Customer Reviews

Polaris 1-566-01 Metal Spa Blower, 2-Horsepower 120-Volt

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I purchased this item to replace a similar Polaris blower that had burned out after many years of use, so I am very familiar with this product. When the blower arrived, it was still sealed in the original factory box from Polaris.

The first thing I did was unscrew the little acorn nut on top to remove the top dome. Removing the top dome turned out to be the first of my challenges, because someone on the Polaris assembly line had discovered numerous air leaks between the motor base plate and the bottom assembly. Their fix for this problem was to smear white caulking all around the perimeter of the base plate joint. Then, without waiting for the caulking to dry, they reinstalled the top dome - essentially gluing the dome to the bottom assembly. When I later tested the unit there was still air leaking from the joint, in spite of the caulking, so I wrapped duct tape around it and that has solved the air leak - so far.

When I completed my installation, I turned the blower on, and looked at the spa and realized that the blower was not putting out as much air as the old unit. So, on a hunch, I removed the top dome and then turned the blower on again. Bingo! I had all the air I needed. Someone on the Polaris assembly line, (probably the same bozo who caulked the base plate joint), had installed the egg-crate foam too close to the bottom edge of the dome, and the egg crate was not allowing enough air to be drawn in by the blower. I pealed off the three pieces of foam and moved them away from the edge. This solved the air output problem and I now have a complete installation.

Here's my question: What ever happened to American quality? Does Polaris have a quality control person at the end of your assembly line who watches for things like this? If they do, they need to fire that person, because this unit should never have shipped. My experience is a horrible example of what appears to be a total lack of quality control at the Polaris factory.

NOTE TO READERS: Two weeks prior to posting this review, I sent an identical email to Polaris. They responded and asked for the model number, which I provided. That was the last I have heard from them!

This product, in its original version, has served my spa very well for more than 20 years. To be able to replace it with original equipment 20+ years later is wonderful. No issues, no complications! I have every expectation that it will be more than 20 years should I or those that come after me ever have to replace it again. A great, long-lasting, well-built product.