Introduction
The Dolphin Encore, hailing from the respected Dolphin line-up, has proven a robust contender in the relentless world of robotic pool cleaners. It's not uncommon to hear praises sung of its distinguished lineage, nevertheless, the Encore tries to chart its own glossary of remarkable features and performance traits. Our rigorous testing over three months period indicates that it's certainly an option worth considering, offering a seamless integration of power, precision, and automation.
The Encore comes with a suite of features that sets it apart in a crowded market. Its automated functionality backed by a powerful corded design tops the list, offering ease and convenience for the users. You can trust this cleaner to take care of your pool hygiene on a weekly basis, operating with a precision that's worth lauding.
The invested time and resources in testing this product does indicate a solid performance profile. Over months, the Dolphin Encore not only maintained consistent cleaner efficiency but even managed to surpass our initial expectations. However, it's not without its minor quirks, nothing is ever perfect.
We are tentatively recommending the Dolphin Encore for those who value lasting power and automated convenience. However, if you're looking for unmatched perfection, you might want to explore other options such as the Dolphin Premier or Sigma from the Dolphin Max-Series.
Pool Types
The Dolphin Encore is a superior robotic pool cleaner designed to seamlessly navigate through In-ground pools that are up to 33 feet in length. The unique optimization it possesses for In-Ground pools is evident in its smart navigation system and ability to precisely clean without missing a spot. This ensemble of aspects, combined with its remarkable ability to traverse all types of pool shapes - be it Rectangle, Oval, or Freeform - underlines its versatility.
Moreover, this robot brings compatibility together with performance, handling not just one or two but varying pool material types. Whether your pool is made of Gunite, Fiberglass, Vinyl, or even Liner materials, the Dolphin Encore demonstrates an admirable capability to adapt and perform efficiently.
Its unparalleled adaptability to different pool designs, combined with its ability to work with various pool material types, makes the Dolphin Encore an exceptional choice for those looking for a comprehensive and versatile robotic pool cleaner. It truly emerges as a godsend for In-Ground pool owners.
Pool Coverage
The Dolphin Encore is renowned for its comprehensive cleaning coverage. This robotic cleaning marvel doesn’t just restrict itself to flat pool surfaces, but embraces every contour your pool might have. Be it the floor, walls, or the waterline, the Encore is equipped to deliver spotless cleaning, ensuring every inch of your pool is left sparkling.
Unlike some other robotic pool cleaners that trail behind in their effectiveness with pools that have unique shapes, the Dolphin Encore shines through. Whether your pool slopes down steeply, has a variety of steps, or sports a unique layout, the Dolphin Encore rises to its reputation and delivers an impeccable cleaning.
This not only illustrates the impressive wide-ranging capability of the Dolphin Encore, but also highlights the value-for-money proposition it brings. If you have a pool that's anything but flat, the Dolphin Encore's unmatched adaptability should be music to your ears, as it guarantees top-notch cleaning regardless of the pool’s shape.
Filtration
The Dolphin ProLine robot is in a league of its own when it comes to filtration, boasting an unparalleled NanoFiltration system. During my tests, it impressively surpassed all other pool cleaners in regards to the deep cleaning ability. I witnessed the ProLine robot effectively capturing particles, as small as 2 microns - a revolutionary feature that certainly sets this line of Dolphins apart from its competitors.
This NanoFiltration performed extraordinarily well, providing superior deep cleaning that I had not previously experienced with other robotic pool cleaners. The result was a sparkling clean pool with crystal clear water. This was a recurring experience, regardless of pool size or the level of dirt.
The depth capability of the NanoFiltration cannot be overstated; it truly goes beyond what is visible by effectively purifying the water to nearly drinking quality! It throws a challenge towards other pool robotic cleaners, setting a high standard in the pool cleaning robotic industry.
Having experienced the ProLine's NanoFiltration first-hand, it's hard for me not to sing praises. When you see the fantastic results for yourself, you'll understand why I truly believe that the ProLine's NanoFiltration leads the charge in pool cleaning technology. The Dolphin ProLine has not only set the bar high, but it's launch into the NanoFiltration technology seems to be leaving many of its competitors behind.
Cleaning Performance
Our extensive testing with the Dolphin ProLine robotic pool cleaner in several test pools was an eye-opening experience. With its superior and efficient cleaning ability, we found it to be an impressive performer. When thrown in our dust-ridden pool, the ProLine went to work almost immediately, scouring every inch of the pool and leaving it spotless.
Moreover, it wasn't just the edge and shallow end cleaning that impressed us. What really made the ProLine stand out was its ability to climb the pool wall and scrub the waterline. Where many pool cleaners often struggle, the ProLine took it in stride, its powerful brushes dislodging even the most stubborn grime.
We ran multiple cleaning cycles with the ProLine across various pools, and it never disappointed. From small, backyard pools to larger, public ones, the ProLine proved its mettle, cleaning efficiently, and leaving them pristine. On a high-load dirt test, where we muddy up the waters artificially, the ProLine powered through and left the pool clear and clean as if it was just filled.
The Dolphin Max-Series, graced with its remarkable algorithms and stellar performance, too, left an impression in our tests. In the case of the Premiere, the highly touted robotic pool cleaner from the Max-Series, its feature-rich design coupled with an unmatched cleaning efficacy served as a pleasing surprise.
Restocking Fee
Cordless
In our extensive trials comprising more than 100+ robotic pool cleaners, we've discovered that the clear victors in terms of consistent performance are corded models. The steady power supply ensures that the cleaning performance doesn't wane or fluctuate over the course of its operation.
This steady and unflagging power provides corded robots a significant edge over their cordless counterparts. It empowers them to be continuously efficient, enhancing the overall cleaning which resonates with the quality we desire. While the mobility of cordless models may be considered as advantageous by some, its performance severely hampers due to the constant requirement for recharging.
Cordless models, without the necessary power to support extensive cleaning sessions, tend to struggle in maintaining cleaning efficiency. Recharging becomes a constant necessity, greatly disrupting the convenience aspect that these models are supposed to bring to the table.
Moreover, despite their mobility, the operational run-time of cordless cleaners is abruptly shortened due to limited battery life, which means that these devices need frequent interaction, an element which contradicts the automation convenience they were built to deliver. So, from our perspective, it's the corded models like Dolphin ProLine and Dolphin Max-Series that deliver the real deal, striking an ideal balance between power, performance, and convenience.
Weekly Timer
Being a steadfast proponent of efficiency and convenience in pool maintenance, I can't help but advocate for the implementation of a weekly timer in all robotic pool cleaners. A weekly timer gives you the flexibility to set a cleaning schedule, allowing you to 'set and forget' your pool robot for the rest of the week. Plus, it optimizes power consumption and lengthens the lifespan of your device by preventing overuse.
The appeal of a weekly timer lies not just in the convenience factor - it actually enhances the performance of the pool cleaner itself. When the robot runs on a regular schedule, it can more effectively maintain the cleanliness of your swimming pool rather than trying to tackle heavy loads of debris all at once.
Regrettably, not all robotic pool cleaners come with this invaluable feature, likely due to cost considerations. However, from a consumer's perspective, the benefits of a weekly timer clearly outweigh the slight increase in price. It's a small price to pay for consistent cleanliness and the luxury of not having to manually start and stop the cleaner.
Dolphin’s ProLine and Max-Series cleaners, for instance, embody this practicality with their built-in weekly timers. Once set, these Dolphin robots dutifully perform their tasks without the need for daily intervention. This feature solidifies my preference for these models, and I firmly believe that all pool cleaning robots should have it.
Overview
The Dolphin Encore is an automatic pool cleaner made by Maytronics. Known for its efficient cleaning system, the Encore has cemented its place as a top-tier pool cleaning robot with excellent performance. Boasting a large filter capacity, tangle-free swivel, easy-to-use mechanism, and reliable navigation system, the Dolphin Encore effectively cleans pools of varying shapes and sizes, making it a convenient asset for pool owners.
This model is widely celebrated for its top-notch cleaning abilities, featuring a set of dual brushes that scrub off stubborn dirt from the pool's surface. The Dolphin Encore doesn't shy away from deep ends or hard to reach spots either; its Smart Navigation system ensures it's thorough in cleaning every inch of your pool.
Plus, it's worth noting the Encore is a corded model, fitting perfectly in line with my preference and assertion that corded cleaners outperform their cordless counterparts in terms of power and overall functionality, not to mention ongoing hassle reduction. With Encore's built-in weekly timer, it's substantially set-and-forget, adding a layer of convenience to your pool cleaning routine.
Other specific reviews detail more about how the Dolphin Encore operates and why it's such a preferred choice among consumers.
However, while the Dolphin Encore ranks quite highly, it's still outranked by our favorites from the Dolphin ProLine and Dolphin Max-Series including the Dolphin Premier, Sigma, Quantum, Cayman, and Escape. The reason being that they feature more advanced technology such as smart mapping which provides a more efficient cleaning experience.
That said, not everyone is seeking the highest tier of technology in a pool cleaner, and for those individuals, the Dolphin Encore presents a solid, reliable, and high-performing option. Consider it a great 'bang for your buck' choice that delivers great cleaning performance without breaking the bank.
Overall, the Dolphin Encore is a robotic pool cleaner that deserves your consideration, especially if you're after a corded, practical, efficient pool cleaner. Its overall score is less than 90 but it does its job quite effectively. Dive into our comprehensive comparison of the best pool cleaners to help make an informed decision.
Recommendation
Yes, we definitely recommend the Max-Series and ProLine robots for their efficiency, advanced technology and reliable operation. These machines provide a new level of cleaning power and sophistication that rival competitors find hard to match.
The Max-Series, featuring the Dolphin Premier, Sigma, and Quantum is a pioneer in providing powerful and impressive pool cleaning operations. These models come equipped with smart technology, offering a thorough, deep cleaning experience unmatched by others on the market. You can view more about this series from the links: Max-Series Review.
Similarly, the ProLine series offers exemplary cleaning performance with models like Dolphin Cayman and Escape, which encompasses advanced navigation and brushing technologies to ensure even the trickiest spots are spick-and-span. Explore the capabilities of the ProLine series here: ProLine Review.
Remember, choosing a robotic pool cleaner isn't just about picking the most technically advanced one. It's about selecting a cleaner that aligns with your pool, cleaning needs and budget. The Max-Series and ProLine collectively offer a spectrum of pools cleaners for every requirement.
Reviewed by Robert Knight
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