We love Dolphin Robotic Pool Cleaners here at Pooltronixs and they feature highly in our Best Robotic Pool Cleaner lineup. Their latest robot, the Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner is the flagship product for the entire Dolphin range.
It even has its own dedicated website to separate it from all the other Dolphin Robots that Maytronics manufacture. With that sort of responsibility, buyers expect a lot from this product.
Does it live up to these expectations? Plus, since this is the 2019 version, is it worth it to upgrade from the older version?
Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner Features
- Multi-media system - When you’re dealing with dirt in your pools, there are several different types of dirt that accumulate. There’s the algae growths that stick to the walls, the leaves that fall into it, and fine dirt. The result is, that if you depend on a single type of cleaner, you will have problems in cleaning. The 2018 Dolphin Premier solves that problem by using a multi-media system. The cleaner allows you to place your choice of peripheral, whether it’s a filtration system or a cleaning bag so that it can deal with various situations. This allows it to clean any type of dirt from your pool with no problem.
- SmartNav - One of the main problems with cleaning a pool is being thorough about it. A lot of robotic pool cleaners have trouble with that because automatic pool cleaning can lead to inefficient results. This does not even account for variable pool shapes. However, with the SmartNav scanner of the Premier, you can be sure that the entire pool will be cleaned. It helps that the device also uses a powerful microprocessor to calculate the best way to clean the pool.
- Anti-tangle swivel - Like any other home appliances, you need to plug the cleaner in. The main difference is that cleaners move. The normal result would be the cable getting tangled and your pool cleaner ending up stalled somewhere in the pool. However, thanks to its patented 360° anti-tangle swivel, this device will have no obstacles in its operation and it will keep on going without any tangles.
- Efficient motors - Pool cleaners operate with powerful electrical motors. The 2018 Dolphin Premier has a rather efficient set running it. It has 24-volt motors that operate on 90% less power than the normal AC booster pumps. The result is that you will only need 5 cents an hour to operate this cleaner. Thanks to the other features of the product, it quickly cleans the pool so you can afford to run this pool cleaner on a regular basis. Run it five times a week every night or morning to ensure that you come back to a clean pool.
- Fully autonomous - Feel like doing something else while the pool is being cleaned? Then there are no worries. The 2018 Dolphin Premier does all the work for you and you do not even need to check on it. Thanks to full automation, it will do its job with no supervision at all. Just come back later to pack it all back in.
- Great warranty - Maytronics, the maker of the Dolphin series, is quite confident about the quality of their product. They are so confident that they guarantee their product with a 3-year warranty. This is a no-nonsense warranty; if something’s wrong with your Dolphin Premier, just contact customer support and they will direct you on how to send your device in for repairs. The warranty length is 50% more than their competitors so this is a huge selling point for the Dolphin Premier.
Dolphin Premier Video Reviews
Check out this short 5 minute video from the manufacturer that shows off all the key features of the Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner.
For a more comprehensive review of the Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner, check out this 23 minute in-depth video.
As well as showcasing all its features, there is some useful discussion on accessories that come with the Dolphin Premier, some of which are optional and come at an extra cost, such as the remote and the caddy. Rick also takes you through cleaning the robot after use to keep it in the best working order.
Pros
As a prospective buyer, there are several things that will make this particular purchase heads above the rest.
- The long warranty ensures that if anything goes wrong in 3 years, you can have it reasonably repaired or traded in. By the time the warranty’s expired, you can expect to trade it in for a newer and better model instead of repairing it.
- A lot of robotic pool cleaners may claim full automation, but they still need someone to look out for them, mostly because they need some pointing in the right direction and cable untangling. The 2018 Dolphin Premier needs no babying, thanks to its SmartNav system that tracks its cleaning pattern so that it thoroughly cleans the entire pool; the anti-tangle system lets it move around freely with no cable tangles. You can even program it to start cleaning automatically on a schedule.
- One of the big problems of pool cleaners is that they can end up consuming a lot of energy, especially when cleaning larger pools. This is not a concern when it comes to the Dolphin Premier. The powerful electrical motors are very power efficient and you end up paying a fraction of what you normally pay for in costs.
- The Dolphin Premier is thorough in its cleaning; thanks to its multi-media system, you can change it for your particular needs, whether its large leaves and dirt, or stubborn algae. It also helps that the Premier can climb and reach various parts of your pool area.
Cons
There are a few problems with this product though:
- One of the big ones is the price—With this high-quality product, you are not going to be getting it for cheap. It also doesn’t help that this is the latest edition of the product. You might want to settle for previous years’ models if the price point is not in your budget.
- It also happens to be complicated to operate. The manual helps a bit, but you are going to have to put in some effort to ensure that your pool cleaner does what you want it to. You may want to observe it the first time it runs since it may run into problems that you will have to account for when you fully automate it.
Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner Specifications
- Technical Data
- Specifications
- Standard Features
| Motor type: | Dual 24 volt brushless DC energy-efficient, long-life motors |
| Multi-media: | Twin micro-filter cartridges included. Opt. debris bag available |
| Patented swivel: | It’s the world’s only true cable swivel, a patented Dolphin exclusive |
| Drive type: | Direct drive means no belts to replace, ever |
| Brush type: | Dual power rotating, scrubbing brushes for aggressive cleaning action |
| Bi-directional: | Vacuums even when in reverse for superior efficiency |
| Installation: | Plug and play. Simply plug into a wall outlet and you’re done. |
| Smart timer: | Integrated multi-function timer allows daily, 3x or 2x per week cycles |
| LED alerts: | Lets you know when the media should be emptied |
| Plug & Play : | No installation required. Simply plug in and turn on. |
Dolphin Premier Optional Extras
- Need a Carry Caddy for your Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner? The Dolphin Premier Caddy provides convenient transport and storage for your pool cleaning robot, however it does not come with the unit and must be bought separately!
- You can purchase a Wireless Remote separately for the Dolphin Premier to give you wireless control of where the unit goes. This can be useful for spot cleaning or just having fun playing with your robot in the pool!
Verdict
Despite some very minor drawbacks, the 2018 Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner clearly deserves to be considered the flagship product of the Dolphin series. It makes your pool cleaning a lot less tedious and expensive. Seriously consider buying this if you have the budget for it.