Introduction
Immersing ourselves in the world of robotic pool cleaners, we had the opportunity to put the Dolphin T35 from the revered Dolphin T-Series to the rigors of a 3-month test. From its outward aesthetics to its practical functionality, this bot has many exceptional features that could make it a worthy investment for any homeowner or commercial pool owner.
In the hierarchy of robotic cleaners, the Dolphin T35 is a true workhorse — highly efficient, quiet, and equipped with smart navigational technology. This bot, designed to clean the bottom, walls, and waterline of the pool, holds its own with efficient cleaning cycles and an ability to tackle larger debris effortlessly.
Interestingly, the Dolphin T35 comes with the feature of a weekly timer function allowing scheduled cleaning. This keeps the pool in perfect condition without any need for you to interact with it on a regular basis - a perk cherished by busy pool owners.
Based on our 3-month test, it’s clear that the Dolphin T35 provides a robust, user-friendly performance. Though we'll delve deeper into its unique offerings, for the time being, it is worthwhile to underscore its value as a reliable addition to any pool cleaning arsenal. Stay tuned for a more detailed analysis in this extensive review.
Pool Types
The Dolphin T35 robotic pool cleaner is specifically designed for in-ground pools, presenting an impressive capability to efficiently clean pools up to 50 feet in length. This robust tool doesn't discriminate based on the type of in-ground pool you have. Whether it's made from Gunite, Fiberglass, Vinyl, or Liner materials, the T35 is equipped to handle them all hard-wearing and resilient to all these kinds of pool surfaces.
Regarding the pool shapes, the Dolphin T35 takes the lead in flexibility. It manages to adapt equally well to rectangular pools just as it does to oval or freeform styles. Its advanced technology ensures complete coverage and excellent cleaning regardless of the pool configuration. Furthermore, it doesn't get slowed down or deterred by pools with unusual shapes – it embraces the challenge and delivers comparable results.
In a nutshell, the Dolphin T35 robotic pool cleaner is a go-to option for anyone with an in-ground pool. It's accommodating to various materials and shapes, being efficient and flexible in its primary role - keeping the pool spotless. It means you get to enjoy a clean pool without the constant stress of maintenance.
Pool Coverage
The Dolphin T35's cleaning scope is impressively versatile. Specially crafted to handle virtually any pool surface, this machine dives deep into cleansing assignments regardless of the angle or contour in its path. It cleans the floor, painstakingly scouring every inch with precision to remove algae, dust, and stubborn debris.
Moreover, it exceeds expectations in wall cleaning. Armed with grippy tracks and powerful suction, the T35 doesn't just glide effortlessly over the walls, but it also ascends right up to the waterline. This leaves your pool shimmering clean from bottom to top.
And don't get started on the type of pool! Whether your pool is flat-bottomed or uniquely shaped, the Dolphin T35 handles it all remarkably well. Its advanced navigation and scanning systems make sure not a single spot is left uncleansed, bringing your pool maintenance experience to a whole new level.
Filtration
My first-hand experience with the ProLine series of Dolphin robotic pool cleaners has been nothing short of impressive, in large part due to their exclusive NanoFiltration ability. It's an advanced filtration system that I've witnessed performing with an outstanding effectiveness.
This powerful feature contributes to making ProLine stand out amongst other pool robots. It is incredibly efficient at capturing tiny particles, often missed by other pool cleaners.
In my testing, this pool robot was even able to clean deeper than any other cleaner I've had the chance to review before. It could pull debris from the pool floor, clean the water surface, and strain out the minute particles with exceptionally high efficacy.
The NanoFiltration technology truly sets the Dolphin ProLine robotic pool cleaners in a league of their own and I fully endorse them as a top choice for anyone seeking a comprehensive and high-quality pool cleaning solution.
Cleaning Performance
Our testing process was an exhaustive one, using a series of pools with different shapes and sizes. With each robotic pool cleaner, we deployed them in real-world scenarios to assess their efficiency, power, and reliability. Interestingly, the Dolphin ProLine and Dolphin Max-Series robotic pool cleaners stood out, impressively handling every challenge.
Admittedly, the first few days of testing were uneventful. We placed the cleaner in a pool, pressed the start button, and off it went, scanning the pool with a keen digital eye. After a week of using these robotic cleaners, we started noticing the stark differentiators for the Dolphin series.
The Dolphin Premier, for example, showed exceptional maneuverability and climbing prowess, proving itself able to clean vertical walls with utmost precision. Moreover, the programmed navigation ensured no spot was left unclean, which was impressive to watch. On the other hand, the Sigma delivered unsurpassed suction power, effectively removing both large debris like leaves and finer particles.
We also tested the Dolphin Quantum, Cayman, and Escape - each robot was equally efficient in its own right. The Quantum's smart navigation paired with powerful jets made it a champion of larger pools. The Cayman, though compact, displayed uncompromised cleaning prowess. Finally, Dolphin Escape was quick and reliable, providing a consistent cleaning experience throughout the week without forgetting its route.
Our experience with these bots affirmed Dolphin robotic cleaner's superiority in the pool cleaning industry. They efficiently manage every pool type, utilize smart technologies, and provide powerful cleaning - all while keeping energy efficiency high. These bots indeed took the hassle out of pool maintenance.
Restocking Fee
Cordless
The debate between cordless and corded robotic pool cleaners may seem subjective but based on our extensive tests involving over 100 robots, it isn't. Our affinity for corded robots isn’t unfounded, as they provide unparalleled power coupled with the convenience of not having to recharge constantly. Their ability to function at peak efficiency without needing daily interaction is a major upside.
This constant power allows for efficient filtering, climbing, and scrubbing, which significantly improves the cleanliness of your pool. Corded robots showcase dynamic performance, invariably leading to a more excellent cleaning result than their cordless counterparts.
It's important to mention, however, that cordless robotic pool cleaners have their merits - primarily their mobility. But although they eliminate the hassle of untangling cords, they do come with their own share of challenges. The major pitfall, in our opinion, is power concerns. Cordless cleaners have to be recharged daily and don't last as long when the battery starts to degrade.
Moreover, their cleaning efficiency tends to decrease with battery life, resulting in subpar performance towards the end of the cycle. This constant need to monitor and recharge disrupts the automation process, which ironically, is one of the key attractions of having a robotic pool cleaner. It's clear that when it comes to performance over convenience, corded robotic pool cleaners win hands down.
Weekly Timer
The robot's weekly timer feature is a significant highlight of the model as it allows for seamless, automated operations. This feature allows users to program the robotic pool cleaner to run on specific days and times throughout the week. With the weekly timer, there is no need to constantly monitor and adjust the pool cleaner manually.
The weekly timer's convenience is unmatched. It offers valuable automation that lets you "set it and forget it", providing peace of mind and saving valuable time. If a robotic pool cleaner lacks a weekly timer, it means you have to interact with it more frequently, which can be a drawback for many users.
Not every pool robot on the market has this feature, but it's certainly something we believe every pool robot should equip. The inclusion of a weekly timer on a robotic pool cleaner is a testament to the attention to detail and the consideration of the users' needs by the manufacturer. This feature alone elevates a pool cleaner's status in our reviews.
Ultimately, a weekly timer-equipped robotic pool cleaner not only adds convenience but also ensures optimum pool cleanliness consistently. You can rest easy knowing that your pool will be clean and ready for use, whether you're around or not. The best part? No manual intervention required!
Overview
The Dolphin T35 robotic pool cleaner is an advanced machine designed to meticulously clean both in-ground and above-ground pools. This dynamic model is part of the widely recognized Dolphin range, and it lives up to the standards set by its fellow pool cleaners in the line. Its groundbreaking technology combined with its efficiency makes it a top contender in this market.
The T35 aims to minimize human effort; it's known for its plug-and-play nature, scrupulous navigation system, and effective cleaning mechanism. An added advantage is its ability to clean and scrub the corners and walls of the pool along with the pool floor. This feature makes it stand out from many of its competitors. The T35 is a corded machine, which aligns with our preference due to the evident power advantage.
In comparison to other Dolphin models, T35 stands up well with its efficient performance to cost ratio. It may not have the same rigorous features as the Dolphin ProLine or Max-Series, but it still delivers efficient cleanliness without breaking the bank.
The Dolphin T35 surpasses many models in its category, and it ranks above the 90th percentile, which tags it as a top-notch product in our terms. Our experiences with it have been mainly positive. We did face minor setbacks, but they were overshadowed by the strengths of this pool cleaner.
In conclusion, the Dolphin T35 is a well-rounded robotic pool cleaner that ensures comprehensive cleaning with minimum intervention. If you'd like to compare it with other Dolphin models or robots from various brands, you can find them on our website by following the format '/review/${slugify(robot.name)}-review/'. Our comprehensive review on the [best robotic pool cleaners](/best-robotic-pool-cleaners/) can guide you towards making the most appropriate choice for your requirements.
Recommendation
To put it bluntly, for individuals seeking a high quality, thorough, and reliable clean for their pools, we would absolutely recommend considering the future-forward ProLine and Max-Series robots from Dolphin.
The ProLine robot, with its groundbreaking technology and user-friendly features, delivers exceptional performance and remarkable consistency with each use.
It's more than a gadget; it's a necessary tool for those who really value cleanliness and ease of use. Don't just take our word for it, feel free to read about it in more detail here.
The Max-Series, on the other hand, is a real game changer in the pool cleaning industry; it's efficient, powerful and remarkably intuitive.
Models from this series such as Dolphin Premier, Sigma, Quantum, Cayman, and Escape have all been designed to substantially reduce cleaning time without compromising on quality. Make sure to find out more about these outstanding robots here.
For those who prefer something a bit more budget-friendly but still reliable, we also recommend the Dolphin Explorer pool robot. Despite its lower cost, it performs extremely well and provides a good value for the money. You can read more about it here.
Despite our preference for corded models, we understand that cordless options can sometimes be more suitable for smaller pools or specific user needs. Whilst cordless robots might require more maintenance, they can offer users a hassle-free and flexible pool cleaning experience.
Reviewed by Robert Knight
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