Doheny's Discovery, S200, Active20, Triton owners club

[KDpoolguy]

The Dolphin Cayman is a single brush cleaner whereas the Active20/S200 has two brushes (the “active” brush spins at 2X the drive speed). The S200 is the better cleaner.

Dolphin only makes one or two models for online sales. They usually have inferior warranties. I bought my unit from a local brick & mortar shop because I wanted a place to bring my robot to, not have to pay to ship it to a service center. I paid a premium for local business but knowing the shop is less than 3mi away and that they offer loaners in case of extended repairs being needed is well worth the extra cost.

Consider local if that option is available.

Great recommendation, and yes I’ve found the phone-order companies offer different units with usually 2 year warranty. I live in Palm Springs area and beyond Leslie’s Pools, no authorized Dolphin retailers. Glad you mention Cayman is not on par with A20/S200.
I’ll call Marina, I’ve seen their website but seems like a phone only scenario. Is anyone presently aware of any rebates if I order now?

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Great recommendation, and yes I’ve found the phone-order companies offer different units with usually 2 year warranty. I live in Palm Springs area and beyond Leslie’s Pools, no authorized Dolphin retailers. Glad you mention Cayman is not on par with A20/S200.
I’ll call Marina, I’ve seen their website but seems like a phone only scenario. Is anyone presently aware of any rebates if I order now?

Maytronics is responsible for the timing of their rebate offers. I think it’s too late at this point but you can call Maytronics and ask. They typically run their rebate programs between May/June and August.

 

[React]

Still can't decide between the s200/s300i... Is it really worth it to have the quick clean and diff modes? Don't want to have regrets over this and I've read arguments supporting both sides.

Any last thoughts before I pull the trigger today?

 

[ctrav]

Love my S200! Bells and whistles are nice on the 300i but I couldn't justify the additional cost. Controlling the unit from my phone seems cool but I felt this would be used a few times and then not mean much. Having the caddy would be a plus but thats about it...

Good luck...

 

[React]

Thanks Cliff I always recall you stating that it wasn't worth the extra coin for the additional technology. I'm thinking that if I need to clean the floor only or a certain section I can just run it again.

Really would have loved that rebate but cannot wait until next year. Just waiting for Marina P&S to open so I can order

 

[JoyfulNoise]

I’m contrary to Cliff - I wanted all the bell’s and whistles and I use them regularly. Just this morning I started my cleaner from the kitchen window....no need to go outside and press the button. Yesterday I wanted to just hit the floor of the pool, so I switched it to floor-only mode. Several times during the summer I used Fast Mode to quickly clean the bottom before swim parties. I just like having all the options available and not regretting it.

 

[React]

I’m contrary to Cliff - I wanted all the bell’s and whistles and I use them regularly. Just this morning I started my cleaner from the kitchen window....no need to go outside and press the button. Yesterday I wanted to just hit the floor of the pool, so I switched it to floor-only mode. Several times during the summer I used Fast Mode to quickly clean the bottom before swim parties. I just like having all the options available and not regretting it.

Well hopefully I won't regret it as I just placed an order with Marina for the S300. It's honestly only $100 more but oh well... thanks for the feedback!

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Well hopefully I won't regret it as I just placed an order with Marina for the S300. It's honestly only $100 more but oh well... thanks for the feedback!

A great purchase nonetheless. But I think with the S300 you still get the Bluetooth connectivity. So, even if you don’t have all the cleaning options available, you can still start and stop the unit using the MyDolphin App. You get about 25-30 ft so if you place the cleaner’s power supply in a location that’s accessible to your smartphone or tablet, you should be able to at least turn it on without having to go outside....assuming you left it in the pool....

 

[chiefwej]

S200, 300, 300i are the same machines. I moved from the 200 to the 300 just because I wanted the cart. It isn’t included with the 200, and since the price difference between the models is essentially the same as the cost of the cart, that was an easy choice. The 300 also gives you the option of a short, floor only cycle, or a standard 2hr wall/floor cycle, and some very basic Bluetooth functions.

The 300i is for someone who must have all the bells and whistles. The only difference between 300 and 300i is the software and which app you get for your cell phone. I have some Bluetooth controls on the 300, but after the first couple times, never use it. I don’t find that pushing a button a controller is that much of an inconvenience as opposed to getting out my phone, opening the app and waiting for it to connect, then pushing a button on the phone. Remote driving of the unit is clunky and near useless. If it doesn’t get every little bit, on the first pass, I just push the button again. But, if you really want or need every feature available, the s300i is for you.

 

[Yosh]

I have the S200, wish I had the cart. Anyone know the right cart part number? Getting a few hits but seems to be 2 different styles. Or a link to the right one.

 

[KDpoolguy]

Any input on how the Active 20/S200... works on reaching and cleaning tanning shelfs?

I know it’s a generalization, but I have to brush off my shelf and steps frequently, and since I added the shelf and rearranged steps when I redid my pool last fall, my in-floor cleaning heads weren’t plumbed to sit on the shelf. They do a good job of kicking up the dust, but the stuff that lands on the shelf and steps builds up. Hoping the robot helps, but also it’ll be another way to remove more sediment.

Yes, I’ve preached hard about my in-floor system, and I do enjoy it for its cleaning and water movement abilities, I’m doing my darnedest research to also find the best robot to add to the mix, and the Active 20 is my mark.

I’m so over vacuuming and am really busy with work that I’m lazy & throwing my old Kreepy in the pool every little while to vacuum, and since I use the spa frequently, I just hop in and do my own brushing with my feet and hands to keep it clean. The ol’ spa cleaning boogie. I have found that how I redid the pool step structure, the Kreepy no longer gets stuck at all. Hopefully that means the robot won’t get hung up either, but I’d like to be sure it gets up to the shelf.

 

[chiefwej]

I have the S300, a bench, and 8x8 shelf about 15 inches deep. I sometimes find my robot up there, but I can’t depend on him cleaning it. Each time I toss him in, I brush off the shelf and bench in a effort to get all the debris out to the bottom of the pool where he will find it. I still love my robot and he has made pool cleaning so much easier than it has ever been. I’ve had pressure side Polaris (in my previous pool), an infloor system, and the best suction side cleaner I could find, but nothing compares to a robot. Toss it in, push a button, two hours later .....clean pool! On the rare occasion that there is any debris left, just push that button again.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

There are no robots that can reliably clean shelves and steps. As Chief said, I have found my S300i up there occasionally but it’s not a guarantee or did any significant cleaning. I could drive the robot up but that would be no more efficient than me just sweeping the surfaces. Just brush the raised horizontal surfaces and the robot will handle the rest.

 

[ctrav]

Congrats on the purchase! I dont think you will be disappointed at all.

 

[GregInClaremont]

Here's what Margaret just sent me last week for current pricing. Are the A and the S series truly identical build-wise?

Currently leaning towards the s300i or a30i. For $100 more than the non i version, you get the "Bluetooth enhanced" what does that mean? vs standard Bluetooth, "delayed start" don't know what that is , and 24 month bumper to bumper warranty vs the 24 month limited

Are these features, the full bumper to bumper warranty mainly worth the $100 is the question.

I was originally set on the Amazon Nautilus CC model but after reading through these posts I redirected my attention and I'm glad I did!

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Yep, the only difference between A and S are the colors. It’s really crazy, but Maytronics has a lot of product splits based on distribution channels that has nothing to do with any mechanical or electrical differences. Blame it on the retailers and their wholesale suppliers.

 

[KDpoolguy]

View attachment 86255

Here's what Margaret just sent me last week for current pricing. Are the A and the S series truly identical build-wise?
...
I was originally set on the Amazon Nautilus CC model but after reading through these posts I redirected my attention and I'm glad I did!

I’m glad you reposted this as I called Marina and left a message to get updated pricing. I’m 60+ miles from nearest Maytronics retailer in Riverside, Calif., and just got this pricing. They only stock S-series, and don’t ship:
S200: $899.99
S300 w/caddy: $1199.99
I want to support local business, but I don’t want to drive 2 hours to pay a $200 premium.


Also was so close to hitting ‘buy’ to snag the Nautilus CC Plus on Amazon until I read this post! It’s really like buying a mattress! Same units, different branding and small differences.

 

[GregInClaremont]

I’m glad you reposted this as I called Marina and left a message to get updated pricing. I’m 60+ miles from nearest Maytronics retailer in Riverside, Calif., and just got this pricing. They only stock S-series, and don’t ship:
S200: $899.99
S300 w/caddy: $1199.99
I want to support local business, but I don’t want to drive 2 hours to pay a $200 premium.


Also was so close to hitting ‘buy’ to snag the Nautilus CC Plus on Amazon until I read this post! It’s really like buying a mattress! Same units, different branding and small differences.

Hi KD, I think we are both looking at the same model essentially. Riverside would be my closest retailer too and I'm not looking to pay $200 more to buy there either though I wish I could justify it to support a local shop. Everything is just more expensive here, gas, water, pools!

The A30i/S300i looks like a really good deal from what I can see if having the cart and the bumper to bumper warranty are important to you. I started zeroing in on the s200 as well until I got the spec and pricing sheet from Marina, it's helped me a bit though I think I'm drawn to the slightly better warranty at the moment of the 300i.

I'm planning to call Marina tomorrow to purchase mine actually but am teetering between the the i and non i versions.

Anyone have any major problems that the standard warranty would NOT cover during their first 2 years of ownership?

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Hi KD, I think we are both looking at the same model essentially. Riverside would be my closest retailer too and I'm not looking to pay $200 more to buy there either though I wish I could justify it to support a local shop. Everything is just more expensive here, gas, water, pools!

The A30i/S300i looks like a really good deal from what I can see if having the cart and the bumper to bumper warranty are important to you. I started zeroing in on the s200 as well until I got the spec and pricing sheet from Marina, it's helped me a bit though I think I'm drawn to the slightly better warranty at the moment of the 300i.

I'm planning to call Marina tomorrow to purchase mine actually but am teetering between the the i and non i versions.

Anyone have any major problems that the standard warranty would NOT cover during their first 2 years of ownership?

My 2 year B2B warranty will be up in April 2019. I usually put the robot away during the cold months (Dec-Mar). So, knock on wood, there will be no major issues with the unit once the warranty goes kaput.

My gut says, if it works out of the box for the first month or so in the pool, there’s a high probability you’ll never use the warranty. But, like any insurance, it’s a hedge - you hate paying for it but it sure is nice to have when/if things go south. I wish their warranties were a little longer, like 2 years B2B and then some pro-rated coverage for 3 more years or so, but that’s not how Maytronics rolls....

 

[GregInClaremont]

My 2 year B2B warranty will be up in April 2019. I usually put the robot away during the cold months (Dec-Mar). So, knock on wood, there will be no major issues with the unit once the warranty goes kaput.

My gut says, if it works out of the box for the first month or so in the pool, there’s a high probability you’ll never use the warranty. But, like any insurance, it’s a hedge - you hate paying for it but it sure is nice to have when/if things go south. I wish their warranties were a little longer, like 2 years B2B and then some pro-rated coverage for 3 more years or so, but that’s not how Maytronics rolls....

Yeah, I get what you're saying. If I can get parts for the thing I'm not too woried (long term) but after reading some reviews on the Amazon Nautilus CC, it seems like one power supply failure can be costly and at least with that model, there's been a few!

Im going to see if I can find out about what is covered under the limited warranty on the Maytonics site.