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I know shopping for a new robotic pool cleaner can be a hassle with so many different brands and models to compare.
So let me save you some time.
If you want the absolute best robotic pool cleaner for your inground pool, then buy the new Dolphin Premier. You can’t go wrong.
This is the best inground pool cleaner selling today.
While it’s not cheap, you get a lot for your money. It’s a cleaning monster in the pool, scrubbing every inch and filling the debris bags with more debris and algae than you ever thought was in your pool.
It also comes with loads of premium features you won’t get in other robotic cleaners, including:
- strong-grip rubber tracks
- a smart pool-mapping / navigation system
- several choices of filter media
- an advanced brush scrubbing system and
- high-efficiency, powerful twin DC motors.
If you are worried about longevity, the Premier comes with a non-prorated three-year warranty, one of the longest and best warranties in the industry.
Learn more about the Dolphin Premier in my full review below.
Cleaning Ability
I’ve already said a lot of good things about the Dolphin Premiere, but I know what you are interested in most: how well does it clean?
Well, I think it’s awesome – and so do most other pool owners who’ve bought one.
For example, here are quotes from recent verified customers re. the Dolphin Premier’s cleaning abilities:
“Over 10+ yrs as a pool owner who does his upkeep – this Dolphin Premier is hands down the best over those run-off-the-pool pump and vacuum-suction devices.”
“This product eliminates the back-breaking chore of “brushing” the pool sides. Yes, it is expensive but worth its weight in gold!! You will not be disappointed!”
Simply put, the Dolphin Premier cleans better than almost any other inground pool cleaner sold today. And it can handle ANY shape or complexity of pool.
It all starts with the powerful DC motors that propel the Premiere around the pool on its high-grip rubber treads.
But the robot doesn’t just wander around. It uses intelligent navigation and scanning software that maps out your pool’s shape and chooses the optimal path for the robot so it spends as little time as possible in the water while ensuring every inch is scrubbed.
For the scrubbing part, the Premiere uses dual-scrubbing brushes that rotate very fast to remove stubborn algae and bacteria on the sides of your pool. Most other robot pool cleaners tend to leave algae untouched or several spots untouched – especially on walls – requiring you to use more pool chemicals or do the scrubbing yourself to keep the walls clean.
But the Dolphin Premiere does such a great job climbing walls, thanks to its HyperGrip rubber tracks, that it can scrub up to the waterline ensuring you don’t have to do any work.
All debris is filtered and collected into your choice of filtration media. The unit is shipped with two filter cartridges that are ideal for fine dirt and algae plus an oversized bag for leaves and twigs.
You can quickly switch between these two filters depending on how dirty your pool is.
Yes, it has its flaws – it occasionally gets stuck on drains (but will usually rescue itself) and it’s heavy – but it is unmatched when it comes to cleaning ability, especially for large and complex inground pools.
Features We Like
1. Energy-Saver
The DC motors in the Dolphin Premier use up to 90% less power than AC-powered pool cleaners. It’s highly efficient yet powerful.
The operating cost is roughly 5 cent an hour. It will cost you less than $5 a month in power usage.
2. Smart Navigation
The Dolphin Premiere does not use random movements to clean your pool.
When you dunk it in water, it maps out your pool’s shape and size and then calculates the optimal cleaning path.
It also has sensors that locate drains and ladders to minimize chances of getting stuck.
3. HyperGrip Tracks
Most robotic pool cleaners are fitted with wheels, but wheels are not the best choice for navigating slippery pool floors and walls.
The Premiere instead uses continuous rubber tracks that strongly grip the pool surface. This eliminates slippage, which is common with wheeled robots and leads to energy wastage.
The rubberized tracks also help the robot climb over drains and climb walls quickly.
4. Choice of Filters
The Dolphin Premier comes with dual cartridge filters and an oversized debris bag. Each is useful for different situations.
If your pool is not very dirty, the cartridge filters are the best choice. They capture fine debris and algae.
If you have a lot of leaves and other large debris in the pool, go with the bag. It’s designed to hold a lot of waste before you need to empty it.
It only takes a couple of seconds to switch from one media to the other.
5. Swivel Cable
A 360-degree swivel cable ensures there is no tangling.
Furthermore, the line is made using thermoplastic rubber which reduces frictional drag as the robot pulls it around the pool.
6. Programmable Timer
A scheduling feature allows you to set automatic cleaning cycles either 2 or 3 times a week.
Pros
• Choice of filter media
• Powerful, energy-efficient motors
• Excellent cleaning ability
• Flexible scheduling options
• Easy plug-and-play setup
Cons
• Pricey
• A bit heavy
Specs
• 22 lbs dry weight
• for in-ground pools
• 75 gallons/minute filtration
• 2.5 hrs cycle time.
• 60 ft swivel cable.
• 3 yr non-prorated warranty
Conclusion
The Dolphin Premier is the most advanced robotic pool cleaner for inground pools and is the best choice for pools with complex shapes and stairs. It’s definitely more expensive, but it will prove its worth for years to come.
The 3-year non prorated warranty is also unique in the pool cleaner market.
Definitely one for your short-list.
