If you have an above ground pool or a smaller inground pool and are looking for a robotic pool cleaner, then the Dolphin Escape might just be the bot for you. So let's get the Escape into the water and see how it performs! As usual, I'll be evaluating the Escape in three categories: pool coverage, filtration ability, and its feature set and warranty. Each of these categories will be scored out of 5, so you can more easily see how it stacks up against other pool cleaners. Let's dive in!
The first test I run every pool cleaner through is to watch it complete a cleaning cycle, with an eye on its pool coverage. To start the Dolphin Escape, I simply plugged it in, and the Escape was off and cleaning. The Escape is intended for above ground pools and smaller inground pools, so that means no waterline cleaning here, but it does clean the floor of your pool.
While it is only rated for floor, we noticed it would climb up the wall partially and bounce back down. Which is a nice touch, compared to other models which don't have tracks to climb like the Escape.
While stuck to the floor, the Escape's strong brush gets rid of all that stuck-on debris and algae. This means that once the Escape is in your pool, you will have only the most basic pool maintenance, as it will keep your pool clean and your water circulated.
One other key piece of the Dolphin Escape's cleaning coverage is Smart Nav 2.0. We all have probably seen the old suction or pressure side cleaners that were popular for decades, and one of their biggest flaws is their inefficiency. They had weak motors that use up 90% more energy than the powerful motors in the Dolphin Escape, and they did not have a mapping system. This meant that they used up a lot of energy to just wander around your pool. They often got stuck and ran over the same spot again and again.
The Escape won't have any of these issues though as it has powerful motors that use less energy, but it also has Smart Nav 2.0. This software creates a map of your pool as the Escape moves around your pool. The Dolphin Escape knows what it has cleaned and what needs to be cleaned, so it never wastes a minute.
With Hypergrip tracks, strong scrubbing brush, powerful motors, and Smart Nav 2.0, the Escape scores a 4.5/5 in pool coverage. It is a powerful cleaner that can cover everything you need it to in an above ground or small inground pool.
Next, there is the Dolphin Escape's filtration ability. The Escape comes with a standard, large filter basket. This can pick up both larger debris and filter out smaller debris, making it great for your average pool clean.
If you struggle with cloudy water, like I sometimes do, then you may want to add the optional Nanofilters. You can purchase one of these for a little extra, or if you want more features, like a programmable timer and waterline cleaning, and a NanoFilter, I recommend looking at the Dolphin Quantum.
At this price point, I don't expect to see NanoFilters though, so this isn't a huge deal, but it is worth noting. When it comes to filtration ability, I give the Escape a 4/5.
Finally, let's look at the feature set and warranty of the Dolphin Escape. The Escape is a no-frills, get-it-done sort of robot, so when it comes to extra features, all it has is a simple on and off button to get the unit up and running. Sometimes all you need is a quick and simple cleaning, and no extra features or frills. Not to mention the fact that the Escape is already taking most of the pool cleaning off of your shoulders, so just pressing a button isn't too bad in comparison.
If you would like the ability to schedule your pool cleaner though, I would recommend the Dolphin Cayman, as it offers scheduling ability as well as great cleaning ability at a great price.
The warranty on the Escape is also quite competitive, as it comes with a 2-year warranty backed by Maytronics. I have had to work with Maytronics customer support in the past, and they have a great team that makes the warranty process super easy.
For the feature set and warranty, I have to give the Escape a 4/5. It delivers all you need it to and nothing more, and sometimes that is all you need.
In conclusion, the Dolphin Escape scores an 8.7 overall. This makes it a great choice for above ground and smaller inground pools, as it offers a great clean and blows suction and pressure side cleaners out of the water. I love how simple the Escape is to set up and maintain, and how it knows that sometimes all you need is a great clean.
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!
