Polaris Pool Cleaner 3900 Problems

The Polaris 3900 Sport is a popular choice for keeping pools sparkling clean, known for its powerful suction, large intake, and wide cleaning path. But even the best pool cleaners can experience hiccups. Owning a Polaris 3900 is usually a breeze, but when problems arise, it can quickly turn pool ownership from relaxing to frustrating. Let's dive into common issues, troubleshooting tips, and preventative measures to keep your Polaris 3900 running smoothly and your pool pristine.

My Polaris 3900 Isn't Moving! What's Going On?

This is probably the most common complaint. A stationary pool cleaner is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine! Here's a breakdown of potential causes and how to diagnose them:

Check the Water Flow: The Polaris 3900 relies on water pressure to move. Ensure your booster pump is running correctly and that the pressure is within the manufacturer's specified range (typically 22-32 PSI). A pressure gauge is your best friend here. Low pressure is a frequent culprit.
Inspect the Filter Screen (In-Line Filter): This little screen is located in the feed hose, usually near the pool wall connection. It's designed to prevent debris from entering the cleaner, but it can become clogged, restricting water flow. Remove it, clean it thoroughly, and reinstall it. A clogged filter screen is a very common reason for lack of movement.
Examine the Drive Train: The Polaris 3900 uses belts and gears to translate water pressure into movement. Visually inspect the drive belts for signs of wear, cracks, or breakage. Also, check the gears for stripped teeth. Replacing worn or damaged parts is essential.
Wheel Issues: Check the wheels for any obstructions, such as hair, leaves, or small pebbles. Make sure the wheels are rotating freely. Sometimes, debris can become lodged in the wheel axles, hindering movement.
Floatation and Hose Entanglement: Make sure the floats are properly positioned on the feed hose. Too much or too little floatation can affect the cleaner's ability to move efficiently. Also, ensure the hose isn't tangled or kinked, restricting water flow and movement.
Wall Climbing Issues: If the cleaner doesn't have enough pressure, it will not be able to climb the walls, because the thrust jet will not be strong enough.

The Polaris 3900 Is Stuck in One Spot

Another frustrating scenario! If your cleaner is consistently circling or getting stuck in a particular area, consider these factors:

Hose Length and Swivel: The hose should be long enough to reach all areas of the pool but not excessively long, as this can lead to tangling. The swivel, located at the cleaner head, should rotate freely. A stuck swivel can cause the cleaner to move in circles.
Pool Obstacles: Check for any obstructions in the pool, such as ladders, steps, or toys, that might be trapping the cleaner. Repositioning these obstacles or temporarily removing them can solve the problem.
Hose Floats and Weight Distribution: Double-check the placement and number of hose floats. Experiment with adjusting their positions to optimize the cleaner's balance and movement. Sometimes, adding a small weight to the hose near the cleaner head can improve its stability and prevent it from getting stuck.
Water Chemistry: Although less common, unbalanced water chemistry can sometimes affect the cleaner's performance. High calcium levels, for example, can lead to scaling on the cleaner's parts, hindering movement.

My Polaris 3900 Isn't Picking Up Debris

A pool cleaner's primary job is to clean! If it's not doing that effectively, something's amiss.

Check the Bag: Seems obvious, but make sure the bag isn't full! An overfilled bag restricts water flow and reduces cleaning efficiency. Empty the bag regularly, ideally after each cleaning cycle. Also, inspect the bag for tears or holes, which can allow debris to escape.
Inspect the Intake: The large intake opening on the bottom of the cleaner should be free of obstructions. Remove any large debris that might be blocking the intake.
Water Pressure (Again!): Insufficient water pressure is a common cause of poor debris pickup. Ensure your booster pump is functioning correctly and that the pressure is within the recommended range.
Belt and Gear Issues (Again!): If the belts are worn or the gears are stripped, the cleaner's internal mechanisms won't function properly, leading to reduced suction and debris pickup.
The Tail Sweep: The tail sweep is designed to dislodge debris and direct it towards the cleaner's intake. Make sure the tail sweep is moving freely and that the nozzle is not clogged. Adjust the tail sweep's direction to optimize its effectiveness.

The Polaris 3900 Is Making Strange Noises

Unusual noises are never a good sign. They often indicate a mechanical problem that needs attention.

Grinding or Squealing: These noises often point to worn bearings or gears. Inspect the drive train components and replace any damaged parts. Lubricating moving parts can sometimes alleviate squealing noises, but it's usually a temporary fix.
Clicking or Popping: These sounds could indicate debris lodged in the cleaner's mechanisms. Carefully inspect the cleaner for any foreign objects and remove them.
Whining: A whining noise could be a sign of a failing booster pump motor. Check the pump for any signs of damage or wear.

Keeping Your Polaris 3900 Healthy: Preventative Maintenance

Prevention is always better (and cheaper!) than cure. Regular maintenance will extend the life of your Polaris 3900 and keep it running smoothly.

Regular Cleaning: Rinse the cleaner with fresh water after each use to remove any accumulated debris.
Inspect and Clean the Filter Screen: Clean the in-line filter screen at least once a month, or more frequently if your pool is heavily used.
Check the Belts and Gears: Visually inspect the belts and gears every few months for signs of wear. Replace them as needed.
Lubricate Moving Parts: Periodically lubricate the moving parts, such as the wheel axles and swivel, with a silicone-based lubricant.
Winterize Properly: If you live in a cold climate, properly winterize your Polaris 3900 to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. Disconnect the cleaner, drain all the water, and store it in a dry place.
Water Chemistry is Key: Maintaining balanced water chemistry will help prevent scaling and corrosion, which can damage the cleaner's parts.

Troubleshooting the Booster Pump

Since the Polaris 3900 relies on a booster pump, problems with the pump can directly affect the cleaner's performance.

Pump Not Turning On: Check the power supply to the pump. Make sure the circuit breaker hasn't tripped. Also, check the pump's motor for any signs of damage.
Pump Running But No Pressure: Check the pump's impeller for any obstructions. Debris can sometimes get lodged in the impeller, preventing it from generating pressure.
Pump Making Loud Noises: Loud noises from the pump often indicate worn bearings or a failing motor. Replacing the pump or its components may be necessary.
Check for Air Leaks: Air leaks in the pump's plumbing can reduce its efficiency. Inspect the connections for any signs of leaks and tighten them as needed.

Common Replacement Parts for the Polaris 3900

Knowing which parts are prone to wear and tear can save you time and money. Here are some of the most common replacement parts for the Polaris 3900:

Drive Belts: These are subject to wear and tear and should be replaced regularly.
Filter Bag: The filter bag can tear or become damaged over time.
Wheel Bearings: Worn wheel bearings can hinder movement.
Tail Sweep Hose: The tail sweep hose can become brittle and crack.
Floatation Devices: These can become damaged or lose their buoyancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Polaris 3900 not moving? Low water pressure, a clogged filter screen, or worn drive belts are common causes. Check these components first.
How often should I clean the filter bag? Empty the filter bag after each cleaning cycle for optimal performance.
How do I adjust the tail sweep? The tail sweep direction can be adjusted by rotating the nozzle. Experiment to find the optimal position for dislodging debris.
What is the correct water pressure for the Polaris 3900? The recommended water pressure is typically between 22 and 32 PSI.
How do I winterize my Polaris 3900? Disconnect the cleaner, drain all the water, and store it in a dry place.

In Conclusion

Troubleshooting a Polaris 3900 can seem daunting, but by following these steps, you can diagnose and resolve most common issues. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs will keep your pool cleaner running efficiently, saving you time and effort in the long run.