Polaris Vac-Sweep 165 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Important Information
The Polaris Vac-Sweep®165 automatic pool cleaner comes ready to connect to 1-1/2" female pipe
threads on a return line. The following are important points to remember when installing and operating
the Polaris 165.
•Always disconnect the Polaris from the pool wall when cleaning or backwashing the pool filter.
•After cleaning or backwashing, let the filtration system run for at least five minutes before
reconnecting the Polaris.
•New plumbing lines should be flushed out before installing the Polaris.
•Always handle the Polaris with care. Do not let children play with it; it is not a toy.
•Never handle the Polaris when it is operating.
•Always remove the Polaris before swimmers enter the pool.
•Always remove the Polaris from the pool before chemical shock treatments. As a general rule,
any pool water that is unsafe for swimming is unsafe for the Polaris.
•Carefully cut the hoses following the instructions on page 3.
By following these simple guidelines, you can help protect against injury and prolong the life of the
Polaris 165.
When replacing any Polaris parts, always insist on genuine Polaris replacement parts.You can be sure
you are buying genuine Polaris parts if they come in Polaris part bags or have the Polaris logo on them.
Non-Polaris parts are not made to our specifications. They may have an adverse effect on the operation of
the Polaris or may even damage it. If you are unable to find genuine Polaris parts in your area, contact us
at 1-800-VAC-SWEEP to receive the name of the participating Polaris dealer nearest you.
If you have any questions regarding these instructions, please call our Customer Service Department
toll-free at 1-800-VAC-SWEEP (USA and Canada only) or [phone], Monday through Thursday,
6:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Friday, 6:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Saturdays 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. during summer
months) PST.
Before the Polaris is installed, please take a moment to record the serial number. For the location of
the serial number, refer to the diagram in Section A on page 2. You will be asked for this number
when contacting our Customer Service Department.
Serial #______________________
WARNING: USE OF POLARIS 165 IN A VINYL LINER POOL
Certain vinyl liner patterns are particularly susceptible to rapid surface wear or pattern removal caused
by a variety of objects coming into contact with the vinyl surface, including pool brushes, pool toys,
floats, fountains, chlorine dispensers, and automatic pool cleaners. Some vinyl liner patterns can be
seriously scratched or abraded simply by rubbing the surface with a pool brush. Ink from the pattern
can also rub off during the installation process or when it comes into contact with objects in the pool.
Polaris is not responsible for, and the Limited Warranty does not cover, pattern removal, abrasion or
markings on a vinyl liner.

1. Turn on the pool filtration pump and flush out
the plumbing line. Turn off the pump.
2. Choose the return line nearest the center-
point of the longest pool wall for the Polaris.
If there are two return lines at an equal dis-
tance from the centerpoint, select the return
line that is closer to the pool equipment.
Place one eyeball regulator into one of the
remaining return lines.
Note:Once installed, verify the cleaner is operat-
ing according to the Operation Section on page 4.
3. Unscrew the universal wall fitting from the
quick disconnect.
•If the return line for the Polaris has 1-1/2"
female threads exposed, screw in the uni-
versal wall fitting by hand. Turn the quick
disconnect clockwise (also by hand) into
the universal wall fitting to tighten it into
place; do not overtighten.Once secure,
the quick disconnect can be removed
without removing the universal wall fitting.
•If the return line for the Polaris looks like
the one below, remove the parts shown
and install the universal wall fitting.
I. Introduction
Thank you for choosing a Polaris 165. It will
vacuum the bottom and sweeps the sides of any
size or shape in-ground vinyl, fiberglass or tile
pool. The Polaris 165 does all the hard work for
you, leaving you with a sparkling clean pool. It’s
simple to use and easy to install. Just follow
these step-by-step instructions.
II. Installation Instructions
A. Polaris 165 Components
The Polaris 165 box contains:
1. Surface Module
2. Jet Sweep Assembly
3. All-Purpose Bag
4. Sweep Hose, 10 Ft.
5. Float Hose Extension, 8 Ft.
6. Float Hose, 24 Ft.
7. Quick Disconnect
8. Universal Wall Fitting
9. Two Eyeball Regulators
B. Installing the Universal
Wall Fitting
It is important to have a clean pool filter before
installing the Polaris 165.
2
8
4
2
5
3
1
7
6
9
Serial Number
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

D. Adjusting the Float Hose
1. With the filtration pump off, connect the float
hose to the pool wall by turning the quick
disconnect clockwise into the universal wall
fitting. Pull away from the pool wall to secure.
2. Extend the float hose to the farthest point in
the pool.
3. Cut the float hose so it is four feet short of
the farthest point in the pool.
If the float hose is shorter than four feet of
the farthest point in the pool, add the float
hose extension included with the Polaris 165
between the existing float hose and the sur-
face module. Repeat Steps 2 and 3.
•If the return line for the Polaris looks like
the one below, remove the parts shown
and install the universal wall fitting as
described in number 3 on page 2.
If the return line does not look like those shown,
contact our Customer Service Department at
1-800-VAC-SWEEP.
C. Adjusting the Sweep Hose
1. The sweep hose should be two feet longer
than the greatest pool depth. Measure the
deepest part of the pool (usually the main
drain) with a telepole. Mark the pole two feet
above the water level. If the pool depth is
over eight feet, an additional sweep hose
(part #6-106-00) will be needed.
2. Lay the telepole next to the sweep hose. If
the sweep hose is longer than the mark on
the telepole, cut off the excess hose.
3. Remove the hose connector from the portion
of excess hose that was removed. Attach it to
the new end of the sweep hose. See the dia-
gram at the top of the next column.
3
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
Collapse Here
Insert
to Here
Female
Hose
Connector
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 

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
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 
 
 
 
 

 
Removing the Connector
1. Collapse hose with fingers.
2. Replace connector with only first
corrugation inside lip of connector.
3. Pop hose back into shape.

7. Put the Polaris in the pool and turn on the
pool filtration pump. Extend the float hose
back to the farthest point in the pool. With the
pump running, the surface module is approxi-
mately one foot from the pool wall.
E. Operation
When operating correctly, the surface module
will float level on the pool surface. It will change
directions approximately every 15-25 seconds.
As the Polaris moves randomly throughout the
pool, it recirculates clean, filtered water.
The filter bag should contact the pool floor a
majority of the time collecting dirt and debris. It
will remove debris as large as leaves or as fine
as sand. The Polaris 165 will vacuum and sweep
the pool in three hours or less.
The Polaris comes equipped with an automatic
pressure relief valve in the quick disconnect. If
the Polaris is receiving too much water pressure
it will release water at the quick disconnect.
F. Fine Tuning
Observe the movement of the surface module to
verify that the cleaner is not operating too slowly.
If it takes longer than 25 seconds to change
directions, feel around the pressure relief valve
to see if it is releasing excess water. If not, install
the second eyeball regulator in the remaining
return line. Reobserve the movement of the sur-
face module and verify that it is not operating
too fast.
The cleaner is operating too fast if the sweep
hose and bag are not in contact with the pool
bottom a majority of the time and the surface
module changes directions more frequently than
every 15 to 25 seconds. In this case, unscrew the
pressure relief valve until the surface module
slows down. For further information, please refer
to the Troubleshooting Section on page 6.
WARNING: IMPROPER OPERATION MAY
RESULT IN DAMAGE TO CLEANER, POOL OR
POOL EQUIPMENT.
4. Remove the hose connector from the portion
of excess hose that was removed. Attach it
to the new end of the float hose. See the
“Removing the Connector” diagram on page 3.
5. Attach the sweep hose and filter bag to the
jet sweep assembly. When attaching the bag,
make sure its frame is completely open.
6. Attach the float hose and the sweep hose to
the surface module. When attaching the
sweep hose, make sure the large ends of the
wheel cages are pointing toward the bag.
NOTE: The connectors twist independently of the
hose. When attaching them, twist only the con-
nectors so the hose does not get twisted.
4
Approx.
1' From the
Farthest
Point
Surface
Module Float Hose
Extension
(if necessary)
Float
Hose
Surface
Module
Eyeball
Regulators
Wheel
Cage
Jet Sweep
Assembly
Filter
Bag
Float
Hose
Sweep
Hose

5
III. Maintenance
To ensure the Polaris is operating at its optimal
efficiency, it is important to empty the filter bag
and clean the filter screen on a regular basis.
It is also important to maintain a clean pool filter.
A dirty filter can result in sluggish or inefficient
operation. Make sure the Polaris 165 is discon-
nected from the pool wall before cleaning and
backwashing the pool filter.
A. Emptying the Filter Bag
1. Turn off the pool pump. Push in on the but-
tons and slide the filter bag off the jet sweep
assembly.
2. Turn the bag inside out over a trash can.
3. Reattach the filter bag making sure the frame
of the bag is completely open.
B. Cleaning the Filter Screen
Inside the quick disconnect there is a filter
screen. It acts as a safety filter to keep any debris
that is not caught by your pool filtration system
out of the Polaris. If the filter screen clogs often,
consult your pool professional.
Please Note:Running the Polaris without the
filter screen can damage the Polaris.
To clean the filter screen, pull it out of the quick
disconnect. Rinse out the debris and press the
filter screen firmly back into place.
C. Backwashing the Pool Filter
Always disconnect the Polaris from the pool wall
before cleaning or backwashing the pool filter.
Afterwards, let the pool filtration system run for
at least five minutes to flush out the return lines
before reconnecting the Polaris.
D. Storage and Winterizing
When storing the Polaris 165, remove the sweep
hose and float hose from the surface module.
Also remove the jet sweep assembly from the
sweep hose.
Drain the surface module carefully. Twist it in
all directions to aid in the removal of the water.
THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT WHEN
YOU ARE PUTTING THE POLARIS 165 AWAY
FOR THE WINTER. We suggest storing the
surface module in a clean, dry and warm envi-
ronment out of direct sunlight. We also
recommend the jet sweep assembly lay flat
and the hoses lay or hang straight.
Remove the universal wall fitting when winter-
izing your pool. With the quick disconnect
attached, pull the quick disconnect away from
the wall as you unscrew the universal wall fitting.
Leave the universal wall fitting attached to the
quick disconnect while storing the Polaris.
In some cases, it may be necessary to use a uni-
versal wall fitting removal tool (part #10-102-00)
to remove the universal wall fitting from your pool
wall. The tool is available from a participating
Polaris dealer.
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6
E. Accessories
1. Leaf Bag (Part #6-207-00)
The Polaris 165 comes with an all-purpose bag
designed to collect sand, silt and light leaf loads.
The leaf bag is designed to collect larger,
heavier types of debris. You may want to pur-
chase the leaf bag and rotate between the two
bags as needed.
2. Turtle Top (Part #6-309-00)
Add some fun to your pool cleaning by turning
your Polaris 165 into a Super Turtle.
3. WaterStars (Part #7-400-00) and
WaterStars WF (Part #11-100-00)
Transform your pool into a beautiful fountain
adding the soothing sounds of tumbling water.
Choose a WaterStars WF to create a fountain
at the pool wall or the WaterStars that floats
anywhere in the pool.
4. SpaWand (Part #5-100-00)
A simple, effective hand-cleaning device to
quickly clean your spa, pool steps, swimouts
and other small bodies of water without hoses
or hookups.
IV.Troubleshooting
The numbers in parentheses below refer to
specific parts on the Exploded Parts Diagram
on page 8. For best results, follow the trouble-
shooting solutions in the order they are listed.
A. Problems and Solutions
Problem: Polaris 165 does not clean the
entire pool or runs slowly.
Solution: 1. Feel around the pressure relief
valve (#30). If it is not releasing
excess water, clean the pool filter.
2. Check the filter screen (#34) in the
quick disconnect for debris and
clean it, if necessary. See page 5.
3. Check that the eyeball regulators
(#33) are installed in all of the
return lines.
4. Check the float hose (#27) length,
see “Adjusting the Float Hose”
on page 3.
5. Check the surface module opera-
tion by following the steps below.
a. Remove the surface module
top (#1) by unscrewing the two
phillips-head screws (#14)
from the body bottom (#11)
and lifting slightly at the rear
of the surface module top.
b. Turn on the Polaris. Make sure
the randomizer tube (#8) is
moving from front to back. If it
is, refer to step c below. If it is
not, the filter connector (#8)
may be clogged. To check the
filter connector, disconnect the
float hose (#27), or float hose
extension (#25) if installed, from
the mechanism (#2) and look
into the mechanism. About half
way down in the center of the
randomizer tube, you can see
the white filter connector. If it is
covered with debris or algae,
remove the connector chamber
(#9), pull out the randomizer
tube and clean the filter con-
nector. If it is not, the piston (#5)
will need to be replaced.
c. While the Polaris is operating,
watch the randomizer ball (#7)
in the mechanism (#2). If it
does not move within two min-
utes and the randomizer tube
(#8) is moving back and forth,
the mechanism will need to be
replaced.
6. Verify that the water pressure is
between 5 and 10 psi. A pres-
sure tester (part #6-113-00) is
available through your partici-
pating Polaris dealer.
Problem: Surface module dives under the
water or leans to one side.
Solution: 1. Make sure the hoses are
not twisted.
2. Hold the surface module out of the
water and drain the water. Shake
the surface module. If there is
water sloshing in the body bottom
(#11), it will need to be drained.

7
B. Troubleshooting Worksheet
If none of the troubleshooting solutions
worked, please fill in the following informa-
tion and either contact your participating
Polaris dealer or our Customer Service
Department at 1-800-VAC-SWEEP (USA
and Canada only) or [phone].
In order to provide faster and more conve-
nient service, have the following information
available at the time of your call or when
taking the Polaris in for service.
1. Serial #:____________________________
(See page 2 for the location of the serial #.)
2. Is the hose the proper length?
(See page 3.)
■■Yes ■■No
Length of the sweep hose:____________
Length of the float hose:______________
3. Is the filter connector clear of debris?
(See Solution 5b on page 6.)
■■Yes ■■No
4. Are there any broken tabs on the
mechanism?
■■Yes ■■No
To drain the body bottom, discon-
nect both the float hose (#27), or
the float hose extension (#25) if
installed, and the sweep hose
(#17) from the surface module.
Remove the two phillips-head
screws (#14) on the bottom of
the surface module. Remove the
surface module top (#1) and the
mechanism (#2). Remove the
drain plug (#10) from the front of
the body bottom and drain the
water. Reinstall the drain plug,
mechanism, top, two screws,
and hoses.
3. Unscrew the pressure relief valve
(#30) to expose the holes on the
side of the valve. Adjust it in or out
until the surface module levels off.
Problem: The float hose remains coiled.
Solution: 1. See “Polaris 165 does not clean
the entire pool”.
2. Lay the float hose out straight in
the sun to remove the coils.
Problem: Surface module moves too fast.
Solution: 1. Feel around the pressure relief
valve (#30). If it is releasing
excess water, try removing one
of the eyeball regulators (#33)
from another return line. If this
causes the Polaris to move too
slowly, reinstall the eyeball regu-
lators and go to the next step.
2. Unscrew the pressure relief valve
(#30) to expose the holes on the
side of the valve. Adjust it until
the surface module slows down.
3. Verify that the water pressure is
between 5 and 10 psi. A pressure
tester (part #6-113-00) is available
through your participating
Polaris dealer.
Problem: Bag does not stay on the
pool floor.
Solution: 1. Check that the bag (#23) has been
installed correctly, see page 4.
2. Check for air bubbles around the
jet body assembly (#18).
If bubbles are present, there may
be air entering the plumbing line.
Contact a pool professional.
3. The flow of water through the
Polaris 165 could be too high.
See “Surface module moves
too fast”.

No. Part # Description Qty
16-306-00 Surface Module Top, Granite 1
26-400-00 Mechanism 1
36-407-00 Cylinder 1
46-413-00 Screw, Mechanism, #6 x 5/16" 4
SS Sheet Metal, Blunt-end
56-411-00 Piston Assembly 1
66-412-00 Center Chamber Assembly 2
76-403-00 Randomizer Ball 1
86-406-00 Filter Connector/Randomizer Tube Kit 1
96-408-00 Connector Chamber 1
10 6-507-00 Drain Plug Assembly 1
11 6-305-00 Body Bottom Assembly, Gray 1
12 6-301-00 Body Bottom Wheel Kit, Gray 5
13 6-104-00 Hose Connector, Female 4
14 6-302-00 Screw, Top, #10 x 3/4" SS 2
Sheet Metal, Pan Head
15 6-107-00 Wheel Cage Assembly 9
16 6-110-00 Hose Weight 9
17 6-114-00 Sweep Hose Complete, 10 Ft. 1
18 6-116-00 Jet Body Assembly 1
19 6-119-00 Jet Body Ball Kit 1
20 6-211-00 Jet Sweep Harness 1
21 6-210-00 Jet Sweep Head 1
22 6-212-00 Jet Sweep Assembly 1
23 6-206-00 All-Purpose Bag 1
24 6-222-00 Float, Gray 24
25 6-221-00 Float Hose Extension Kit, 8 Ft, Gray 1
26 6-103-00 Hose Connector, Male 1
27 6-225-00 Float Hose, 24 Foot (Hose only), Gray 1
28 6-502-00 Quick Disconnect, UWF 1
29 6-508-00 UWF Connector Assembly 1
30 6-503-00 Pressure Relief Valve 1
31 6-505-00 O-ring, UWF/QD 1
32 6-500-00 Universal Wall Fitting (UWF) 1
33 9-100-8006 Standard Eyeball Regulator Disk 2
34 6-504-00 Filter Screen, UWF/QD 1
Parts Not Shown
G-21 Ladder Guard, 2 Panels
6-109-00 Hanger Kit (Includes 8 brackets)
6-112-00 Sweep Hose, 10 Foot (Hose only)
6-113-00 In-line Pressure Tester
6-207-00 Leaf Bag
6-309-00 Turtle Top
6-511-00 UWF Eyeball Fitting
9-100-8021 Vinyl Eyeball Kit
10-102-00 UWF Removal Tool, Plastic
11-203-00 Adjustable Plug, UWF
12
14
10
15
16
24
27
31
34
32
30
28
33
Serial Number
2
24
13
25
11
13
2
17
27
13
1
29
18
13
16
19
20
21
22
23
15
4
5
4
3
6
78
9
8
To ensure proper operation and long life for the Polaris,
be sure to insist on genuine Polaris parts.

9
Limited Warranty
Polaris Vac-Sweep®165 Automatic Swimming Pool Cleaner
This limited warranty is extended to the original consumer purchaser of this Polaris Vac-Sweep 165 Automatic
Swimming Pool Cleaner manufactured by Polaris Pool Systems, Inc., 2620 Commerce Way, Vista, California
92083-8438, U.S.A.
Polaris warrants the cleaning unit it manufactures, including all parts and components thereof, to be free of defects
in material and workmanship. The Polaris 165 is intended for use in vinyl-lined, fiberglass, or tile swimming pools only.
This warranty does not apply if the Polaris 165 is used in any other type of pool. The warranty does not cover normal
replacement items, including the filter bag. We do not cover improper installation of the Polaris Vac-Sweep 165. The
instruction manual should be read in its entirety before the installation of the Polaris Vac-Sweep 165. All installation
instructions should be carefully followed. Failure to follow the installation instructions may void this warranty. If you
have any questions regarding your Polaris Vac-Sweep 165, please feel free to call or write us. Be sure to include the
serial number, which can be located on the rear of your surface module above the float hose connection.
EXAMPLE: N 1 2 3 4 5 6
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 165 body bottom is warranted for a period of three years. The rest of the Polaris 165
parts are warranted for a period of one year from date of manufacture of the unit as established by the serial number,
or one year from date of purchase with proof of purchase, whichever is later.
This limited warranty does not apply if the failure is caused or contributed to by any of the following: improper
handling, improper usage, improper storage, winter freezing, abuse, improper installation, removal of the UWF filter
screen, unsuitable application of the unit, improper maintenance, lack of reasonable and necessary maintenance,
damage in transit or during installation, or damage from repairs/alterations made or attempted by anyone other than
Polaris or one of its Authorized Service Centers. Polaris will repair or replace, at its option, a unit or part proved to
be defective within the warranty period and under the conditions of the warranty.
In order to make a claim under this warranty, the consumer must deliver or ship the unit or warranty parts freight
prepaid to the nearest Polaris Authorized Service Center or return it freight prepaid (after proper authorization) to the
plant of manufacture. Authorization to return a unit or part to the plant of manufacture must be obtained from the
Polaris Customer Service Department. Check with your dealer for the local procedure before exercising this war-
ranty. If further directions or instructions should be required, contact the Customer Service Department at
1-800-VAC-SWEEP (USA and Canada only) or [phone]. Be sure you insure your shipments against loss or
damage in transit.
Polaris is not responsible for the cost of removal of the unit or parts, damages during or due to removal, any other
expenses incurred in shipping the unit or parts to or from the factory or its Authorized Service Centers, or damages
during the installation of the repaired or replacement unit. The consumer must bear these expenses.
This warranty does not cover repair or replacement of a unit or part except at our plant of manufacture or a
Polaris Authorized Service Center. This warranty does not cover pattern removal, abrasion or markings on a
vinyl liner.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, AND ALL SUCH OTHER WARRANTIES ARE DISCLAIMED EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTY MAY BE IMPOSED BY STATE CONSUMER LAW. ANY SUCH IMPLIED WAR-
RANTY IMPOSED BY STATE CONSUMER LAW IS LIMITED IN DURATION TO ONE (1) YEAR FROM THE
DATE OF PURCHASE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL POLARIS BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF
ANY NATURE OR KIND OR FOR DAMAGES TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY, INCLUDING ANY DAMAGES
RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE POLARIS VAC-SWEEP 165 AUTOMATIC POOL CLEANER WITH A
SUBSTANDARD POOL CIRCULATION SYSTEM.
Some states do not allow limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion or limitation of inci-
dental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you.
This limited warranty is valid only in the United States of America, Canada and Australia, and it does not apply to
Polaris Vac-Sweep 165 Automatic Swimming Pool Cleaners sold or installed in any other country.

©2002 Polaris Pools Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. TL-1050 10/02