Keeping your pool clean while balancing a busy work and family schedule can be difficult, but that is why pool robots exist!
On the surface, the Polaris NEO Robotic Pool Cleaner is an excellent option for those who are short on time and want to ensure their pool is clean. It easily navigates all pool surfaces, climbs walls, and scrubs to the tile line for a thorough cleaning for an enticing price.
However, is it really all that? In this Polaris NEO Robotic Pool Cleaner review, we’ll let’s dig a bit deeper to find out what it is fantastic at, what it may struggle with, and how it compares against other robotic pool cleaners in the same price bracket. But, above all, you want to know, is it worth your investment? So let’s dive in.
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The Quick Polaris NEO robotic pool cleaner review
Last update on 2023-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Polaris NEO robotic pool cleaner is a good option for those looking for an easy-to-use and efficient pool cleaner for inground pools in the low to middle price range. The Cyclonic Vacuum Technology provides powerful suction, while the Push’N’Go Easy Clean Filter Canister makes cleaning easy.
It also features two cleaning modes: floor or floor/wall. In addition, the Surface Control System with 4 settings allows you to customize your cleaning experience. And finally, the drive system with tracks ensures a smooth and thorough clean.
However, some features are missing. For example, no scheduling means you have to manually start and stop your cleaner each day as well as removing from the water. There is also no handheld remote control or Bluetooth for wire-free connections.
Overall, a no-frills, decent cleaner from a top brand for easy pool cleaning. Check out the Polaris NEO robotic cleaner today on Amazon!
- Excellent cleaning performance
- Not expensive
- Easy to operate
- Easy to empty and clean the filter
- No scheduling
- No wireless connectivity
Last update on 2023-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The full Polaris NEO review
Ease of set up and use
What you get in the box
- Polaris NEO Robotic Pool Cleaner
- 50′ Floating Cable
- Control Box
- Control Box Base
- Instruction Manual
- Quick Start Guide
One of the great things about the Polaris NEO is that it is straightforward to operate. You don’t need special training or instructions to use it. Anyone who can handle a vacuum cleaner can use this robotic pool cleaner.
There are only a few simple steps that you need to follow to get the cleaner up and running.
- First, remove the plastic strips from the rollers.
- Next, connect the power cable to the power assembly box.
- Drop the robotic cleaner into the pool, plug it into a GFCI outlet, and push the power button.
- The cleaner will start cleaning your pool and will continue to do so until you turn it off.
Key Features
So let’s take a closer look at some of the main features of the Polaris NEO and what they actually mean for you.
Cyclonic Vacuum Technology – Capture debris without losing suction
Polaris robotic vacuums use cyclonic vacuum technology. This works in the pool robot like vortex vacuum technology does in a conventional vacuum cleaner.
Inside the pool vacuum, a small vortex is created, which ensures that large and fine debris is captured and held within the canister, preventing loss of suction and a clean pool.
This means that the risk of anything blocking the intake is significantly reduced, and the robotic cleaner will sustain performance throughout the total cycle.
Push’N’Go Easy Clean Filter Canister
While we’re talking about the canister, I have to mention the easy lift system used by the Push’N’Go filter in the robot pool cleaner. On top of the machine is a simple push-to-unlock button. Once pressed, you can lift the filter canister out, give it a shake, a rinse and you’re all set. This simple process allows you to quickly & effortlessly access the waste canister for easy disposal and no more time wasted fiddling around with filters, which in some models can be tricky and frustrating.
Oversized Intake Area
The Polaris NEO’s oversized intake area is the perfect solution for swimming pool owners who have a problem with large debris, such as leaves and twigs. With its extra-large intake area, NEO can easily collect these large pieces of debris, leaving your pool clean and debris-free. This feature is especially beneficial for those with trees nearby whose leaves often fall into the pool.
Surface Control System™
The Polaris NEO’s Surface Control System™ is a revolutionary feature that allows you to adjust the cleaner to work for your pool. From levels 1-5, you select how rough or smooth your pool surface is, and NEO adapts.
Meanwhile, the wall-hugging tank treads help minimize slipping and provide a smooth ride across the pool surface. This, combined with the dual front and back pleated scrubbing brushes, ensures that the cleaner will hug the walls and navigate all types of pool surfaces, from vinyl pool liners to pebble tech, providing complete coverage for in-ground pools each cleaning cycle.
Energy efficient and fast
The Polaris NEO is a robotic pool cleaner designed for maximum energy efficiency. Its low energy consumption makes it among the most efficient automatic pool cleaners on the market; it only costs pennies per day to operate.
Aside from the running costs, due to the way robotic pool cleaners work, they will lessen the load on your pool’s filtration system, meaning it will last longer, and you will naturally have to use fewer chemicals.
Limitations
With all that said, based on our knowledge of pool robots, we can certainly see that although the automatic pool cleaner has some great features, a few seem to be lacking.
No scheduling
The lack of this feature means you will need to manually turn it on whenever you want it to clean your pool. There is no “set and forget” feature. Depending on your lifestyle, this may not be suitable.
Won’t clean steps
To be fair, almost all robotic pool cleaners struggle with steps, and this is another one to add to the list. It mentions it climbs steps, but the performance isn’t there. It can handle shelves, though.
No wireless connectivity
Everything about the day-to-day usage of this model is manual. There is no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or handheld remote control for spot cleaning. It would have been nice to have this available.
User reviews
Overall, reviewers seem happy with the Polaris pool cleaner. They find it is effective at cleaning the pool and easy to use. However, a few reviewers feel that the cleaner’s mesh basket is delicate and don’t like removing and rinsing it after every clean.
Additionally, some reviewers would like more customization options for the timer. Despite these minor complaints, most reviewers are thrilled with the Polaris NEO and recommend it to other swimming pool owners.
Here are some of the top quotes from other reviewers:
- Works well to clean up leaves in the pool. The canister is easy to remove and clean.
- This Polaris NEO so far is awesome! I like the treads. The suction is great!
- This cleaner does a good job of cleaning the entire pool, including the water line without any intervention from me.
- I do wish that I had more control over the times and days.
- There is no way set it for anything other than floor or floor/wall.
- Other than not able to get stairs 100% it is amazing.Times out at 90 minutes
- Unlike the suction side cleaners, this one cannot remain in the pool.
- I do find the filter to be “delicate”
- Every time I need to start a cleaning, I need to manually press the button on the control unit.
- For a cleaner at this price, I would expect a little more customization BUT what it does do, it does it very, very well!
Add-ons and extras
There is nothing additional to purchase for the Polaris NEO. It comes packed with a 50-foot floating cable and a easy clean filter canister.
You will also get a 2 year manufacturer warranty from Polaris, although you can extend this if you want to.
It’s worth noting that the Polaris NEO weighs a little over 32 pounds, so you may want to consider a robotic pool cleaner caddy, and over time you may need to replace the mesh canister. Although, at the time of writing, I cannot find any information about the cost of these.
A couple of alternatives to consider
DOLPHIN Nautilus CC and CC Plus
Dolphin Nautilus CC
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus with Wi-Fi
Both the Dolphin Nautilus CC (pools up to 33ft) and the CC Plus with Wi-Fi (for larger pools up to 50 ft) are amazing pool cleaners. They are easy to use and don’t require your pool pump or filter to get the job done. With superior scrubbing and filtering capabilities, these cleaners can quickly get your pool clean and ready for swimming. In addition, the quick water release helps keep the Nautilus models lighter and easier to remove from the collection, and with an average operating cost of 5 cents per hour, it’s a great value for a clean pool.
In many ways, its lack of advanced features means it compares well to the NEO, but the Nautilus CC has been a favorite of tens of thousands of customers for many years. Also, Dolphin pool cleaners come with a fantastic reputation. I think a major difference is the weekly scheduling feature.
Also, if you go for the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus, this also comes with a Wi-Fi option.
At around $100 less (on average), the Nautilus CC is a little cheaper than the Polaris NEO, but it will only do up to 33ft as opposed to the 40 ft pools of the NEO. The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus, in comparison, is around $100 more expensive than the NEO, but offers a fair amount more in the scheduling and Wi-Fi connectivity.
FAQ section
Are Polaris Pool Cleaners any good?
Yes, Polaris robotic pool cleaners are some of the best on the market. They are known for their premium engineering, rugged construction, and reliability, which makes them a popular choice for consumers. So if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line pool cleaner, Polaris is a brand you can trust.
How many scrubbers does the Polaris NEO have?
The Polaris NEO has two scrubbers, one on the front and one on the back.
Can I leave the Polaris NEO in my pool?
The Polaris NEO is meant to be rinsed with fresh water after every cleaning, so you can leave it in your pool.
Does the Polaris NEO have a timer?
No, the Polaris NEO does not have a timer.
Can the Polaris NEO be used in a saltwater pool?
Yes, the Polaris NEO can be used in a saltwater pool. However, it is important to note that using the Polaris NEO in a saltwater pool may cause some deterioration of the cleaner.
Does the Polaris NEO work in kidney-shaped pools?
Yes, the Polaris NEO works well in all pool shapes, including kidney-shaped pools.
Is the Polaris NEO suitable for above-ground pools?
No. This is for in-ground swimming pools only. Check out my post about above-ground pool cleaners if this is what you need.
Polaris NEO – final thoughts
I think the critical thing here is the price. You are getting excellent premium cleaning performance but with very few bells and whistles, which keeps the price down.
It misses features that high-end automatic pool cleaners have, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity or carefree scheduling. As a result, more manual intervention is needed, but it cleans very well.
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, efficient and affordable robotic pool cleaner from a leading brand, this Polaris robotic pool cleaner is a great option. Its cyclonic vacuum technology and wall-hugging tank treads make sure to leave your pool clean and debris-free. However, understand that a fair amount of manual intervention will still be required. But at this price point, that will be the case for most options.
Last update on 2023-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
