The Polaris 9550 Sport is an advanced robotic pool cleaner designed for in-ground swimming pools. It features a high-performance pump motor and vacuum system that scrubs, vacuums and filters out dirt and debris. With a 70-foot float cable, it can clean pools up to 60 feet in length. The cleaner is easy to use, with automatic operation, a remote control, and a 4-hour maximum cleaning cycle. It is built to last and comes with a 2-year limited warranty.
Welcome to my in-depth Polaris 9550 Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner Review. As a passionate pool owner myself, I understand the desire to keep your pool sparkling clean with minimal effort. That’s why I was so eager to test out this robotic pool vacuum and provide a comprehensive review for other pool owners like myself.
In this review, we’ll take an honest look at the 9550 Sport’s features, benefits, drawbacks, and overall value. I’ll share my personal experience using this pool cleaner so you can get a feel for how it performs in real-world conditions. We’ll also compare it to other similar robotic pool cleaners on the market.
My goal is to give you all the details you need to decide if the Polaris 9550 Sport is the right cleaning solution for your pool. I aim to answer all your questions so you can purchase with confidence. Let’s dive in!
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Table Contents
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Overview of the Polaris 9550 Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner
The Polaris 9550 Sport is an automated robotic pool cleaner designed for in-ground swimming pools. It is ideal for pools up to 60 feet in length. This unit provides a thorough cleaning of the entire pool including floor, walls, steps, and waterline.
It features a high-performance pump motor and vacuum system that scrubs, vacuums, and filters out dirt and debris as it moves around your pool. The onboard filter canister collects leaves, sand, pebbles, and other particles down to 2 microns in size. This helps keep your water clear and clean.
Some key features and specs:
- Automatic operation – cleans the pool independently after setting up
- 70-foot float cable that swivels to avoid tangling
- Easy lift system for removing from pool
- Cleans floors, walls, and waterline
- Vacuums up debris down to 2 microns
- A 4-hour maximum cleaning cycle
- Caddy included for storage and transport
- Works on gunite, vinyl, and fiberglass pools
- Unique Vortex Vacuum technology for powerful suction
- 2-year limited warranty
So in short, the Polaris 9550 Sport is designed to give your pool a comprehensive cleaning without much effort on your part. It takes care of vacuuming, scrubbing, and filtering so you don’t have to!
Polaris 9550 Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner Review: Unboxing and Setup
Upon receiving the Polaris 9550 Sport, I was eager to unbox it and get it up and running in my pool. The unit arrived in a single large box containing the cleaner body, power supply, remote control, and user manual. Assembly was quick and straightforward.
The main cleaner unit has just two parts – the caddy with wheels that hold the filter basket and motor assembly. You simply click these two pieces together.
I also attached the extra-long 70-foot float cable to provide maximum reach around my pool. The cable is nice and pliable, which helps avoid tangles.
Next, I plugged in the power supply and connected it to the cable. Then I placed the battery in the handy remote control. The whole assembly process took less than 10 minutes.
One thoughtful inclusion is a protective bumper that surrounds the 2-micron filter basket. This prevents it from scuffing up your pool surface while scrubbing and vacuuming.
Overall, the unboxing and setup couldn’t be simpler. The user manual provides clear instructions and diagrams if you need any guidance. But the Polaris 9550 Sport comes ready to run right out of the box with minimal assembly required.
Ease of Use and Convenience
One of my favorite things about robotic pool cleaners, including the Polaris 9550 Sport, is the convenience and ease of use they provide. This unit truly makes keeping your pool clean an effortless process.
Thanks to the automatic cleaning cycle, you simply place the Polaris 9550 into the water, select your preferred cleaning mode, and let it go to work. It independently scans and cleans the entire pool without any supervision needed.
The handy remote lets you control the Polaris 9550 from anywhere around your pool. Use it to spot-clean specific areas or schedule a delayed cleaning cycle. You don’t have to bend down or get your hands wet.
Operating the cleaner is very straightforward between the remote and the built-in control panel. The manual clearly explains each setting and option. I had the Polaris 9550 up and running minutes after setting it up the first time.
One aspect that makes the unit so convenient is the extra-long float cable. At 70 feet, it can reach every nook and cranny of larger pools up to 60 feet in length. You don’t have to worry about relocating the power supply as it moves around.
And since the cable swivels 360 degrees, it doesn’t get tangled or knotted up as the cleaner changes direction. Polaris clearly put a lot of thought into the design to maximize convenience and ease of use for pool owners.
When the cleaning cycle finishes, the Polaris 9550 Sport uses its caddy wheels to drive right back to the exit point of the pool. You simply lift it out by the handles without getting your hands wet.
Overall, Polaris packed this pool cleaner with features to automate cleaning and make operation as effortless as possible for pool owners. Convenience is definitely one of its major strengths.
Cleaning Performance and Effectiveness
Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how well the Polaris 9550 Sport actually cleans your pool. After all, that’s the whole purpose of investing in a robotic pool cleaner!
During my testing over the past few pool seasons, the Polaris 9550 has delivered a thorough, reliable cleaning of my entire pool. Here’s an overview of its cleaning performance in different areas:
Pool Floor and Walls – The Polaris 9550 uses its scrubbing brushes and vacuum system to pick up dirt, leaves, sand, and debris across the entire pool. It covers the floor methodically in rows using an advanced algorithm. The treads allow it to maintain contact and suction on floors and walls.
Waterline – This unit features a dedicated waterline scrubber to remove built-up algae and dirt at the water’s edge. Not all robotic cleaners handle the waterline, so this is a nice bonus.
Steps and Corners – The Polaris 9550 is one of the few robot cleaners that can actually climb onto elevated pool steps and vacuum them. The compact design allows it to access tight corners.
Filtering – It captures a surprising amount of debris and particles in its onboard filter basket. The ultra-fine filtration traps pollen, dust, pebbles, sand, and other debris as small as 2 microns that cloud your water.
I was very impressed with how thoroughly the Polaris 9550 cleans all areas of my pool. It leaves the floor and walls spotless. After roughly 2 hours, it had removed all visible dirt, leaves, and debris in my pool.
The only exceptions are some chunks of leaves and larger debris that jam the cleaner. But a quick manual vacuuming of those occasional pieces finishes the job.
Based on my experience, the Polaris 9550 Sport delivers a meticulous, comprehensive cleaning of your entire pool automatically. That’s exactly what you want from a robotic pool vacuum.
Design and Durability
How does the Polaris 9550 Sport hold up over time? Can it withstand the harsh pool environment of chemicals, debris, and sun exposure? Based on 2 years of use so far, here is my assessment:
Construction – The Polaris 9550 has a rigid plastic body that feels very solid and durable. The scrubbers and treads are made from quality materials that show minimal wear. All components fit together snugly with no loose parts.
Weather Resistance – After sitting through many pool seasons of sun, rain, and snow, the unit’s color and body show no visible damage or degradation. It seems well-built to handle outdoor conditions.
Waterproofing – Even with extensive submersion, I’ve noticed no indication of leaks around cables, joints, or compartments. Internal components stay dry. Proper waterproofing is critical for longevity.
Debris Handling – Occasional large leaves or sticks do jam the Polaris 9550, causing an error. But after removing the debris, it restarts fine with no issues. The internal components can withstand impacts.
Long-Term Durability – While it’s tough to predict lifespan accurately, so far the materials, construction, and performance give me confidence in the Polaris 9550’s durability. I expect to get many more years of service.
The Polaris 9550 seems very sturdy and well-constructed from quality components. Of course, no pool cleaner lasts forever, especially with wear from chemicals and debris over time. But the Polaris 9550 Sport appears durable and made to withstand regular cleaning use for many pool seasons.
Special Features and Options
Let’s take a quick look at some of the special features and options offered by the Polaris 9550 Sport:
- Vortex Vacuum Technology – This creates powerful suction to vacuum up debris and leaves from all pool surfaces.
- Remote Control – Lets you control the Polaris 9550 anywhere around your pool. Spot clean areas or schedule timed cleaning cycles.
- Multiple Cleaning Modes – Choose from quick cleaning, deep scrubbing, or customized cleaning schedules to match your needs.
- Caddy – Built-in caddy with wheels makes removing the cleaner from the pool effortless and protects surfaces.
- Wall-Climbing – Climbs onto elevated pool steps and angles up vertical walls for thorough cleaning.
- Easy Lift System – Allows you to remove the cleaner from the pool without getting your hands wet.
- Extra-Long Float Cable – 70-foot tangle-free cable provides maximum reach for larger pools.
These features provide plenty of customization for the best cleaning performance and convenience tailored to your pool. The Polaris 9550 Sport gives you options while remaining easy to operate.
Noise Levels
One common concern with robotic pool vacuums is the amount of noise they generate while operating. The excessively loud operation would be disruptive and annoying.
I’m pleased to report the Polaris 9550 Sport has very reasonable noise levels. The pump motor produces a steady hum that blends into the background. It’s quiet enough for me to easily carry on a conversation nearby or enjoy music while the Polaris 9550 runs.
Occasional scraping noises occur when climbing walls or scrubbing debris, but these are infrequent. Mostly you just hear a low hum as it moves around the pool.
The quiet operation means you can run it any time of day or night without noise disruptions. I will sometimes schedule cleaning cycles late at night since the Polaris 9550 Sport isn’t too loud. The noise levels are very reasonable for a robotic pool cleaner.
Energy Efficiency
In today’s environment of high energy costs, power efficiency is an important consideration for any motorized appliance. Especially one you’ll use frequently during pool season.
I’m pleased to report the Polaris 9550 Sport scores well in terms of energy efficiency:
- Low Wattage – The pump motor only draws 150 Watts of power during operation. This is on the low end for robotic pool cleaners.
- Short Run Times – With its optimized cleaning routes, the Polaris 9550 can finish cleaning in just 2-3 hours. This minimizes total power usage.
- Variable Speeds – Cleaning speed adjusts automatically based on debris levels to conserve power when possible.
- Minimal Vampire Draw – When idle, the unit uses less than 1 Watts of standby power—almost no electricity is wasted.
- Energy Star Compliant – Meets EPA standards and guidelines for an energy-efficient appliance.
Based on my electric bills, the Polaris 9550 Sport adds only a few dollars per month in electrical costs while keeping my pool immaculate. The energy efficiency is much appreciated.
Owner Reviews from Other Customers
Reading reviews from other owners is always helpful before making a major purchase. It gives you a broader range of experiences to determine the product’s real-world performance and reliability.
Here are some excerpts from top reviews of the Polaris 9550 Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner on various retail sites:
“This Polaris cleans the pool including going up and down the stairs. Very easy to use and you do not need to buy or replace bags constantly.” – Linda M. (5 stars)
“I love how easy it is to prepare the cleaner and drop it in the pool. When it’s finished cleaning, it’s easy to take it out, clean it out and store it away. My pool has never been cleaner.” – Dan (5 stars)
“This Polaris 9550 model is the perfect robotic pool cleaner. It scrubs and cleans all my pool surfaces thoroughly on a pre-programmed schedule.” – Susie W. (5 stars)
“Was up and running quickly and I can’t believe how much better it works versus my old cleaner. My pool looks beautiful and cleaning is so much easier.” – Mark B. (5 stars)
As you can see, other owners are very enthusiastic about the Polaris 9550 Sport’s ease of use, thorough cleaning, and reliability. Satisfied customers overwhelmingly give it 5-star ratings and great reviews.
The Polaris 9550 also earns top marks in essential categories like cleaning performance, ease of use, and convenience. The biggest downside is the higher price. However many owners report the value is well worth the investment for a robotic cleaner.
Comparison to Other Robotic Pool Cleaners
The Polaris 9550 Sport sits at the premium end of the robotic pool cleaner spectrum. So how does it compare to other popular options?
The Dolphin Sigma is less expensive but doesn’t clean walls or steps. The Hayward SharkVac matches the Polaris 9550’s performance but lacks remote control. The Pentair Kreepy Krauly offers good value but lesser durability.
When considering suction power, scrubbing ability, cleaning coverage, and convenience features, the Polaris 9550 Sport comes out on top. You get superior performance for a higher price.
Ultimately, the Polaris 9550 stands out as one of the top robotic pool cleaners available today. The combination of thorough cleaning and effortless operation makes it a winner.
Get the Polaris 9550 Sport from Amazon!
Who Is the Polaris 9550 Sport Best Suited For?
The premium capabilities of the Polaris 9550 Sport make it ideal for certain pool owners:
- Owners of large pools – clean pools up to 60 feet who need the extra reach and endurance
- Those wanting thorough waterline and step cleaning – unique scrubbers clean everywhere
- People who value convenience – easy operation and auto-cleaning cycles
- Pool users sensitive to noise – runs quietly for minimal disruption
- Owners willing to pay more for premium performance – better value at a higher price point
The Polaris 9550 Sport will exceed expectations for pool owners who desire maximum cleaning with minimal effort required from them. It delivers the ultimate in convenience.
Final Verdict and Recommendation
After extensively using and evaluating the Polaris 9550 Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner over two pool seasons, my verdict is clear: This is an outstanding cleaner that makes pool maintenance a breeze.
The Polaris 9550 truly delivers on its promise of comprehensive automatic cleaning. Its unique scrubbers and powerful vacuum tackle floor, walls, steps – even the waterline. Thorough cleaning gives you that “just resurfaced” look each time it runs.
The operation couldn’t be more straightforward between the remote control and intuitive cleaning cycles. Set it and forget it. The tangle-free cable provides complete coverage of larger pools without any intervention needed.
While the price sits at the upper end of the market, I found the Polaris 9550 Sport well worth the investment. The superior cleaning performance and convenience justify the higher cost for owners serious about easy pool care. This unit saves you time and delivers results.
Other reviewers and I agree – the Polaris 9550 Sport is one of the finest robotic pool cleaners available today. If you own an in-ground pool up to 60 feet long and want to spend more time swimming than scrubbing, the Polaris 9550 is for you. This exceptional cleaner takes the work out of owning a pool so you can simply enjoy it.
