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Introduction
Keeping your swimming pool spotless can be a never-ending battle, especially if you’re dealing with leaves, dirt, and debris year-round. Manual vacuuming is time-consuming, and high-end cleaners like the Polaris 280 or 360 often come with a hefty price tag and frequent repairs. Enter the Amptyhub Upgrade Pool Pressure Side Sweeper, a professional-grade solution touted for its four-wheel design that’s “better than three.” Priced at just 9, this pressure side pool cleaner promises efficient coverage, durability, and compatibility with existing setups—making it an intriguing alternative for in-ground pool owners.
With a 3.9 out of 5-star rating from 199 Amazon reviews, it has sparked plenty of discussion. Some users hail it as a budget-friendly Polaris killer, while others point out quirks like tipping and tangling. In this in-depth review, we’ll break down its features, real-user feedback, pros and cons, and whether it’s worth adding to your pool maintenance arsenal. If you’re searching for the best pressure side pool sweeper under 0, read on to see if this four-wheel upgrade delivers.
Product Overview
The Amptyhub pool pressure side sweeper is engineered for thorough cleaning of in-ground pools using your existing booster pump setup. Unlike suction-side cleaners that rely on your main pump, this is a true pressure side pool cleaner, requiring a dedicated second booster pump and 1-1/2″ female pipe fitting installation. It’s designed to run longer, cover more ground, and handle various pool shapes and sizes—just adjust the jet power and feed hose as needed.
Key Features and Specifications
- Four-Wheel Design: Upgraded from the traditional three-wheel models like Polaris, promising better stability and less tipping, especially near pool edges or walls.
- High-Quality Materials: Constructed from durable, thick plastic to withstand heavy use and abuse.
- Included Accessories: Comes with a new pressure hose, backup valve, quick disconnect, two debris bags, and extra fittings. Debris bags are compatible with model 380.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple to clean and repair, with ample replacement parts available from Amptyhub.
- Versatility: Works with threaded 1-1/2″ fittings; adjust hose for pool length. Ideal for pools surrounded by trees or heavy debris.
- Requirements: Needs a separate booster pump (not included). Not suitable without one.
- Price: $289—significantly less than comparable Polaris models ($600+).
This isn’t a plug-and-play vacuum; it’s a pressure-tested powerhouse for dedicated pool owners. Assembly relies on basic pictures (no detailed text instructions), but most users report it’s straightforward for the mechanically inclined.
Pros
Based on product specs and glowing customer feedback, here are the standout advantages of the Amptyhub pressure side sweeper:
- Affordable Polaris Alternative: Users repeatedly call it a “cheaper Polaris 280/360 replacement,” saving $350+ while using interchangeable parts. One reviewer noted, “Just over $300 for this complete unit… versus $700 for new Polaris.”
- Exceptional Durability: Built with thick, high-quality plastic that holds up to abuse. A 6-month heavy user said, “I’ve been running this 6 months, frankly abusing it,” with it still performing flawlessly amid constant leaf dumping.
- Superior Debris Pickup in Tough Conditions: Excels in pools with trees and year-round debris. It “picks up plenty of debris” and self-corrects from twists or air pockets, per multiple 5-star reviews.
- Four Wheels for Better Stability: Less tipping than three-wheel models, especially at hose ends. Reviewers appreciate the added balance, even if not perfect.
- Generous Kit and Easy Parts Access: Includes hose, bags, and fittings—rare at this price. Amptyhub stocks replacements, and bags open fully with a simple seam cut for easier emptying.
- Long Runtime and Coverage: Designed to “work longer and cover more ground,” adjusting jets ensures full pool cleaning.
- Compatible with Existing Setups: “Parfait pour mon Polaris 280” (perfect for my Polaris 280), highlighting seamless integration.
Cons
No pool cleaner is perfect, and this one’s 3.9 rating reflects some common gripes from dissatisfied users. Here’s an honest look at the drawbacks:
- Requires Booster Pump (Extra Cost/Setup): Not for everyone—if you lack a dedicated pump, you’ll need to invest in one plus piping, potentially negating savings.
- Tipping and Getting Stuck: Despite four wheels, it tips on curved walls, main drains, or pop-up heads. One user fumed, “It constantly tips over… gets stuck on the main drain.”
- Hose Tangles and Only Front-Wheel Drive: Narrow hose knots easily, and rear wheels are passive, adding resistance without propulsion. More tangles than Polaris, per reviews.
- Subpar Debris Collection for Some: After a month, one owner reported, “Hasn’t picked up enough debris to fill even half of a bag,” requiring more manual vacuuming.
- Vague Instructions: Picture-only assembly guide frustrates beginners, though most figure it out.
Customer Reviews Analysis
With 199 reviews averaging 3.9 stars, opinions are polarized but lean positive for value-driven buyers. About 60-70% are 4-5 stars, praising it as a Polaris beater, while 1-2 star reviews focus on reliability issues.
What Happy Customers Love
Top praise centers on bang-for-buck and performance in debris-heavy pools. A 5-star reviewer with a tree-surrounded pool raved: “I basically have this running every night… It is picked up plenty of debris and it’s been doing a great job. Occasionally it does get twisted up… but it always rights itself.” Another highlighted the kit: “Low price included a new pressure hose, 2 debris bags… saved about $350 bucks. Love this new unit!”
Durability shines through long-term tests—one user updated after months: “Still working great! I advise to cut the seam in the debris bag… My bags are filled now every morning.” Compatibility with Polaris parts seals the deal for upgraders.
Common Complaints from Disappointed Users
Lower ratings stem from operational frustrations. A scathing 1-star (listed as 0) detailed: “Save your money… It constantly tips over… ties itself in a knot… gets stuck… only the front 2 wheels are engaged… narrow hose ties itself in knots… hasn’t picked up enough debris.” This user, with a curved pool and no screen, had to vacuum more than with their old Polaris 360.
Assembly woes and pump dependency amplify issues: Newbies struggle with instructions, and without priming air properly, it floats or loses suction. However, Amptyhub responds to quality queries via Amazon.
Overall Trends: It thrives in flat-bottom, rectangular pools with heavy debris but falters in irregular shapes. Debris bag mods (seam cut) fix common emptying hassles. At 3.9 stars, it’s solid for informed buyers but not foolproof.
Who Should Buy This Product
This four-wheel pool pressure side sweeper isn’t for casual users but shines for specific audiences:
- Polaris Owners Seeking Savings: If you have a booster pump and want cheaper parts/maintenance without Polaris prices.
- Heavy Debris Pool Owners: Trees, leaves, or no covers? Its endurance and self-recovery make it ideal.
- In-Ground Pool Enthusiasts: Versatile for various shapes/sizes with adjustable hoses/jets.
- DIY-Savvy Pool Maintainers: Comfortable with basic tweaks like bag mods or jet adjustments.
Avoid if: You lack a booster pump, have a curved/freeform pool, or prefer set-it-and-forget-it reliability. Vinyl liner owners should confirm compatibility to avoid scratches.
Final Verdict
The Amptyhub Upgrade Pool Pressure Side Sweeper earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars from us. At $289, it’s a compelling pressure side pool cleaner that undercuts Polaris while matching durability and coverage for many users. The four-wheel upgrade, generous kit, and debris-handling prowess make it a winner for booster-equipped pools battling heavy loads. However, tipping, tangles, and pump requirements hold it back from perfection—especially in non-ideal pools.
If you fit the target profile, it’s a smart buy that’ll save time and money long-term. For others, stick with suction cleaners or splurge on premium brands. Honest value meets real-world grit—grab it if you’re ready to tweak for peak performance.
