I bought a home w/a 30000 gal. gunite free-form pool four summers ago. It has a Polaris with a dedicated pump and water line. The Polaris has some age on it so I think it's a 180 model. The performance has been excellent. The only problem we've had was with it getting stuck against my steps. I replaced the backup valve and it's never been stuck again. Had a poolfriend overhaul the innards about three years ago(I've since learned anyone can do it-kits are available online, eBay, etc.). I can't imagine another cleaner would be much better but some of the reviews in this forum make me wonder......LOL