380 No 180 Yes

We purchased a Polaris 180 in 1999.  Mr. 180 was great he cleaned well and had few problems.  When the booster pump quit we were compelled to change everything (just based on age) in 2006.  We purchased a 380. Installation was simple and went very well.

Within the first year the 380 lost two belts, the water jet nozzle split at a seam and reverser quit more than once.  In the second year more parts, belts bearings, reverser and catch net.  The catch net I completely understand.  The belts are a problem.  The reverser is just not working very well.  The reverser seems to be problematic and leaks frequently.

Our disappointment was furthered by the complete lack of factory support.  We were told by a dealer that the warranty covered nothing involved in our issues.  Surely a split seam in a component is a defect!  Seems like the company changed ownership or something and the new support is nothing like the previous support.  Mind you it wasn’t needed with the Polaris 180.
Our 380 spends a lot of time floating off the bottom or riding on two wheels.  It does not clean as well as the Polaris 180.  Our son has our old 180 in service in his pool.  I have offered to buy it back, he won’t sell.