Polaris Genuine OEM In-Line Filter Assembly, Black, 48-085

Polaris 48-085 is the genuine OEM in-line filter assembly in black, the finish used on the BlackMax cleaners. It fits into the Polaris feed hose and catches debris before it reaches the cleaner. It is listed for a hose of approximately 3/4 inch diameter.

What it protects

A pressure side cleaner is fed from the booster pump line, and whatever is in that line goes straight into the cleaner. The in-line filter is the screen between the two. It catches grit, scale flakes and plaster dust that would otherwise reach the jets, the bearings and the small waterways inside the cleaner, where they cause wear that costs far more than the filter does.

The fit list, both ways

Our source describes the fit inconsistently. The listing title gives it as 380, 360 and 280. The product name gives it as 380, 280, 480 and 3900. It also appears on the parts diagrams for the Polaris 480 Pro, BlackMax and TankTrax, the 3900 Sport, and the Quattro. We have carried both readings rather than pick one, so confirm your cleaner model and your hose diameter before ordering.

Service habit

This filter needs pulling and rinsing on a schedule. A loaded screen chokes the feed, and a starved cleaner crawls, climbs badly and misses the walls. That looks exactly like a weak booster pump, so check the screen first.