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4 Best Dolphin Pool Cleaner

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.

Buying Guide for the Best Dolphin Pool Cleaner

Choosing the right robotic pool cleaner, like a Dolphin pool cleaner, can make pool maintenance much easier and more enjoyable. Before buying, it’s important to understand what features and specifications are most important for your pool, your cleaning preferences, and how much time you want to spend on maintenance. There are different models with unique capabilities, so focusing on the specs that match your pool size, type, and your desired level of automation will help you make the best decision.
Pool Type and SizeThis spec refers to whether the cleaner is suitable for in-ground or above-ground pools, and what size pool it can handle. It's important because using a cleaner designed for the wrong type or an insufficiently large pool can lead to inefficient cleaning and excessive wear on the device. Pool cleaners are typically divided into those meant for small, medium, or large pools, and some may specify a maximum length. To choose the right one, measure your pool and review whether the cleaner can thoroughly cover that area. Pick a cleaner that matches your pool’s type and size—if you have a large in-ground pool, don’t select one made for small above-ground spaces.
Cleaning Coverage (Floor, Wall, Waterline)Cleaning coverage describes which surfaces of your pool the cleaner can handle: just the floor, the floor and walls, or the floor, walls, and waterline. This matters because some dirt and algae build up on walls and along the waterline, not just on the pool floor. Models only cleaning the floor are generally simpler and often used for above-ground pools, while those handling walls and waterline are chosen for more thorough cleaning in in-ground pools. Decide based on how much cleaning you want the device to handle—if you find yourself brushing the walls and waterline a lot, look for a model that covers these areas.
Filtration SystemA pool cleaner’s filtration system traps dirt, leaves, and debris while the unit is working. The effectiveness and size of the filter are important because a good filter keeps your pool water clear and lessens your own manual cleaning. Filtration systems can range from basic mesh screens to fine cartridge filters that catch small particles like dust or pollen. Some allow you to switch filter types for different debris. If your pool gets a lot of leaves, look for models with larger or easy-to-clean filters; if your main concern is fine dust, choose ones with finer filtration.
Cleaning Cycle TimeThis refers to how long the pool cleaner takes to complete one cleaning cycle. The duration is important because faster cycles mean you can use your pool sooner and may also save on electricity usage. Cleaning cycles vary from quick 1-hour sessions to longer 3-hour cycles. Decide based on how often you clean and how much time your pool needs—regular light cleaning works well with short cycles, but if your pool gets very dirty between cleanings, a longer cycle could be more effective.
Mobility and NavigationMobility and navigation refer to a cleaner's ability to move around the pool efficiently, and whether it uses smart technology to cover the entire pool or moves in random patterns. This is important so all parts of your pool are cleaned without repeated passes in the same spot, which increases wear and wastes time. Models with advanced navigation are divided into basic random movement and smart scanning. For complex or larger pools with steps and odd shapes, a model with smart navigation is preferable. If your pool is a simple shape, a simpler navigation system may suffice.
Corded vs. CordlessSome pool cleaners plug into power with a cord, while others are battery-powered and cordless. This affects how easy the cleaner is to use and maintain, and issues like cord tangling. Cordless options offer more convenience and are easier to set up, but battery life limits the working time, so check if it matches your cleaning needs. For larger or messier pools, a corded cleaner provides unlimited run time but may need more careful setup to avoid cord issues. Choose based on your willingness to handle cords and the size of your pool.
Ease of Use and MaintenanceThis is about how straightforward it is to set up, operate, clean, or repair the pool cleaner. A model that’s easy to use will typically have accessible filter baskets, simple controls, and not require complicated assembly. Maintenance-friendly units save you time and hassle. Look for models that offer top-access filters for easy removal and cleaning, and intuitive controls or app integration if you like using your smartphone. Consider your comfort with tech and how much time you want to spend on upkeep as you choose.