Not all pool cleaners are equal. What we look for in distinguishing one from the other boils down to two factors — convenience of use and durability. Every feature, user comment, and specification can fall under one of these factors. We did the same when comparing the Polaris NEO and the 9550 Sport Robotic.
Polaris NEO vs 9550 Features
As part of evaluating the pool cleaner for convenience, the first element we evaluated was the length of the hose and power cord. The NEO offered a 40-foot cord and hose while the 9550 Sport had a 60-foot reach.
Length does not make one better than the other. The choice that needs to be made should be made based on the size of your pool. Considering that the one with a longer line is also significantly more expensive, it makes no sense to get it if you don’t need it.
Dirt Indicator
In reviewing the two models, we found the 9550 which has a dirt indicator to have a slight advantage as it was easier to take a glance at the indicator and decide if it needed to be cleaned, rather than having to open it up and look inside. So the 9550 wins this point.
In Ground
Both models are for in-ground use. We did not test it for above-ground pools but have researched user reviews and found that both models have been used in above-ground pools with success.
Surface
Cleaning the floors of the pool alone is insufficient, and in this regard, both the NEO and the 9550 proved they were able to effectively clean different pool surfaces, including the ground and the wall without any trouble.
Cleaning Efficiency
In comparing the two cleaners, the one thing that was evident was the effectiveness and power of the cleaners. The 9550 was clearly the one with more capability, cleaning every inch of the pool without exception. But we believe that it was not about the power of the vortex vacuum that it houses, but the software it uses.
We found, quantitatively and qualitatively, the 9550 to be marginally better at cleaning both, the larger and the smaller pool, than the NEO.
The 9550 also has four-wheel drive technology, making it better at cleaning non-standard form pools.
The NEO also does not have a dirty canister indicator which the 9550 has, tilting the convenience factor toward the 9550 a little more.
Software
We believe that it is the navigation software that separates this pool cleaner from the rest, including the NEO. Combined with the four-wheel drive technology that it employs, the 9550 can map the typical rectangular pool and pools with irregular forms to understand the layout it has to clean, then maneuver itself to all the curves and corners it needs to.
Deployment and Retrieval
The NEO is lighter than the 9550, weighing 32 pounds versus the latter’s 43 pounds. The weight of the units is mitigated by their easy retrieval system designed into the vacuum. It just requires single-hand extraction from the pool.
If weight is an issue when deploying or retrieving, then the NEO takes this point for deployment and retrieval as it is lighter and less bulky. Also, if you wish to save storage space, the NEO measures 16x16x11 inches, almost half the size of the 9550’s 22x22x22-inch dimensions.
However, the NEO comes with a handle that pops out to carry it from the pool to the shed, while the 9550 comes with a premium caddy that allows you to easily pull it back to the shed.
Build
Both units are sturdy and seem to be able to handle regular handling with no trouble at all. All the cables and attachments are well constructed and offer reliable waterproofing for the internal electrical and electronic systems.
Stability
Even though it weighs a little more than the NEO, the 9550 had a repeated problem that the NEO didn’t. The 9550 flipped over on its back more times than the NEO. It didn’t happen often enough to be a deal breaker, but it did happen, rendering the set-it-and-leave-it convenience to be unconvincing.
- AUTO POOL CLEANER: The Polaris NEO Robotic Cleaner deftly navigates all pool surfaces, climbs walls, and...
- IN GROUND POOLS: Compatible with in ground swimming pools up to 40 ft.
- POLARIS: For more than 40 years, Polaris has been known worldwide for its quality and best-in-class automatic...
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Polaris NEO vs 9550 Conclusion
With most of the important features coming close, the decision of one over the other comes down to price and the size of your pool. If you have a larger pool, you will find it more convenient to use the 9550.
- AUTO POOL CLEANER: The 9550 Sport 4WD provides best-in-class performance and 5 cleaning modes.
- IN GROUND: Compatible with in ground swimming pools up to 60 ft.
- POLARIS: For more than 40 years, Polaris has been known worldwide for its quality and best-in-class automatic...
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
