Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner (2024 Model) — Massive Top-Loading Filter, Dual Motors, HyperBrush, HyperGrip Tracks, Smart Navigation — for Above Ground & In-Ground Pools up to 33ft

Best Above-Ground: Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner

Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner is considered Dolphin's most minimalist product segment, but that does not mean it is inferior to other products. This Dolphin Escape Pool Cleaner is the ideal above-ground pool cleaner. It is efficient, simple to use, and portable.

• Type: Robotic
• Weight: 14 pounds
• Wire Length: 40 feet
• Pool Type: Above or In-Ground
• Pool Size: Up to 33 ft in
• Cycle Time: 1.5 hours

In particular, this robot has SmartNav 2.0 navigation technology to help optimize efficiency during the cleaning process. I spent hours watching them move around the bottom of the pool and found that navigation was very effective. It covers almost the entire pool except for slopes or steps because it cannot climb walls. I think the suction is stronger than other products in the same segment because it is equipped with a DC motor that increases operating efficiency but is also very energy efficient (consumption is 1/10 of other products according to the manufacturer's announcement).

Like other Dolphin models, this design also comes with an active scrubbing brush to help remove stubborn stains on the pool surface. I find the brush works more effectively than other regular suction-side pool cleaners.

The wheel design combined with rubber tracks is also equipped on this product. In addition to moving quickly and easily, they save a lot of weight thanks to the ability to hold the front and rear wheels through continuous rubber tracks. However, a big drawback of this machine is that it cannot climb walls, so you need to consider carefully before buying it. For in-ground pools, the ability to climb walls from this machine is zero, but they can completely move easily for slopes of 30 to 45 degrees.

Our tester observed that the package was a little hefty during construction but that everything was well-organized within. Despite the unclear directions, it has videos that help with setup.

Our team has tested this Dolphin cleaner with a pool that is close to a tree and frequently has garbage-like leaves in it. Debris and leaves were successfully removed by the cleaner.

What Are Customer Reviews

The ability to pick up debris and particles is rated quite high, showing that the Dolphin Escape's suction is very powerful and the filter is perfectly priced. They have 2 filter cartridges to accommodate different sizes of dirt that can collect from debris as small as grains of sand to leaves.

Users reported that cleaning a pool up to 30ft would take them about 1.5 hours to complete. Setting up and using is quite easy, besides basic operations such as plugging in and starting the machine, you won't have to do anything else.

Editor’s Verdict: Overall this is a great robotic pool cleaner for above and in-ground pools. Even if you put it in an enormous pool, it still cleans perfectly. The suitable depth for them to work best is from 22 to 30ft.