A Design You Can Depend On
Renowned for its durability and powerful cleaning action, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 is the most popular pressure-side cleaner in its class. Powered by dual vacuum jets and a dedicated booster pump, the 280 sweeps, scrubs, and vacuums your pool floor and walls in under three hours.
Designed for all in-ground pools, the Polaris 280 connects easily to a dedicated pressure line and captures both large and small debris – before it reaches your pump basket or filter – thanks to its signature single-chamber filter bag. This reduces strain on your pool equipment and extends system life.
With its patented 3-wheel design, automatic back-up valve, and large throat intake, the Polaris 280 delivers reliable performance and consistent coverage, even around steps, corners, and ladders.
Why Choose the Polaris Vac-Sweep 280?
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Reduce Filter Maintenance
Captures debris before it reaches your pump and filter – reducing cleaning by up to 80% and extending the life of your pool equipment.
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Clean, Healthy Water
Booster pump operation keeps your skimmer free to capture surface contaminants, while the Polaris 280 scrubs and vacuums the floor and walls—helping maintain a healthier, clearer swimming environment.
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Enhanced Water Circulation
Returns clean, filtered water to all depths and surfaces—improving clarity and evenly distributing heat for more efficient heating.
Benefits:
Sweeps, scrubs, and vacuums the floor and walls of pools of all shapes and sizes.
Dual Venturi jets deliver superior vacuum power to clean your pool in 3 hours or less.
Large throat intake and all-purpose filter bag capture leaves, pebbles, acorns, and more.
- Protects Your Pool Equipment
Unique filter bag traps debris before it reaches the pump or filter – reducing cleaning and prolonging equipment life.
- Stays Unstuck, Keeps Cleaning
The automatic back-up valve activates every 3–4 minutes to free the cleaner from tight corners and obstacles – ensuring uninterrupted, hassle-free cleaning.
Highlights:
- Unique Filter Bag
Unlike suction cleaners, the Polaris 280 collects debris in its own unique filter bag before it reaches your pump or filtration system, reducing filter cleaning by up to 80% and extending equipment life.
- Patented 3-Wheel Agility
The patented 3-wheel design improves maneuverability, helping the cleaner easily escape corners, steps, and tight angles without getting stuck. Its off-centre approach also avoids square-on collisions with pool walls.
- Dual Vacuum Jets
Powered by two strong jets, the Polaris 280 delivers fast and efficient cleaning – sweeping, scrubbing, and vacuuming your pool in 3 hours or less.
- Wide Throat Intake
With the largest throat opening of any Polaris cleaner, the 280 easily captures large debris like leaves, gum nuts, and pebbles – perfect for leafy or heavy-debris pools.
- Translucent Housing
The durable, translucent shell provides superior resistance to UV discolouration and weather damage, maintaining both appearance and performance over time.
Key Features:
- MaxTrax Tyres: Provide strong grip across concrete, vinyl, and pebble surfaces for stable, all-surface movement.
- Dual Jet Propulsion: Powered by two Venturi jets and a booster pump for fast, efficient pressure-side cleaning.
- 3-Wheel Drive System: Patented design improves turning and maneuverability, reducing the chance of getting stuck on steps or in corners.
- Single-Chamber Debris Bag: Captures large debris before it reaches your filtration system, reducing maintenance and extending equipment life.
- Wide Intake Throat: Handles leaves, gum nuts, pebbles, and other large debris with ease.
- Sweep Hose: Sweeps and scrubs hard-to-reach spots like corners and steps for a more complete clean.
- Back-Up Valve: Activates automatically every few minutes to keep the cleaner moving and prevent hang-ups.
- Translucent Housing: UV- and weather-resistant shell maintains performance and appearance over time.
- Booster Pump Operation: Connects to a dedicated pressure line for consistent performance without interrupting surface skimming.
- TankTrax Tyre Available: Optional upgrade kit (sold separately) enhances climbing ability on tiled and fibreglass pool surfaces.
- Includes 9.5m Feed Hose: Long, flexible hose included for easy connection to a dedicated return line.
In The Box:
- 1. All-Purpose Zippered Bag
- 2. Head Float
- 3. Sweep Hose
- 4. Sweep Hose Scrubber
- 5. Cleaner Body with MaxTrax Tyres
- 6. Feed Hose
- 7. Hose Floats
- 8. Back-up Valve
- 9. In-Line Filter Assembly
- 10. Quick Disconnect with Universal Wall Fitting (UWF)
- 11. Restrictor Disks (one red and one blue)
Technical Specifications:
| Venturi Jets |
2 Jets |
| Vacuum Inlet |
57mm (2-1/4") Large Intake |
| Drive Mechanism |
Shaft Drive |
| Tyres |
MaxTrax |
| Debris Collection |
All-Purpose Single Chamber Zipper Bag |
| Debris Capacity |
5 Litres |
| Auto Backup |
Yes (Auto-Reverse Technology) |
| Requires Booster Pump |
Yes (Sold Separately) |
| Pool Type / Surface |
In-Ground Pools / All Surface Types* |
| Warranty |
2 Years |
(*) Only Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 w/ PosiTrax Tyre
Fast, Proven, Dependable
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 is the trusted choice for reliable, pressure-side cleaning—offering quick 3-hour cycles, full pool coverage, and powerful debris removal for all in-ground pools.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Cleaner Gets Stuck on Steps or Obstacles (Over 3 Minutes)
- Check the wheel speed — target is 30–36 RPM.
- Lift the back-up valve out of the pool and verify it cycles on and off every ~3 minutes.
- Adjust the thrust jet direction — set to 11 o’clock for climbing performance.
- Remove unnecessary pool hardware or install a Ladder Guard Kit (Part #W7230412).
Cleaner Slides on Tiled Surfaces
- Check that all jets on the cleaner are working and not blocked.
- For tiled or fibreglass pools, fit PosiTrax Tyres (Part #W7230211), available as an optional accessory.
Cleaner Moves Too Fast or Misses the Pool Bottom
- Check the wheel RPM — if over 32 RPM, reduce water flow using the pressure relief valve.
- Ensure the blue or red restrictor disc is installed in the wall fitting (UWF).
- Verify that the back-up valve is cycling properly.
Cleaner Doesn’t Move But There Is Pressure
- Check the wheel RPMs — if low or not spinning, inspect the in-line filter for clogs.
- Check the water management system for blockages.
- Remove the restrictor disc to increase flow, if RPMs are slightly low.
Cleaner Is Sluggish or Weak
- Clean the in-line filter screen inside the Quick Disconnect.
- Empty the debris bag — especially if full of sand or leaves.
- Clean skimmer and pump baskets, and the pool filter.
- Check all hoses and swivels for leaks.
- Check wheel RPM — adjust flow as needed.
Hose Gets Tangled or Coils Up
- Ensure hose swivels are spinning freely.
- Lay the hose flat in the sun for 24 hours to relieve hose memory.
Cleaner Only Turns in One Direction
- Adjust the thrust jet for more balanced turning.
- Ensure the feed hose is floating — reposition floats as needed.
Cleaner Doesn’t Back Up
- Lift the back-up valve out of the pool and confirm it cycles on and off every ~3 minutes.
- If it does not pulse or stays on continuously, the back-up valve may need replacement.
Sweep Hose Gets Sucked Into the Cleaner
- Check that the sweep hose scrubber is not blocking the opening.
- Adjust sweep hose movement to a gentle sweeping motion.
Sweep Hose Sprays Water Out of Pool
- Tighten the sweep hose adjustment screw to reduce spray force.
- Replace the sweep hose scrubber if worn or missing.
- Add a sweep hose weight (Part #W7230203) to control movement.
Cleaner Doesn’t Cover the Entire Pool
- Ensure the feed hose reaches within 15 cm of the farthest point in the pool.
- Adjust thrust jet to a straight-back position to encourage random turning.
- Inspect vacuum jets — there should be two even streams of water from the throat.
Cleaner Runs in Circles on Its Side
- Empty the filter bag — heavy debris can unbalance the cleaner.
- Shake the head float — if water is inside, replace it.
- Ensure hose floats are spaced evenly along the feed hose.
Cleaner Doesn’t Climb Pool Walls
- Check that wheel RPM is in range — aim for 30–36 RPM.
- Set the thrust jet to 11 o’clock for better climbing action.
- Ensure the feed hose is floating and not too short.
- For tiled or fibreglass pools, upgrade to PosiTrax Tyres (Part #W7230211).
How Do I Adjust the Wheel RPM?
If below 30 RPM:
- Clean the in-line filter screen and pump baskets.
- Check for hose leaks or restrictions.
- Remove the restrictor disc to increase water flow.
If above 36 RPM:
- Install the red restrictor disc into the wall fitting (UWF).
- Open the pressure relief valve slightly to reduce pressure.
Always check RPM with the cleaner operating in the pool, submerged and flat.
How Do I Store the Cleaner?
Remove the cleaner from the pool during winter or extended non-use. Rinse and dry the unit completely, then store in a shaded, dry area. Do not expose to freezing temperatures. Do not coil the hose tightly during storage.
How Often Should I Empty the Debris Bag?
Empty the bag when it is about half full or whenever performance decreases. Heavier debris like wet leaves and sand should be emptied more frequently. Dry bags are easier to clean.
Are Spare Parts Available?
Yes — genuine Polaris 280 spare parts including tyres, scrubbers, bags, back-up valves, and hose kits are available. Browse Polaris 280 Spare Parts.
Note!
Differences between Product Illustrations and Actual Products: The product illustrations (including product pictures, images and display contents) displayed on the website are for reference and illustrative purpose only. The actual products received by each customer may vary and differ slightly with the product illustrations in the aspects including but not limited to appearance, color, logo, dimension and size due to production batches, improvements, legal and regulatory requirements, country or region or other reasons. Please refer to the acutual products received. The final interpretation of product specifications and appearance belongs to Polaris.
