The Polaris 280 pool cleaner is one of the best in-ground pool cleaners available on the market today. Although it is an older model, it consistently outperforms the newer models of Polaris pool cleaners. It also requires less maintenance and is easier to troubleshoot and repair when problems start to occur. Like all pool cleaners, over time the cleaner will eventually start to wear down and work less efficiently. A common symptom that can appear is when the Polaris 280 just stops moving and doesn’t do the cleaning that it normally does so well. The following troubleshooting tips will help identify why the vacuum has stopped moving.

Clogged cleaning wheels – First things first, turn off all pool equipment and remove the cleaner from the pool. Inspect the wheels and make sure they turn freely and nothing is preventing the wheels from turning. It’s very easy, and very common, for a pool toy, small branch, or other debris to get stuck between the wheels preventing them from moving. When this happens, everything else could be working just fine, just the wheels can’t turn. Once the toy or debris is removed, the Polaris 280 will return to normal to keep the pool clean again.

Is there enough water pressure? – next, make sure that enough water pressure is supplied to the cleaner. Since the Polaris 280 is a side pressure pool cleaner, it needs a sufficient amount of water pressure to work properly, and without the necessary pressure, it will not move. Turn on the pool equipment and visually confirm that the pool has good circulation. If there is no good water flow, the following are the most common reasons.

1 – The pool’s main filter is dirty. – If the pool’s main filter has not been cleaned recently or the filter pressure gauge has an unusually high pressure reading, the main filter needs to be cleaned. After cleaning the filter, try the cleaner again to see if it fixed the problem.

two – The wall filter screen is dirty – The Polaris 280 pool cleaner is equipped with a small filter located inside the wall fitting that can become clogged with debris. If this screen is clogged, not enough water pressure will reach the pool cleaner.

3 – Booster pump malfunction – turn on all pool equipment, including the Polaris 280 booster pump. If the pump won’t turn on, it’s obviously a problem. If it comes on, check the water pressure to the cleaner by slowly and carefully raising the cleaner to the surface of the water and reaching into the water to feel the water pressure. Be sure to hold the cleanser under the water and hold the tail so you don’t get water splashing on your face. It’s a good idea to wear safety glasses or goggles when doing this test.

Cleaner wheels need repair – if the cleaner wheels are not clogged, all filters are clean, and there is good water pressure to the cleaner, the wheels may need to be repaired. Three wheel components commonly wear out and need replacement over time.

1 – Wheel – the wheels have grooves that mesh with the drive shaft. Any of the three wheels that have worn or broken grooves will need to be replaced. Wheels can be easily inspected visually for defective grooves.

two – wheel bearings – each wheel has two wheel bearings that will wear out over time. Indicators that the bearings need replacement are excessive horizontal play and/or wheels that do not spin freely. If you suspect bad bearings, remove the wheels and it will show.

3 – tires – if the tires have excessive or uneven wear, or have been stretched to the point of not fitting well on the wheels, they need to be replaced.

After following the troubleshooting tips above, if the Polaris 280 still won’t move, you may have a more complicated internal mechanical issue. Call a pool service professional or your local pool store for help.