The Dolphin was delivered today (ahead of schedule), and after reading the Quick Start directions, I put it to work immediately. There's almost nothing to it. Connect the waterproof cord to the console, drop the unit into the water, plug the console cord into the wall socket, press the power button.
We have a rectangular fiberglass pool with salt water. It has a large sitting platform which is about 2 feet deep. The platform then drops off into the deeper (lap swimming) end of the pool. The pool is 6 feet at the deepest end. I dropped the Dolphin into the deep end then hit the start button.
This unit is advertised. It was definitely vacuuming up the debris. It picks up the pebbles, and it actually crawls up the pool wall to the point where at least a third of it breaches the surface, then drops back in. However, I have seen it crawl up the 4 foot wall of the platform, at which time it cleans the platform (briefly), until it blindly rolls off the platform edge, descending into the deeper water.
After two hours, the bottom was probably 98% clean. There were a couple of 90 degree corners that it just couldn't quite pick up, so I'm currently running it for another hour. Perhaps I will stir up those two corners next time to give it an assist. Lastly, our pool has two steps to the deeper water. The unit appears unable to crawl up the stairs.
Five starts because it is convenient, simple, and effective.
Update:
In order to get the last 2-3% of dirt left over in the corners and at the base of the walls, we first brush the debris toward the middle of the pool floor. Then, we run this unit for an hour and the pool looks great!
~ We use this unit about once per week and always after the lawn is mowed.
~ I set it on a small 2x4 block to keep pressure off of the brush up front. I also sometimes set it on it's side when it's not in use. Nothing to warp when it's on its side.
~ We gently spray out the debris bucket with the garden hose. The filters on the side seem delicate/fine (which I'm guessing is why the fine dirt doesn't appear to pass through the system).
~ In order to retrieve it you use the power cord to pull it in. It's very light when it's in the water, but when it gets within reach, grab the unit itself. This prevents undue stress on the power cord when it's full of water.
Bottom line: This thing doesn't care how blazing hot or ice cold it is outside or how long its work shift is, it gets the job done so you don't have to.
Update (1 year later):
The Dolphin still does its thing. When not in use we keep the unit in a pool locker in the back yard, except for the console. We keep the console inside the house to keep the electronics better protected.
Prior to using the Dolphin, we brush the base of the walls. This makes it easier for the Dolphin to get this more easily.
Sometimes I push the button for a second cycle, but it usually does a fantastic job with a single cycle.
I've left it in our salt water pool for a couple of nights in a row before. It doesn't seem to mind and it doesn't let go of the debris during that time.
I use it year round, usually at least once per week in the warm months, perhaps a little less in the winter.
1 year later, it still does the job very well. I'd never go back to doing this myself. The pool needs enough attention as it is (water testing, water level, filter cleanings, etc.).
I do wish that it had a remote control option, something that I could hold so that I could direct it to "mow" the platform clean before plunging back into the deep water.
Great purchase! I'd give it 5 stars again.
Update (Beginning of 3rd year of use)
Nothing has changed from above. I still store the dolphin (upright of the tracks) in the locker outside year round, the console is still stored inside the house.
Prior to use I still sweep the base of the walls. This makes it easier for the unit to get the dirt and debris. The pool is clean in about 90 minutes, though I usually run it longer for an extra clean pool.
I guess it takes about 10 minutes or so to sweep then set up, but it would take the same time to set up the manual system too. Same with break down, 10 mins or so either way. But of course with the Dolphin I'm off doing something else while it's doing its thing.
No parts have deteriorated since it was brand new even in a salt water pool. It's as good as new still.
I see newer Dolphin units with a built in swivel in the cord. After many hours in my pool the cord does develop the beginning of a kink (twist) in the cord but the cord is so long that this has never come close to hindering its effectiveness. After use, I lay out the cord along the lawn then roll it back up losing the minor twist for next use.
I also see units with optional remote controls. For the large platform in my pool I simply manually (mow) it clean, that is I run it one length, turn it off, set it into position for the next run Turn it on, etc. Yes, I'm in ankle deep water with it as it's running but the platform gets clean in short order. I think a remote control for this short work would take longer. I need it to make several U-turns on the platform, slightly overlapping the previous run. I think using a remote would take much longer. Aside from that we're rarely in the water with the unit.
Excellent pool accessory! Simple and convenient. Glad we made the purchase. It certainly is better than cleaning the bottom when it's 100 degrees or freezing outside.
Dolphin Nautilus CC Automatic Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner, Always Cleaning, Never Charging, includes Caddy for Easy Transport
4.3 | 9,715 ratings
Price: 697
Last update: 07-19-2024
About this item
CONVIENENT STORAGE & TRANSPORT: Easily move and store your Dolphin Nautilus CC with the added Universal Caddy. The tangle-free cable holder keeps your robot cable organized.
WALL-SCRUBBING POWER: Dolphin Nautilus CC climbs walls efficiently, ensuring thorough cleaning on any pool surface, no matter the shape or surface type.
ACTIVE SCRUBBING: Elevate your pool maintenance with the Dolphin's active scrubbing brush eliminates manual effort, guaranteeing a pristine pool. Gentle on surfaces, tough on debris.
EASY FILTER CARE: Effortlessly maintain a clear pool with our user-friendly top-load filter basket. Easily remove debris for crystal-clear water, enhancing your swimming experience.
THE DOLPHIN LEGACY: Over 40 years of effortless cleaning with unmatched performance, durability, and cost savings. Enjoy your pool, hassle-free!
WALL-SCRUBBING POWER: Dolphin Nautilus CC climbs walls efficiently, ensuring thorough cleaning on any pool surface, no matter the shape or surface type.
ACTIVE SCRUBBING: Elevate your pool maintenance with the Dolphin's active scrubbing brush eliminates manual effort, guaranteeing a pristine pool. Gentle on surfaces, tough on debris.
EASY FILTER CARE: Effortlessly maintain a clear pool with our user-friendly top-load filter basket. Easily remove debris for crystal-clear water, enhancing your swimming experience.
THE DOLPHIN LEGACY: Over 40 years of effortless cleaning with unmatched performance, durability, and cost savings. Enjoy your pool, hassle-free!
Product information
| Special Feature | Compact |
|---|---|
| Assembly Required | No |
| UPC | 850015249723 |
| Product Dimensions | 24 x 12 x 18 inches |
| Item Weight | 40 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Maytronics |
| ASIN | B08NXQMBY1 |
| Country of Origin | Israel |
| Item model number | 99996113-US-Caddy |
| Customer Reviews |
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars
9,715 ratings
4.3 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #681 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden) #9 in Robotic Pool Cleaners |
Top reviews from the United States
LT
Convenient, simple, and effective.
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2022FengFang
Very good cleaner with room to improve
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2022J. B. Dangar
This thing sucks and that is awesome
Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2024