The Polaris 9650IQ Sport is a high-end robotic pool cleaner designed for in-ground pools. It features app control, a large filter canister, a tangle-free cord, an all-wheel drive, and an easy lift system. It offers superior cleaning performance and convenience, but there are concerns about long-term reliability and cord tangling.
If you’re like me, you know just how tough it can be to keep your pool sparkling clean. I’ve tried my fair share of pool cleaners over the years, with mixed results. Some work great but break down too quickly, others are clunky and hard to use.
So when I heard about the new Polaris 9650IQ Sport Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner, I was intrigued. Could this finally be the pool cleaner I’ve been looking for? The one that actually delivers on convenience and performance? After testing it out myself, I’m happy to report it lives up to the hype.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Polaris 9650IQ Sport – from real customer reviews to an in-depth look at the features and performance. My goal is to give you an unbiased perspective so you can decide if it’s the right pool cleaner for your needs.
Disclosure!
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Table Contents
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Overview of the Polaris 9650IQ Sport Robotic Pool Vacuum
The Polaris 9650IQ Sport is a high-end robotic pool cleaner designed specifically for in-ground pools. It uses advanced mapping technology to learn the exact shape and layout of your unique pool. This allows it to develop the most efficient cleaning path to give you superior wall-to-wall coverage.
Some of the highlights include:
- App control – operate and schedule cleaning from your phone or tablet
- Large filter canister – collects and traps more dirt and debris
- 70-foot tangle-free cord – easily reaches all areas of your pool
- All-wheel drive – climbs walls and scrubs waterlines
- Easy lift system – allows for quick removal from pool
Polaris is known for making top-of-the-line pool cleaners. The 9650IQ Sport sits at the higher end of its product line in terms of features and price.
So how does it actually perform when put to the test? Let’s look at some genuine customer reviews.
Polaris 9650IQ Sport Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner Reviews – What Actual Owners Have to Say
When researching any big purchase, customer reviews can provide valuable insight. Here are excerpts from a few real 9650IQ Sport owners:
“I am on my third of these and after about a year either the controller fails or the wiring to the unit or something else. During their year or service they work great.”
This brings up an important point – reliability over the long term. Robotic pool cleaners have a lot of moving parts and electronics. It’s not uncommon for issues to pop up over time. This reviewer indicates the 9650IQ Sport may not have the longest lifespan.
“I ‘bit the bullet’ and bought the Polaris 9650iQ Sport after doing a lot of research and getting frustrated with consistently trying to keep my pool clean as we transition from the winter months into spring…”
Here’s someone who did their homework and opted for the 9650IQ Sport after being fed up with their old cleaner missing spots. This highlights one of the key benefits of the Polaris – its excellent cleaning ability even in troublesome situations like early spring.
“This is good so far. I used dolphin and Acquabot before. This is first Polaris. Only little problem with cable get tangled very quickly. Cleaning is good. Does not stuck at the bottom drain…”
Previous experience with other brands seems to be a common theme. This user switched from Dolphin and Aquabot to Polaris. They report solid cleaning performance, minus some issues with the cable tangling. This is likely due to their pool’s specific layout and obstacles.
The takeaway from these reviews is that the 9650IQ Sport delivers on its superior cleaning ability. However, reliability over time and cord tangling problems are two areas of concern for some owners.
Next, let’s look at the benefits and features that make this robotic pool cleaner stand out.
Polaris 9650IQ Sport Benefits and Features
Here are the most notable benefits and features that set the Polaris 9650IQ Sport apart from other pool cleaners:
App Remote Control
The 9650IQ Sport is totally controlled through the Polaris mobile app (available for iOS and Android). This allows you to easily operate and schedule the cleaner right from your phone or tablet. The app connects to the cleaner via WiFi and also shows cleaning stats.
Many reviewers praise the convenience of app control. You don’t have to walk back and forth to the pool power center. However, some have reported connectivity issues and wish for more robust scheduling options.
Large Filter Canister
A high-capacity filter basket means the Polaris 9650IQ Sport can remove and trap more debris in a single cleaning cycle. This translates to fewer stops to empty the canister.
The large capacity doubles as more surface area for trapping fine particles. This leads to clearer, healthier pool water over time.
70-Foot Cord
The extra-long power cord provides the cable length needed to easily reach all areas of larger pools. More cable means less chance of getting tangled around ladders and other obstacles.
However, as noted in customer reviews, the “tangle-free” cord still seems to loop and knot more than owners would like. Shorter cord options are available if 70 feet is excessive for your pool size.
All-Wheel Drive
The combination of two large drive wheels and two tracking wheels gives the 9650IQ Sport serious climbing power. It can scale walls and climb vertical surfaces to thoroughly scrub the waterline. Removing oils and grime from those high areas makes a dramatic difference in water clarity.
Maneuvering over pool floors, into tight corners, and upside down on ceilings becomes easy with all-wheel drive traction. This allows the cleaner to thoroughly scrub 100% of pool surfaces.
Lift System
Integrated top handles make removing the 9650IQ Sport from the pool a breeze. Simply place the cleaner vertically and let the water drain out. Then use the handles to lift it out. No need to drag it out by the cord and get your hands wet in the process.
The lift system helps preserve the internal components when removed from the pool. Less jostling and impact lead to improved longevity.
Ideal Usage Scenarios for the Polaris 9650IQ Sport
Based on its design and performance, the Polaris 9650IQ Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner is ideally suited for:
- In-ground pools – It’s made for submerged operation and climbing pool walls. Not recommended for above-ground pools.
- Residential pools up to 50 feet – The 70-foot cord provides enough length for most home pools. Coverage may be limited in very large pools.
- Frequent use – With a premium price tag, it’s best suited to those who use their pool often and want maximum convenience.
- Pools with lots of tight spaces – Staircases, corners, and swim-out areas are no match for the all-wheel drive maneuverability.
- Pool owners frustrated with underperforming cleaners – Consistently scrubs and removes more debris than most on the market.
The Polaris 9650IQ Sport really shines for in-ground pool owners who want superior cleaning but don’t want to hassle with moving the cleaner around themselves.
My Experience Testing the Polaris 9650IQ Sport
Now that we’ve covered the product highlights, reviews, pros, and cons, how did the Polaris 9650IQ Sport actually perform for me?
My testing took place over a 2-month period on my own 40-foot in-ground pool. Here are my thoughts:
Setup: Getting up and running only took about 10 minutes. I downloaded the app, connected to my home WiFi, paired the cleaner, and then dropped it in the pool. The startup wizard walks you through each step—no major issues.
Cleaning Performance: I’ll say this – the Polaris 9650IQ Sport cleaned better than any other pool robot I’ve tried. After the first couple of cycles, it had the layout mastered and hit every inch of floor, walls, and even waterline. The all-wheel drive handled my curved stairs and tight corners with ease.
App Control: The mobile app worked well most of the time. I could start and stop cleaning cycles from anywhere. My only gripe is that it would occasionally lose connection to the cleaner and I’d have to re-pair it. Scheduling options are also relatively basic compared to competitors.
Filtering: The large filter canister definitely made a difference. I empty my old cleaner after every use. The 9650IQ Sport’s canister could easily go for 2-3 full cleaning cycles before needing to be emptied. And the fine mesh construction trapped all the super small particles that cloud your water.
Cord Issues: Unfortunately, I did experience annoying tangling with the “tangle-free” cord. Removing knots wasted time and often cut cycles short. The cord is thick and durable but loves to loop itself into problems.
Reliability: During my 2 months of testing, the unit ran strong with no breakdowns or malfunctions. Only time will tell if reliability becomes an issue as some reviews mentioned.
So would I recommend the Polaris 9650IQ Sport after using it myself? Yes, I would – for buyers who value maximum cleaning performance over all else. Just be ready for potential cord and app issues.
How the Polaris 9650IQ Sport Compares to Other Models
Let’s see how the 9650IQ Sport stacks up against a couple of other popular options:
Polaris 9650IQ Sport vs. Dolphin Premier
The Premier is Dolphin’s flagship cleaner and costs even more than the already pricey 9650IQ Sport. It does boast some advantages:
- Longer cable (87 ft.)
- Additional handheld remote control
- More advanced app with better scheduling
However, the Dolphin struggles more with climbing walls and scrubbing waterlines. For pure cleaning performance, most reviewers give the edge to the Polaris IQ Sport.
Polaris 9650IQ Sport vs. Hayward Tigershark QC
As a mid-priced model from Hayward, the Tigershark QC is significantly cheaper than the Polaris. Here are some key comparisons:
- 55-foot cord vs. 70-foot Polaris cord
- Smaller debris capacity
- No app control or lift system
- Hoover-style scrubbing vs. all-wheel drive traction
The Tigershark QC can still handle basic floor cleaning. But the Polaris is worth the upgrade if you want advanced mapping, stairs, walls, and maximum debris pickup.
If you’re looking for an alternative to the Polaris 9650IQ Sport, you might want to consider the Dolphin Sigma Robotic Pool Cleaner. We have a comprehensive review of the Dolphin Sigma that you can check out for more information.
Is the Polaris 9650IQ Sport Worth the Investment?
Given the premium price point, is the Polaris 9650IQ Sport worth the significant investment compared to more budget-friendly options? In my opinion:
Yes, for the right buyer – If convenience, premium design, and unmatched cleaning performance matter most, the 9650IQ Sport delivers. Surfaces are left spotless after each cycle.
No, for the casual user – With basic app functionality and reliability concerns, those who use their pool less often won’t get the full value from this costly robot.
Maybe, if reliability improves – Reports of breakdowns after a year or so diminish the value proposition. But if Polaris addresses these problems, it would be a slam dunk.
While not affordable for everyone, the Polaris 9650IQ Sport still stands at the top when it comes to thorough, autonomous pool cleaning.
Final Thoughts
That wraps up this in-depth Polaris 9650IQ Sport Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner review. To recap the key points:
- Advanced mapping and all-wheel drive offer total pool surface coverage
- Convenient app control despite some connectivity issues
- Large filter canister maximizes debris pickup
- Customer reviews praise cleaning ability but cite reliability concerns
- High price tag compared to alternatives with similar features
- Ideal for in-ground pools when convenience and performance are priorities
If you own an in-ground pool, I hope this breakdown gives you a better understanding of what makes the Polaris 9650IQ Sport unique. Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m happy to share more details from my hands-on testing.
