The Polaris P39 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner is often touted as a premium option within the pressure-side category, promising powerful cleaning performance with its triple-jet propulsion system, large-capacity filter bag, and all-wheel drive. Designed for in-ground pools, the P39 aims to tackle everything from fine particles to larger debris with minimal effort. However, in an age where robotic pool cleaners are quickly becoming the preferred choice, does the Polaris P39 truly deliver enough value to justify its higher price point and energy consumption? Let’s explore the strengths and weaknesses of this model to see if it stands out or simply blends in with its peers.
Much like its pressure-side counterparts, the Polaris P39 is not a simple plug-and-play option. The cleaner requires a dedicated booster pump, adding to the initial cost and installation complexity. For pool owners who do not already have a booster pump installed, this can mean additional expenses and the potential need for professional installation services, especially if pool plumbing is not your forte.
Once the booster pump is in place, setting up the Polaris P39 involves assembling its 31-foot hose, adjusting the float positions, and calibrating the cleaner to ensure optimal performance. This process, while not overly complicated, can still be time-consuming, particularly for those unfamiliar with pool equipment. The hose, which is marketed as kink-resistant, can still be prone to tangling, especially during the initial setup phase when adjustments are frequently needed.
The Polaris P39’s primary claim to fame is its triple-jet propulsion system, which is designed to provide superior suction power and coverage throughout the pool. On paper, this sounds impressive, and in practice, it does deliver powerful cleaning action, especially on flat surfaces. The all-wheel drive system, coupled with WideTrax tires, allows the cleaner to navigate the pool floor and walls with relative ease.
However, the P39’s performance is not without flaws. While it does well with larger debris, such as leaves and twigs, it struggles with finer particles like sand, pollen, and dust. The cleaner’s suction tends to weaken as the debris bag fills, requiring frequent emptying to maintain performance levels. The P39 also tends to miss spots along the waterline and in tight corners, where debris often accumulates, resulting in uneven cleaning results.
Moreover, the P39’s random cleaning pattern lacks the precision and thoroughness of robotic cleaners equipped with advanced navigation systems. The cleaner often retraces its steps, spending excessive time in one area while neglecting others. For pool owners looking for a spotless clean with minimal effort, this inefficiency can be a significant drawback.
The Polaris P39 features a large-capacity filter bag that is designed to capture both large and small debris, extending the time between emptying sessions. While the bag does hold a substantial amount of debris, it is not without its issues. For one, the bag’s mesh material is not fine enough to capture smaller particles effectively, leading to more debris remaining in the pool than expected. This can be particularly problematic for pool owners who deal with fine sand, dust, or algae.
Additionally, the debris bag tends to fill up quickly when tackling larger debris, which means frequent stops to empty and clean the bag. This process is not as straightforward as it could be, requiring some effort to detach and reattach the bag correctly. The bag's design also leaves it exposed to sunlight and pool chemicals, which can cause it to wear out faster than expected, adding to the cost of ownership.
As with other pressure-side pool cleaners, the Polaris P39 relies heavily on a dedicated booster pump, significantly increasing energy consumption. The need for dual-pump operation not only adds to the pool’s overall electricity usage but also places additional strain on the pool’s filtration system. In an era where energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important, this high consumption rate is a notable disadvantage.
Robotic pool cleaners, by comparison, are designed to be more energy-efficient, operating independently of the pool’s filtration system and often using significantly less power. For eco-conscious pool owners or those looking to reduce their monthly energy bills, the P39’s reliance on a booster pump is a major downside.
Durability is one area where the Polaris P39 performs relatively well. The cleaner’s construction feels robust, and its components, such as the drive chains and WideTrax tires, are built to withstand regular use. However, the cleaner is not without its maintenance challenges. The drive belts and chains require regular inspection and occasional replacement to ensure optimal performance. This ongoing maintenance can be both time-consuming and costly, particularly for those who prefer a more hands-off approach to pool cleaning.
The cleaner’s various moving parts, including the wheels and hose swivels, are also prone to wear and tear over time. Ensuring that all components are functioning correctly requires frequent checks and, occasionally, part replacements. While the Polaris P39 is built to last, the level of upkeep required may deter pool owners looking for a low-maintenance solution.
While the Polaris P39 offers solid performance in terms of power and debris collection, it falls short in terms of user convenience. Unlike many modern robotic cleaners, which feature app connectivity, programmable cleaning cycles, and remote control options, the P39 lacks these user-friendly features. Pool owners are limited to manual control, with no way to customize or optimize the cleaning schedule.
The cleaner’s design, which requires manual intervention to empty the debris bag and adjust the hose, also detracts from its overall usability. For pool owners accustomed to the convenience of robotic cleaners, which often require little to no manual input, the P39 can feel outdated and cumbersome.
To provide a thorough and unbiased review, we tested the Polaris P39 over a four-week period in two different in-ground pools. One pool had a concrete surface, while the other featured a vinyl liner. Both pools were exposed to a variety of debris, including leaves, twigs, insects, and fine dirt, to simulate real-world conditions.
Our testing focused on the following criteria:
Ease of Installation: We documented the complexity and time required to set up the cleaner, including the installation of a booster pump and assembly of the hose and debris bag.
Cleaning Performance: We evaluated the cleaner’s ability to cover different pool surfaces, handle various types of debris, and navigate around obstacles like steps and ladders.
Energy Consumption: We monitored the electricity usage of both the main pool pump and the booster pump during cleaning cycles, comparing it to the usage of comparable robotic cleaners.
Durability and Maintenance: We assessed the build quality, the frequency of necessary maintenance, and the ease of replacing worn or damaged parts.
Overall, our testing revealed a cleaner that performs well in some areas but struggles to compete with more advanced robotic cleaners. The P39 excels in power and debris capacity but falls short in efficiency, ease of use, and energy consumption.
To better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the Polaris P39, it’s helpful to compare it to other Polaris pressure-side models:
The Polaris Quattro P40 and P39 are similar in many ways, but the Quattro P40 edges out the P39 in terms of advanced features and performance. The Quattro P40 is equipped with a four-wheel drive system and more sophisticated scrubbing brushes, providing superior maneuverability and coverage. Additionally, the Quattro P40 has a dual filtration system that separates larger debris from fine particles, making it more efficient at handling a variety of debris types. In contrast, the P39’s triple-jet propulsion, while powerful, lacks the precision and cleaning efficiency of the Quattro P40.
Both the Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport and the P39 offer triple-jet propulsion and strong suction capabilities. However, the 3900 Sport is slightly more versatile, with an all-wheel drive system and WideTrax tires that provide better traction on different pool surfaces. The 3900 Sport also features a dual-chamber SuperBag, which holds more debris than the P39’s single-chamber bag, reducing the frequency of emptying. On the downside, both models suffer from high energy consumption and require frequent maintenance, making them less appealing than their robotic counterparts.
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 is a more basic model designed for above-ground vinyl pools, while the P39 targets in-ground pools with more advanced cleaning needs. The Vac-Sweep 65 is simpler to install and does not require a booster pump, making it a more cost-effective choice for smaller pools. However, it lacks the power and debris capacity of the P39, as well as the ability to clean pool walls. For those with larger in-ground pools, the P39 is the superior option, though it comes with higher upfront and operational costs.
The Polaris P39 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner is a solid performer in the pressure-side category, offering strong suction power, a large debris capacity, and durable construction. However, its high energy consumption, frequent maintenance requirements, and lack of modern features make it less appealing compared to robotic pool cleaners.
If you already have a dedicated booster pump and prioritize strong suction over convenience and energy efficiency, the P39 might meet your needs. However, for those looking for
It is a solid pressure-side cleaner, but compared to other robotic pool cleaners we've tested - it falls short.
