There is an interesting pattern emerging from the Dolphin robotic pool cleaner stable. The Deluxe 4 has been covered here in brief before, in my review of the Discovery. It is not the only clone in the hen house though, as Dolphin seem to have minor variants of all their builds in a variety of online and offline retailers. I imagine this is to get around the exclusivity deals made with said retailers, and while it might not be too great a thing for them to have the same bot available from a rival, it can only be a great thing for us, the consumer.
The Deluxe 4, as I mentioned before, is a riff on the Discovery, and that bot was fully featured, if a little on the expensive side. Let’s see if the Deluxe 4 can change my opinion on the build. The Deluxe 4 has a few extra minor features over the Discovery, but we lose a few things too, most obvious of which is the remote control options. I’m always enthused by a remote control bot, but I realize that it is not strictly necessary.
So let’s break this bot down, see the changes made and make sure it is still worth the asking price.
Maytronics Dolphin Deluxe 4 Design and Build Quality
The Maytronics Dolphin Deluxe 4 Robotic Pool Cleaner is an impressive piece of technology that has proven to be a game-changer in pool maintenance. Its build quality is one aspect that significantly stands out, making it a preferable choice for many pool owners. The robustness and durability of this device are evident right from the moment you unbox it. Indeed, the Maytronics Dolphin Deluxe 4 exudes confidence, assuring you of its ability to handle the task at hand.
The build quality of the Maytronics Dolphin Deluxe 4 is simply top-notch. The outer shell is made of high-quality plastic material that is not only sturdy but also resistant to the harsh chlorine and other chemicals present in pool water. This ensures that the device can stand up to regular use without any significant wear and tear. It’s clear that Maytronics has invested a lot in ensuring this pool cleaner can withstand the rigors of its job, and it shows in its performance.
The internal components of the Maytronics Dolphin Deluxe 4 are equally impressive. The robotic pool cleaner features dual scrubbing brushes and a powerful suction motor, all incorporated into a compact yet resilient body. The brushes are firm and durable, capable of effectively scrubbing away dirt and algae from your pool’s walls and floor. Meanwhile, the suction motor is strong and reliable, ensuring that all debris is efficiently sucked up into the large, easy-to-clean filter basket.
One of the most notable aspects of the build quality of this cleaner is its weight. Despite its robust construction and powerful features, the Maytronics Dolphin Deluxe 4 manages to maintain a lightweight profile. This makes it easy to handle and maneuver, whether you’re placing it in the pool or removing it after a cleaning cycle.
The Maytronics Dolphin Deluxe 4 Robotic Pool Cleaner is also designed with user-friendly features such as its patented swivel cable which prevents tangling during operation, and the easy-to-read indicators that keep you informed about the device’s status. These thoughtful design elements further contribute to the overall premium build quality of this pool cleaner.
Maytronics Dolphin Deluxe 4 Features and Specs
The Maytronics Dolphin Deluxe 4 is designed with advanced technology to ensure a thorough clean every time. It uses an intelligent scanning system which maps out the dimensions of your pool and determines the most efficient route for cleaning. This ensures that no spot is missed, providing a comprehensive clean that reaches every corner of your pool.
One of the most notable features of this robotic cleaner is its powerful dual-drive motor and split brushes. This combination enables it to scrub away stubborn dirt and debris from your pool surfaces, leaving them spotless. The split brushes are designed to effectively clean even the most challenging surfaces, such as tiled or pebble pools.
Another standout feature of the Maytronics Dolphin Deluxe 4 is its superior filtration system. This system captures and retains all types of debris, including fine particles and larger leaves, ensuring your pool stays crystal clear. Moreover, it comes with a large, easy-to-clean filter cartridge, making maintenance a breeze.
What’s more, this high-tech cleaner also offers convenience with its fully automated cleaning cycles. Once programmed, it can clean your pool at set intervals without any intervention. This means you can sit back, relax and let the Maytronics Dolphin Deluxe 4 do all the hard work for you.
In addition to its impressive cleaning capabilities, the Dolphin Deluxe 4 is also energy-efficient. Unlike older models of pool cleaners that can consume a lot of power, this device operates on low voltage, saving you on energy costs.
Maytronics Dolphin Deluxe 4 Ease of Use
One of the best features of the Maytronics Dolphin Deluxe 4 is its plug-and-play functionality. It doesn’t require any complicated setup or programming. Simply plug it into a power source, place it in your pool, and it’s ready to go to work. With its smart navigation system, the cleaner efficiently scans your pool, ensuring every inch is cleaned without any manual intervention.
The device also comes with a user-friendly control panel that allows you to set up cleaning schedules according to your convenience. Whether you want it to clean daily, every other day, or every three days, all it takes is a press of a button, and the Maytronics Dolphin Deluxe 4 will do the rest. This convenience extends to handling as well; thanks to its lightweight design and quick water release feature, removing it from the pool is as simple as its operation.
Maintenance of the Maytronics Dolphin Deluxe 4 is equally straightforward. The top-loading cartridge system makes it easy to remove and clean the filters. Furthermore, since it operates independently of your pool’s pump system, there’s no need for any additional connections or pre-installation work.
Maytronics Dolphin Deluxe 4 Pricing, Value, & Discounts
I tend to think of the price section as the most important bit. I have fallen in love with a product in the past only to find the asking price so unreasonable that I stopped caring. Well I was utterly surprised by the price range of thew Deluxe 4. $600 to $800 range for this bot. That is astounding to me. All the features of an entry level bot with a few extras on top, at an entry level price?
How the Deluxe 3 retails for the same price is beyond me. Remember to look out for the Dolphin Discovery as well, and find the best price. I always say that any robotic pool cleaner will have paid for itself in free time within a year, but I have to lower the timescale for this one. Great bargain here.
The other cost to consider is the price per cycle. Now this will vary from place to place, as the price per kilowatt hour does differ, and Maytronics have not released the power consumption information on their bots, but I can still make a fairly accurate estimation. On average a cycle should cost around 10c, plus or minus 5c. Not a huge sum to be honest, but when you buy a new piece of tech the running costs will add up over time. Better then I think to consider them early.
Now to the warranty. I usually break down the warranty piece by piece to find its value. I did it with the Aquabot line, proving that while their full coverage warranty is great, their Limited warranty is significantly less so. I cannot do this for the bumper to bumper warranty offered by Maytronics on their Dolphin line. they have yet to send it to me. I emailed them regarding it a while ago, so I don’t know why it is taking so long. When they send the info then I will update this article, and all the other articles too. All I can say about it is that it is for 36 months, and bumper to bumper usually covers both parts and labor.
Maytronics Dolphin Deluxe 4 Conclusion
Well, this was a pleasant surprise. It is not often that you can get a fully featured bot in this price range. It cleans floor, walls, has a full bag indicator and a weekly timer. In terms of ease of use this ticks all the boxes. The caddy is useful and the handle is nice and long. Now, the look of the bot may leave much to be desired, but at this price I don’t care about looks anymore. Besides, a can of spray paint is cheap,right? There are a few minor issues with the core design, the use of filter bags and the bottom loading filter chamber, but they are minor. And you can convert this bot to accept filter cartridges. In all a great build.
Pros:
- Works out of the box, no need to connect it to a pool pump.
- Cleans walls and the tile line
- Caddy
- Remote control options.
- Extremely low price for what you get
- A whole host of features usually seen in more expensive builds.
Cons:
- Warranty info is light on the ground.
- Bottom loading filter