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If you are looking for the best robotic pool cleaner for your above ground pool, you may have found it.
The Dolphin Escape is very likely the best above ground pool cleaner selling today.
This is not just my opinion. Customer reviews for this model are overwhelmingly positive.
For example, almost 80% of the verified customer ratings on Amazon are four and five stars, and it has even been selected as Amazon’s Choice.
With features like dual-scrubbing brushes, high-grip continuous rubber tracks, and a smart pool mapping system it’s easy to see why the Dolphin Escape is a favorite.
Yes, the Escape costs a little more than other above ground pool cleaners, but it comes with a one year warranty and offers an optional extended 3 or 4-year warranty (which I highly recommend).
Keep reading for my full review of the Dolphin Escape below, where I cover all the features you’ll enjoy plus a couple of minor issues to be aware of.
If you’d like to compare the Escape with other models, then read my robotic pool cleaner reviews in our updated buying guide.
Cleaning Ability
When you put the Dolphin Escape into the water, it gets to work immediately – scrubbing your pool clean and vacuuming debris and algae into its oversized debris cartridge.
But it does not just wander around randomly – the Dolphin Escape equipped with software and sensors that work together to map out your pool’s size and dimensions then works out the best path to take while ensuring that every inch is covered.
As the robot moves around the pool floor on rubber tracks, it uses Hyperbrush™dual scrubbing brushes to get the dirt off the pool floor and walls.
These brushes spin super-fast to get rid of the most stubborn debris and algae.
This cleaner is also bi-directional, meaning that it scrubs and vacuums when it’s moving forward and in reverse.
A powerful suction system vacuums up the dirt and filters it into an extra–large filter cartridge.
The cleaning cycle is really short, at about 90 minutes. If you have a really dirty pool, then Escape may not get everything in one pass. Set it for another 1.5hr cycle, and it will leave your pool sparkling clean.
After a full cleaning, you just need to run it 2-3 times a week to keep your pool clean.
The only area where the Dolphin Escape doesn’t perform that well is in climbing walls. Some owners say that it climbs only halfway up their walls before going back down, while others say it climbs to the top but not reliably.
Features We Like
1. Hypergrip™ Continous Tracks
Unlike most robotic pool cleaners, the Dolphin Escape does not use wheels. Instead, it’s equipped with continuous rubber tracks.
These geometrically shaped tracks grip the pool surface strongly, ensuring the robot doesn’t get stuck and allowing it to climb over the drains with ease.
It also eliminates slippage which leads to a lot of wasted energy in wheeled pool robots.
2. SmartNav 2.0 Navigation
The Escape is equipped with Maytronics’ famous smart navigation software. When you place the robot in water, the SmartNav 2.0 navigation system scans your pool’s shape and size.
It then calculates the best cleaning path that will take the least time while covering every inch. There is no energy wasted on random movement.
This is how the Escape can clean a whole pool in just one and a half hours.
3. Oversized Filter Cartridge
The filter cartridge captures every type of debris from tiny algae and sand particles to large leaves and twigs.
The oversized cartridge design ensures you don’t need to empty it midway through.
At the end of the cleaning cycle, simply open the top access door and lift out the cartridge for cleaning. There’s no need to turn the robot over.
4. Anti-tangle Cable
The cable is designed to stay out of the way of the robot cleaner as it moves. It does not get tangled up no matter how many twists and turns the robot makes.
Additionally, it’s designed with thermoplastic rubber to reduce frictional drag. This reduces the load on the robot and saves energy.
5. Lightweight
At just 14 lbs dry weight, you’ll have no problem lifting the Dolphin Escape in and out of the water. You won’t need a caddy.
Pros
• Powerful energy-saving motor.
• Large filtration cartridge with easy top access.
• Smart pool navigation that improves cleaning efficiency and saves energy
• Strong-grip rubber tracks
• Lightweight design for easy lifting into and out of the water
Cons
• Doesn’t always climb walls
• Pricey for an above ground pool cleaner
• No scheduler, timer or remote control
Specs
• Filtration capacity: 75gallons/minute
• Dry weight: 14lbs
• Cycle time: 1.5hrs
• 40ft anti-tangle cable
• For above-ground pools
• 1yr warranty with 3 or 4-year optional extensions
Conclusion
Cheap above ground robotic pool cleaners are often a source of frustration. They either fail within a year, cannot clean every nook, or have tiny debris bins which need constant emptying.
The new Dolphin Escape eliminates all of these problems and still offers a great value. Just read the glowing reviews left by customers.
If you want an affordable and reliable above-ground pool cleaner that will keep your pool sparkling clean, the Dolphin Escape is a great choice.
