New Member: Polaris 280 with Booster pump Vs Paramount Pool Valet 3

[PoolDoc]

The in-floor cleaning systems result in MASSIVE increase in your pump needs, and resultant electrical operating costs. They do seem to work fairly well in dealing with dust and tiny debris, so they are functional out West, and in Florida's screened pools. But where there is larger debris, like leaves, bugs and grass clippings, they perform far less well.

Also, they seem to fail after about 5 years . . . and the lifetime warranties don't seem to be unconditional.

[mnittler]

Does anybody have an estimate on energy requirements between the 1-1/2hp pump the installer was recommending with the Valet 3 system and a Polaris 280 with booster pump? The installer was recommend using a VFD Pentair pump but would that offset the extra power requirements of the nozzles? I think the booster pump for the 280 is a 3/4 hp? So that would appear to be 1/2 the savings right there? My assumption is that the filter pump would have to be running while the Polaris was in operation so I would lose a little energy there also? What is the normal Polaris daily cleaning time for a Polaris 280 to clean approximately 15' X 36' pool? What do people use to clean the connected spa and steps when using a Polaris (granted the spa is only 7' X 7')? This is a Salt water pool.