Product Overview
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Black Max In-Ground Pressure-Side Pool Cleaner | F5B delivers powerful, proven cleaning performance for in-ground swimming pools while featuring a sleek Black Max finish designed to complement dark-bottom pools.
Powered by two Venturi jets and a dedicated booster pump, the Polaris 280 sweeps, scrubs, and vacuums pool floors and walls. Its large 2-1/4" vacuum inlet and single-chamber debris bag allow it to capture leaves, acorns, pebbles, and other debris before they reach the pool’s pump basket or filtration system.
Key Features
Black Max Design
Features a black body, black tires, and matching components designed to blend better with dark-bottom and darker-finish swimming pools.
Dual-Jet Cleaning Power
Two powerful Venturi jets provide strong vacuum performance and allow the cleaner to clean most pools in approximately 3 hours or less.
Proven Shaft-Drive System
The Vac-Sweep 280 uses Polaris’ dependable shaft-drive mechanism for consistent movement and long-term serviceability.
31-Foot Feed Hose Included
Includes a 31-foot floating feed hose for compatible residential in-ground swimming pools.
Single-Chamber Debris Bag
Captures leaves, acorns, pebbles, and other debris before it reaches the pool’s filtration system.
Automatic Backup Valve
Automatically redirects the cleaner periodically to help free it from corners and obstacles while improving overall pool coverage.
Benefits
- Designed for in-ground swimming pools
- Black Max finish for dark-bottom pools
- Powerful dual Venturi jets
- Cleans most pools in approximately 3 hours or less
- Sweeps, scrubs, and vacuums pool surfaces
- Proven shaft-drive system
- Large 2-1/4" vacuum inlet
- Automatic backup functionality
- Single-chamber zipper debris bag
- 31-foot feed hose included
- Helps reduce debris entering the pool filter
- TailSweep PRO compatible
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Polaris |
| Manufacturer Part Number | F5B |
| Series | Vac-Sweep 280 Black Max |
| Cleaner Type | Pressure-Side Pool Cleaner |
| Pool Type | In-Ground |
| Color | Black |
| Tire Color | Classic Black |
| Drive Mechanism | Shaft Drive |
| Venturi Jets | 2 |
| Vacuum Inlet | 2-1/4 in |
| Hose Length | 31 ft |
| Debris Collection | Single-Chamber Zipper Bag |
| Automatic Backup | Yes |
| Booster Pump Required | Yes |
| Booster Pump Included | No |
| TailSweep PRO Compatible | Yes |
| Product Weight | Approx. 17 lb |
| Shipping Dimensions | Approx. 22.75 x 19.88 x 9.88 in |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
| Pool360 Product Number | POL-20-509 |
| SKU | F5B |
| UPC / Barcode | 738919006850 |
What's Included
- Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Black Max Cleaner
- 31' Feed Hose
- Black Single-Chamber Debris Bag
- Automatic Backup Valve
- Universal Wall Fitting / Pool Connection Components
- Sweep Hose Assembly
- Installation and Operating Instructions
Booster Pump Required
A separate booster pump is required to operate the Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Black Max and is not included.
The pool must have a compatible dedicated pressure-side cleaner line and booster-pump system for proper operation.
Installation Information
The Polaris 280 Black Max connects to a dedicated pressure-side return line and operates from water pressure supplied by a separate booster pump.
For proper cleaning performance, the feed hose should be correctly sized for the pool and the cleaner should be adjusted according to Polaris specifications. Wheel RPM, hose length, thrust-jet position, and pressure should all be checked during installation.
Confirm Before Ordering
Confirm that the pool is an in-ground swimming pool equipped with a dedicated pressure-side cleaner line and compatible booster pump.
This listing is for the Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Black Max F5B. Do not confuse it with:
- Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 F5 – Standard blue/white model
- Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Black Max F1B – Does not require a separate booster pump
- Polaris Vac-Sweep 380 – Uses a different drive system and three Venturi jets
Warranty Information
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Black Max is listed with a 1-year manufacturer warranty, subject to current Polaris warranty terms, installation requirements, and exclusions.
Customer Q&A
Q: Does the Polaris F5B require a booster pump?
Yes. The Vac-Sweep 280 Black Max requires a separate compatible booster pump. The booster pump is not included.
Q: What is the difference between the F5 and F5B?
Both are Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 cleaners. The F5B is the Black Max version, featuring a black body and classic black tires designed to complement dark-bottom pools.
Q: How long is the included hose?
The F5B includes a 31-foot feed hose.
Q: What type of drive system does the Polaris 280 use?
The Polaris 280 uses a shaft-drive system.
Q: How many jets does it have?
The Vac-Sweep 280 Black Max uses two Venturi jets.
Q: What type of debris bag is included?
It uses a single-chamber zipper bag designed to capture both large and small debris.
Q: How quickly can it clean a pool?
When properly installed and adjusted, Polaris states that the Vac-Sweep 280 can clean most pools in approximately 3 hours or less.
Q: Is this designed for dark-bottom pools?
Yes. The Black Max version is specifically designed with black components to better complement darker pool finishes.