Polaris P280 User manual

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H0647000.A - 2018/07
Instruc ons for installa on and use - English
Hydraulic cleaner
Transla on of the original instruc ons in French EN
280/ 380/
3900 SPORT

1
Recycling
This symbol means that your appliance must not be thrown into a normal bin. It will be selec vely collected for the purpose of
reuse, recycling or transforma on. If it contains any substances that may be harmful to the environment, these will be eliminated
or neutralised.
Contact your retailer for recycling informa on.
WARNINGS
GENERAL WARNINGS
• Failure to respect the warnings may cause serious damage to the pool equipment or cause serious injury, even death.
• Only a person quali ed in the technical  elds concerned (electricity, hydraulics or refrigera on) is authorised to perform any
servicing or repairs to the appliance. The quali ed technician working on the appliance must use/wear personal protec ve
equipment (such as safety goggles and protec ve gloves, etc.) in order to reduce the risk of injury occurring when working on
the appliance.
• Before handling the appliance, check that power is switched off and isolated from the power supply.
• The appliance is intended to be used for pools and spas for a speci c purpose; it must not be used for any purpose other than
that for which it was designed.
• This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) having a physical, sensory or mental disability, or by
persons lacking experience or knowledge of the appliance, unless they are  rst instructed or are supervised during the use of the
appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
• Keep the appliance out of the reach of children.
• The appliance must be installed according to the manufacturer’s instruc ons and in compliance with local and na onal standards.
The installer is responsible for installing the appliance and for compliance with na onal installa on regula ons. Under no
circumstances may the manufacturer be held liable in the event of failure to comply with applicable local installa on standards.
• For any work other than the simple user maintenance described in this manual, the product should be referred to a quali ed
professional.
• Incorrect installa on and/or use may cause serious damage to property or serious injuries (possibly causing death).
• All equipment, even postage and packing paid, travels at the risks and perils of the recipient. The la er shall issue reserves in
wri ng on the carrier's delivery slip if damage is detected, caused during transport (con rma on to be sent to the carrier within
48 hours by registered le er). In the event that an appliance containing coolant has been turned on its side, men on your
reserva ons in wri ng to the carrier.
• If the appliance suff ers a malfunc on, do not try to repair it yourself; instead contact a quali ed technician.
• Refer to the warranty condi ons for details of the permi ed water balance values for opera ng the appliance.
• Deac va ng, elimina ng or by-passing any of the safety mechanisms integrated into the appliance shall automa cally void the
warranty, in addi on to the use of spare parts manufactured by unauthorised third-party manufacturers.
• Do not spray insec cide or any other chemical (in ammable or non-in ammable) in the direc on of the appliance, as this may
damage the body and cause a  re.
• Zodiac® heat pump,  lter pump and  lter appliances are compa ble with the most commonly used types of pool water treatment
systems.
• Do not touch the fan or moving parts and do not place objects or your  ngers in the vicinity of the moving parts when the
appliance is in opera on. Moving parts can cause serious injury or even death.
SPECIFIC FEATURES APPLICABLE TO "Pool cleaners"
• The cleaner must operate in pool water at a temperature of between 15°C and 35°C.
• To avoid possible injury or damage to the cleaner, do not operate the cleaner out of the water.
• In order to prevent possible injury, bathing is prohibited when your cleaner is in the pool.
• Do not use the cleaner during shock chlorina on.
• Do not leave the cleaner una ended for an extended period.
WARNING ON THE USE OF A CLEANER IN A POOL WITH A VINYL SURFACE:
• Before installing your new cleaner, carefully inspect the lining of your pool. If the liner has eroded in some areas, or if you
no ce gravel, folds, roots or corrosion caused by metal beneath the liner, or if you no ce that the surface (bo om and walls) is
damaged, do not install the cleaner before performing the necessary repairs or before having the liner replaced by a quali ed
professional. The manufacturer may not be held liable in any way for damage caused to the liner.
• The surface of certain vinyl pa erned surfaces can wear rapidly and the pa erns disappear on contact from objects such as
cleaning brushes, toys, in atable buoys, chlorine distributors and automa c pool cleaners. The decora on on some vinyl surfaces
can be scratched or worn by basic fric on such as through the use of a pool brush. The colours of certain pa erns can also be
erased during use or when in contact with objects in the pool. The manufacturer may not be held liable for the erased pa erns,
wear or scratching of vinyl surfaces, which are not covered by the limited warranty.

2
CONTENTS
❶ Speci ca ons 3
1.1 I Descrip on 3
1.2 I Technical speci ca ons and parts list 4
❷ Installa on 5
2.1 I Installa on principle 5
2.2 I Installing the feed hose on the suc on port 6
2.3 I Adjus ng the lead hose 7
2.4 I Connect the lead hose to the cleaner 8
2.5 I Connect the lead hose to the feed hose 9
2.6 I Checking that the length of the assembled hoses is suffi cient 9
❸ Use 11
3.1 I Prepare the pool 11
3.2 I Checking the rota onal speed of the wheel 11
3.3 I Con guring the sweep hose 13
3.4 I Se ng the thrust jet 13
❹ Maintenance 14
4.1 I Emptying the  lter bag 14
4.2 I Cleaning the in-line  lter 14
4.3 I Storing and winterising 14
❺ Troubleshoo ng 15
5.1 I Cleaner behaviour 15
• Before handling the appliance, it is vital that you read this installa on and user manual, as
well as the "warnings and warranty" booklet delivered with the appliance. Failure to do so
may result in material damage or serious or fatal injury and will void the warranty.
• Keep and pass on these documents for later consulta on during the appliance's service life.
• The distribu on or modi ca on of this document in any way is prohibited, without prior
authorisa on from Zodiac®.
• Zodiac® is constantly developing its products to improve their quality. The informa on
contained herein may therefore be modi ed without no ce.
Tip: to make it easier to contact your retailer
Write down your retailer's contact details to help you  nd them more easily and  ll in the "product"
informa on on the back of the manual; your retailer will ask you for this informa on.
EN

3
❶ Speci ca ons
1.1 I Descrip on
1 x blue
1 x red
P280 P380 P3900 Sport
A Cleaner
B Feed hose and Lead hose assembly
CBlue and red restrictor discs
(The blue disc is already installed for P280 and P380)
D
Ultra-thin bag
Dual-capacity silt bag
Standard silt bag
Leaf bag
Disposable bags (EZ Bag) x 6
ETail Sweep Pro®
FTank Tracks® Kit
: Supplied
: Available as an op on

4
1.2 I Technical speci ca ons and parts list
1.2.1 Technical speci ca ons
P280 P380 P3900 Sport
Energy source Booster pump coupled to the  ltra on system
Working pressure 2.2 bar 1.8 bar Maximum 2.2 to 2.6 bar
Feed hose and Lead hose assembly
length 9.60 m
Largeur de la bouche d'aspira on (cm) 7 cm 6 cm
Minimum power required by the
booster pump
1 HP (if the distance from the equipment room is < 15 metres)
1.5 HP or more (if the distance from the equipment room is > 15
metres)
1.2.2 Cleaner marking
: Filter bag
: Head  oat
: Cleaner body
: Sweep hose
: Sweep hose cleaning brush
: Suc on hose
: Filter bag clamping clip (P280/P380)
: Se ng the thrust jet
: Adjus ng screw of the sweep hose
1.2.3 Hoses marking
Suc on port
Cleaner
: Lead hose (marked "Polaris Lead Hose")
: Feed hose (marked "Polaris")
: Swivel N°1
: Swivel N°2
: Universal wall   ng assembly UWF
: Relief valve
: Lead hose  oats, spaced 60 to 90 cm apart
: Feed hose  oats, spaced 45 to 90 cm apart
: In-line  lter assembly
: Back-up valve
: Connec on kit (P3900 Sport) or a ach clamp (P280/P380)
EN

5
❷ Installa on
2.1 I Installa on principle
Lead hose
Feed hose
Swivel
: The water is drawn in by the
pump through the skimmers and
the suc on outlet of the pool.
: The water is sent to the  lter to
be cleaned.
: The clean water is discharged
into the pool via the back ow/
return lines.
: A devia on is created on this
piping to supply the booster pump.
: Polaris® pressure cleaners
are connected to the suc on port
transformed into a discharge port
: The venturi eff ect generated
by the jets transforms the water
supply into a powerful suc on
current and allows the cleaner to
move.

6
2.2 I Installing the feed hose on the suc on port
• Separate the universal wall   ng (UWF) ( ) from the quick disconnect ( ), see picture .
• Screw the universal wall   ng (UWF) ( ) with the blue or red  ow restrictor disc ( ) onto the suc on port opening
( ). The blue  ow restrictor disc is already installed on 280 et 380, see picture .
• Insert the quick disconnect ( ) into the universal wall   ng (UWF) ( ) by rota ng in the clockwise direc on, then
by pulling to lock in place, see picture .
• Lay out the feed hose beside the pool, see picture .
EN

7
2.3 I Adjus ng the lead hose
2.3.1 Measuring and cu ng the lead hose
• Measure the deepest point of the pool (for example : 1.80 meters).
• Lay out the leader hose sec on (labelled ) beside the pool.
• The length of the lead hose must be equal to the maximum pool depth.
• Unwind the tape measure beside the hose and begin measurement from the end of the hose containing the back-up
valve ( ).
• Measure to the pool depth previously (i.e. 1.80 metres in the example) measured and mark the hose ( ).
• Cut the hose at the marking. Set any excess hose aside ( ).
Recommended
For example:
1.80 meters
2.3.2 Adjus ng lead hose's  oats
• Place each  oat at a distance of 60 to 90 cm.
• Slide the  oats on the hose to posi on them.

8
2.4 I Connect the lead hose to the cleaner
2.4.1 P280 and P380
• Remove the a ach clamp from the hose and place it on the cleaner, see picture .
• Fasten the hose on the cleaner, see picture .
• Place the a ach clamp on the hose and screw, see picture .
• Pull on the bag to remove it, see picture .
• A ach the  lter bag clamping clip on the hose, see picture .
• Place the head  oat in accordance with the following indica ons, see picture :
-P280: posi on at a distance of 1.3 to 2.5 cm.
-P380: Fully embed the head  oat.
2.4.2 P3900 Sport
• Fasten the hose connection clips ( ) to the hose on the cleaner ( ).
• Pull on the bag to remove and wrap it around the hose ( ).
• Fasten the bag using the Velcro strips ( ) at the top and bottom.
EN

9
2.5 I Connect the lead hose to the feed hose
• Unscrew the swivel.
• Assemble the lead hose and the feed hose, screw the swivel to fasten together.
2.6 I Checking that the length of the assembled hoses is su cient
• Posi on the cleaner to the most distant point :
the hose length must deviate by at most 15 cm
from this distance.
• Do not take into account steps, stairs or poolsides.

10
2.6.1 If the hose is too long = Cut the feed hose
• Don't cut the lead hose : it must stay the equal to the depth of the pool, see "2.3 I Adjus ng
the lead hose".
• Remove the quick disconnect from the suc on port : simultaneously unscrew and pull. See picture .
• Unscrew the swivel to separate the feed hose into two equal sec ons, see picture
: simultaneously unscrew and pull.
and
See picture
.
• Cut the excess length, for example : 0.50 cm, by removing the same amount from each of these two sec ons, i.e.
0.25 cm on each sec on (in the example shown), see picture
, by removing the same amount from each of these two sec ons,
.
• Assemble the two feed hose's sec ons using the swivel and a ach clamps, see picture .
• Adjust the distance between each  oat on the feed hose; the recommended distance between each  oat is 45 to
90 cm. Slide the  oats on the hose to posi on them, see picture
Adjust the distance between each  oat on the feed hose; the recommended distance between each  oat is
.
Suc on port
connec on
Lead hose
connec on Feed hose (sec on 1)
Feed hose (sec on 2)
0.25 cm
(for exemple)
0.25 cm
(for exemple)
Recommended
Lead hose
connec on
Suc on
port
connec on
Feed hose (sec on 1)
Feed hose (sec on 2)
2.6.2 If the hose is too short = add a sec on of feed hose
• Purchase an addi onal hose sec on, a swivel and two hose a ach clamps from your retailer.
• Cut the new sec on if necessary, see "2.6.1 If the hose is too long = Cut the feed hose".
EN

11
❸ Use
3.1 I Prepare the pool
• For op mal opera on, the pool water must comply with the following condi ons:
Water temperature Between 15°C and 35°C
pH Between 6.8 and 7.6
Chlorine < 3 mg/ l
• Stop the  lter pump.
• Clean the skimmer basket, the  lter pump pre- lter and the  lter where necessary.
• Start the  lter pump.
• Start the booster pump. Bleed the water circuit for 2-3 minutes.
• Stop the  lter pump and booster pump.
• Place the hose beside the pool in the sun for 2-3 minutes to unwind it. This will reduce tangling of the hose during
cleaning.
• When the pool is dirty, especially when  rst installing the cleaner, remove the largest debris using a manual brush
and a net.
• Remove any thermometers, toys and other objects that might damage the appliance.
Tip : Preserve the cleaner
A er cleaning or backwashing, let the  ltra on system run for at least  ve minutes before connec ng the
cleaner.
3.2 I Checking the rota onal speed of the wheel
• Do not place your hair, loose clothing, jewellery etc. in the vicinity of the open end of the hose.
• Do not handle the cleaner while it is opera ng (except when checking the wheel RPM).
• Before starting the cleaner, check the rotational speed of the wheel (rpm). For maximum efficiency, the cleaner must
rotate and a speed of:
- between 28 and 32 rpm (P280-P380).
- between 32 and 34 rpm (P3900 Sport).
• Place the cleaner on its side (2 wheels in contact with the ground) and make a marking on the wheel ( ).
• Install the quick disconnect on the suc on port.
• Turn on the filter pump and leave it to prime.
• Turn on the booster pump.
• Immerse the cleaner and count the number of rotations completed in 1 minute ( ).
1 minute
Number of rpm
P280-P380 P3900 Sport
< 28 < 32
28 < 32 32 < 34
> 32 > 34
Insu cient water  ow
rate
Correct water  ow
rate
Water  ow rate too
high

12
3.2.1 If the water  ow rate is insu cient
• In the event that a valve is installed on the cleaner line, open fully to allow the water to flow freely to the cleaner.
• Check whether the hoses, fittings and ball joints have leaks.
• Before performing the following checks, make sure the booster pump and filter pump are shutdown.
• Check that no debris is blocking the in-line filter screen or restricting the water flow.
• Clean the skimmer, filter and basket of the pump.
• Remove the blue or red restrictor disc from the universal flow restrictor (UWF), see "2.2 I Installing the feed hose
on the suc on port".
3.2.2 If the water  ow rate is too high
• Before performing the following checks, make sure the booster pump and filter pump are shutdown.
• Position the blue flow restrictor disc (see "2.2 I Installing the feed hose on the suc on port") and check the rotational
speed of the wheel (see "3.2 I Checking the rota onal speed of the wheel").
• If the water  ow rate is s ll too high, position the red flow restrictor disc (see "2.2 I Installing the feed hose on the
suc on port") and check the rotational speed of the wheel (see"3.2 I Checking the rota onal speed of the wheel").
• If the  ow rate remains too high, unscrew the relief valve un l the correct wheel rota onal speed is obtained, see "2.2
I Installing the feed hose on the suc on port".
• The relief valve must only be adjusted if a restrictor is installed.
EN

13
3.3 I Con guring the sweep hose
The sweep hose must move slowly. To increase or reduce sweep hose movements:
• Stop the booster pump.
• Rotate the adjus ng screw of the sweep hose to suit the needs.
To reduce movement To increase movement
3.4 I Se ng the thrust jet
• The default se ng diff ers depending on the cleaner:
P280 P380 P3900 Sport
• The jet is located at the rear of the cleaner and thrusts the cleaner in a given direc on.
• Depending on the cleaner's behaviour, this movement can be changed by adjus ng the rear jet:
Robot behaviour Result Rear jet
adjustment
The cleaner is in contact with the bo om of
the pool and moves in a straight line /
The cleaner " ies" around the pool and/or
does not make contact with the pool bo om.
The cleaner turns too far to the right
The cleaner turns too far to the le
When the cleaner reaches the walls, it doesn't
rise and change direc on

14
❹ Maintenance
4.1 I Emptying the  lter bag
To maintain op mal movement and suc on capabili es, the bag should be emp ed of all debris as soon as it is half full.
• Remove the  lter bag clamping clip (P280 - P380) from the hose or the Velcro strips (P3900 Sport).
• Rotate the connector un l it is released from the hose a er an audible click.
• Remove the Velcro strips (P3900 Sport).
• Open the zip and remove the debris.
• To reinstall the bag, align the markings between the connector and the cleaner's suc on hose, then click it in
place.
• A ach the  lter bag clamping clip (P280 - P380) onto the hose or place the Velcro strips (P3900 Sport).
P280 - P380 P3900 Sport
Tip: A dry bag is easier to clean
It is easier to clean the bag when it is dry. Remove the bag and leave to dry before emptying.
Alternate between 2  lter bags so as not to temporarily stop opera on.
4.2 I Cleaning the in-line  lter
• Disassemble the in-line  lter assembly.
• Rinse the  lter in clean water.
• Reposi on by pressing down  rmly.
4.3 I Storing and winterising
• Before storing the cleaner for the winter, empty all the water out (damage due to ice is not covered by the guarantee).
• Clean the whole cleaner and the hoses in clean water and leave to dry.
• Store in a dry place, protected from freezing temperatures and away from direct sunlight.
• Remove the universal   ng from the pool wall : simultaneously unscrew and pull.
EN

15
❺ Troubleshoo ng
• Before you contact your retailer, please carry out these few simple checks using the following
tables if a problem occurs.
• If the problem con nues, contact your retailer.
5.1 I Cleaner behaviour
The cleaner
becomes stuck on
the steps and other
obstacles for more
than 3 minutes.
• Check the rota onal speed of the wheel, see "3.2 I Checking the rota onal speed of the
wheel".
• Check the behaviour of the back-up valve: remove from the water and check that water is
expelled normally.
• Adjust the thrust jet, see "3.4 I Se ng the thrust jet".
• Remove anything that could hinder the cleaner's movements.
The cleaner moves
very slowly and
operates at a lower
than normal power
level.
• Check the rota onal speed of the wheel, see 3.2 I Checking the rota onal speed of the
wheel".
• Check the in-line  lter assembly and clean if necessary, see "4.2 I Cleaning the in-line  lter".
• Clean the skimmer basket, the pump basket and the pool  lter.
• Check whether the hoses,   ngs and ball joints have leaks. This would explain a drop in
water pressure.
The cleaner " ies"
around the pool
and/or does not
make contact with
the pool bo om.
• Check the rota onal speed of the wheel, see "3.2 I Checking the rota onal speed of the
wheel".
• Check the behaviour of the back-up valve: remove from the water and check that water is
expelled normally.
• Check the posi oning of the rear thrust jet, see "3.4 I Se ng the thrust jet".
P280-P380:
• Check that the blue  ow restrictor disc is properly installed in the universal   ng (UWF) to
reduce the  ow rate.
• If the blue restrictor disc is insuffi cient, install the red  ow restrictor disc to further reduce
the  ow rate.
The robot does not
move backwards.
• Check the behaviour of the back-up valve: remove from the water and check that water is
expelled normally.
• Check the rota onal speed of the wheel, see "3.2 I Checking the rota onal speed of the
wheel".
• Empty the  lter bag if full or half-full, see "4.1 I Emptying the  lter bag".
• Check that the feed hose is  oa ng.
P280-P380:
• Check that the head  oat does not contain any water; replace if necessary.
The cleaner only
rotates in one
direc on.
• Adjust the thrust jet, see "3.4 I Se ng the thrust jet".
• Check that the feed hose is  oa ng.
The feed hose
becomes tangled.
• Remeasure the hose length and check that it corresponds to that required by the shape of
the pool, see "2.3.1 Measuring and cu ng the lead hose".
• When the cleaner is in opera on, check that the ball joints and hose   ngs rotate freely.
• Check that the feed hose is  oa ng.
P280-P380:
• When the cleaner is not in opera on, manually move each of the wheels. All wheels must
rotate simultaneously.
P3900 Sport:
• When the cleaner is in opera on, hold it below the surface of the water and check that all 3
wheels rotate simultaneously.

16
The cleaner doesn't
clean the enre
pool.
• Check that the hose reaches the furthest point in the pool (to the nearest 15 cm). If this is not
the case, order a new secon of hose from your retailer, see "2.6 I Checking that the length
of the assembled hoses is sucient".
• Adjust the thrust jet to improve cleaning coverage, see "3.4 I Seng the thrust jet".
P280-P380:
• When the cleaner is in operaon, out of water hold upside down and look inside the sucon
hose. You should see 3 separate jets (P380) or 2 separate jets (P280) with the same ow
rate. Contact your retailer if you cannot visualise the jets.
The cleaner turns in
circles, lying on its
side.
• Remove and shake the head oat. Replace it if it contains water.
• If the lter bag is full, its weight could cause the cleaner to p over onto its side.
• Check the hose oats to ensure that they are regularly spaced apart, see "2.3.2 Adjusng
lead hose's oats".
P3900 Sport:
• Check the rotaonal speed of the wheel, see "3.2 I Checking the rotaonal speed of the
wheel".
The sweep hose has
been sucked into
the sucon hose.
• Check that nothing is blocking the end of the sweep hose.
• Replace the cleaning brush if worn or missing.
• Adjust the sweep hose to obtain balanced movements, see "3.3 I Conguring the sweep
hose".
P3900 Sport:
• Check the rotaonal speed of the wheel, see "3.2 I Checking the rotaonal speed of the
wheel".
The sweep hose
connuously sprays
the area around the
pool.
• Adjust the speed of the sweep hose, see "3.3 I Conguring the sweep hose".
• Replace the cleaning brush of the sweep hose if worn or install a brush if missing.
P280-P380:
• Add a Tail Sweep Pro® to reduce water spray.
The front end of the
cleaner is constantly
liing itself up.
• Check the rotaonal speed of the wheel, see "3.2 I Checking the rotaonal speed of the
wheel".
• Point the thrust jet downwards, see "3.4 I Seng the thrust jet".
• Check the behaviour of the back-up valve: remove from the water and check that water is
expelled normally.
• Check whether water has inltrated the cleaner's head oat.
The cleaner turns
too far to the right • Check the posioning of the rear thrust jet, see "3.4 I Seng the thrust jet".
The cleaner turns
too far to the le • Check the posioning of the rear thrust jet, see "3.4 I Seng the thrust jet".
When the cleaner
reaches the walls,
it doesn't rise and
change direcon
• Check the posioning of the rear thrust jet, see "3.4 I Seng the thrust jet".
EN

ZODIAC® is a registered trademark of Zodiac Interna onal, S.A.S.U., used under license.
Zodiac Pool Care Europe - Bd de la Romanerie - BP 90023 - 49180 St Barthélémy d’Anjou cedex - S.A.S.U. au capital de 1 267 140 € / SIREN 395 068 679 / RCS PARIS
Votre revendeur
Your retailer
Modèle appareil
Appliance model
Numéro de série
Serial number
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