When it comes to pool maintenance, the Polaris Quattro P40 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner has made a name for itself as a powerful and efficient solution for in-ground pools. Promising to clean all pool surfaces and boasting features like a large-capacity dual filtration canister, a 31-foot hose, and a transparent lid to view debris, the Quattro P40 seems like a solid choice at first glance. However, is it the best option for modern pool owners, especially compared to a more modern robotic pool cleaners? Let's dive deep into what this cleaner offers and where it might fall short.
The first thing you’ll notice with the Polaris Quattro P40 is that it isn’t plug-and-play. Unlike robotic pool cleaners that come ready to use right out of the box, the Quattro P40 requires a dedicated booster pump to operate. Polaris recommends the Polaris PB4-60.
This adds an extra layer of complexity to the setup process. While my swimming pool included a Polaris PB4-60, which I reviewed, your pool may not already have a booster pump.
Many users will need to purchase the booster pump separately, adding to the overall cost. Additionally, installing the booster pump can be a hassle, particularly if you are not familiar with pool equipment or do not have the necessary tools on hand. Professional installation by a licensed electrian may be required in certain states, which further inflates the initial investment.
While the 31-foot hose provided is adequate for medium-sized pools, larger pools may need an extension, which is not included. Setting up the hose and ensuring it doesn't tangle during operation can be another pain point. And unlike its robotic counterparts, which are controlled via apps or remote controls, the Quattro P40 has limited control options, depending solely on the booster pump for its operation.
The Polaris Quattro P40 claims to handle all in-ground pool surfaces, and in many cases, it does so adequately. With four-wheel drive and AquaTrax tires, the cleaner can navigate various terrains, from plaster to vinyl and fiberglass. It moves along the floor, walls, and waterline effectively, using its dual scrubbers to agitate dirt and debris.
We do love the addition of the scrubbing brush. This is a huge improvement over the Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 and Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 which don’t use a scrubbing brush. Reminiscent of robotic pool cleaners, this scrubbing brush impressed us a ton.
However, compared to advanced robotic pool cleaners, the Quattro P40's cleaning is less efficient. The cleaner often misses spots, particularly on vertical surfaces and the waterline, where grime tends to accumulate the most. It can also struggle with fine debris like sand or silt, which can be left behind even after a full cleaning cycle. This can be frustrating for pool owners who expect a spotless pool after every use.
The Quattro P40’s dual filtration system is a key selling point, but it’s not without its flaws. While the canister's large capacity means it can collect a significant amount of debris, the design isn't as user-friendly as it could be. Emptying the canister can be cumbersome, particularly if it is filled with fine debris that clings to the sides. Additionally, the transparent lid, while useful for monitoring, often gets cloudy or scratched over time, reducing its visibility.
The filtration system does a decent job of capturing larger debris like leaves and twigs, but it falls short when dealing with finer particles such as pollen, algae, or dirt. The canister's mesh is not as fine as some would like, meaning it may not trap all the smaller particles.
Compared to a modern robotic pool cleaner’s NanoFiltration, such as in the new Dolphin ProLine, it is highly disappointing. We’ve used these filters in a variety of cleaners and absolutely love them and are a must-have in the top robotic pool cleaners.
This requires more frequent backwashing of your pool filter, which increases water consumption and energy costs — another downside for eco-conscious pool owners.
One of the major drawbacks of the Polaris Quattro P40 is its dependence on a booster pump. Unlike robotic cleaners, which operate independently and are designed for energy efficiency, the Quattro P40 requires your pool pump to be running in conjunction with its dedicated booster pump. This setup can significantly increase your pool's energy consumption, especially if you run the cleaner frequently. Over time, the costs can add up, both in terms of electricity usage and the wear and tear on your pool's filtration system.
Robotic cleaners, by contrast, are self-contained units that typically consume far less power and are often programmed to run on energy-efficient schedules. For pool owners concerned about their carbon footprint or monthly utility bills, the Quattro P40 may not be the best choice.
Durability is another area where the Polaris Quattro P40 offers mixed results. The cleaner itself feels robust, with a build quality that suggests it can withstand the rigors of regular use. The AquaTrax tires are designed for longevity and provide a good grip on most pool surfaces. However, the reliance on a booster pump means there is another mechanical component that can fail or require maintenance over time. Should the booster pump malfunction, it could leave your pool cleaner out of action until repairs are completed, which may not be convenient during peak pool season and not to mention can cost hundreds to replace between a new pump and professional installation.
Maintenance of the Quattro P40 itself is relatively straightforward. The canister can be accessed easily enough, but cleaning the mesh filter and ensuring that all components are free of clogs can be time-consuming. In contrast, many robotic cleaners come with advanced self-cleaning features that make maintenance less of a chore. Additionally, robotic cleaners often offer alerts or notifications via apps, informing you when maintenance is needed — a feature notably absent in the Quattro P40.
While the Polaris Quattro P40 does offer some user-friendly features, like a push-button release for the debris canister, it lacks the intuitive controls and programmability found in robotic pool cleaners. Robotic cleaners often come with remote controls, app connectivity, and customizable cleaning cycles, allowing pool owners to tailor the cleaning process to their specific needs. The Quattro P40, however, operates in a more manual fashion, giving users less flexibility and control over its cleaning behavior.
Moreover, setting up the Quattro P40 can feel dated compared to the ease and modern interfaces of robotic pool cleaners. The reliance on hoses, booster pumps, and manual adjustments may deter those looking for a more straightforward, tech-savvy solution. For many, the convenience and advanced technology offered by robotic pool cleaners simply outweigh the benefits of a traditional pressure-side cleaner like the Quattro P40.
To provide an accurate and comprehensive review, we tested the Polaris Quattro P40 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner in various real-world scenarios. The testing took place over three weeks in two different in-ground pools: one with a plaster surface and another with a vinyl liner. Both pools were exposed to a mix of typical debris, including leaves, twigs, insects, and fine dust, to simulate everyday use.
We assessed the cleaner’s performance based on several criteria:
Ease of Setup: We documented the installation process, including the time required to set up the cleaner with a booster pump and any additional components needed.
Cleaning Coverage: We observed the Quattro P40's ability to navigate the pool’s surfaces, including the floor, walls, and waterline. We noted any missed spots or areas that required additional attention.
Debris Collection Efficiency: We measured the effectiveness of the dual filtration canister in capturing both large and small debris. This included an assessment of the ease of emptying and cleaning the canister.
Energy Consumption: We monitored the power usage of both the pool pump and the booster pump while the cleaner was in operation, comparing it to similar robotic cleaners.
Durability and Maintenance: We evaluated the build quality of the cleaner and the frequency and ease of maintenance required during the testing period.
Overall, the testing revealed a product that performs adequately in many areas but lacks the finesse and efficiency of its robotic competitors. While the Quattro P40 can handle a range of debris types, it falls short in capturing finer particles and requires more manual intervention, both in terms of setup and ongoing use.
The Polaris Quattro P40 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner undoubtedly has its strengths. It offers robust construction, solid performance on various pool surfaces, and a large-capacity debris canister that reduces the frequency of emptying. However, it falls short in several key areas that make it less appealing than many robotic pool cleaners currently on the market.
If you are willing to deal with the additional costs and complexities associated with a booster pump and want a cleaner that can handle large debris in medium-sized pools, the Quattro P40 might be a viable option. However, if you are looking for a truly hassle-free experience, energy efficiency, and cutting-edge features like smart navigation and app controls, a robotic pool cleaner is likely the better investment.
While the Polaris Quattro P40 delivers a solid performance in traditional pressure-side cleaning, its lack of modern features, additional costs, and operational inefficiencies make it less competitive against the new wave of robotic pool cleaners.
If you are stuck to a pressure-side pool cleaner, this is the one to get. But with a high price tag and requirement of a booster pump, you may be better off with a robotic pool cleaner.
