Polaris 9450 vs Polaris 9550: Which Is Right For You?

The Polaris 9450 and 9550 robotic pool cleaners might appear quite similar at a glance, but they have many distinct features, let’s highlight the differences and see what you need to know about these two pool vacuums.

Polaris 9450 Sport

Polaris 9550 Sport

Polaris 9450 robotic pool cleaner Polaris 9550 robotic pool cleaner

Both the Polaris 9450 and 9550 are great robots that offer efficient and convenient cleaning solutions for your in-ground swimming pool. They have two cleaning cycle settings: the standard mode, which lasts 2.5 hours, and the Quick mode, which lasts 1.5 hours. One thing we really like is their “Easy Lift System”. With just a button press, both the 9450 and 9550 pool cleaners move to a location where you want, wait for you to pick them up, and then get rid of water to make it easy to take them out of the pool. They both also come with a compact transport caddy.

Polaris pool robot, Easy Lift System

Easy Lift System


The Polaris 9450 Sport is an energy-efficient cleaner, reducing energy consumption by up to 90%, significantly lowering operating costs. It is well-suited for pools up to 50 feet in length, and with its large suction intake, it can effortlessly ingest larger debris. It features a smart 7-day programmable timer so you can set it an forget, it will do the job for you. The 9450 uses a rear water cleaning stream, Vortex Vacuum Technology, and durable Aqua-Trac tires, ensuring it navigates and cleans the pool without getting stuck.

On the other hand, the Polaris 9550 Sport provides top-of-the-line features and cleaning performance. It is designed for larger pools up to 60 ft in length and features a smart 7-day programmable timer allowing fully customizable cleaning cycles. Moreover, the 9550 comes with a motion-sensing remote, providing precise control of the cleaner’s direction, which is also fun to use. In addition, it has a dirty canister indicator, letting you know exactly when to empty the filter canister. This model also offers a special Waterline-Only Cleaning Cycle, to only do waterline scrubbing.

Key Differences:

  • Pool size: The Polaris 9450 is suitable for pools up to 50′ in length, while the 9550 can handle larger pools, up to 60′ in length.
  • Control: The 9550 model comes with a motion-sensing remote, offering a higher degree of control which is not available with the 9450 model.
  • Dirty Canister Indicator: This feature is present only in the 9550 model, notifying you when the canister needs to be emptied.
  • Cleaning Modes: The 9550 provides multiple cleaning modes, including a unique Waterline-Only Cleaning Cycle which is not present in the 9450 model.
  • Debris Removal: The 9450 features a rear water cleaning stream which helps remove debris from tight corners and stairs, a feature not highlighted in the 9550 model.
  • Canister Size: Both models have a 5L canister, but the 9450 model has a transparent window on its filter canister which makes it easy to see when it is full. The 9550 model has a dirty canister indicator but lacks a transparent window.
  • Energy efficiency: The 9450 is designed to reduce energy consumption by up to 90%.
  • Cable Length: The 9450 model has a 60′ cable, while the 9550 model provides a slightly longer cable at 70′.

Polaris 9450 vs Polaris 9550 Specs Table

Brand Polaris Polaris
Model 9450 Sport 9550 Sport
Type Robotic Pool Cleaner Robotic Pool Cleaner
Suitable Pool Types In Ground In Ground
Power Type Corded Corded
Control Method Control box, On off and 7-Day programmable timer Remote Control, Control box, On off and 7-Day programmable timer
Cord Length
60 ft.
70 ft.
Battery Capacity N/A N/A
Charging Time N/A N/A
Cleaning Cycle
2.5 hours (Quick – 1.5 hours)
2.5 hours (Quick – 1.5 hours)
Waterline Cleaning
Wall Climb
Navigation ActivMotion Sensor ActivMotion Sensor
Filter Top access, large filter canister Top access, large filter canister with dirty canister indicator
Pool Surfaces/Type All pool surface types All pool surface types
Smart Phone Connected
Schedule Timer 7-Day programmable timer 7-Day programmable timer
Suction Rate
4200 GPH
4200 GPH
Pool Size Ideal for up to 50 feet Ideal for up to 60 feet
What’s in the package
  • Polaris 9450 Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner
  • Control Box
  • Transport Caddy
  • 60 feet Cable
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Instruction Manual
  • Polaris Robotic Pool Cleaner
  • 70 feet Cable with Tangle-Reducing Swivel
  • Control Box
  • Transport Caddy
  • Motion Sensing Remote
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Instruction Manual
Weight 16 lbs. 21 lbs.
Warranty 24-months limited warranty 24-months limited warranty
Manufacturer Website Link Link
See Price at Amazon See Price at Amazon

Filter comparison of Polaris 9450 and Polaris 9550
Side by side photos of Polaris 9450 and Polaris 9550 pool cleaners.

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