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Since 1983, Maytronics has been a leader in the pool industry, focusing on robotic pool cleaners and other accessories to aid in pool maintenance.
As a pool owner in Upstate New York with a yard that’s surrounded by trees, I have found that pool cleaning is an everyday task. Whether it’s cleaning leaves, debris, and bugs from the water before the kids will even put a toe into the pool or ensuring the bottom of the pool is free of dirt and leaves, it’s a constant tug-of-war around who is going to clean the pool each day.
Enter the Dolphin Escape robotic pool cleaner. This little robot has transformed our summer routine, and our pool has never been cleaner.
Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner: At a Glance
Rating: 9.5/10
PROS
- Extra-long 40-foot electrical cord is ideal for larger pools
- Automatic cleaning with the touch of a button
- Easy-to-empty filter basket keeps debris contained
CONS
- A bit heavy for a smaller person to lift out of the pool when it’s full of water
- Control box is not waterproof, so users have to make sure to bring it inside when it starts to rain
Get the Dolphin Escape robotic pool cleaner at Amazon for $679.
What is the Dolphin Escape robotic pool cleaner?
The Dolphin Escape is considered Maytronics’ flagship robotic pool cleaner. The robot is designed to scrub the floor of a pool, removing any traces of dirt, debris, or algae.
This robotic pool cleaner does not climb walls, but it cleans pool floors that are made from gunite/plaster, vinyl, and fiberglass in pools up to 30 feet in length.
The robot features a large-capacity filter that traps all sizes of debris during the 90-minute cleaning cycle.
Keep in mind that the power adapter is not waterproof, so it cannot be submerged or left out in the rain. When testing, I was able to easily set it on our pool skimmer or pool deck.
Setup Process
The Dolphin Escape is extremely easy to set up—it was up and running in less than 5 minutes.
When setting up the Escape, all that’s really required is to connect the power adapter to the power cord on the robot. To do so, the user connects the proper ends and screws on the fastening connector; this ensures that no water gets into the connection.
The filter basket comes preinstalled, so when using it for the first time, all that’s necessary is to simply unbox and untape any parts that are taped into place for secure shipping.
Performance and Cleaning Power
The first time I used the Dolphin Escape, I was blown away by its ability to clean so effortlessly. I have a 24-foot above-ground pool, and a 90-minute cycle is sufficient for a thorough cleaning.
To activate the 90-minute cleaning cycle, all I need to do is simply push the button on the power adapter. The button then lights up blue to indicate the vacuum is cleaning.
Once the cycle is finished, the vacuum stops and the light turns off. The only downside is that the robot stops wherever it happens to be when the 90-minute cycle ends, which means it can sometimes stop in the middle of the pool. When this happens, I gently pull the power cord toward me. This isn’t ideal, though, because I could see this causing damage after years of use. For this reason, I ask one of the kids to jump in and gently push it toward the wall so we can lift it out safely.
It is quite heavy for me to lift when it’s full of water, so in order to pull it onto the deck or over the pool wall, I have to hold it up for a minute to allow it to drain. My husband, however, has no problem lifting it out of the pool.
Unless it is one of the first cleanings of the season, one 90-minute cycle is more than enough time to clean the pool completely. We have even stopped it short of the 90 minutes; since we clean the pool regularly with the Escape, it typically cleans in less time.
After the cleaning cycle is complete, my pool is free of dirt, debris, and algae. Additionally, the bottom of the pool is left spotless and feels clean to the touch.
Is the Dolphin Escape robotic pool cleaner worth it?
The Dolphin Escape allows pool owners to clean their pool while tending to other responsibilities. What I love about this robot is that I can get up in the morning before the kids and start the cleaning cycle. Then, by the time the kids wake up and are ready to swim, the pool is clean and free of debris.
The robot is durable and well made. When handling the unit, I do not feel like it is going to break or crack. The unit itself weighs 14 pounds and is made of high-quality materials, including the rubber tracks on the wheels. The rubber is thick and stays in place.
The filter basket is also made of quality materials. Anyone who has owned a pool knows how flimsy filter baskets can be—one wrong bump to get debris out and you find yourself needing a new basket. The removable filter basket in the Escape is thick and sturdy.
At the price point of a little under $700, compared to other models on the market, I think you get what you pay for with this unit. It’s well worth the investment to be able to clean the pool without the need of manual labor.
Is the Dolphin Escape pool cleaner right for you?
If you have struggled with the chore of hooking up a traditional vacuum hose to your filter, making sure the vacuum is actually producing the proper suction to clean your pool, trying to keep the vacuum underwater as you fumble with any other component of the system to ensure you do not lose suction, and spending hours in the hot sun cleaning your pool before you can actually use it to get cooled off, then the Dolphin Escape may be a great choice for you.
The Escape allows you to clean your pool with little to no supervision of the robot. Keep in mind, however, that this pool cleaner does not climb walls and is intended for above-ground pools. With its large filter basket, timed cleaning, and active scrubbing HyperBrush, the Escape has made cleaning my pool a breeze.
If you have an inground pool, you may want to consider the Dolphin Premier robotic pool cleaner, which we recently tested in our article on the top robotic pool cleaners on the market and reviewed here. This upgraded model is meant for inground pools and has the ability to climb walls.
Where to Buy the Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner
Get the Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner at Amazon for $679.
Meet the Tester
As the executive editor of Product Reviews, Stephanie Cronk has spent years researching and testing products. Cronk has been a pool owner for over 15 years and understands the importance of maintaining a clean pool in the warmer months. Besides her pool experience, Cronk also brings over 12 years of commerce experience to the BobVila.com team, where her focus is on reviewing and testing products in a variety of categories including DIY, home improvement, home appliances, outdoor living, and more.