
A. Polaris 380 Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
B. Possible Pool Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1. Dedicated Return Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2. Over-the-deck Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
C. Installing the Universal Wall Fitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
D. Cutting the Feed Hose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
E. Assembling the Polaris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
F. Checking Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
G. Fine Tuning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1. Thrust Jet Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2. Sweep Hose Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3. Universal Wall Fitting Pressure Restrictors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4. Checking Wheel RPM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
III.Operation and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
A. What to Expect From Your Polaris 380 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
B. Tu r ning On/Off the Polaris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
C. Operating Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
D. Connecting/Disconnecting the Polaris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
E. Cleaning the Filter Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
F. Periodic Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1. Filter Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2. Wear Rings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3. Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4. Sweep Hose Scrubber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
G. Backwashing the Pool Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
H. Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
I. Winterizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
J. Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1. Sweep Hose Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2. Ladder Guard Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3. Filter Bags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4. WaterStars and WaterStars WF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
5. SpaWand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
IV. Troubleshooting the Polaris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
A. Problems and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
B. Troubleshooting Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Polaris Booster Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Exploded Parts Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
If you are unable to find genuine Polaris parts
in your area, contact us at 1-800-VAC-SWEEP
(USA and Canada only) to receive the name
of the participating Polaris dealer nearest you.
For best results, the Polaris 380 should be
installed by a pool professional. For those with
experience and confidence in handling plumbing
and mechanical equipment, installation instructions are included in this manual.
Please Note: Installation instructions for the
Polaris Booster Pump are included with the pump.
➔ Look for this symbol throughout the owner’s
manual for helpful hints in the use of your
new Polaris 380.
The numbers in parentheses found throughout
the manual refer to the index numbers in the
Exploded Parts Diagram on pages 14-16. There
are also part numbers listed in parentheses to
help identify the replacement parts available at
your participating Polaris dealer.
Once again, thank you for choosing a Polaris.
I. Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of your new
automatic pool cleaner, and thank you for
choosing a Polaris Vac-Sweep 380. The Polaris
380 is designed to give you years of dependable
and efficient service. With the Polaris 380, you
and your family can spend more time enjoying
your pool and less time cleaning it.
The Polaris has been built with the finest materials available.The Polaris 380 is backed by the
Polaris limited warranty that protects against
defects in parts and workmanship (see the warranty on page 17). Like most mechanical
devices, it will require periodic adjustments,
routine maintenance, and the replacement of
certain hardworking parts. Be sure to have the
Polaris checked occasionally by your local
Polaris dealer.
Always insist on genuine Polaris replacement
parts. You can be sure you are buying genuine
Polaris parts if they come in Polaris part bags or
have the Polaris logo on them. Non-Polaris
parts are not made to our specifications. They
may have an adverse effect on the operation of
your Polaris or may even damage it.
3
over-the-deck kit (part #G12) and running an
aboveground feed line from the booster pump
over the pool deck to the pool wall.
C. Installing the Universal
Wall Fitting
1. Turn on the filtration pump and flush out the
plumbing line.
2. Remove the universal wall fitting from the
quick disconnect. The universal wall fitting
has a blue pressure restrictor installed to
help the Polaris operate at its optimum
level of efficiency. Screw the universal wall
fitting and the blue restrictor into the return
line by hand.
3. Turn the quick disconnect into the universal
wall fitting clockwise and pull away to secure.
4. Turn the quick disconnect by hand to tighten
the universal wall fitting; do not overtighten.
Once the universal wall fitting is secure, the
quick disconnect can be removed without
removing the universal wall fitting.
II. Installation Instructions
A. Polaris 380 Components
The Polaris 380 box contains:
1. Sweep Hose with Sweep Hose Scrubber
2. Head Float
3. All Purpose Bag
4. Cleaner Head
5. Complete Feed Hose with Back-up Valve
6. Quick Disconnect
7. Universal Wall Fitting with Pressure
Restrictors (one red and one blue)
B. Possible Pool Connections
1. Dedicated Return Line
A 1-1/2" dedicated return line is recommended.
It should be approximately 6" below the water
level and have 1-1/2" female threads. If it has 1/4"
female threads, you will need to purchase the
3/4" x 1-1/2" coupling (part #G-9).
2. Over-the-deck Installation
If the pool does not have a dedicated return line,
the Polaris can be installed by obtaining an
4
*Please Note: The illustrations in this section do not necessarily represent the farthest point for every pool.
You must determine where the farthest point is in your pool.
Properly Sized Feed Hose
For proper cleaner performance, the hose must be sized to fit your pool. To size correctly, follow the steps in
Section D. Once sized, the feed hose should look like the one below.
5
Pool Wall
3
2
Universal Wall
Fitting Pressure
Restrictor
Quick
Disconnect
6
1
4
7
Pressure Relief
Valve
Universal
Wall Fitting
Entire Feed Hose Reaches Within 6" of Farthest Point of Pool*
White Hoses Are Cut to Equal Lengths
Universal Wall
Fitting
Floats Are Evenly Distributed
(1-1/2 to 3 Feet Apart)
Clear Hose is Equal to
Greatest Depth of Pool
2-3 Feet Apart
D. Cutting the Feed Hose
1. Straighten the feed hose by soaking it in hot
water or laying it in the sun.
2. Measure and mark the deepest part of the
pool (usually the main drain) with a telepole.
If the pool depth is 10 feet or more, do not
cut the clear hose and skip to step 5.
3. Lay the telepole next to the clear hose. If the
clear hose is longer than the mark on the telepole, cut the excess from the end attached to
the white hose. Do not cut off the float.
4. Reattach the clear hose to the white hoses.
➔ It is easier to reinstall the swivels when the
hose and swivels are wet.
5. Attach the quick disconnect at the end of the
white hose to the universal wall fitting.
6. Stretch the hose to the farthest point of the
pool. (The Polaris will not usually climb onto
the top step, so do not count it in your measurement.) If the hose is within 6" of the
farthest point of the pool, go to Section E.
If the hose is more than 6" short, add a 10-foot
section of white hose with floats (part #9-100-
3104), two nuts (part #D15), and one swivel
(part #D20). Do not add more than one 10-foot
hose section.
7. Measure the amount of hose that extends
past the farthest point of the pool. This is
the overage measurement. Do not cut
the hose yet.
8. Lay the hose on the deck. Go to the swivel
between the 10-foot white hoses. Slide the
floats away from the swivel and remove
the swivel.
9. Cut an equal amount of the overage measurement from each 10-foot white hose.
5
Proper Nut Placement
Telepole
Mark Water Level
Greatest Depth of Pool
Farthest
Point from
Universal
Wall Fitting
Telepole
Water Level Mark
SwivelWhite Hoses
Remove Excess
Hose From This
End
Cut Clear Hose
Equal to Greatest
Depth of Pool
Feed
Hose
Nut
Swivel
Universal
Wall
Fitting
Overage
Measurement
Overage Measurement
Floats
Remove
Here
Remove
Here
Floats
Water Flow
To Polaris
Swivel
White Hoses are
Cut to Equal Lengths
6
10.
Reinstall the swivel with the flow arrows on the
swivel pointing toward the Polaris. (Refer to the
“Proper Nut Placement” diagram.)
11. On the clear hose, make sure one float is
against the back-up valve on the side opposite the cleaner and another float is upstream
within 2-3 feet. On the white hoses, space the
floats no less than 1-1/2 feet and no more than
3 feet apart, so that the white hoses do not sag.
It may be necessary to remove floats to maintain proper spacing.
12. When the feed hose has been cut properly,
it should look like the one in the “Properly
Sized Feed Hose” diagram on page 4.
E. Assembling the Polaris
1. Put the nut on the feed pipe. Attach the clear
hose to the feed pipe and tighten the nut.
If there is a curve at the end of the hose,
align it with the curve of the feed pipe.
2. Pull out the bag. With the bag on the singlewheel side of the feed hose, snap the bag
collar onto the feed hose.
3. Tu rn on the pool filtration pump. Wait at least
30 seconds and turn on the booster pump.
F. Checking Operation
When operating correctly, the Polaris 380 will
travel randomly throughout the pool, vacuuming,
sweeping and scrubbing the bottom, sides, and
most of the steps and swimouts. The Polaris will
clean an average pool in 3 hours or less.
The Polaris comes equipped with an automatic
pressure relief valve in the quick disconnect.
If the Polaris is receiving too much water pressure, it will release water at the quick disconnect.
The wheel RPM of the Polaris should be between
28 and 32.
Approximately every 2 minutes the Polaris 380
will go into back-up mode. At this time the backup valve will pull the Polaris away from potential
obstacles and increase its random pattern.
The sweep hose operates in a gentle sweeping
motion to prevent debris from becoming trapped
in hard-to-reach corners of the pool.
If the Polaris does not operate as described
above, turn off the pumps and make the necessary adjustments below.
G. Fine Tuning
1. Thrust Jet Adjustment
The position of the thrust jet determines the direction of the Polaris. Its standard position is eleven
o’clock. See the “Assembling the Polaris” diagram
for the location of the thrust jet.
Clear Hose
Nut
Feed Pipe
Head Float
Thrust
Jet
Sweep
Hose
Sweep Hose
Adjustment Screw
Filter
Bag
Feed Hose
Bag Collar
P
U
T
F
E
L
T
I
N
U
11
S
E
H
S
U
P
93
E
R
C
N
I
D
E
C
R
E
S
H
E
S
12
S
E
S
A
A
S
E
S
6
U
N
I
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L
L
C
T
I
M
I
R
B
M
I
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I
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H
G
T
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I
B
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2. Sweep Hose Adjustment
The sweep hose should move in a gentle
sweeping motion. To decrease its motion, turn
the sweep hose adjustment screw clockwise.
See the “Assembling the Polaris” diagram on page
6. Make sure the sweep hose scrubber does not
block the water flowing from the sweep hose.
3. Universal Wall Fitting Pressure Restrictors
The universal wall fitting comes with a blue
restrictor installed and an optional red restrictor
for use if needed. These special restrictors are
designed to work in combination with the pressure relief valve.Together they will release
excess water pressure so the Polaris can
operate at its optimum level of efficiency.
The red restrictor provides maximum water
restriction, while the blue restrictor provides
less restriction.
To determine whether a restrictor is needed,
follow the instructions below.
4. Checking Wheel RPM
To determine whether the Polaris is receiving
proper water pressure, turn off and carefully
remove the Polaris from the pool. Mark the outer
edge of a tire. Place the Polaris back in the pool
and turn on the pumps.
Hold the Polaris by the blue top, suspended on
its side just below the water level.
➔ Hold the sweep hose to avoid being squirted.
Count the revolutions of the marked wheel for
exactly one minute, beginning after the Polaris
has completed a back-up cycle.This gives you the
cleaner’s wheel Revolutions Per Minute (RPM).
For proper operation, the wheel RPM should be
between 28 and 32.
If the Polaris is operating above 32 RPM:
•
Remove the universal wall fitting by
attaching the quick disconnect. Pull it away
from the pool wall as you unscrew the
universal wall fitting.
•
Push the blue restrictor out of the universal
wall fitting and snap in the red restrictor.
•
Reinstall the universal wall fitting.
•
Recheck the wheel RPM.
If the Polaris is still operating above 32 RPM,
unscrew the pressure relief valve (#44 on
page 16) until the proper RPM are reached.
If the Polaris is operating below 28 RPM:
•
Remove the universal wall fitting by
attaching the quick disconnect. Pull it away
from the pool wall as you unscrew the
universal wall fitting.
•
Push the blue restrictor out of the universal
wall fitting.
•
Reinstall the universal wall fitting.
•
Recheck the wheel RPM.
If you still have less than 28 RPM:
•
Clean the filter screen in the quick disconnect. A dirty filter screen will restrict the
water flow from the pump to the Polaris.
•
Check the hoses, connections, and
swivels for leaks that could cause loss
of water pressure.
•
If there is a gate valve installed on the
booster pump or the Polaris cleaner line,
open it completely so water can flow freely
to the Polaris.
•
Clean the skimmer and pump baskets.
Please Note: If the above suggestions do not
work, contact our Customer Service Department
at 1-800-VAC-SWEEP (USA and Canada only).
;
Blue Top
Sweep Hose
III.Operation and Maintenance
8
A. What to Expect From Your
Polaris 380
When operating correctly, the Polaris 380 will
travel randomly throughout the pool, vacuuming,
sweeping and scrubbing the bottom, sides, and
most of the steps and swimouts. The Polaris will
clean an average pool in 3 hours or less.
The Polaris comes equipped with an automatic
pressure relief valve in the quick disconnect.
If the Polaris is receiving too much water pressure, it will release water at the quick disconnect.
The wheel RPM of the Polaris should be between
28 and 32.
Approximately every 2 minutes the Polaris 380
will go into back-up mode. At this time the backup valve will pull the Polaris away from potential
obstacles and increase its random pattern.
The sweep hose operates in a gentle sweeping
motion to prevent debris from becoming trapped
in hard-to-reach corners of the pool.
B. Turning On/Off the Polaris
Never run the booster pump without the pool
filtration pump running. Turn on the filtration
pump. Wait at least 30 seconds and turn on the
booster pump. If the Polaris has been installed
with time clocks, set them so the Polaris is turned
on at least one half hour after the filtration pump
has been turned on and shuts off one half hour
before the filtration pump shuts off. Failure to
follow these instructions could cause pump
damage not covered in the Polaris warranty.
C. Operating Time
To find the optimum running time for your pool,
start by running the Polaris for 3 hours.
Decrease the time until you notice that your
pool is not getting clean.
➔ If you have a lot of debris in your pool
(i.e. after a storm), you can run the Polaris in
two shorter cycles per day and empty the
filter bag between cycles.
D. Connecting/Disconnecting
the Polaris
To connect, turn off both pumps. Turn the quick
disconnect clockwise into the universal wall fitting
and pull away from the pool wall to secure. To
disconnect, turn off both pumps. Push the quick
disconnect in and turn counterclockwise.
➔ To make connecting and disconnecting
the quick disconnect even easier, periodically lubricate the quick disconnect o-ring
with o-ring lubricant.
E. Cleaning the Filter Bag
1. Remove the bag collar from the feed hose.
Depress the prongs and remove the bag
from the cleaner.There is no need to remove
the bag collar from the bag.
Universal Wall
Fitting (Installed)
Peg
Quick Disconnect
Filter Bag
Prong
Depress Here
9
2. Open the velcro closure and dump out
the debris.
➔ If the velcro closure begins to lose its “grip”,
rinse it, let it dry and clean it with a stiff brush.
3. Position the velcro closure on the bag closest
to the feed hose, align the prongs and snap
the bag to the cleaner. With the bag on the
single-wheel side of the feed hose, snap the
bag collar onto the feed hose.
➔ Some Polaris owners have told us it is easier
to empty the filter bag when it is dry. They
alternate between two filter bags. When one
becomes full, they remove it and put on the
clean bag. They let the full bag dry completely before emptying it.
F. Periodic Maintenance
The following parts are wear items that should
be periodically checked and replaced as needed.
Please Note: Wear items are not covered
under warranty.
1. Filter Screen (#42)
Inside the quick disconnect there is a filter
screen. It acts as a safety filter to keep any debris
that is not caught by the pool filtration system out
of the Polaris. If the filter screen
clogs often, consult your pool professional.
Please Note: Running the Polaris without
the filter screen can damage the Polaris.
To clean the filter screen, pull it out of the quick disconnect, rinse it and press it firmly back into place.
See the diagram at the top of the next column.
2. Wear Rings (#36)
The sweep hose is fitted with rolling wear rings
that protect the sweep hose. Replace them
before the weights on either side of the wear
rings begin to wear.
➔ To maximize the life of the wear rings,
we recommend that you rotate them as
they wear.
3. Tires (#6)
The tires provide traction and protect both the
Polaris and the bottom of your pool. Replace
the tires when the edges become rounded.
4. Sweep Hose Scrubber (#30)
The sweep hose scrubber helps keep the bottom
and sides of your pool clean. It also helps prevent
the sweep hose from spraying water out of the
pool. Replace the scrubber when it becomes
worn. The scrubber may need to be replaced
often depending on the surface of your pool.
➔ To maximize the life of the sweep hose
scrubber, we recommend that you turn
it as it wears.
G. Backwashing the Pool Filter
Always disconnect the Polaris from the pool
wall before cleaning or backwashing the pool
filter. After cleaning or backwashing, let the
pool filtration system run for at least five minutes to flush out the return lines before
reconnecting the Polaris.
Bag Collar
Velcro
Closure
Quick Disconnect
Tab
Slot
Filter Screen
10
H. Storage
Never store the Polaris in direct sunlight or with
the feed hose coiled.
➔ If coils do form, lay the hose in the sun or
soak it in hot water to help straighten it
before reinstalling.
I. Winterizing
Freeze damage is not covered under warranty.
Remove the Polaris from the pool and drain all the
water before storing for the winter. Also, drain all
the water out of the booster pump by removing the
drain plug (see index number 14 on page 13).
Use the quick disconnect to remove the universal
wall fitting. Attach the quick disconnect, pull it away
from the pool wall and unscrew. In some cases,
it may be necessary to use the universal wall fitting
removal tool (part #10-102-00) available from your
participating Polaris dealer.
Please Note: If quick freeze conditions exist,
be sure the filtration pump is running and forcing
water through the booster pump. If there is a gate
valve installed, open it completely so water will
flow through the booster pump.
J. Accessories
1. Sweep Hose Weight (Part #B2)
If the sweep hose or the thrust jet tend to break
the surface of the water – squirting nearby windows, pool decking, or innocent bystanders –
a sweep hose weight can be installed.
2. Ladder Guard Kit (Part #G21)
The ladder guard kit will help prevent the Polaris
from getting hung up around the pool ladder or
handrails.
3. Filter Bags
The Polaris comes with an all-purpose bag for
general use in all pools.You may want to purchase one of our special bags listed below and
rotate between them as needed.
Sand/Silt Bag (Part #9-100-1015)
The sand/silt bag is made of a mesh material
designed to trap very fine silt and dust. The bag
provides a secondary filtering system, removing
debris as small as 9/1000 of an inch.
Leaf Bag (Part #9-100-1012)
The leaf bag is a large bag made of a more
durable material. It is specifically designed to collect larger, heavier types of debris such as large
quantities of leaves and acorns.
Disposable All-Purpose Bag (Part #9-100-1013)
The disposable all-purpose bag is a convenient
and efficient alternative to the all-purpose bag.
Just let the bag fill, then simply throw it away.
Sold in packages of three.
Disposable Sand/Silt Bags (Part #G45)
These bags are designed to be used in conjunction with any of the other bags. They are made
of an ultra fine material that will help catch even
the finest silt. They also make cleaning your bag
even easier. Sold in packages of four.
4. WaterStars (Part #7-400-00) and
WaterStars WF (Part #11-100-00)
Both of the Polaris WaterStars fountains come
equipped to connect to a universal wall fitting.
Once the Polaris 380 is installed with the
universal wall fitting, you can quickly and easily
switch from pool cleaner to Polaris fountain and
back again.
5. SpaWand (Part #5-100-00)
This simple, effective hand cleaning device
allows you to rapidly clean your spa and pool
steps without hoses or hook-ups. It’s also great
for fish ponds and other bodies of water.
11
A. Problems and Solutions
For best results, follow the troubleshooting
solutions in the order they are listed below.
The numbers in parentheses refer to the
Exploded Parts Diagram on pages 14-16.
Problem: Hangs up on corners or obstacles
longer than 2 minutes.
Solution: 1.
Check the wheel RPM. See page 7.
2. With the Polaris turned off, spin
each wheel. All of the wheels
should turn together. If they do
not, contact your participating
Polaris dealer.
3. Verify the back-up valve is cycling.
The jet should come on and go
off. It should stay off longer than
it stays on.
4. Remove unnecessary pool hardware or install a ladder guard kit
(part #G21). See page 10.
Problem: Sweep hose sprays too much
water out of the pool.
Solution: 1. Check the sweep hose scrubber
(#30) and replace it if it’s worn or
missing (part #9-100-3105).
2. Decrease the sweep hose action.
See “Sweep Hose Adjustment”
on page 7.
3. Add a sweep hose weight
(part #B2). See page 10.
Problem: Polaris goes in circles and does
not clean the entire pool.
Solution: 1. Check the wheel RPM. See page 7.
2. With the Polaris turned off, spin
each wheel. All of the wheels
should turn together. If they do
not, contact your participating
Polaris dealer.
3. Verify proper hose cutting and
float placement. See page 5.
4. Adjust the thrust jet (#21) to make
the Polaris go in more of a straight
direction. See page 6.
Problem: Polaris moves too slowly.
Solution: 1. Check the wheel RPM. See page 7.
2. Clean the filter screen (#42) in the
quick disconnect, if necessary.
See page 9.
3. Clean the skimmer, pool filter
and pump basket, if necessary.
4. Check all the hoses for holes
that could cause loss of water
pressure.
5. Ver ify the back-up valve is cycling.
The jet should come on and go
off. It should stay off longer than
it stays on.
Problem: Polaris will not climb walls.
Solution: 1. Check the wheel RPM.
See page 7.
2. Clean the filter screen (#42) in the
quick disconnect, if necessary.
See page 9.
3. With the Polaris turned off, spin
each wheel. All of the wheels
should turn together. If they do
not, contact your participating
Polaris dealer.
4. Position the thrust jet (#21)
between 11:00 and 1:00 o’clock for
maximum climbing ability.
See page 6.
Problem: Sweep hose is sucked into the
vacuum tube.
Solution: 1. Make sure the opening at the end
of the sweep hose (#35) is not
blocked by the sweep hose
scrubber (#30).
2. Adjust the sweep hose (#35) to a
gentle sweeping motion.
See page 7.
Problem: Polaris runs on its side.
Solution: 1. Empty the bag (#1).
2. Check the head float (#34). If it’s
full of water, remove and replace it
(part #A20).
IV. Troubleshooting the Polaris
12
3. Check the floats (#49) to make sure
they are floating and spaced properly. See number 11 on page 6.
Problem: Feed hose tangles or ties itself
in knots.
Solution: 1. Make sure the feed hose has
been cut properly. See page 5.
2. Check the floats (#49) to make sure
they are floating and spaced properly. See number 11 on page 6.
3. Check the wheel RPM.
See page 7.
4. Make sure the swivels (#48) are
turning freely and the flow arrows
on all of the swivels are pointing
toward the cleaner.
B. Troubleshooting Worksheet
If none of the troubleshooting solutions
worked, please fill in the following information
and either contact your participating Polaris
dealer or our Customer Service Department
at 1-800-VAC-SWEEP (USA and Canada
only) or (760) 599-9600, Monday through
Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. PST.
In order to provide faster and more convenient
service, have the following information available
at the time of your call or when taking the
Polaris in for service.
1. Serial #: ___________________
(See page 14 for the location of the serial #.)
2. Wheel RPM:________________
(See page 7.)
3. Is the back-up valve cycling?
(Watch the jet on the back-up valve. It should come
on and go off. It should stay off longer than it stays on.)
Ye s N o
4. Is the hose the proper length?
(See the diagram at the bottom of page 4.)
Ye s N o
Length of the clear hose: _____________
Length of the white hoses:____________
5. Is the hose floating properly?
(See number 11 at the top of page 6.)
Ye s N o
6. How often do you clean the
filter screen inside the quick
disconnect?
(See page 9.)
Never Once a week
Twice a week Once a month
7. Are the vacuum jets obstructed?
(While the cleaner is operating, hold it upside down
and look into the vacuum tube. There should be
three distinct, even jets of water.)
Ye s N o
8. Is the drive train functioning?
(As you spin each wheel independently, all the
wheels should spin.)
Ye s N o
Please Note: It is important to use genuine
Polaris replacement parts, because nonPolaris parts may adversely affect the unit’s
performance. Filter bags are an excellent
example; “generic” bags are not specifically
designed to work with the Polaris and can
cause operating problems.
13
Polaris Booster Pump - Sold Separately
Typical Installation
R
O
T
A
T
I
O
N
PUMP
SUPPLY
PUMP
DISCHARGE
13
1
3
5
6
2
8
9
10
12
11
9
14
4
7
YEL/BLK
BLACK
ORANGE
BROWN
WHITE
YELLOW
LOW VOLTAGE
LINE
LINE
1
4
5
6
YEL/BLK
BROWN
BLACK
ORANGE
WHITE
HIGH VOLTAGE
LINE
1
3
4
5
YELLOW LINE
6
NON
REVERSIBLE
16
17
15
No. Part # Description Qty
1P5Volute (Includes drain plug) 1
2 P15 Impeller 1
3 P55 Seal, Stainless Steel Cup/Spring 1
4 P95 O-ring, Bracket 1
5 P10 Bracket 1
6 P35 Bolt, Stainless, Bracket to Motor 2
7 P40 O-ring for Shaft 1
8 P61 Motor, 3/4 HP, Threaded Shaft, 60 Hz 1
9 P25 Bolt/Nut, Stainless for Volute to Bracket 6
10 P80 Rubber Strip, Motor/Bracket 1
11 P70 Pump Stand with Feet, Strip 1
12 P75 Rubber Feet 4
13 P65 Bolt, Stainless, Stand to Bracket and Motor 2
14 P20 1/8" NPTM Plug, Plastic 1
15 P17 Installation Kit with Quick Connects 1
and 6 Foot Hose
16 P19 Pump Hose, 6 Foot, Flexible Reinforced 1
17 P133 Softube™Quick Connect 4
PLEASE NOTE: All of the parts fit the PB3 Booster Pump produced in 1978 except P-20 and P-25.
Call 1-800-VAC-SWEEP (USA and Canada only) or (760) 599-9600 for more information on the Polaris Booster Pump.
Note: Plumb the booster pump upstream of all air inducing equipment.
From
Pool
Filtration Pump Pool Filter Heater
Minimum
of 3 feet
Booster Pump
Solar
System
Chlorinator
Polaris
To
Pool
14
1
37
2
20
21
23
22
24
28
29
Serial Number
5
4
3
27
25
26
16
17
10
8
7
6
13
11
12
15
9
Shown from
opposite side.
4
15
19
18
11
To ensure proper operation and long life for the Polaris,
be sure to insist on genuine Polaris parts.
15
30
35
14
36
32
33
34
31
11
11
No. Part # Description Qty
1 9-100-1014 All-Pur pose Bag 1
2 9-100-1152 Housing, Turbine Upper 1
3 9-100-1114 Hub Cap 3
4 9-100-5107 E-clip, Stainless Steel 10
5 9-100-1108 Ball Bearing 8
6 C-10 Tire, MaxTrax™, White 3
7 9-100-1008 Wheel, Double-side 2
8 9-100-1017 Belt Kit, Small and Large 1
9 9-100-7011 Shield, Bearing 3
10 9-100-1005 Frame 1
11 9-100-5125 Screw, 8-32 x 1/2" SS Pan Head 11
12 9-100-1139 Axle Block Assembly 2
13 9-100-1010 Belt Divider, Transfer Pulley 1
14 B25 Orifice Tip with Orifice Tip Guard 1
15 9-100-1007 Transfer Pulley/Drive Shaft Assembly 1
16 9-100-5115 Screw, 8-32 x 3/4" SS Pan Head 5
17 9-100-5130 Lock Washer, Axle Block 4
18 9-100-1132 Drive Train Gear Kit with Turbine Bearing 1
19 9-100-1103 Turbine Wheel with Bearing 1
20 9-100-1116 Wheel, Single-side 1
21 C131 Thrust Jet Kit 1
22 9-100-7008 Sweep Hose Barb Complete 1
23 B20 Adjustment Screw, Sweep Hose 1
24 B15 Sweep Hose Attach Clamp, White 1
25 9-100-9004 Base Weight 1
26 9-100-7170 Hose Clamp for WMS 6
27 9-100-7009 Jet Retainer 2
28 9-100-7010 Water Management System (WMS) 1
29 9-100-1155 Housing, Turbine Lower 1
30 9-100-3105 Sweep Hose Scrubber 1
31 9-100-5132 O-ring Feed Pipe Assembly 1
32 9-100-7030 Top and Base Assembly 1
33 9-100-7003 Feed Pipe/Timer Blank Assembly 1
34 A20 Float, Head 1
35 B5 Sweep Hose Complete 1
36 B10 Wear Rings 8
37 9-100-1018 Bag Collar 1
*Not sold separately.
16
38
No. Part # Description Qty
38 10-112-00 UWF Restrictor Disks, Red and Blue 1
39 6-500-00 Universal Wall Fitting (UWF) 1
40 9-100-9001 UWF Connector Assembly 1
41 10-108-00 UWF Restrictor Kit 1
42 6-504-00 Filter Screen, UWF/QD 1
43 6-505-00 O-ring, UWF/QD 1
44 9-100-9002 Pressure Relief Valve 1
45 D29 Quick Disconnect, UWF 1
46 D15 Nut, Feed Hose 10
47 * Adapter Hose, 8-1/2" 1
48 D20 Swivel, Ball Bearing 3
49 D10 Float, Feed Hose 9
50 D45 Feed Hose, White, 10 Ft, Hard 2
51 D50 Feed Hose, Clear, 10 Ft, Soft 1
52 G52 Back-up Valve Kit (Replaces G-41) 1
53 G54 Case Kit for G52 1
54 G57 Collar, Back-up Valve 1
55 G53 Mechanism for G52 1
Parts Not Shown
B2 Weight, Sweep Hose
C11 Tire, MaxTrax
®
, Black
G5 Feed Hose Complete w/UWF,
No Back-up Valve
G9 Coupling, 1-1/2" NPTF x 3/4" NPTM
G12 Over-the-deck Kit, UWF
G21 Ladder Guard, 2 Panels
G45 Disposable Sand/Silt Bags, Pkg. 4
G56 Booster Valve Seat for G52
G58 O-ring Kit, Back-up Valve
5820 UniCover, White
9-100-1012 Leaf Bag
9-100-1013 Disposable All-Purpose Bag, Pkg. 3
9-100-1015 Sand/Silt Bag
9-100-3104 Feed Hose with Floats, White
9-100-3108 Feed Hose with Floats, Clear
9-100-9010 Polaris 380/360 Factory Tune-up Kit
9-100-9030 Polaris 380 Factory Rebuild Kit
10-102-00 UWF Removal Tool, Plastic
11-203-00 Adjustable Plug, UWF
39
Pool
Wall
51 51
40
First 10-foot
White Hose
49 50
54 55
44 45434241 46 47 46 48
Second 10-foot
White Hose
10-foot Clear Hose
52
53
50
To The
Polaris
17
Limited Warranty
Polaris Vac-Sweep
®
380 Automatic Swimming Pool Cleaner
This limited warranty is extended to the original consumer purchaser of this Polaris Vac-Sweep 380
Automatic Swimming Pool Cleaner manufactured by Polaris Pool Systems, Inc., 2620 Commerce Way,
Vista, California 92083-8438, U.S.A.
Polaris warrants the cleaning unit it manufactures, including all parts and components thereof, to be
free of defects in material and workmanship. The booster pump is excluded in this warranty and carries
its own separate warranty. We do not cover bags, tires, sweep hoses or sweep hose scrubbers which have
been worn out by use. These are normal replacement items. We do not cover improper installation of the
Polaris Vac-Sweep 380. The instruction manual should be read in its entirety before the installation of the
Polaris Vac-Sweep 380. All installation instructions should be carefully followed. Failure to follow the
installation instructions may void this warranty. If you have any questions regarding your Polaris VacSweep 380, please feel free to call or write us. Be sure to include the serial number, which can be located
on the rear of the frame near the single-wheel side of your unit.
EXAMPLE: K 1 2 3 4 5 6
The Polaris 380 frame is warranted for a period of ten years. The rest of the Polaris 380 parts are
warranted for a period of one year from date of manufacture of the unit as established by the serial
number, or one year from date of purchase with proof of purchase, whichever is later.
This limited warranty does not apply if the failure is caused or contributed to by any of the following:
improper handling, improper usage, improper storage, winter freezing, abuse, improper installation,
removal of the UWF filter screen, unsuitable application of the unit, improper maintenance, lack of
reasonable and necessary maintenance, damage in transit or during installation, or damage from
repairs/alterations made or attempted by anyone other than Polaris or one of its Authorized Service
Centers. Polaris will repair or replace, at its option, a unit or part proved to be defective within the
warranty period and under the conditions of the warranty.
In order to make a claim under this warranty, the consumer must deliver or ship the unit or warranty
parts freight prepaid to the nearest Polaris Authorized Service Center or return it freight prepaid (after
proper authorization) to the plant of manufacture. Authorization to return a unit or part to the plant of
manufacture must be obtained from the Polaris Customer Service Department. Check with your dealer for
the local procedure before exercising this warranty. If further directions or instructions should be required,
contact the Customer Service Department at 1-800-VAC-SWEEP (USA and Canada only) or
(760) 599-9600. Be sure you insure your shipments against loss or damage in transit.
Polaris is not responsible for the cost of removal of the unit or parts, damages during or due to
removal, any other expenses incurred in shipping the unit or parts to or from the factory or its Authorized
Service Centers, or damages during the installation of the repaired or replacement unit. The consumer
must bear these expenses.
This warranty does not cover repair or replacement of a unit or part except at our plant of manufacture
or a Polaris Authorized Service Center. This warranty does not cover pattern removal, abrasion or markings
on a vinyl liner.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, AND ALL SUCH OTHER WARRANTIES ARE DISCLAIMED EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTY MAY BE IMPOSED BY STATE CONSUMER LAW. ANY SUCH IMPLIED WARRANTY
IMPOSED BY STATE CONSUMER LAW IS LIMITED IN DURATION TO ONE (1) YEAR FROM THE DATE
OF PURCHASE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL POLARIS BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF
ANY NATURE OR KIND OR FOR DAMAGES TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY, INCLUDING ANY DAMAGES
RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE POLARIS VAC-SWEEP 380 AUTOMATIC POOL CLEANER WITH A
SUBSTANDARD POOL CIRCULATION SYSTEM.
Some states do not allow limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you.
This limited warranty is valid only in the United States of America, Canada and Australia, and it does
not apply to Polaris Vac-Sweep 380 Automatic Swimming Pool Cleaners sold or installed in any other country.
©2002 Polaris Pools Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. TL-850 9/02
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