Polaris ALPHA IQ+ the Worlds Most Innovative Robotic Pool Cleaner!

[@leandraguy6289]

I’ve had my Polaris Alpha IQ for two years. It’s worth every Penny. It cleans very well. -It hasn’t needed any repairs. -My pool used to have sand/ fine dirt and the robot picks up everything including tree pollen and leaves. -Since I started using this I haven’t had to replace any of the grid on my pool filter. - The app is ok, it tells you when to empty the basket. When remote controlling there is a slight lag. -The robot doesn't work great on the stairs but if you remote control it you can get the stairs fine. -It does scrub the tiles but I’d recommend still manually scrubbing them.

[@alfredogarcia2008]

I am really surprised how great they work. I'm a believer!

[@GuitarPickn]

This thing works great at cleaning. I don’t have to brush my pool much, as this will do a lot of the work. Had this for almost 2 years. Only problem is some control box buttons quit responding after 1 year (and it cost about $800 - $900 to replace). However, I still have full control through the iAqualink app.

[@SPL]

That's good and bad news. It's the top cleaner in my book

[@PhilipDePalo]

How well does it clean the tile / waterline? This is one of my more important features I'd like. I see the nautilus cc supreme seems to be able to run sideways across the tile which "seems" better, though I am not sure that it is. I only see a brief clip of the waterline cleaning. Can you share more? I realize there is an entire mode just for that purpose.

[@SPL]

It does a great job on the tile line. However the Dolphin brand has a patented side jet that gives it the slight edge on tile cleaning. It's a pretty cool feature of the Proteus DX4 and DX5i.

[@brandon7942]

I have the VRX IQ +. I’ve had it for a couple months now. It’s cleans very well. Only complaint is the lift system/remote controlling will lag sometimes. It’s hit or miss if it reacts fast or lags. But it cleans amazing.

[@SPL]

Pretty amazing cleaners for sure. I just got a Ultra Fine canister for mine and it picks up even the finest dirt now.

[@manishgpatel1080]

@@SPL The ultra fine filter does a great job getting everything in the pool. Have you noticed the robot has a hard time climbing the pool walls when the filter is in?

[@kevinsuarez6355]

Is the canister that comes with it not already ultra fine? My pool sits high so I want something that picks up and holds the fine dirt and sand so I can stop having to manually vacuum my pool every other week.

[@pamelaandres-sigala5069]

Please help. I just bought Alpha IQ. I would like to set cleaner manually.

[@Solo.C6]

What robots will work with a beach entry pool that won't get stuck or keep going past the beach line?

[@SPL]

Honestly you will need a pressure side cleaner. Those are the only cleaners that work with a beach entry.

[@scottmyers2637]

I see it has a bluetooth and wifi indicator on the controller. Will it work with either or does it need both? Can I control it with my phone with just bluetooth?

[@SPL]

You can connect it either way. I prefer to the WiFi so that you can control it from anywhere vs from 30 ft of it.

[@trillspill8490]

@@SPL Mine isnt picking up dirt for some reason

[@SPL]

@@trillspill8490 They sell a canister for the finer dirt. This should work in your case: Zodiac Polaris R0535800 Replacement 9300/9400/9500 Ultra-Fine Sand and Silt Filter Canister

[@trillspill8490]

@@SPLI see...Yeah I had mine for about a week now but im noticing the canister it came with is only picking up the larger particles. The pool gets cloudy and the dirt eventually settles back at the bottom.

[@giries23]

Hi David, does this cleaner have to he plugged into an electrical outlet at all times? I'm not interested if that's the case. I want a cleaner that's stays in the pool and doesn't have cords hanging out to. An electrical outlet

[@SPL]

If you are going to run a weekly schedule then yes, you need to leave it plugged in. I personally use my robot for the 2 hour cycle and just put it away.

[@giries23]

@@SPL only 2 hours per week and no other robot?

[@senormook]

Can I use this on a new pool? Or do I need to wait until the plaster cures (30days?) It's hydrazzo plaster

[@SPL]

Wait 30 days. The wheels might leave marks

[@jgpadget]

What are your thoughts on leaving the cleaner in the pool? It seems Polaris has contradicted itself with giving you the ability to create a schedule while having instructions to "Remove the cleaner from the pool after the cleaning cycle is completed" in the manual. If you were going to place it in the pool each time you want to clean, why would you need to schedule at all?

[@WhyYouAskingMe]

I assume it is just a way for Polaris to deny warranty repairs.

[@benhemoth4693]

My cleaner lives in the pool lol. Owned it for a year.

[@jgpadget]

@@benhemoth4693 I have kept mine in the pool for the past year as well. So far no issues.

[@mikehumphreys2805]

I just bought the VRX iQ+ and am now setting it up. The manager at Leslie's (who sells them, deals with customers and personally has one of these) told me to take it OUT of the water and store it in the garage between use, which I plan to do. It was way too expensive to leave in the water.

[@alecadler4038]

Can you leave this in the water all the time(except when taking out to clean the basket)? If you don't recommend leaving it in the pool, do you recommend, using this once or twice a week and leaving a Pressure sided vacuum in the other days to keep the pool clean?

[@SPL]

I wouldn't leave it in all the time. If you have a pressure cleaner I would run that all week and use this to touch up the pool. It will last forever in that case.

[@alecadler4038]

Hi David. Thank you very much. I own a fiberglass pool now(it doesn’t have a pressure sided vacuum) but I am moving and going to build a gunite pool. Do you recommend pressure sided vacuums(I would still use the alpha iq once a week for deep cleaning). My Pool Builder is telling me a pressure sided vacuum is a waste. I personally see it as a good secondary cleaning device. What is your opinion? Pros and cons? Thank you.

[@WhyYouAskingMe]

Watching it go up those steps... gives me hope it'll automatically take care of my Baja / Sun Shelf. I'm going to email Polaris as well and ask them. If it does automatically handle it, that will be a deal sealer for me on buying this.

[@jayd4219]

Ever get a reply? I'm in the same situation.

[@WhyYouAskingMe]

@@jayd4219 Official response was. That it can't clean Baja shelf and they are retraining their support staff to not make the claim. Also, I ordered the ultra fine filter the costs almost $80. It lasted 2 months and is now separating from its housing. Leslie and Polaris are not replying to emails regarding the ultra fine filter

[@jayd4219]

@@WhyYouAskingMe thanks for the heads up. I found your video about it also.

[@realtoast7036]

Is it necessary to remove my normal, pool inlet mounted cleaner in order to use the robot? In other words, would that cleaner, with its tentacles get in the way or get caught up?

[@SPL]

Yes. It will get tangled in those hoses.

[@catmeyers8755]

Do you have to have good WIFI to have this cleaner? I really want to purchase it, but I have DSL and it is spotty out by the pool, I live in a rural area, have signed up for Starlink but it is still a ways out from being here. Thanks

[@SPL]

It just has to reach the control unit. So depending on where you place the power unit would be the key. I would call Fluidra and ask them what they think about your current signal. 800-822-7933

[@USMC-Sniper-0137]

Can we select 'pool floor only' mode? I have a large fountain pool and I only need to clean sand etc. off the painted concrete floor.

[@SPL]

Yes you can. I use that mode a lot in my testing since my pool walls stay relatively clean. Great option!

[@keyronwiley2003]

I received my cleaner recently, but when I set to floor only mode it still climbs the stairs and gets tangled around the stair rails. Any suggestions?

[@jv122798]

Do you have to first put the robot in the water before plugging it in?

[@SPL]

Before turning it on yes. You can plug it in without turning it on.

[@arjunc2266]

Hey SPL. Quick question: does the 2nd generation pool blaster pulse have the inductive charging like the first generation model did?

[@SPL]

Yes, it is completely water sealed like the first version. Just can't hang it up and charge it like the old version.

[@arjunc2266]

Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To - SPL And, are all the pool blasters water sealed, such as the centennial li? Does this mean that water will never get in and ruin the device?? Thanks for your help

[@bradharrison5293]

Looking to buy one of these but don’t want to give up my weekend to drive a couple hours away and a couple back to get one. Is there any place that sells and I get it shipped to my doorstep?

[@SPL]

Not this version. If you have a local Leslie's they sell the branded version in their stores, Polaris VRX iQ+

[@unofreaz]

Hey which one would you recommend for a 20k gallon oval inground pool this polaris vrx thats on sale now for $1420 with rebates or the dolphin 30i thats on sale now for $1050 and it comes with the caddy and the ultra fine filter.please let me know thanks.

[@SPL]

I would say you can't go wrong with either. The Dolphin is a solid choice and saves you $400. The VRX has some extra tech and is easier to remove from the pool.

[@unofreaz]

@@SPL so which one would you pick ?

[@SPL]

@@unofreaz If your overall budget is the issue the 30i will work perfectly fine for you.

[@unofreaz]

@@SPL if budget wasn't an issue but you wanted the best one and the one that will last the longest.because if the dolphin is the same as the vrx and it will last the same than it dont make sense to pick the one thats more expensive.so with this in mind which one would you pick basically is one better than the other and will one outlast the other one and which one is a better cleaner ?.thanks lmk

[@giries23]

Hi David, so you only use this 2 hours per week and then put it away? Do you use any other robot cleaners the rest of the week?

[@SPL]

Yes, I just use mine 2 hours per week. My pool stays fairly clean. You may need it twice a week. Depends on the pool. But not everyday.

[@giries23]

@@SPL thank you that's great advice always thought you needed your robot to run daily with the pump. I appreciate the info

[@MoNkLorD21]

Where can I purchase, I live in PA USA and can't find a dealer anywhere. not even on the Leslie pool website. I looked under both names Polaris ALPHA IQ+ and POLARIS VRX IQ+.

[@SPL]

Those are retail only cleaners. There are 3 Leslie's in your state so one of them should stock it. Just can't list them online for sale so maybe that is why you can't locate one? Currently they are running $125 rebate on them. Call your Leslie's and see if they have them. If not they can get one transferred over from another store.

[@MoNkLorD21]

@@SPL thanks. I know of 2 not far from me . I will visit them this weekend and see if they have.

[@mikem108]

Do you still consider this the best pool robot? Wondering if you have new contenders in 2024

[@SPL]

Still the best. The only thing you will need is the Ultra Fine Canister.

[@orangedan5424]

Sorry if I sound stupid what is the purpose of 7 day schedule cleaning? Can the robot just move itself from the caddy to the pool? Or you can just leave the robot in the pool? Normally we never leave the robot inside the pool. So what's the point setting up the schedule?

[@SPL]

It is an option for those who want to leave the cleaner in the pool all week. I wouldn't advise this.

[@qforkyu]

I'm considering to buy this model for our 50 ft. pool but sadly I can't find this particular model on Amazon. They do have the Polaris F9550 Sport model though. Would you know how this model compares to the Polaris ALPHA IQ+ model? Or could you maybe recommend me a site which does have the IQ model? I'm located in South-Korea so the vendor/shop has to be willing to do international shipping. It goes without saying that I will be paying for shipping fees and customs etc. !

[@SPL]

Yes, this is a retail pool store only model. So you can't buy it online. It just has some more tech features than the 9550 Sport. The 9650iQ is a closer match to the Alpha iQ.

[@benhemoth4693]

Leslie's pool sells this exact model

[@bignev22]

Would you still consider this the best pool robotic cleaner?

[@SPL]

Yes. Out of all the robotic cleaners I test and film, this is the one I use on my personal pool. With the Ultra Fine Canister it picks up everything.

[@maihooper84]

@@SPL Thank you. Appreciate the honest response. This helps my decision alot.

[@jordan_7494]

What’s the difference between the vrx and the alpha iq

[@SPL]

Just the shell and color, and it is made specifically for Leslie's.

[@judymcgehee5732]

My indicator to clean the basket is too sensitive. It comes on when there’s barely anything in it.

[@SPL]

That is odd. Maybe call Fluidra on Monday and see if they have a fix.

[@adamkrauss303]

Based on your replies to various comments it seems you actually tested this model, however from the review it is not clear. It sounds more like you are reciting their marketing jargon line and verse. I did not hear you once say “I found” or “In my testing...”. Nor was there any criticism or comparison to others in its price range, etc. For example, I believe this Polaris, like most if not all others, propels exhaust water out it’s rear, rather than it’s top - like all Dolphins models. If that’s the case, I understand it cannot clean when moving backwards, unlike the Dolphin models - correct? I also would like to hear you speak about the cleaners ability to not get stuck on floor drains for all models you review, as that was the major negative for my 10 year old Dolphin that just died. Thank you.

[@SPL]

Out of courtesy for the manufacturer I don't compare products directly in a review video. I do that more in my podcasts. There really is nothing negative to say about this cleaner except for maybe the debris canister it is shipped with. Polaris decided after their 1st version of the 9450 Sport to switch to a 100 micron canister. Which can leave some fine dust behind after using. But you can purchase an Ultra Fine Canister which will filter the dust out. Too many complaints about the cleaner clogging from consumers back then. This is a true 4WD cleaner so it won't get stuck on the drains as all 4 wheels move, unlike the 2WD of your old Dolphin. As far as the rear thrust, it does stir up debris a bit but it is not a big issue as it settles back down. I give Dolphin the edge on filtration with their cartridge type canister that filters down to 20 microns. They also have the edge on water line cleaning with their patented tech. But the Alpha IQ+ wins in app control, weekly scheduling, caddy cart and overall tech with the easy retrieval system. It's a matter of splitting hairs between Dolphin and Polaris.

[@adamkrauss303]

Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To - SPL Thanks so much for your quick and helpful reply!! Although not necessarily the place for the discussion, I am considering the Dolphin Triton as a replacement. Do you think the Triton will be able to avoid getting stuck on floor drain? Remote control and weekly programs is not of much interest to me.

[@SPL]

@@adamkrauss303 If you were thinking of the Dolphin Triton PS it will work well with your drains. It is basically the same models as the Proteus DX4 which had no issues with drains in my testing.

[@adamkrauss303]

Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To - SPL Thanks again.

[@ikas.98]

Hello David, if you don’t mind me asking, I sent my pool pump to get repaired and since then the timer is not working probably, it’s like a broken watch, I kept it at 2pm and when I came the next day I founded it to be at 11pm, what should I do? Thanks!

[@SPL]

What type of pump was it?

[@ikas.98]

Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To - SPL It’s an underground Pentair Superflo

[@Optix-Code]

Buy it from Leslie's and get the extra year warranty so you have 3 years best warranty out there!

[@Micky2009ish]

Paid $1700 in Sept 2020 and now in the 2nd season, I keep getting ERROR 10 and it doesn't work - I tried everything and obviously I have to take it to the store and PAY for repair

[@SPL]

They come with a 2 year warranty. So you should be goo until Sept 2022

[@JohnSmith-lw2bm]

Check your wiring pins in the cable. A wire probably came loose. Check on KZbin for Polaris 9550 error 10. The video will help you repair at home easily.

[@hoobeydoobey1267]

Anyone use it to clean a boat hull?

[@SPL]

How large? If it is the size of a pool it should work.

[@Zmany2k1981]

I have one. Can’t get them to fix it. It hasn’t completed a single cleaning cycle since it came out of the box. Always has a communication error. Absolute turd.

[@SPL]

It has a warranty and I am sure someone at Fluidra will help you out.

[@Zmany2k1981]

@@SPL yeah, that’s what I’m working on now. They’ve got weird hours when you call and they haven’t responded to me emails yet. Talking to more folks about it, I guess they’re just junk. Guys at the pool stores all said not to waste my money on one, but it came with the pool from the builder.

[@daneenlife]

Love your video ❤️ Check us out and join the party 🎉🎤🎉