Dolphin Premium Robotic Pool Cleaner Review

Introduction

Boasting advanced features and performance, the Dolphin Premium from Maytronics sets a high bar in the pool cleaning industry. After rigorous three months of testing, we found that the Dolphin Premium truly exemplifies its high-ranking placement amongst robotic pool cleaners. This machine integrates superior cleaning technology and an exceptional programming functionality aimed at delivering an efficient and hassle-free pool cleaning experience.

Exceptionally versatile, this robotic pool cleaner proves its worth in pools of various shapes and sizes. A prominent feature that distinguishes the Dolphin Premium from others is its user-friendly weekly timer. This notably provides a set-and-forget feature, automating the pool cleaning tasks with optimal ease.

While it’s easy to get caught up in the brand’s promise, what truly matters is its long-term performance. The Dolphin Premium, even after three months of continuous testing, hasn't shown a downhill trajectory. Its efficient performance and durability make it worthy of consideration. However, if you're still in a dilemma, you might want to explore the Dolphin Max-Series, a pool cleaner line known for their versatility and unwavering performance.

Pool Types

The Dolphin Premier is truly one of the crests of class and sophistication in the realm of robotic pool cleaners, especially when it comes to in-ground pools. This powerhouse is designed to handle large-sized pools of up to 50 feet; making it an ideal choice for those who have luxurious pool estates. It showcases supreme adaptability as it effectively operates on multiple pool surfaces, whether your pool is made of gunite, fiberglass, or comes with a vinyl liner.
This robotic cleaner doesn’t discriminate on the type of structuring your pool possesses. Whether your pool is shaped into the classic rectangle, an elliptical oval, or even freeform structures that echo your creativity, rest assured that the Dolphin Premier will leave every corner sparkling clean. It attributes its versatility to an intelligent navigation system that enables it to comfortably maneuver around your pool, regardless of the shape or size.
Truly, when it comes to serving a wide range of in-ground pools, the Dolphin Premier is a robotic pool cleaner that truly stands out. Its blend of unrivaled versatility, impressive cleaning performance, and assistance to various pool structures and surfaces, ensures that this cleaner is prepared to tackle any pool cleaning challenge. So for pool owners looking for efficient, comprehensive, and flexible cleaning, the Dolphin Premier is a robust choice to consider.

Pool Coverage

The Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner definitely ticks all the boxes if you are after extensive cleaning coverage. This robot will not leave any surface of your pool untouched. It boasts a clever system that methodically navigates around both flat and inclined surfaces.

Dolphin Premier efficiently covers the pool floor, swiftly dealing with dirt and debris. But its capabilities do not stop there. It is designed to climb pool walls, eliminating grime and algae that often hide out on vertical surfaces. It even goes as far as scrubbing the waterline - an area some pool robots tend to neglect.

More so, Dolphin Premier doesn't discriminate when it comes to pool shapes. Whether your pool is round, rectangular, or freeform, this robot ensures a clean sweep. Remember, it’s not just about pool cleaning, it's about comprehensive pool coverage, and that's where the Dolphin Premier shines.

Filtration

One of the major highlights of the ProLine robot series is their exceptional NanoFiltration capability. Gleaning from my vast experience as a tester, I noted that this series has a knack for digging deep- literally and figuratively. These innovative robots can clean deeper than any other pool robot I've ever examined and that's no hyperbole.
Being firsthand witness to the ProLine robot deep cleaning marvel was a sight to behold. I was amazed at how flawlessly it powered through the pool, scrubbing even the most challenging spots. The NanoFiltration system eliminates the smallest impurities, maintaining the pool's hygiene at an optimal level.
The ProLine robots don't just superficially clean, they eliminate debris that most other robots would leave behind. This is thanks to their advanced NanoFiltration technology, which is designed to filter even the tiniest particles that are often missed by standard filtration systems.
In summary, the ProLine pool robot, with its NanoFiltration ability, delivers a comprehensive deep cleaning solution. It brushes, scrubs, vacuums, and filters out debris better and more consistently than any other pool robot I've ever tested. It presents a new and welcomed approach to maintaining pool cleanliness and hygiene.

Cleaning Performance

During our extensive testing, we put the robotic pool cleaners through some tough scenarios. The Dolphin ProLine did an exceptional job in handling algae-saturated pools, picking up even the smallest particles with ease. Its advanced filtration system ensured clean and healthy pool water after every cleaning session.
Furthermore, the Dolphin Max-Series displayed remarkable performance in larger home-sized pools. Their ability to climb walls and scrub embedded dirt off made them stand out from the rest. The Sigma and Quantum models handled week-long debris including fallen leaves, twigs, and even pesky acorns with impressive efficiency. At the end of each cleaning cycle, our test pools were sparkling clean.
Our experience with the Dolphin Explorer was also quite satisfying, although it fell slightly short of the ProLine and Max-Series. The Explorer's cleaning features are robust but not as versatile as its higher-end counterparts. However, it was still incredibly efficient in maintaining cleanliness in our test pools.
In the case of the Aquabot, it was truly a frontrunner when considering the price-value ratio. Despite being a tad slower than the Dolphins, it showed persistent cleaning maneuverability and picked up debris of all sizes from our test pool's floor and sidewalls.
Remember, a higher robot.score reflects the overall performance in a variety of pools with differing environments. Throughout our testing, models like the Dolphin Premier and Sigma consistently scored above 90, making them some of our top choices in robotic pool cleaners. For more detailed analysis on these and other models, you can visit our Best Robotic Pool Cleaner article and our individual reviews. For example, check out our take on the Dolphin Premier here.

Restocking Fee

Cordless

The importance of corded versus cordless robotic pool cleaners cannot be overstated. It's crucial to remember that corded robots offer constant power so there's no need to constantly recharge. Through extensive testing of over 100 robots, it's clear that corded models perform significantly better, often offering superior efficiency and speed.
A corded robot pool cleaner represents a "set and forget" concept, where you can just set up the robot and leave it to do its job. This offers hands-free, hassle-free pool cleaning, enabling you to enjoy your pool without having to constantly monitor and interact with the robot.
Conversely, cordless robots have an inherent disadvantage. Their power depends on the charge they hold and once it runs out, they must be recharged, requiring more interaction from the user and breaking up the cleaning process. This definitely affects the overall convenience aspect.
Additionally, in terms of longevity and durability, corded robots win over. Cordless models, due to their constant need for recharging, generally have a shorter lifespan. As a result, you may end up spending more money on replacements or repairs in the long run with cordless robots.
These are the reasons why, when reviewing robotic pool cleaners, I clearly have a bias towards corded models, given their consistent power, durability, convenience, and superior performance.

Weekly Timer

One of the standout features that we absolutely love and recommend in robotic pool cleaners is the weekly timer. This function goes a long way in enhancing the automation of your pool cleaning tasks. A robotic cleaner equipped with a weekly timer means you set the schedule once, and then enjoy clean pools without having to handle the robot repeatedly. It's a function that leans into the trend of automation, ideal in today’s fast-paced world.
Despite this, not all robots in the market feature a weekly timer. While it's unfortunate, it's the reality. Judging a robot solely based on the absence of this feature isn't recommended as, ultimately, cleaning performance takes precedence. However, when robots do come equipped with this feature, it significantly enhances user convenience.
We recommend looking for a robotic pool cleaner with a weekly timer option, such as the Dolphin Premier or the Dolphin Sigma. These models are highly effective and hassle-free. As far as automation is concerned, these robots are your best bet. Remember to head to this review to find out more about why we recommend it, especially for its superior scheduling utility.
In the end, it all comes down to what best meets your needs. If you prefer efficiency and automation, a cleaner with a weekly timer should be your go-to. Despite the higher price point, the value and convenience you'll gain make this feature a worthwhile investment.

Overview

The Dolphin Premier is an exceptionally high-tech and efficient robotic pool cleaner in the Dolphin's ProLine series. It beholds advanced features such as Smart Nav software that enables the device to scan and map the pool size and shape for a more strategic cleaning pattern. It offers a powerful, deep-clean performance capable of tackling large debris, fine particles, and even algae with interchangeable cartridges.
Unlike cordless cleaners, the Dolphin Premier offers a weekly timer option that allows for true automation and gives you more free time to enjoy your sparkling clean pool instead of spending it on pool maintenance. It offers robust cleaning while reducing energy costs since it's independently powered.
As per the negative reviews, they tend to be more exceptions than rules. The Dolphin Premier offers excellent customer satisfaction overall, and any issues arising are generally handled promptly by Dolphin's responsive customer service. Thus, in my point of view, a score over 90 for the Dolphin Premier validates its superior quality, performance, and user-friendly operation.
Still, the Dolphin Premier might not be everyone's choice due to cost considerations. For a more budget-friendly yet efficient cleaner, you might consider Aquabot or the Dolphin Explorer. But if it's about top-notch cleaning without compromise, Dolphin Premier remains an unbeatable choice.
In conclusion, the Dolphin Premier indeed justifies the adage 'you get what you pay for.' The remarkable features and efficient cleaning make it a worthy investment for a spick-and-span pool. Further insight is there in our additional reviews, for example: Dolphin Sigma Review. For comparative account with other cleaners, refer to our best robotic pool cleaners article.

Recommendation

In our careful analysis and rigorous testing of pool cleaning robots, we find ourselves continuously impressed with both the ProLine and Max-Series offerings from Dolphin. The advanced features, formidable cleaning power, and longevity of these models far exceed many competitors in the pool cleaning market. We can confidently recommend all of the ProLine and Max-Series robots for any pool owner who seeks a stress-free, effective, and hands-off pool cleaning experience.

Specifically, the Dolphin Premier from the Max-Series has always stood out for its ability to tackle debris of all types and sizes with ease. Moreover, its smart navigation ensures that no spot in your pool is overlooked. The technology of the Max-Series truly automates the task of keeping your pool pristine.

Meanwhile, for those who desire a professional-grade power in their pool cleaning process, we direct them towards the Dolphin ProLine. Its superior suction and brushing capacity make it capable of tackling even the most stubborn deposits on pool surfaces. These top-rated Dolphin models remove all the effort from pool maintenance and offer the most value in the long run, making them our top recommendations for robotic pool cleaners.