Polaris PCX 868 iQ
#4 in CordedFull review
A mid-priced app-controlled Polaris for in-ground pools up to 50 ft.
Leslie's $1,149 Walmart $1,149$1,149
The Polaris PCX 868 iQ is the better robotic pool cleaner overall, rated 3.8 to 2.6. The Polaris PCX 868 iQ leads on cleaning and warranty. The Polaris PCX 868 iQ costs $50 less ($1,149 vs $1,199).
Hayward SharkVac
#41 in CordedFull review
Hayward’s floor-only robot, for in-ground pools where walls are kept clean another way.
Leslie's $1,199 Walmart $1,199 ePoolSupply $1,199$1,199
Prices were last checked October 21, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Polaris PCX 868 iQ for cleaning (Floor, walls and waterline vs Floor only) and warranty (2-year warranty vs 1-year warranty).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every corded robotic pool cleaner; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Polaris PCX 868 iQ | Hayward SharkVac |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 2.6/5 |
| Value 25% | 34 $1,149 | 32 $1,199 |
| Cleaning 25% | 85 Floor, walls and waterline | 20 Floor only |
| Navigation 15% | 50 navigation not published (neutral score used) | 50 Smart steering |
| Warranty 15% | 50 2-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
| Pool size 10% | 100 pools up to 50 ft long (about 1,250 sq ft) | 56 pools up to 40 ft long (about 800 sq ft) |
| Features 10% | 100 4 of 4 | 50 too few features published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Polaris PCX 868 iQ | Hayward SharkVac | |
|---|---|---|
| Pool | ||
| Pool size (rated) | Up to 50 ft long | Up to 40 ft long |
| Pool types | In-ground | In-ground |
| Surfaces | All in-ground surfaces | Gunite, vinyl, fiberglass, pebble, tile |
| Cleaning | ||
| Cleans | Floor, walls and waterline | Floor only |
| Surface skimming | No | No |
| Filter | 4 L all-purpose canister, transparent lid | Top-access filter with two fine-porosity elements |
| Filter capacity | 4 L | - |
| Power | ||
| Power | Corded, 60 ft cable | Corded, 55 ft cable |
| Run time | - | Longest cycle 2 h |
| Swivel cable | Yes | - |
| Navigation & app | ||
| Navigation | - | Smart steering |
| App | Yes | No |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi | - |
| Scheduling | Yes | - |
| Retrieval | Easy Lift from the app or control box | - |
| Caddy included | Yes | - |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 22 lb (10 kg) | 21.5 lb (9.8 kg) |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year |