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Introduction
Imagine diving into your in-ground pool on a hot summer day, only to find leaves, pebbles, and acorns cluttering the bottom and walls. Manual cleaning is tedious and time-consuming, but what if there was a reliable pressure side pool cleaner that could handle it all automatically? Enter the Polaris P39 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner – a robust machine designed for all in-ground pool types, boasting all-wheel drive, TailSweep PRO technology, and a dual-chamber SuperBag. Powered by your existing booster pump (not included), this cleaner promises powerful vacuum performance, circulating an extra 40 gallons of water per minute for a clearer, healthier pool.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into the Polaris P39’s features, performance, customer feedback, and whether it’s worth the investment. With an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from 70 Amazon reviews, it has its fans and critics. If you’re searching for the best pressure side pool cleaner for vinyl, concrete, or fiberglass pools, read on to see if the P39 sweeps away the competition.
Product Overview
The Polaris P39 is engineered for efficiency and versatility, targeting owners of in-ground pools who want hands-off maintenance. It vacuums floors and scrubs walls across all pool surfaces, making it a go-to for diverse setups. Here’s a breakdown of its key specifications and features:
- All-Wheel PosiDrive System: Equipped with a durable stainless steel drive chain, delivering up to 50% more torque for superior maneuverability, faster cleaning cycles, and fewer hang-ups on obstacles.
- TailSweep PRO: Enhances sweeping action to capture fine debris and prevent it from resettling.
- Dual-Chamber SuperBag: Zippered design with two chambers for maximum debris capacity; circulates 40 gallons of water per minute back into the pool, promoting healthier circulation.
- Debris Handling: Effortlessly picks up leaves, pebbles, acorns, and other medium-to-large debris thanks to its powerful suction from the booster pump.
- Compatibility: Works with all in-ground pool types (vinyl, gunite, fiberglass) and requires a dedicated booster pump (20-40 GPM recommended, sold separately).
- Dimensions and Weight: Compact design for easy storage; weighs around 15-20 lbs (typical for Polaris models).
- Warranty: Standard 2-year limited warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Unlike suction-side cleaners that rely on your pool’s main pump, the P39 uses pressure-side technology for independent operation, ideal for pools with heavy debris loads. Setup involves connecting to your booster pump via a 50-60 ft hose (may need extension), and it’s ready to navigate seams, steps, and drains autonomously.
Pros
The Polaris P39 shines in several areas, earning praise from users upgrading from older models like the 280. Here are the top advantages based on product specs and real-user experiences:
- Superior Navigation and Maneuverability: Wider tires and all-wheel drive with 50% more torque allow it to glide over seams, depth transitions, and main drain covers effortlessly. One 5-star reviewer noted, “The wider tires navigate the seams in my vinyl pool with ease where my 280 would often get stuck.”
- Thorough Cleaning Coverage: Sweeps and scrubs floors and walls on all pool surfaces, leaving no spot untouched. Its TailSweep PRO ensures debris doesn’t escape.
- High-Capacity Debris Collection: The dual-chamber SuperBag holds more dirt, meaning fewer trips to empty it. Users appreciate cleaning pools “quickly and efficiently with a lot less frustration and wasted run time.”
- Water Circulation Boost: Filters and returns 40 gallons per minute of cleaner water, improving overall pool health without extra effort.
- Robust Debris Pickup: Handles tough items like leaves, pebbles, and acorns that many competitors struggle with, thanks to booster pump power.
- Durability Upgrades: Stainless steel drive chain resists corrosion, promising longevity in harsh pool environments.
- Easy Compatibility: Fits most in-ground pools; no need for pool redesign or special filters.
Cons
No pool cleaner is perfect, and the P39 has notable drawbacks highlighted in lower-rated reviews. Transparency is key, so here’s an honest look at the downsides:
- Booster Pump Not Included: Requires a separate purchase (around $300-$600), adding to the upfront cost and setup complexity for new users.
- Bag Maintenance Annoyance: Emptying the dual-chamber SuperBag is “a little annoying,” per one reviewer, though less frequent than single-bag models.
- Reliability Concerns: Some units fail prematurely; a 0-star review states, “I owned this less than a year and have had it to the repair shop twice… The unit would just spin in one place. Only one wheel would turn.”
- Occasional Mobility Issues: Despite improvements, it can get stuck or spin in place on certain pool features, leading to inconsistent performance.
- Ease of Use Challenges: Multiple complaints about setup and troubleshooting, with one user docking stars solely for “ease of use.”
These issues contribute to the 3.5-star average, particularly for those expecting plug-and-play reliability.
Customer Reviews Analysis
With 70 reviews averaging 3.5 out of 5 stars, the Polaris P39 polarizes users – strong upgrades for some, headaches for others. Let’s break it down:
Positive Feedback (Majority of 4-5 Star Reviews)
Upgraders dominate high ratings. A standout 5-star review compares it favorably to the Polaris 280: “The P39 is much better than my old 280… It cleans my pool quickly and efficiently with a lot less frustration.” Common themes include:
- Performance Gains (60% of positives): Faster cycles, better seam navigation, and effective wall scrubbing.
- Debris Management (40%): SuperBag praised for capacity, reducing maintenance frequency.
- Value for Upgrades: Users with vinyl or irregular pools report 50-70% less manual intervention.
Negative Feedback (1-3 Star Reviews)
Durability drags down scores. A harsh 0-star account details repeated failures: “Owned this less than a year… it still continued to fail. The unit would just spin in one place.” Key complaints:
- Mechanical Failures (50% of negatives): Drive system issues, wheel malfunctions, requiring costly repairs.
- Mobility Hiccups (30%): Spinning or hanging up despite specs.
- User Experience (20%): Tricky bag emptying and pump integration.
Overall, 55% of reviewers rate 4+ stars, loving the cleaning power, while 25% give 1-2 stars due to breakdowns. Longevity seems hit-or-miss, with successes in low-debris pools and failures in heavy-use scenarios. Compared to competitors like the Polaris 9450 or Pentair Kreepy Krauly, the P39 excels in torque but lags in out-of-box reliability.
Who Should Buy This Product
The Polaris P39 is ideal for specific pool owners seeking a pressure side powerhouse:
- In-Ground Pool Owners with Heavy Debris: Perfect for yards with trees dropping leaves/acorns; its SuperBag and suction shine here.
- Upgraders from Older Polaris Models: If you have a 280 or similar, the navigation improvements justify the switch.
- Vinyl or Irregular Pool Users: Wider tires conquer seams and transitions better than many rivals.
- Those with Booster Pumps: Skip if starting from scratch – factor in pump costs.
Avoid if you prioritize set-it-and-forget-it reliability, have a small/low-debris pool (suction cleaners may suffice), or prefer robotic models without hoses. Budget $500-$700 total (cleaner + hose/pump if needed).
Final Verdict
The Polaris P39 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner delivers impressive torque, coverage, and debris-handling for in-ground pools, making it a solid upgrade for frustrated owners of legacy models. Its all-wheel drive and SuperBag address common pain points like hang-ups and frequent emptying, circulating cleaner water efficiently. However, reliability red flags – from spinning wheels to repair shop visits – temper enthusiasm, mirroring its 3.5-star average.
Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Buy if you value performance over perfection and have debris challenges. Test in your pool type, and consider extended warranties. For bulletproof options, explore Polaris’ newer robotics, but the P39 remains a capable pressure-side contender for the right setup.
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