Well I have come across some intriguing information. After my review of the Dolphin Endeavor I did a little digging. I was confused as to why Maytronics seemingly released a clone of one of their own products, in this case the Endeavor is the same model as the Dolphin Atlantis. It has a better color scheme, and it comes with a few handy accessories, but beyond that it is the same machine. It turns out that Maytronics release their hardware in slightly different configurations to different outlets. This is not a bad thing, as it means that you can shop around for a variety of different models, all functionally identical, getting the lowest price possible. The only downside from my perspective is the my need now to go back and add in details of model clones. But that can only be good news for you.
The Dolphin Oasis Z5 is a riff on the Triton Plus, itself a riff on the Explorer Plus. I have yet to get round to those models, and know I don’t have to. The Oasis Z5 is a fully featured machine, and it is nice to seem some fundamental design changes in line with my own opinions. The core Dolphin feature set is there to be lauded, but the Oasis also comes with top loading filter access, which if you read my previous articles on robotic pool cleaners you will know I loathe.
So let’s see what this robotic pool cleaner can do, see if it’s the right product for you.
Maytronics Dolphin Oasis Z5 Design and Build Quality
On to the look of the thing, and I have mentioned in the past that I prefer a sleek design. What we have here is far from a sleek design. It does not live up to my personal design sensibilities, and I know Dolphin can do it as they have in the past. In saying that, it does look very tank like, which belays its strength. I love the blue finish, which I prefer over the Explorer Plus iterations deep grey and other grey combo chassis. The handle is high and tight, which is great because this is not a light build, you will need to use that handle when getting it out of the water.
Overall this build is fantastic, Maytronic know how t build a robotic pool cleaner, and I know how to tell the bad from the good, so bear my advice in mind when you remove it from the box. While it might not win any beauty pageants, it does at least look fit for purpose, and there is little else you can ask from it really.
Maytronics Dolphin Oasis Z5 Features and Specs
The big three in the Dolphin Stable are packed full of amazing features. Let’s get the Dolphin standards out of the way first, then we can dive into the details here. this is an in ground pool cleaning robot, with a 60′ cable. The cable uses patented swivel tech, making it much more difficult to tangle. A tangled cable is probably the number one reason for cycle stoppages, after maybe rocks in the pool. The base brushes are both high quality and high powered, able to scrub a pool floor like no other, though perhaps out done by the power washing feature seen in some Aquabot builds. Unlike most Aquabot builds though, this bot can make that transition to the pool wall, regardless of angle. A full 90 degree transfer is a rare thing, though the vast majority of Dolphin builds come with that functionality. It cleans from bottom to lip, and it saves tremendous time overall.
The cartridge mesh system found in the Oasis Z5 is my personal preference. Filter bags are a little more cumbersome, and are prone to folding, thus preventing the bot from picking finer debris. The fine mesh here does a great job of filtering out the worst from your pool, even if cleaning the bot when it’s full can be a little cumbersome. The cycle time is 1.5 hours, with an option for a longer 2.5 hour clean. This is as fast as a Dolphin robotic pool cleaner can go, and is one of the more impressive cycle times on the market. The internal pump is the standard Dolphin pump, able to filter 4,322 gallons of water per hour, leaving your pool crystal clear.
It lacks the full filter indicator, seen in a few other models,, but it does come with some remote control options. Again, without a dual drive motor the mobility is limited. The handy caddy that comes with the Oasis is great, and considering the heft in this build something of a god send.
Overall there is a lot to like. A few missing features, sure, but they are hardly deal breakers. The bonus caddy is nice, and the core features of the build are all must have.
Maytronics Dolphin Oasis Z5 Ease of Use
There are really only two kinds of robotic pool cleaner. The easy to use, and the not so easy to use. I focus on the easy to use, what is the point in buying a robotic pool cleaner to free up your time if you have to spend excessive time setting it up? There isn’t one. Some robotic pool cleaners require extensive set up, external pumps and sometimes even external filters. The Oasis Z5 is an all in one device, and as such it is inherently easy to use. All you have to do is plug it in and drop it in the water. The handy remote makes controlling it easy, and setting new cycle times is just a button press away. Technically the remote movement options make this less easy to use than some of the cheaper models, but I feel that is a fair trade off for the added control.
The Oasis Z5 is a deceptively light weight machine, for all of the features it packs in. 18.75 pounds may not sound like picking up the groceries, but it is one of the more manageable weights with this feature set. The handle at the top is nice and long, making ti very easy to lift it out of the water. The most impressive ease of use feature here though is the top loading filter cartridge. I have said it time and time again, I have no idea why most models are designed with a bottom loading filter. In those old models you have to flip the whole machine over to replace the bag or cartridge, and that is just unnecessary. Replacing the cartridge is straight forward, though cleaning out the machine can be troublesome.
No real issues to report in this section, unless using a remote control is a major drawback, this is a wonderfully designed build.
Maytronics Dolphin Oasis Z5 Pricing, Value, & Discounts
The other major price to concern yourself with is the cycle cost. Now with the Aquabot range I was able to provide some fairly specific estimates as to the cost to run the machine, as they released the full power consumption information. Maytronics have not done this, so I am forced to make an even rougher estimate. You need to look up the price per kilowatt hour in your area, as it does vary by provider, but on average a 180W robotic pool cleaner will cost 10c to run a full cycle. Not a huge price, I agree, but one to consider for the long term.
I love a warranty. I spend so much of my time reading them it was either learn to love it or go mad. I had a great time breaking down Aquabot’s limited warranty, revealing it to be worth less than the paper on which it is printed, but I am unable to go over Maytronics Dolphin warranties with such detail. As they have yet to give them to me. I have contacted them, and hope to hear back from them soon, but until they do I am unable to do a proper critique. Rest assured, this, and all my other Dolphin reviews, will be updated when I get the info. As it stands I cannot judge the value of their 36 month bumper to bumper warranty that comes with the Oasis Z5, though historically bumper to bumper means full coverage, so it is a safe bet.
Maytronics Dolphin Oasis Z5 Conclusion
There is almost nothing to dislike here. Maybe I would have liked to see a dual drive motor, as it would make the remote control options worth a little more, not to mention it may have gotten the cycle time down to an hour, but that is really just nit picking. What is here is fantastic, it does everything you need it to, and comes with a few time saving features. One of my favorite designs to come out of Maytronics.
Pros:
- Works out of the box, no need to connect it to a pool pump.
- Cleans walls and the tile line
- Rudimentary remote control options
- Caddy
- Range of cycle settings
- Top loading filter
Cons:
- Fairly expensive
- Warranty info is light on the ground.
