The Dolphin E10 sits as Maytronics' entry-level robotic pool cleaner. Built for above-ground and small inground pools, this is the little cleaner that could. However with a more affordable price tag comes a hefty tradeoff: the lack of automation, no NanoFilters, and only floor coverage.
We put the Dolphin E10 robotic pool cleaner to the test in our pool to see if it is still worth it. As usual, I will be scoring the E10 out of 5 in three categories: pool coverage, filtration ability, and feature set and warranty. Let's dive in!
First, let's look at the E10's pool coverage. The E10 is designed specifically for above ground pools, so if you are looking for a robot to clean your inground pool, this is not the robot for you probably. However, we tested it in our inground pool with no issues at all! The only caveat is it only cleans the floors.
If you are looking for a robot for your inground pool or want the absolute best performance for your above ground pool, then I would recommend checking out a range of other robots offered by Dolphin like the ProLine and Max-Series which include the high-value Dolphin Cayman, the high-powered Dolphin Quantum, and the top-of-the-line Dolphin Premier. These units will have the most desirable features if you want the best, like waterline cleaning, multiple filter options, and even a 3-year warranty on robots such as the Dolphin Premier and Dolphin Sigma. If you would like to learn more about these robots or other great options for your pool, check out the reviews I have on each of these robots and the many others out there!
If you are in the market for an above ground cleaner, though, let's get back to the Dolphin E10 and its pool coverage. After turning the E10 on and putting it into the pool, I watched it clean in a clear and thorough path, which is something I have come to expect from Dolphin cleaners. The issue I have with the E10 is that its path does not include the walls of your pool. It may occasionally climb the wall, but it is not designed to stay there long enough to really clean. This is common for above-ground specific pool cleaners, but you really want a cleaner that will clean the walls.
It uses a 40ft cord, meaning the Dolphin E10 works on pools up to around 33ft per Maytronics. It doesn't utilize a swivel, but has one adjustable float for buoyancy.
I recommend looking at the Dolphin Cayman, which works great for both inground and above ground pools. The Cayman is comparably priced and can climb and clean your walls. It will even reach the waterline occasionally, while the E10 will leave you with manually scrubbing your pool walls. While it may clean the floor of your pool with the power and precision I have come to expect from Dolphin cleaners, its lack of wall cleaning is a big letdown. Especially when the Dolphin Cayman can do all the E10 can and more, which results in a much easier clean, leaving you with more time to enjoy your pool. For these reasons, I have to give the E10 a 3/5 in pool coverage.
Next, let's look at the E10's filtration ability. The E10 is an entry-level cleaner, which means you will not find multiple filter options here, but the one you do have offers a solid all-around clean. Most above ground pools just need a standard clean, and this is exactly what the standard filter basket from Dolphin offers.
It is fine enough for most microscopic debris and large enough for some leaves and twigs. If your pool does struggle with cloudy water, though, it may be worth considering a unit like the Dolphin Quantum, which comes with an NanoFilter specifically designed to clear up cloudy water.
For most above ground pools, though, the standard filter basket is all you need, but if you do struggle with cloudy water or leaves, it won't quite cut it. For these reasons, I have to give the E10 a 3.5/5 in filtration ability. Its filter is easu to accdess and does a good job, but not in all cases.
Finally, there is the E10's feature set and warranty. When it comes to features, the E10 is very simple. It offers a solid clean and a simple on and off switch, but that is all. Let me tell you, after using this unit for a few weeks, it is a pain. I had to manually turn on the E10 every time I wanted to run it.
This barebones design may be all you need, but if you want an even easier time cleaning your pool, you will want a unit that comes with a built-in timer. With a unit like the Dolphin Cayman, all you need to do is set its cleaning schedule once a week, and it will automatically turn itself on and off to clean. With the E10, you will have to walk outside each time you want it to clean.
If you are already looking at models that can clean your walls, leaves, or cloudy water because of particular problems with your pool, the lack of a timer may be the final tipping point as it will cost you even more time.
The cleaning brush of the E10 is quite impressive, especially compared to the Aiper Seagull SE, which just has a static brush. The E10's active brush spins and scrubs away at your pool as it dislodges debris, algae, and more.
The E10 also comes with the standard 2-year warranty. While this may not be amazing, it is standard for entry-level robots and is backed by Maytronics. I have worked with them in the past to repair and return robots, and they have always been very easy to work with, so that is a big plus. With a simple design and a warranty backed by Maytronics, I have to give the E10 a 3/5 in the feature set and warranty category.
Totaling these scores, the E10 scores a 6.3 out of 10, making it a decent robot but not perfect. Its lack of wall climbing, multiple filtration options, and lack of a timer hold the E10 back from greatness. If you want a robot that can clean the walls of your pool, check out the Dolphin Cayman, and if a timer is something you want, the Cayman has that too.
Check back soon with the Pool Pad team, as we will be constantly letting you in on the best products and methods to keep your pool clean and healthy.
The Dolphin E10 is solid cleaner, especially for smaller pools. It's easy to clean, but lacks automation and a weekly timer that we'd want to see.
