Confused about Dolphin models

Brian A

Bronze Supporter
Apr 2, 2020
12
Frisco, TX
Pool Size
15000
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Hayward Turbo Cell (T-CELL-5)
I am interested in the S200, been reading way too many reviews that are very confusing. Does the S200 clean the waterline, I've seen different information on that. Wondering if I need to move up to the S300.

Also, anybody have information on the new high end ones like the Sigma or Nautilus CC Supreme?
 
Brian,

You can spend all the money you want, but it really won't make much of a difference in how well a robot will clean your pool.

The S200 (style) robot will clean the floor, wall and waterline tile..

The only real reason to move up to the S300, is if you want a caddy... I find a caddy useless, because my robot system is mounted to a wall and always plugged in.. If you plan to move it every day, then a caddy would be handly.

I have a brand new caddy that I will give to anyone in the DFW area that wants to come get it, and who will make a $50 donation to TFP.. The only caveat is that you have to use it, you can't put it on E-bay just to make a few bucks. :mrgreen:

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
Brian,

You can spend all the money you want, but it really won't make much of a difference in how well a robot will clean your pool.

The S200 (style) robot will clean the floor, wall and waterline tile..

The only real reason to move up to the S300, is if you want a caddy... I find a caddy useless, because my robot system is mounted to a wall and always plugged in.. If you plan to move it every day, then a caddy would be handly.

I have a brand new caddy that I will give to anyone in the DFW area that wants to come get it, and who will make a $50 donation to TFP.. The only caveat is that you have to use it, you can't put it on E-bay just to make a few bucks. :mrgreen:

Thanks,

Jim R.
Now if only had a Dolphin :cheers:
 
Thanks Jim, I may take you up on that caddy!

I see Leslie's sells the Proteus DX3 which I read is the same as the S200, do you know that to be true? Decent price at $699 I think. I see the S200 for as much as $899 from 1Stop locally. May have to reach out to the store in Lakewood that you have referenced. I am only concerned with maintenance/warranty work and not having purchased locally. Not sure if it makes a difference.

Does anyone know if it makes a difference if you purchase from a local dealer vs. another city vs. online in terms of repair/warranty work?

Really appreciate all of your advice!
 
Brian,

I would not go into a Leslies to even use their bathroom.. I'd rather it just drip down my leg... :mrgreen:

While the Proteus DX3 looks the same, I doubt it is... A quick check shows it does not come with the cartridge-like fine filters.. And, there is no way Leslies, who is normally hundreds of dollars above everyone else, is going to beat Marinas price.. I would at least call Margaret and let her tell you about the DX3.. more info below...

1 year warranty and no swivel on the cable, and does NOT do waterline tile... S200 has better filters, 2 year warranty and does waterline tile and has a swivel.. yea!!! almost the same.. :poke:

As usual, Leslies proves to be the place where I would never buy any equipment...

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
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Here is a site that tried to make heads or tails of these annoyingly pervasive model types Dolphin puts out there. It showed these as the same...

Be aware that this site is not correct.
Doheny's Saturn is NOT the s200. Doheny's Discovery is the s200. This much I know.
Check it for yourself and look for the side vents that push the unit along the tile line and are included with the s200 and s300 line.
Not sure about the other information and models but I would double check before relying on this.
 
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Brian,

I looked at the Dolphin site and admit I did not go crazy looking , but it appeared to me the S200 and the DX 3 where different.. I would make sure, before I bought one..

Jim R.
 
S200 and Proteus DX3 are different. Proteus DX3 has only 1 brush (vs. 2), does not do the waterline, and has no swivel. There are probably other differences as well.
 

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Jim, I ended up with the S200 and it seems to be working well so far. Just a few spots it doesn't quite get to but easily brushed. Appreciate all of your insights.

I am interested in that extra stand you have, maybe we can work something out!

Thanks
Brian
 
Jim, I ended up with the S200 and it seems to be working well so far. Just a few spots it doesn't quite get to but easily brushed. Appreciate all of your insights.

I am interested in that extra stand you have, maybe we can work something out!

Thanks
Brian

I run mine a couple times a day until pollen season stops.
Also this "automation mode" works, you can control it with a smart plug

 
Mark,

So.. in the auto mode does it run until you shut if off, or does it run 2 hours and then shuts off, and only comes back on again when you command it?

Jim R.
I am still learning. Tonight it was off and wouldn’t turn on until I pushed the power button. But during the day I would start and set it to turn off 2 hours later. Then could do it again.
Not 100% sure how it works yet
 
My old Polaris (with booster pump) has given up the ghost after 8 years. I am now in the market for a new vacuum. Do you guys suggest a Dolphin over another Polaris? How does one make the decision?
100%. You can provide a few details on your pool but the Dolphin S200, Dolphin Active 20 or Pentair Warrior SE are all the same and roughly $700 at Marina Pool amd Spa. Call them to order, no online for this item due to manufacturer requirements.
 
My old Polaris (with booster pump) has given up the ghost after 8 years. I am now in the market for a new vacuum. Do you guys suggest a Dolphin over another Polaris? How does one make the decision?
My old Polaris (with booster pump) has given up the ghost after 8 years. I am now in the market for a new vacuum. Do you guys suggest a Dolphin over another Polaris? How does one make the decision?

I had a Polaris 360 that ran off pump pressure..It ran 24x7 and I thought it did a good job.
Then this year I bought a Warrior SE ( dolphin s200 ) and realized my Polaris wasn't that great. I am in Marietta and it captured a LOT or yellow and tree pollen in the fine filters. The Polaris just stirred up the fine stuff.
My profile picture is it climbing and brushing the walls and tile, drives my dog nuts :)
If you can fix your Polaris for $50 maybe but I wouldn't spend money on a new one :) Plus with a Robot, you won't need to run a booster pump which will save on electricity.
 
Thank you both. I have a 32,000 gal SW pool. Longest distance is about 32 feet. I can;t tell the difference between say the Active 20 or the S200 Markayash referenced. Oh yeah, I get a lot of pine tassels and pollen. Crazy here in GA.
 

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