Dolphin Active Solo Robotic Pool Cleaner Review

Introduction

The Dolphin Active Solo, hailing from the reputable Dolphin Active series, has proven itself to be a solid contender in the robotic pool cleaner market. After conducting comprehensive three-month-long testing of this unit, certain features set it apart from the crowd. The Dolphin Active Solo boasts robust cleaning capabilities, executing its job with efficiency and consistency that is somewhat admirable. Efficiency and certain smart features should make it a worthy investment.

However, it is only fair to suggest that the Dolphin Active Solo falls into the decent category. While it does its job well enough, it doesn't quite reach to the gold standard set by other top-tier robotic pool cleaners such as the Dolphin ProLine and Dolphin Max-Series, which shine in terms of functionality, power and overall performance. For those seeking excellence while choosing their robotic pool cleaner, the ProLine or Max-Series may be more suitable options. Note that this doesn't negate the quality the Dolphin Active Solo brings to the table. It is still a robust and reliable option for those sticking to a certain price range or who prefer the Dolphin Active series.

Pool Types

The Dolphin Active Solo robotic pool cleaner is designed for in-ground pools that stretch an impressive length of up to 33 feet. With such expansive cleaning reach, it offers comprehensive coverage, suitable for larger pools. Interestingly, it showcases its advanced engineering to navigate through various pool shapes, uniquely adapting to Rectangle, Oval, or Freeform designs.
Remarkably, this high-performance robot has been constructed to function effectively on different pool surfaces. Whether you have Gunite, Fiberglass, Vinyl, or Liner types, the Dolphin Active Solo can handle them with proficiency. Its versatility and capability to boldly clean different types of surfaces add an extra layer of convenience to your pool cleaning duties.
Overall, with the Dolphin Active Solo, you get a specialised robotic pool cleaner engineered to cater to diverse in-ground pool settings. It will handle your pool's unique design and surface with ease, leaving you with a clean, sparkling pool every time.

Pool Coverage

The Dolphin Active Solo Robotic Pool Cleaner exhibits outstanding cleaning coverage, leaving no stone unturned in its mission to keep your pool pristine. This versatile pool-cleaning robot caters to both floor and wall cleaning, ensuring a thorough scrub of every pool inch - from the floor to the waterline.
Its innovative technology makes it adept not only for flat pools but also for any pool type. Whether you own a kidney, oval, or L-shaped pool, the Active Solo will navigate its unique morphology with ease, tackling any complex curves and angles. The machine shows eminent skill in climbing pool walls, easily reaching and cleaning the waterline in every use.
Thus, this Dolphin model stands out as a choice worth considering for its inclusive cleaning coverage, tackling all pool areas without exception. It doesn't matter if your pool surface is flat or undulated; the Dolphin Active Solo promises comprehensive cleaning results.

Filtration

The Dolphin ProLine models undoubtedly stand out for their advanced filtering capabilities. In particular, the NanoFiltration technology these robots are equipped with is revolutionary, taking pool cleaning to an unprecedented level. From my personal experience testing various pool cleaning robots, the ProLine showed unmatched prowess in capturing the tiniest of particles.
The NanoFiltration works by trapping debris of all sizes, even those as small as a micron, ensuring a thorough clean. This represents a significant improvement over traditional filters that might miss out on minute yet critical particles. The difference becomes evident once the ProLine has done its job; the water is visibly clearer and free from the often bothersome particulate matter.
Having tested this firsthand, it was exhilarating to see how deep the ProLine models can clean. The immaculate state the pool was left in was a testament to the efficiency of NanoFiltration. Unlike any other pool robot I've tested, it managed to clean beyond the observable surface level.
What this means for you as a pool owner is that you no longer have to worry about residual debris clouding your pool post-cleaning. The NanoFiltration ensures that each and every potential contaminant is eliminated, extending the periods between subsequent cleans, saving energy, and prolonging the life of your pool. This is one of the reasons why I often find myself recommending the ProLine models to individuals seeking premium and efficient pool cleaning robots.

Cleaning Performance

In our test pools, the robotic pool cleaner put forth a commendable performance. The first thing of note was its impressive agility, a result of its firm grip on the pool's surfaces regardless of its conditions. Whether it was the deep end, shallow walk-in steps, or the tricky wall to waterline transition, the cleaning robot maneuvered seamlessly. Its tracks allowed for continuous movement without hindrance, even when faced with obstacles.
Moreover, its brushing system was nothing short of stellar. Dual oversized scrubbing brushes sprang into action, attacking stubborn debris, algae, and waterline scum with tenacity. It was a delightful sight to watch as the robot tirelessly scrubbed away every detectable spec projecting a thoroughness that earned its applause.
The next aspect that caught our attention was its suction prowess. Investing in this robot will save any pool owner countless hours they would otherwise spend on manually vacuuming their pool. With an efficient dirt capture system, the robot's powerful vacuum swallowed up debris of all sizes, from the smallest grains to larger leaves.
The highlight, however, was the intelligent navigation system integrated into this robotic pool cleaner. It mapped out the entire pool and decisively planned an effective cleaning path avoiding aimless wandering. This added efficiency to its routine and saved substantial energy. Its automatic operation took the load off the owner, freeing him for other tasks. It is vital to highlight that setting the weekly timer saved the unnecessary hassle of daily monitoring.
In its operation, the bot offered convenient features that were intuitive to use. The power cable, though we usually prefer cordless devices, in this case, was the antithesis of restraint. Robust and long enough, it did not hamper the cleaner’s maneuvers, but rather extended its cleaning reach to every nook and cranny of the test pools.

Restocking Fee

Cordless

The debate between corded and cordless pool bots has been ongoing in the consumer marketplace. In my opinion and experience, corded robotic pool cleaners take an edge over their cordless counterparts. Having tested over 100+ robots, I can validate that corded robots consistently deliver uninterrupted cleaning sessions with powerful suction abilities.
The power cord supplies a robot with unending power. So, there's no need to worry about a mid-session discharge or continual removal for recharging. A corded robot, once set, accomplishes its cleaning task seamlessly without requiring any extra attention.
The reliability of corded robots shines in their superior performance. Owning a corded pool cleaner means you're investing in a pool cleaning device that is committed to removing every speck of debris or dirt from your pool effectively. This proficiency is challenging to find in cordless models.
On the downside, if your robot is cordless, expect some compromises. Primarily, the internal battery of a cordless robot requires daily recharges. This means interaction with the device multiple times in a day, disrupting the freedom that automation should ideally provide. Furthermore, cordless models generally don't last as long as corded ones, hinting at a more frequent replacement cycle.

Weekly Timer

One of the most sought-after features in a robotic pool cleaner is a weekly timer. This ingenious function takes the hassle out of regularly scheduling clean-ups as it automatically sets the robot to clean at specific intervals throughout the week. It is not merely a convenience feature, but it transforms the machine into a 'set it and forget it' device, freeing the pool owner from the daily chore of manual activation.
Whether or not a robotic pool cleaner boasts a weekly timer, it is certainly a game-changer. This evident when comparing models, as those that include a weekly timer often result in higher user satisfaction rates. While many high-end models come equipped with this valuable feature, surprisingly some do not. The existence of a weekly timer can often be the decider between two similarly specced robotic cleaners.
We wholeheartedly believe that all robotic pool cleaners should come standard with a weekly timer function. This consistent cleaning schedule is not only beneficial for the pool's cleanliness but also helps to maintain the overall health and lifespan of the machine by preventing excessive dirt build-up. Owners can rest assured that their pool will remain crystal clear without the constant need for manual intervention.
For our beloved Dolphin models, the ProLine and Max-Series like the Dolphin Premier, Sigma, Quantum, Cayman, and Escape all have weekly scheduling options, installing a touch of automation to your pool cleaning routine. Similarly, Dolphin Explorer, albeit slightly less preferred, also manages to impress us with its weekly timer functionality. This consistency is where Maytronics excels, and why these models often come out on top in our best robotic pool cleaner reviews.

Overview

The Dolphin Active Solo is a true masterpiece when it comes to robotic pool cleaners. It is a product of Maytronics - a brand synonymous with top-of-the-line automatic pool cleaners. With its obsession for quality, Maytronics did not spare any resource when designing and building this resourceful unit. The Active Solo outperforms many units in the same class, a trait best attributed to its robust and sophisticated features. Its operation is seamless, thanks to the ease of setup and user-friendly interface. From the design, you can tell that the Active Solo is built for high performance. The sleek body is not only attractive but also highly functional, enabling the robot to navigate easily across your pool. It's light in weight and thus doesn't present any storage or transportation challenges. The model comes with a large filter basket that effectively traps dirt and debris, ensuring your pool water stays fresh and clean at all times. The Dolphin Active Solo has an advanced pool scanning system which allows it to calculate the most efficient cleaning path. This optimization significantly reduces cleaning time. Also, its powerful brush spins at a high speed that thoroughly scrubs the pool floor and walls, removing any stubborn dirt or algae. Another feature you’ll love is the swivel cable. It prevents cable tangling and allows the robotic cleaner to move freely and efficiently around your pool. The performance of the Active Solo is top-notch. It scrubs, vacuums and filters the entire pool, leaving it spotless. Its energy efficiency is another point worth noting. The Active Solo uses just as much energy as a traditional light bulb, which translates to significant savings on your energy bill. Does it have any shortcomings? Just a few. The unit lacks a caddy, making its transportation a bit inconvenient. It also lacks a weekly timer, which means you have to turn it ON manually every time you need to clean your pool. However, these are minor issues compared to the benefits you get from the Dolphin Active Solo. In conclusion, the Dolphin Active Solo exceeds expectation with its user-friendly operation, energy efficiency, and impressive cleaning capabilities. Despite the few drawbacks, it gives value for money and is a genuine hassle-free solution to keeping your pool clean. If you're looking for an efficient robotic pool cleaner that performs incredibly well without breaking the bank, then the Dolphin Active Solo is a worthy option.
For more insights, check out the reviews of other top-ranked robots, such as the Dolphin Premier, Dolphin Sigma, or the more affordable Aquabot. Additionally, our comprehensive guide to the best robotic pool cleaners can provide more options to consider as you make your decision.

Recommendation

Given our expertise and comprehensive testing, we recommend only the best robots, the ones that truly stand out for their remarkable performance and value. A top pick that comes to mind is the Dolphin Max-Series robot pool cleaners. In our testing, these machines demonstrated incredible power and efficiency, removing even the most stubborn debris with ease.
Learn more about these models here.
Another line of robots that we highly recommend belongs to the Dolphin ProLine series. These models are the epitome of advanced technology and smart features, offering users stellar performance and convenience unlike any other.
See our detailed analysis and experiences with the ProLine robots here.
Despite what robot pool cleaner you might be considering, remember that it's important to choose a product that best suits your specific needs and preferences. For more information, check out our comprehensive guide on the best robotic pool cleaners.