As an expert in the pool industry, I have tested and reviewed numerous pool cleaners. One of the most common questions I receive is which brand is better: Polaris or Dolphin? Both are well-known and reputable brands, but they have their differences. In this article, I will share my insights and experiences to help you decide which robotic pool cleaner is the best fit for your needs.
The Battle of Debris: Polaris vs Dolphin
When it comes to cleaning debris and leaves, Polaris takes the lead. Its models are designed to handle larger debris and leaves, making it a great choice for pools surrounded by trees.On the other hand, Dolphin excels in cleaning intermediate debris and dust. While both brands offer high-quality pool cleaners, Dolphin models tend to offer better value for money compared to other pool cleaners on the market. Not only are Dolphin models slightly more affordable, but they also save energy, resulting in long-term cost savings. As someone who has tested and used both brands extensively, I can confidently say that Dolphin offers better value for money.
The Top Picks: Dolphin Explorer E50 and Aiper Seagull SE
Now that we've established that Dolphin is the better choice overall, let's take a closer look at two of their top models: the Dolphin Explorer E50 and Aiper Seagull SE.Dolphin Explorer E50
In my tests, the Dolphin Explorer E50 scored perfectly, making it my top pick for cleaning any inground pool. With a powerful motor and excellent suction, this cleaner effortlessly cleaned my pool's stairs, walls, floors, and waterline.Its exceptional cleaning ability earned it the nickname "the Ferrari of cleaners."When I first used the Dolphin Explorer E50, my pool had a thick layer of leaves, dirt, and branches at the bottom. I was impressed by how easily the cleaner picked up both large and small debris, and even collected finer debris with its double-filtered waste basket. The basket was also large enough to clean my entire pool without needing to be emptied. One of the things I love about this cleaner is its lightweight design. I could easily drop it into the pool with one hand, and it also has a built-in handle for easy handling.
The best part? It's incredibly quiet, even when cleaning underwater or on the waterline.
Aiper Seagull SE
If you're looking for a robotic cleaner that keeps your pool spotless, the Aiper Seagull SE is an excellent choice. While it may not be as powerful as some of the more expensive models on the market, it still delivers impressive performance. During my tests, this cleaner collected almost all the debris from the bottom of my pool. I found that the Aiper Seagull SE is ideal for sweeping up pollen and debris, but it may struggle with larger debris such as leaves. However, it is compatible with both inground and raised pools, and its wireless design makes it perfect for larger pools.Plus, its battery fully charges in just 2.5 hours, so you won't have to wait long between uses.
The Ultimate Cleaning Machine: Dolphin Premier
If you want a robotic cleaner that will never leave behind debris or get clogged, look no further than the Dolphin Premier. This cleaner uses intelligent technology to navigate your pool and collect waste, making it incredibly effective and efficient. What sets this cleaner apart is its simple controls. You can easily optimize the cleaning routine without having to modify a lot of different settings. Simply drop the cleaner into the pool and press the power button.It only has one speed, but it includes a programmable timer so you can set the frequency of cleaning. When I first received the Dolphin Premier, I was impressed by how easy it was to set up. The filter was already installed, and it came with several filters for different types of waste. It includes a fine cartridge filter, an ultra-fine cartridge filter, and a large fine filter bag.
Best for Elevated Pools: Dolphin Escape
If you have an elevated pool, the Dolphin Escape is the perfect cleaner for you. During my tests, this cleaner proved to be very effective in thoroughly cleaning elevated pools.My pool is located next to a tree, so it was full of leaves and branches. However, the Dolphin Escape collected all the debris with its large waste cartridge. The robot's rollers helped it navigate and clean my pool with ease. The rubber tracks also prevent it from slipping off the pool surface. Its 40-foot cable never tangled during my tests, and it effectively cleaned all the visible dirt and leaves from nearby trees in the water. One of my favorite features of this cleaner is its top-loading filter.
It's incredibly easy to remove for rinsing and cleaning. The Dolphin Escape also easily climbed the walls of my pool, even with sharp corners and little curve in the transition between wall and floor.
The Verdict
After testing two dozen robotic pool cleaners, I can confidently say that both Polaris and Dolphin offer high-quality products. However, when it comes to value for money, Dolphin takes the lead. Their models are more affordable and energy-efficient, resulting in long-term cost savings. As for my top picks, the Dolphin Explorer E50 and Aiper Seagull SE are both excellent choices for keeping your pool clean and debris-free.If you want the ultimate cleaning machine, the Dolphin Premier is the way to go. And for elevated pools, the Dolphin Escape is the perfect choice. So, which is better, Polaris or Dolphin? In my expert opinion, Dolphin is the clear winner. With their advanced technology, efficient cleaning, and affordable prices, they are the top choice for any pool owner looking for a robotic pool cleaner.
