Polaris is a proven brand in robotic pool cleaners segment. It is available in 3 different models – F9350, F9450 and F9550.
F9550 is the latest and the most advanced model from Polaris. Following are the 4 features available in Polaris F9550 model that are add-ons to its F9450 model.
4-wheel Drive and Aqua-Trax tires
There are no second thoughts about robotic cleaners with 4-wheel drives.
They are the best in the business, can move to any corner in your pool and easily climb both walls and stairs.
In addition, the Aqua-Trax tires aid in making the cleaner ideal for any and all types of surface.
Polaris F9550 Robotic Pool Cleaner Review – Wheels and Brushes
Cord length
While F9450 model comes with 50 feet cord, the new Polaris F9550 comes with 70 feet cord and is ideal for pools which are up to 60 feet in length.
Cleaning Stairs
One noticeable issue with F9450 model was about cleaning the stairs. However, Polaris F9550 comes with rear water propulsion system.
This allows the robotic cleaner to efficiently climb and clean both the stairs and tight corner spots.
Remote Control
Polaris F9550 comes with remote control which is the best option to avail.
You can drive the cleaner to any desired spot inside the pool especially if one particular area has too much of dirt accumulated.
You can also bring the cleaner to the place you are standing and simply press the lift button.
The cleaner rises to the spot making it easier for you to pick it up.
Polaris F9550 Robotic Pool Cleaner Review – Remote
Polaris F9550 Robotic Pool Cleaner Review – Control Panel
Polaris F9450 Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner Review
Pool Scanner
Yes, Polaris F9450 too has scanning feature. It comes with ActivMotion Sensor that first identifies its position when dropped into the pool, measures the length and width. Thereafter, decides the most optimum path to follow for cleaning cycles.
Time
For a pool that’s up to 50 feet, Polaris F9450 takes around 2 hours to clean the entire pool, bottom plus sides. In case of only bottom, it takes no more than 1.5 hours.
Cord
Measuring 50 feet in length, the cord does float on the water while the vacuum moves inside, cleaning the pool.
However, the cable is not completely tangle free and the scanner plus the navigation system tries choosing the most optimum path so as to reduce tangling substantially.
Brushes
Polaris F9450 comes with pleated brush. Although, it perfectly cleans the sides and the bottom but there is a need to manually brush the corners for best results.
Filter
The best of all the features in Polaris 9540 model is the size of the filter canister. It is four times the size of canister filters in most other robotic pool cleaners.
With the canister being accessible from the top, it is relatively easy to clean the filter.
Cleaning walls and stairs
Polaris F9450 does clean the side walls, it perfectly climbs the walls without any issues. However, when it comes to stairs, it does try but mostly can’t move above one or two stairs.
Remember, stairs are always tricky and most pool cleaners are not designed to climb and clean stairs.
Weight
It is the lightest of all pool cleaners and weighs mere 16 lbs, making it easy to carry, drop and lift from the pool.
Pool type
Polaris F9450 is designed for cleaning in-ground pools.
Cleaning Cycle and Programmable Timer
It comes with 7-day programmable cleaning cycle that can be customized to your convenience. It has two cleaning cycles, 1.5 hour and 2.5 hours.
As mentioned earlier, it takes around 1.5 hours for bottom only and 2.5 hours to clean both the bottom surface and the side walls.
Warranty
Polaris offers 2-year warranty on its F9450 model.
Polaris F9350 Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner Review
Well, we have reviewed F9450 in detail, feature-wise. Whereas, for F9550 we only discussed on the additional features it had over F9450. And for F9350 we shall only talk about features that are missing in comparison with F9450.
2-wheel drive
Polaris F9350, like F9450 is a 2-wheel drive model. Only F9550 is a 4-wheel drive in all the three models.
Cord length
Another interesting feature is the cord length. Polaris F9350 comes with 60 feet long cord, while the same had been reduced to 50 feet in F9450 but increased to 70 feet in F9550.
F9350 is ideal for pools up to 50 feet in length.
Manual
Unlike F9450 and F9550 models, Polaris F9350 is mostly manual and does not come with cleaning cycles pre-programmed.