When our pool was installed it came with a Hayward Viper along with the necessary booster pump. While that cleaner was OK, it never seem to do that great of a job. After a few seasons I had to start replacing parts which seemed a bit pricey. Finally a couple seasons ago I gave up on it and replaced it with a Polaris 280 (purchased from Amazon). It also requires a booster pump, which we already have. I chose the 280 based on many good reviews and replacement parts seemed less expensive than for the Hayward.

I am much more impressed with the performance of the 280. It cleans our pool quicker without needing near as much "babysitting" as the Viper. So far the 280 has been reliable (this will be our third season using the 280).

It doesn't clean the steps, and only occasionally do I see it climb the walls. But that's no big deal to me as long as it does a good job cleaning the bottom, which it does. It has no trouble climbing the slope from the deep end to the shallow end.

I'd also like to note I found customer service from Zodiac (parent company of Polaris) to be excellent. When I installed the 280 I messed up and cut one of the hoses to the wrong length (completely my fault). I contacted Zodiac about buying a replacement hose section, but to my surprise they offered to send one for free since I just purchased the 280!

Time will tell if my favorable opinion of the 280 holds up, but as of now I have no reservation recommending the 280 for someone looking for that type of cleaner.