Polaris 3900 Sport Pressure Side Pool Cleaner Review: Pros, Cons & Bottom Line

Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport

If you are looking for a pressure side pool cleaner for your in-ground or above ground pool, we recommend the Polaris 3900 Sport.

It is one of the pricier automatic pool cleaners, but it’s also one of the most powerful and best cleaning.

It combines a scrubbing tail and powerful suction to pick up most of the dirt in the pool. It also features an onboard filter bag, which reduces wear on your pool skimmer and filter.

Read on for our full review.

If you are looking for something cheaper, read our in-depth pressure side pool cleaner buying guide

If you are not particularly looking for a pressure side cleaner, see our reviews of the best automatic pool cleaners (all types).

Pros

Cons

Product Specifications

Specifications

Best Features

1. Triple Jets

The Polaris 3900 directs incoming water out through three jets. This allows the cleaner to cycle up to 40 gallons of water per minute through the dual-chamber filter bag.

It also gives it more power to pick up all kinds of debris, including large ones like leaves and acorns.

The triple jet system also improves mobility, allowing the Polaris 3900 to move around the pool with ease.

2. All-wheel Drive

An all-wheel-drive system controlled by a stainless steel drive chain delivers plenty of torque to the cleaner. Torque is what allows cars to accelerate fast.

In the Polaris 3900, the torque gives it more speed and power to move over obstacles and cover the entire pool in less time.

It rarely gets hang up on the drain or any other pool feature. 

3. TailSweep Pro

Like most pressure cleaners, the Polaris 3900 Sport lacks a scrubbing brush. Instead, it uses a sweeper tail that trails the cleaner.

The tail agitates dirt and debris stuck on the pool surface, making it easier for the cleaner to pick it up. It also blows up debris hiding in corners and other hard to reach areas.

4. Dual Chamber Debris Bag

The dual-chamber debris bag collects more debris than most other automatic cleaners. You don’t have to empty it as often.

The bag collects all kinds of debris from leaves and acorns to silt and sand.

Like most filter bags, it’s a bit difficult to clean. Finer particles can be especially challenging to get rid of.

Issues & Concerns

Build Quality Problems

Most of the complaints from pool owners are about the cleaner’s build quality and overall longevity.

Many of them say that multiple parts and connections failed after some months, requiring frequent repairs and in some cases, outright replacement.

That said, these issues don’t seem to affect all units. And with the limited warranty (5 years for the frame, 1 year for other parts), most of the repairs will be covered.

Requires Booster Pump

The Polaris 3900 Sport requires a booster pump, which is not included along with the cleaner. So you have to spend extra if you don’t already have a booster pump.

The cleaner is expensive enough without factoring the cost of the pump.

Requires Adjustments

One big advantage of robotic cleaners overpressure and suction cleaners is that they are essentially plug-and-play.

You don’t need to adjust any pins or check the water pressure.

The Polaris 3900 Sport can be especially tedious to get it working properly. You have to check the hose weights, the orientation of the water jets, the connectors, wheel RPM, and many other things.

When everything is adjusted properly, the 3900 Sport works like a charm. But it takes some time to learn how to set everything right, especially if this is your first automatic pool cleaner.

Frequently-Asked Questions

above ground pool cost

Does the Polaris 3900 Sport need a booster pump?

Yes, it does. If you don’t already have a booster pump installed, you have to buy one separately.

Does the Polaris 3900 Sport clean the walls?

Yes, the Polaris 3900 Sport can climb and clean pool walls. You may need to make several adjustments to get it to climb the wall.

Does the Polaris 3900 Sport pick up leaves and acorns?

Yes, it does as well as finer debris like sand and silt.

Our Bottom Line

3.5/5

Though pricey, the Polaris 3900 Sport is the best pressure side pool cleaner. We love it’s cleaning performance and its ability to pick up all kinds of debris. 

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