Always nice to be back in the groove. Last week was dedicated to the black sheep of the Dolphin range. Now we are back in familiar territory. The Atlantis, Apollo and Apollo Plus follow Dolphins usual three tiered formula. Each share core functions, but each one is slightly more complicated than the last. And more expensive to boot. I think I’ll be referring to these three as the Greek range for convenience.
The Atlantis is the least of the three. But don’t let that dissuade you from considering this low priced option. The core feature set of the Dolphin line puts many more expensive options from other firms to shame. If I were to compare this build to another bot from Maytronic it would be the DX3, but only because of the filter bag system. There are ways around that though.
So let’s dive right in, see if the Atlantis is worth your tie and money.
Maytronics Dolphin Atlantis Design and Build Quality
There is one major indicator of build quality, and that is the name on the box. Maytronic have a wide range of products, and are something of a powerhouse in the industry. If they produced a bad product it would be ruinous, so you will find that all of their products are to the same high standard. I will be doing a short exposé on a few of the worst robotic pool cleaning robots in the near future, but a nice short hand is a simple shake. A good robotic pool cleaner will have little to no rattle, the parts should fit flush. Aesthetically I love this one. I am not usually one for the color yellow, but it looks well here. The twin handle adds some nice symmetry too.
Overall this is a great build, and there is some nice attention to detail with the design. The look of the bot should not have to high a priority, but it can be useful when trying to pick between a few similar products.
Maytronics Dolphin Atlantis Features and Specs
It may lack features when compared to the rest of the Greek line, but this entry level Dolphin robotic pool cleaner can still do everything you would want it to. Design to work in in ground pools up to 50′ in length, we have the usual 60′ Dolphin patented swivel cable. The cable is tangle resistant by design, and those in the know, know that a tangled line is responsible for the vast majority of cycle stops. Not all companies have this as standard for some reason. In addition to cleaning the pool floor, it can also climb the pool wall. It makes the 90 degree transition with ease, thanks to Dolphin’s cylinder based propulsion system.
The build is very compact, and weighs a manageable 18.75 pounds. The handles are a little short, but that shouldn’t be a major issue. The built in pool pump is Maytronics usual high powered pump, able to filter 4,233 gallons of water per hour. Cycle time is 3 hours, not the quickest in the Dolphin line, but a good time nonetheless.
This is a bare bones device by Dolphin standards to be honest. But as I have mentioned before, their core feature set is hands down far and away better than than most other options on the market at the moment. This little bot does everything you need.
Maytronics Dolphin Atlantis Ease of Use
There are two kinds of robotic pool cleaner on the market at the moment. Plug and play devices, and the more complicated external pump products. I focus on the easier of the tow. These days mini pumps in self contained units are very powerful. The meanest of robotic pool cleaner is still able to filter 4322 gallons of water in an hour, so the added hassle of connecting external pumps is unnecessary. The Atlantis is a lower end product in terms of features, and as such it is one of the easiest to use. You plug it in, select a cycle and drop it in the water. Removing ti from a pool is simple, due to both, both the handles and also the light weight deign.
There is one issue though. The bottom loading filter bag. Leaving out the fact that I do not like filter bags, making you have to turn the whole bot upside down to replace the bag is a poor design decision. If you are like me and also do not like the filter bag system, then there is some good news here. The Greek bots all have a conversion kit available, allowing you to replace the bag with a filter mesh system instead.
Maytronics Dolphin Atlantis Pricing, Value, & Discounts
Here is where the choice is made for most of us. The Atlantis is a wonderful entry level product in terms of features, but after much searching I was unable to find one at a price I would call fair. You may have more luck in stores, but the range I found is between $700 and $900. For what you get that is a little excessive. Now, the usual caveat of any robotic pool cleaner saving you time, and as a result paying you back in the long run still applies, but I feel like if you are going to spend this much on a Robotic pool cleaner you can get the more fully featured mid range options in the Supreme line.
The other major cost to consider is the cost per cycle. With the Aquabot range of robotic pool cleaners I was able to provide more detailed information here, as they released the power consumption information. Not the case with Maytronics. For a rough estimate assume a power consumption of 180W and find out the price per kilowatt hour in your area. I would estimate around 10c per cycle. Not a lot of money, true, but in the long run that will add up, so best to consider it early.
I review a lot of products, and as a result I have to read through a lot of warranties. It has become a game for me, trying to find all the ways companies attempt to weasel out of liability. I had a great time breaking down the Aquabot Limited warranty. Maytronic has not made the full warranty information available to me, so I cannot at this time judge the value in the 24 month bumper to bumper warranty that comes with the Atlantis. I have contacted them and am currently waiting more information. Expect and update at some point in the future.
Is the Maytronics Dolphin Atlantis Worth Buying in 2024?
After considering several factors such as functionality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, it’s reasonable to conclude that the Maytronics Dolphin Atlantis remains a worthy investment for the coming year.
After all, the Maytronics Dolphin Atlantis isn’t just an ordinary pool cleaner; it’s a smart device that offers advanced features like automatic scheduling and intelligent navigation. With these features, you can set cleaning schedules per your convenience and let the device do the work for you. The intelligent navigation system ensures that no spot is left uncleaned. It scans and maps your pool to optimize its path, thus ensuring thorough cleaning in a shorter duration.
The device also stands out for its energy efficiency. The Maytronics Dolphin Atlantis operates independently from your pool’s pump and filter system, which significantly reduces energy consumption. This not only translates into lower electricity bills but also contributes to environmental conservation by reducing energy waste.
Another noteworthy aspect of this robotic cleaner is its durability and ease of maintenance. The device is made with high-quality materials that ensure longevity, while its design allows for effortless maintenance. These attributes eliminate frequent replacement or repair costs, providing excellent value over time.
However, the deciding factor for many prospective buyers is often the cost. Although the initial investment for the Maytronics Dolphin Atlantis might be higher compared to traditional pool cleaners, considering the device’s advanced features, energy efficiency and durability, it becomes evident that it offers excellent value for money in the long run.
Pros:
- Automatic, requires no supervision.
- Anti tangle cable
- Cleans walls
- Weekly timer function
- Wonderful simplicity
Cons:
- Bottom loading filter
- Warranty info is light on the ground.
- Far too expensive for what you get.