Pool robots have taken a big leap over the past few years, and Maytronics has been leading the way with their line of Dolphin pool cleaners. In this article we review many of their top selling robotic pool cleaners, engineered for homeowners. Maytronics has been a leader in pool equipment for a long time (since 1983) but they’ve truly raised their game in 2021 They’ve invested years of research money and engineering time to completely overhaul many of their most successful robot pool cleaners. They don’t just make your pool spotless but they also look fantastic while they do so. It seems as if Maytronics has taken some inspiration from Apple as they’ve recognized the value of designing beautiful looking products.
In this article we review the following Maytronics pool cleaning robots : Dolphin Quantum, the timeless Dolphin Nautilus Plus (CleverClean) & the powerful Dolphin Triton Plus (PowerStream). And we explain all the technology that makes each of these pool robots unique to help you decide which one is right for you.
Spend Money to Buy Time
Owning a robotic pool cleaner a few years ago meant you were ahead of the curve as the technology has only recently emerged as an affordable device for homeowners. Personally, I value my time and although a pool robot can be expensive they also save you a lot of time, which you can use to make money if you’re business minded. I notice a lot of people are reluctant to spend money to save time when it should be the other way around — spend your money to free you from doing laborious work so you can in turn use your time to be more productive. If you have a pool then I regard a robotic pool cleaner as necessary as a dishwasher. Would you give up your dishwasher?
Dolphin Quantum can move in any direction thanks to Water Jets
The Dolphin Quantum calculates the best pattern for quicker cleaning without getting stuck on drains and ladders. Reviewed later in this article.
Maytronics Dolphin Pool Cleaners
Most robot cleaners aren’t new any more and they’re using outdated technology. If you knew what models like the Dolphin Quantum were capable of you’d understand straight away. If you don’t yet own a robot pool cleaner you’re extremely lucky you want one. Those who do own one will know it’s time to upgrade, but let’s look at why it’s so important.
The Three Pool Robots we Review in this article:
Advanced Technology Inside Dolphin Robotic Pool Cleaners
Maytronics are already the best robot pool cleaner company in the world. Although some other companies have tried hard the Dolphin lineup has remained unmatched for years. Fortunately they’re not the kind of company to rest on their laurels. They wanted to keep on innovating to help stay at their rightful place as leaders in the industry.
They’ve been pouring a tremendous amount of time and money into the design of their latest robot pool cleaner models. We’re going to focus on some like the Dolphin Quantum in a while, but first it will help if you know some of the new technology they’ve developed. We’ll go into a little detail about some of the exciting changes you can look forward to now:
The Design Of The Robots Themselves
This is going to be the first thing everyone will notice if they’ve had the pleasure of owning an old Maytronics Dolphin robot. They look a million miles away from what the old models looked like.
Each of the new robot pool cleaners looks like they belong in a Star Wars movie. They’ve upgraded from the kind of cars you’d find in a scrapyard to ones you could never afford, but it’s not all about looking pretty.
The designs serve a specific purpose and lots of the features you’ll get are fairly similar, but it will vary slightly depending on the model. Just know some of the features we’re about to discuss wouldn’t be possible without the new designs.
Beautifully Designed Dolphin Quantum | Based on years of research
It’s Now Possible To Move Laterally
Every robotic pool cleaner in existence will obviously be able to propel itself forwards. If old models wanted to turn it would be awkward. Eventually some had the ability to turn 90 degrees to speed things up.
The one thing they were never capable of doing is moving laterally. How on earth were they supposed to move sideways? Well the Dolphin Quantum has broke the mold and Maytronics engineers have found a way to do it.
Its lateral moving secret is the patent-pending PowerJet 3D Mobility technology. Powerful vortex jets have been added to the sides of the robot to move it sideways, which is especially handy when cleaning the pool walls.
Defying Gravity By Staying In Position
Older robots were capable of sucking in pool debris, but cleaning the walls and tile line were a lot harder. It’s fairly obvious a robot rolling over a tile wouldn’t be a guarantee it could get rid of all the grime.
If we use a pressure washer as an example, you’ll know you have to aim at the same spot for a certain length of time before it shines. That used to be impossible with a robot because it would fall if it stopped on a vertical surface.
PowerJet 3D Mobility has an extra little secret, which is the vortex jets on top of the robot. The pressure created means it’s the first pool cleaner capable of defying gravity and staying in position on vertical surfaces.
HyperBrush Gives You A Deeper Clean
Like we just said, when a robotic cleaner rolls over a pool tile it doesn’t mean it’s going to end up spotless. They’ll take off as much dirt and grime as possible, but there is a limit to how much it can do.
It’s why they decided to release HyperBrush technology, which is basically a moving brush or two. They will be capable of moving at twice the speed of your Dolphin robots as they make their way around the pool.
Due to the speed they’re turning at they’ll be able to scrub any pool surface more effectively. This will be enhanced by the robots pushing down harder on the surface. More pressure plus more speed equals a shinier pool.
Streamlined & Improved | Dolphin Triton Plus PS | 99996212-us
Updated SmartNav 2.0 Robotic Scanning
Every robot pool cleaner needs to know where to clean, but the technology in models like the Dolphin Quantum are taking things to the next level. It doesn’t even matter what kind of funny-shaped pool you own.
Once a robot with SmartNav 2.0 technology has been dropped into the water it will automatically scan every inch of your pool. It will then determine the ideal route to take in order to save you time and money.
It’s got a memory that will learn the dimensions of your pool, but the memory will also prevent the robot from going over the same spot twice. Obtrusive objects like ladders and drains will be picked up during the scanning process too.
Massive Cartridge Filtration System
The cartridge filtration system inside Dolphin pool cleaners is bigger than ever before. For example, the 400 square inch cartridge in the Dolphin Quantum is the biggest one you’ll find on the market at the moment.
This is despite all the models being a lot lighter than before. It comes in very handy because you won’t have to clean the cartridge as often, plus it’s top loading so you’ll be able to access the debris quicker too.
The SnapLoc filters will be able to pick up debris as small as 2 microns in size. Debris and water will also be released instantly from the robots thanks to the fast release system underneath the machine.
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus — 99996403-PC | Massive Filter is ultra-efficient
Offers Advanced Anti-Tangle Software
Anyone who owns an old robot will know how much time they waste untangling the cable. When you choose a robotic swimming pool cleaner as opposed to a suction side or pressure side model it shouldn’t be something you have to deal with.
The older Dolphin models came up with the ideal solution. They invented a swivel cable that would allow the cable to move freely without getting tangled, but it’s been made even better thanks to software.
We already know everything will revolve around software in the future, so this shouldn’t have come as a big surprise. The advanced anti-tangle software programmed into your pool robot will stop the cable from getting tangled up.
Clunky Wheels Are A Thing Of The Past
Look at the models like the Dolphin Quantum and you’ll notice they don’t have any wheels. They’ve been replaced by HyperGrip continuous tracks, which offers you a lot more benefits than robots from other manufacturers.
The biggest benefit is the money you’ll save even though robot cleaners only cost around 5 cents per hour. It’s because the new tracks will stop the robots from slipping and taking longer to do their job.
They’ll also be able to glide over anything in the pool with ease without getting stuck or causing the robot to fall over. The compact design the continuous tracks offers you adds to their ability to stick to anything.
MyDolphin Lets You Use Your Smartphone
Remotes for robotic cleaners have been around for a while, but the previous technology is old and dated. Now Dolphin will give you the power to control your robot through an app you’ll have to download to your smartphone.
Video | See how the MyDolphin App Works
This will let you control the robot like you’re playing a video game because there are a couple of very cool ways you can control it. You’ll be able to tip your phone in a certain direction to decide where it moves because of the gyroscope.
You’ll also be able to use it in a more traditional way by controlling a joystick on the screen. Although the second option isn’t as fancy, it’s great for hitting spots in your pool you want to pay extra attention to.
Big Reduction In Cleaning Cycle Times
The Dolphin Quantum and other models in the range only require 180 watts of power and have a dual 24V motor. Even though this has monetary benefits, it’s especially crucial for some consumers because they don’t like swimming with a robot.
They won’t be able to get electrocuted, but it’s still more favorable when people can swim without their robot blasting around the pool. The only way Dolphin could overcome this was to reduce the cleaning cycle times.
Not only will Dolphin robots be able to make sure pools are cleaner than ever before, but they’ll only take a couple of hours to do it. Some models have a Quick Clean cycle cutting the overall time in half.
Maytronics MyDolphin APP Puts you in Full Control
Best Maytronics Dolphin Pool Cleaners
Now we’re going to focus on a few of the models in the Dolphin lineup you might be interested in. The ones we’ll look at today are the:
A couple of the robots we’re going to be examining do have standard versions available, but the Plus models will come packed with extra features. We’ll be sure to mention what the differences are so you’ll know why these robotic pool cleaners have been specifically chosen to look at.
Dolphin Quantum | Robotic Pool Cleaner
Maytronics Pool Cleaner…
Special Features:
- Navigation: Microprocessor controlled SmartNav learns your pool
- Logic: Calculates optimal pattern for faster cleaning & improved efficiency
- Propulsion: PowerJet 3D Mobility for superior wall climbing and cleaning
- Capabilities: Vacuums leaves, debris, pollen & green algae
- Energy efficiency: Reduces energy costs up to 90% over AC powered cleaners
- Surfaces: Power scrubs and vacuums doors, steps, walls, and water line
- Micron rating: 2 micron NanoFilter that captures even the smallest particles like fine algae
- Filtration rate: Micro filters 75 gallons per minute for remarkable water quality
Standard Features:
- Motor type: Dual 24-volt 3,000 RPM Ultra energy-efficient DC motors
- Multi-media: Variable Micron Filtration with two options included
- Drive type: Direct drive means no belts to replace, ever
- Brush type: HyperBrush spins two times the speed of ordinary brushes to dislodge the most difficult, stuck-to-the-wall contaminants
- 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.
Overview (Dolphin Quantum)
It Uses 90 Percent Less Power Than Usual
The Dolphin Quantum is without a doubt the number one product in the entire lineup. One of the reasons is the PowerJet 3D Mobility technology, which is extremely powerful even though it uses 90 percent less energy than pressure side and suction side pool cleaners.
Instead of requiring 1,800 watts it only needs 180 watts to do its job properly. The dual 24V 3,000rpm DC motor only costs roughly 5 cents for every hour it’s operational, which doesn’t even take into account the many other ways it will save you money.
Will Be Able To Handle Pools 60 Feet Long
Unless you live in a mansion it’s highly unlikely you will have a swimming pool more than 60 feet long, so your Quantum robot will cover everything. This includes mapping it all out with SmartNav 2.0 technology once it’s dropped into the pool.
If you keep the robot in the pool all the time you’ll be able to set it to operate automatically on a daily basis, twice per week, or three times per week. It’s so fast it will be able to make its way around a pool 60 feet long within a couple of hours.
You’ll Get Two Different Micron Filters
You will get a couple of different filters to use depending on the size of the debris in your swimming pool. A lot of people like to use the standard filter when there are lots of leaves in the pool if they’ve not bothered to look after it for a long time.
Afterwards they’ll switch to the NanoFilter, which can pick up particles only 2 microns in size. They’re so small you would never be able to see them unless they were around ten times bigger. When the NanoFilter is attached the filtration rate is still a remarkable 75 gallons per minute.
It’s Very Easy To Lift Out Of The Pool
They call the Dolphin Quantum an Exoskel robot because it only keeps the essential structural parts while eliminating everything else. It weighs slightly over 27 pounds when empty, but even when it’s full you shouldn’t have trouble carrying it.
It’s got a handle on the front of the unit to make it easy to grab and lift up. The water release system will also flush out any excess water it is carrying when you’re lifting it, which will save your back from any unnecessary injuries.
Please Note: Even though the Dolphin Quantum has an Exoskel design, it’s still a bit heavier than other models because of the advanced features. If you need help moving it around you can use a caddy, but it will have to be purchased separately.
HyperBrush Technology At Front And Rear
We’ve touched on HyperBrush technology already, so you should know how it works. It basically spins your brushes twice as fast to make sure your pool surfaces are thoroughly cleaned. The reason we’re mentioning it at the moment is because there are two of them.
On some models there will only be one active brush, which isn’t the worst thing in the world. It’s just a lot more effective when you’ve got two of them spinning and hitting the same area in quick succession. The brushes are also almost as wide as the robot.
*Important Information*
Earlier on we looked at the new and improved technology inside Dolphin robotic pool cleaners, so it seems like a waste of time going over everything again. You should know the flagship Dolphin Quantum contains all of them with a couple of exceptions.
It doesn’t use the advanced anti-tangle software like you’ll find on a few of the other models. Dolphin decided to stick with their wonderful swivel cable technology. The only other big thing missing is the lack of MyDolphin allowing you to operate the robot from your phone.
Read our comprehensive review of the Maytronics Dolphin Quantum.
Specs (Dolphin Quantum):
- Operating cost : Approximately 5 cents per hour
- Electrical input : 115 volts, plugs into a standard wall outlet
- Cycle time : 2.5 hours. Faster cleaning for improved energy savings
- Warranty : 2 yr limited warranty -not pro-rated – not limited to hours/cycles
- Cable : 60 feet thermoplastic rubber cable reduces frictional drag
- Compatibility : Gunite, concrete, tile, fiberglass or vinyl-lined up to 55 in long
- Service type : DIY serviceable in 10-15 minutes by the dealer or owner
- Wattage : 180 watts
- Dry weight : 22 lbs.
Learn more by visiting the Dolphin Quantum site.
Dolphin Nautilus Plus CC | Maytronics Robotic Pool Cleaner
Model : 99996403-PC — CleverClean Model
Features:
- Top-Filter access allows for extremely easy filter cleaning.
- CleverClean Technology cleans the floor, walls, and waterline.
- Extra-Large filter capacity means fewer filter cleanings!
- Maytronics patented floating, swivel cable ensures optimal, tangle-free pool coverage.
- Easy Fix modular technology.
- 2 Year Warranty.
CleverClean Pro 3D Sensing Technology
The CleverClean Pro 3D Sensing technology isn’t the same as the software we looked at on the Quantum, but it basically does the same thing. Once you’ve dropped your Dolphin Nautilus Plus into the water it will scan your entire pool before deciding on the best route to take.
Once it’s finished choosing the route it will take around 2 hours until it’s finished cleaning your pool. There is a programmable weekly timer built into the robot in case you want everything to be taken care of automatically once it’s figured out the dimensions of your pool.
Plus Model Has An Extra Added Brush
The active brush is really important because there is no way your pool would be cleaned effectively without it. You should be able to work out what will happen by thinking back to a time when you had to scrub bathroom tiles. Moving a brush at twice the speed will give you superior results.
It’s one of the main problems with the standard Dolphin Nautilus pool cleaner. The basic model only has one active brush. The Dolphin Nautilus Plus has two working at the same time, so your pool surfaces will end up much cleaner once the cycle is done.
The Robot Will Cover More Distance
Sometimes it’s the small things that make all the difference and this is one of them. The Dolphin Nautilus Plus CC will allow you to clean swimming pools 50 feet long, but if you have the standard model it will drop down to 40 feet. Luckily everything else is the same.
You’ll have the amazing swivel cable Dolphin is known for and it will stop anything from getting tangled no matter the size or shape of the pool. It’s also capable of dealing with any surfaces like vinyl, fiberglass, tile, pebble, and lots of others.
You’ll Find It Very Easy To Use
The old Nautilus models were a right pain because you could only access the cartridge filter system from underneath the robot. Now everything can be accessed from the top within seconds, plus it’s extra large on the Plus model meaning you get to clean it less often.
Its extra size does mean the Dolphin Nautilus Plus CC is nearly twice as heavy, but it’s only 22 pounds so it shouldn’t cause anyone who can swim much difficulty. Like all Dolphin models, once it’s been plugged into the outlet it will be ready to clean up straight away.
Top View | Nautilus Plus CC| Maytronics Robotic Pool Cleaner
It Has Easy Fix Modular Technology
This feature could tip you over the edge because you’ll be able to fix your Dolphin Nautilus Plus by yourself. The easy fix modular technology breaks down the robot into parts, so if you have any issues it’s simply a case of swapping out the broken one.
It doesn’t seem fair when you consider the Nautilus Plus also comes with a 2-year warranty like the Dolphin Quantum. If you decide you want the standard Nautilus you won’t get the easy fix modular technology and your warranty will only last for 12 months.
Read our comprehensive review of the Maytronics Dolphin Nautilus Plus CC.
Dolphin Triton Plus PS | Maytronics Robotic Pool Cleaner
Model: 99996212-us — PowerStream
Features:
- 50% lighter than original models.
- One hour QuickClean or 2 hour cycle time.
- Cleans Floor, Wall and Waterline.
- For pools up to 50 feet. Includes a 60 ft. cable.
- PowerStream Technology – enhanced pin-point turning and climbing abilities for a deeper clean.
- MyDolphin – Allows bluetooth remote control capabilities using your smartphone.
- Wall Climbing and Cleaning Scrubs floor and walls, removes algae and bacteria.
- Weekly Timer with Industry-leading energy efficiency.
- Easy to clean Extra-Large filter basket with 4 Fine and 4 Ultra Fine Filters for debris removal and excellent filtration.
- Software controlled anti-tangling algorithms to prevent the cable from tangling over the course of the cycle.
- Active Brushing – Large Active Scrubbing Brush Spins at 2X the speed of the robot to power through debris.
- Filtration – Extra-Large easy clan net basket + choice of ultra-fine (Top access).
- 24 month warranty bumper-to-bumper.
- Swivel cable prevents tangling.
- 2 year warranty.
Overview | Maytronics Dolphin Triton Plus PS 99996212-us
Comes With Built-In PowerStream Technology
The Triton models only have one active brush, yet they’re still capable of cleaning your pool better than nearly every other model available. This is because it has PowerStream technology built into it, which helps the robot climb up pool walls.
When it’s able to climb up walls easier it will be able to give them a deeper clean. The technology also has an extra feature to make sure it doesn’t miss anything. Its enhanced pin-point turning capabilities will guarantee it doesn’t miss an inch of the pool.
It Has A One Hour Quick Clean Cycle
Time is a huge factor when using robotic pool cleaners for the reasons we’ve already discussed. If you compare any of these models to ones in years gone by you’ll notice they have shaved around an hour of a cleaning cycle. The Dolphin Triton Plus takes it to the next level.
You’ll now have the option of setting it to the Quick Clean cycle, which will see your entire pool scrubbed within an hour. It has the ability to do this in swimming pools up to 50 feet long and will hit the waterline, cove, walls, and floor of any pool surface.
The MyDolphin Bluetooth Remote Control
On the old Dolphin Triton Plus model it did come with a remote control, but it was as basic as they come. The brand new standard Triton doesn’t even have any way you can access the robot by remote control, whereas the Plus model has the wonderful MyDolphin technology.
Once you’ve set up the app you’ll have full control over the robot, including the ability to focus on a particular area of your pool. If it’s already submerged you’ll be able to start a cleaning cycle if you haven’t bothered to program them in.
You’ll Get Advanced Anti-Tangle Software
There are a couple of anti-tangle options depending on the Dolphin Triton you buy. If you only get the standard model you’ll be left with the swivel cable, which is good enough even though it’s not new and exciting. You’ll need the Plus model for the latest technology.
Its advanced anti-tangle software comes built into it and it will save you a lot of time. When your robot pool cleaner could potentially be operating while you’re out of town it might be a good idea to have the best anti-tangle solution possible if you don’t want to end up disappointed.
Old vs New Triton Plus Models
Extremely Helpful Full Cartridge Indicator
The cartridge filter system is the same on both the Dolphin Nautilus and Triton robots. On the Plus models your cartridge will be extra large to help you clean it easier and gather more debris. Surprisingly both still weigh around 16 pounds.
You’ll find the big difference between each model is the presence of a full cartridge indicator on the Dolphin Triton Plus PowerStream. It won’t come into the equation if you clean out your robot all the time, but it’s a great feature if you don’t.
Please Note: The Dolphin Nautilus Plus and Triton Plus come with many of the features we’ve already discussed, so we haven’t went into depth on their full capabilities. If you want to know more about things like the debris quick release system and 2 micron filters click on the links.
Read our comprehensive review of the Maytronics Dolphin Triton Plus (PowerStream Model).
The Dolphin Quantum Is One Of A Kind
It’s going to be a very long time before you’ll ever see a robotic pool cleaner that can stand up to the Dolphin Quantum. The Nautilus Plus and Triton Plus models are excellent too. Thanks to the time and money Maytronics invested recently these pool cleaners really will make your life so much easier.
The only difficult decision you have to make now is deciding which one you’re going to pick up. If you’re smart you’ll click over to Amazon in order to read the reviews customers have left. When making a big purchase you want as much unbiased advice as possible before getting your credit card out.
These three Maytronics Dolphin Pool cleaners are a reflection of the commitment Maytronics has to their already impressive robotic pool cleaner lineup. You can select any of these models and you won’t be disappointed. Not only do these models look terrific, but they are truly modern and technologically advanced — engineered to perfection.
