How Far Should The Backup Valve Be From The Polaris 360?

When it comes to the installation of a Polaris 360 pool cleaner, one of the most common questions that pool owners ask is how far the backup valve should be from the unit. This is an important question to consider because the position of the backup valve can affect the performance of the pool cleaner.

The Purpose of the Backup Valve

Before we dive into the distance between the backup valve and the Polaris 360, let’s first understand the purpose of the backup valve. The backup valve is a device that is attached to the pool cleaner’s feed hose. It is designed to periodically release a burst of water that forces the unit to change direction. This helps to ensure that the pool cleaner covers every part of the pool and doesn’t get stuck in one area.

Backup Valve Placement

So, how far should the backup valve be from the Polaris 360? The answer is that it depends on the size of your pool. For smaller pools, the backup valve should be placed about 6-8 feet away from the unit. For larger pools, the backup valve should be placed about 10-12 feet away from the unit.

The reason for this is that the backup valve needs to give the Polaris 360 enough space to turn around and change direction. If the backup valve is too close to the unit, it may not have enough room to work properly, and the pool cleaner may get stuck in one area of the pool.

Other Considerations

When installing the backup valve, there are a few other things to keep in mind. First, make sure that the backup valve is installed in a straight section of the feed hose. If it is installed in a curved section, it may not work properly.

Second, make sure that the backup valve is positioned so that it is facing in the opposite direction of the Polaris 360 when it releases the burst of water. This will help to ensure that the pool cleaner changes direction and covers all areas of the pool.

Final Thoughts

Installing a Polaris 360 pool cleaner can be a great investment for any pool owner. However, it is important to make sure that the backup valve is placed in the correct position to ensure that the unit works properly. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can be confident that your pool cleaner will cover every part of your pool and keep it looking great all year round.

Further reading: How Do You Grease Polaris Wheel Bearings?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a backup valve?

A backup valve is a device that is attached to a Polaris 360 pool cleaner to help it move around the pool. It works by periodically reversing the direction of the cleaner, which helps to prevent it from getting stuck in one spot.

2. How far should the backup valve be from the Polaris 360?

The backup valve should be placed about six to eight feet away from the Polaris 360. This distance allows the backup valve to move the cleaner around the pool without getting tangled up in the hose.

3. What happens if the backup valve is too close to the Polaris 360?

If the backup valve is too close to the Polaris 360, it can cause the cleaner to get tangled up in the hose, which can prevent it from moving around the pool. This can cause the cleaner to become stuck in one spot, which can prevent it from cleaning the entire pool.

4. Can I move the backup valve closer to the Polaris 360?

It is not recommended to move the backup valve closer to the Polaris 360. Doing so can cause the cleaner to get tangled up in the hose, which can prevent it from moving around the pool. If you need to move the backup valve, it should be moved further away from the cleaner, not closer.