Polaris 360 vs Polaris 380

[sktn77a]

I've had a Polaris 380 for almost 30 years and have been completely happy with it over this time. It's had a couple of "rebuilds" in this time (parts do corrode and wear out). Out of curiosity, I looked up the current 380 price and it ranges anywhere from $850 to $1000 (without booster pump). OK, and then I happened to look up the 360 price and it ranges anywhere from $450 to $700. The ONLY difference between the two is a slightly larger feed pipe on the 360. Not better, not worse, not more expensive, not less expensive, just slightly different. The rest of the parts are either identical (part number) or only very slightly different (eg the water deliver hose diameter and UWF). Absolutely no basis for such a price difference!

Am I missing something???

 

[ajw22]

The larger feed pipe is designed to operate without a booster pump. Using a 360 with the booster pump will wear out parts prematurely due to the higher water pressure.

Look at a 280. It is as good or better then a 380.

 

[hexabc]

The larger feed pipe is designed to operate without a booster pump. Using a 360 with the booster pump will wear out parts prematurely due to the higher water pressure.

Look at a 280. It is as good or better then a 380.

I second that. My 280 runs 12-th season without any issues and it's very effective when adjusted correctly. Runs every day 1.5 hour. I pull it out of water only to clean the bag. (And, of course, for the winter.)

 

[sktn77a]

Not looking to buy a 360 - I just pointing out the absurdity of the pricing.

 

[1poolman1]

Not looking to buy a 360 - I just pointing out the absurdity of the pricing.

Supply and demand. Most pools have already been built with a pressure-side cleaner. The 360 was originally designed many, many, years ago to replace the cleaner that many builders threw in with the build (because they were very inexpensive and sometimes worked), the RayVac. As those cleaners aged they became very expensive to repair. Just the last feeder hose, a 12" silicone-rubber hose was $30.00 in the early 1990s. Then parts became hard to get (thanks, Jandy). There was nothing else really on the market until the 360.