The Polaris Freedom Plus is part of the next generation of robotic pool cleaners—cordless, rechargeable, and designed for convenience. As more pool owners look to cut the cord (literally) and avoid the hassle of power supply boxes and floating cables, the Freedom Plus promises powerful cleaning in a compact, untethered package.
We tested the Freedom Plus across a full season in an in-ground residential pool to see if it delivers on performance, ease of use, and battery life. Here’s our detailed breakdown.
First Impressions
Unboxing the Freedom Plus, the first thing you notice is how light and compact it is compared to traditional robotic cleaners. The build feels sturdy, with wide front brushes, large intake ports, and an easy-access top filter basket. The cordless design makes for a clean, clutter-free look—no external power supply, no cord to lay out and detangle.
The unit comes with a charging base, magnetic charging port, and a retrieval hook that attaches to a standard pool pole—handy for pulling the cleaner from the water without jumping in.
Key Features
- Cordless Design: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery for tangle-free cleaning.
- Battery Life: Up to 2.5 hours on a single charge.
- Coverage: Cleans floors, walls, and waterline.
- Navigation: Smart cleaning patterns for efficient coverage.
- Filtration: Top-loading filter basket with large debris capacity.
- Retrieval Hook: Easily lift the cleaner from the water without bending or straining.
Performance Testing
We ran the Polaris Freedom Plus in a 16’ x 32’ in-ground pool several times per week. The testing covered everything from daily maintenance cleans to heavy debris days after storms.
Floor Cleaning
The Freedom Plus handled fine debris, sand, and small leaves very well. The dual front brushes loosened dirt before suction pulled it into the filter basket. On average, it covered the entire pool floor in under two hours.
Wall and Waterline Cleaning
Impressively for a cordless unit, the Freedom Plus climbed walls and scrubbed right at the waterline. It didn’t stall halfway up, and coverage along vertical surfaces was consistent.
Navigation
The smart cleaning pattern is a step above random roaming cleaners. It mapped the pool effectively, avoided repeating the same path too often, and minimized missed spots. In tight corners, it sometimes needed a second pass to fully clean, but overall navigation was efficient.
Debris Handling
The large top-loading basket trapped fine dirt, pollen, and larger debris without clogging quickly. It was easy to remove, rinse, and reinsert. The mesh was fine enough to capture small particles, though for ultra-fine silt, a secondary finer filter screen would be a nice upgrade.
Battery Life and Charging
In real-world use, the Freedom Plus consistently delivered about 2 hours and 20 minutes of cleaning per charge, enough for medium and large residential pools. Charging took about 4–5 hours using the included dock. Because it’s cordless, you can store the dock away from the pool area, keeping the deck clutter-free.
Ease of Maintenance
Cleaning the filter basket is straightforward—lift it out from the top, dump debris, and hose it off. There are no messy filter bags or awkward bottom-loading panels. The retrieval hook is especially helpful for those who don’t want to bend over and reach deep into the water.
Energy Efficiency
The Freedom Plus’s battery operation eliminates the need for an external power supply pulling constant current. Charging it uses minimal electricity, making it one of the most energy-friendly cleaners available.
Durability Over Time
After a full season, the Freedom Plus showed minimal wear. The brushes remained in good condition, the seals stayed tight, and the battery held its charge capacity well. As with all cordless pool robots, storing it out of the sun and in a cool, dry place extends battery life.
Pros
- Completely cordless—no tangles, no external power supply
- Strong suction and scrubbing performance
- Full floor, wall, and waterline coverage
- Easy-to-clean top-access filter basket
- Good battery life for medium to large pools
- Convenient retrieval hook included
Cons
- Higher cost than corded models with similar cleaning performance
- Charging takes several hours—can’t run back-to-back without waiting
- No app control or scheduling features
- Ultra-fine debris filtration could be improved
Who Should Buy the Polaris Freedom Plus?
This cleaner is ideal for pool owners who:
- Want a hassle-free, cordless robotic cleaner
- Have medium or large in-ground pools
- Value a clean deck area without cords or power supplies
- Prefer simple, intuitive operation
Tips for Best Performance
- Fully charge the battery before first use for optimal lifespan.
- Rinse the filter basket after every cleaning cycle.
- Brush stubborn wall spots manually if buildup is heavy.
- Store the cleaner and charger indoors when not in use.
Final Verdict
The Polaris Freedom Plus delivers on its promise of cordless convenience without sacrificing cleaning power. It’s strong on floors, dependable on walls, and its battery life is long enough for most backyard pools. While it comes at a premium price, the freedom from cords and the simplicity of use make it a compelling choice for those who want a low-maintenance, high-performance robotic pool cleaner.
If you’re ready to ditch the tangle of cables and enjoy true cordless pool cleaning, the Polaris Freedom Plus is one of the best cordless models available today.