Debating on Robot models, do I need waterline cleaning for an above ground pool?

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Stylez78

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Apr 16, 2023
40
Long Island, NY
Wanted to change this thread as I am now debating over some robot model and not sure what features I need for my pool. It is a 24' round above ground vinyl liner pool. Most reviews of the more premium robots all are for in-ground pools and even these are listed as for in-ground pools.

The biggest thing when looking at a few models like the E10 vs E20 vs something like the DX4 or the E30 is the wall cleaning vs waterline cleaning. The E10 cleans the floor only. E20 Floor and climbs walls. E30, DX4, Triton, Qunatum etc all do Floors, wall and waterline. Does waterline cleaning work on above ground and specifically round pools or is it a waste of the extra $400.

I am curious if anyone else has an above ground pool and if they have a waterline cleaning model and how it fairs and how they like it.
 
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Many of the robots have optional fine filter bags. Mine does and it picks up the really fine stuff that the regular bag misses. I am very happy with my robot but it was $1500 too. It is truly set and forget. Cleans the pool really well in around 2-3 hours.
 
We started with a vacuuming system (Shark): awkward and pia.

Second year we bought a Dolphin E10 (we call it Einstein), third year we bought a fine-basket for Einstein. Einstein suits our needs perfectly; he misses some areas, so we must manually steer him, which is entertaining and much cheaper than remote control. Spare parts are available; we bought new filter panels last season.

We are about to open our pool for its seventh season :)
 
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Researching this as well. Seems like the forum recommends the E10 or E20? My sand filter is not picking up fine particles well and I HATE dealing with the vacuum hose and manual cleaning, saving me an hour a week working better seems worth it to me.

Is the E10 still the preferred model?
 
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FYI E10 thread:

Dolphin E10 Review

I wasn't sure exactly when I would be getting a cleaning robot, but did a lot of reading to find one that could scrub but hopefully be under $ 400 ish. Matt's (Joyfullnoise) post with his recent robot purchase got me motivated to at least see what was available now and I'm really glad I did my...
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
 
With all the Crud dumping in my pool this spring I said screw it and ordered the E10. Got 50 bucks off with my Lowe’s card coupon. Should be here Friday. Next thing may be a solar cover :unsure:
 
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I'm still on the fence of the E10 vs E20 vs E30/DX4/Quantum. Seems to be the E10 does just floors. E20 does Floors and Walls and the DX4/E30/Quantum do Floors, Wall and Waterline scrubbing and has the tangle free cord.

Price point wise seems the E20 seems to be the option to go with but I'm not sure if the $400 more for waterline scrubbing is worth it vs just use my brush.
 
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I would recommend buying the best you can afford to help out with the cleaning. I would hate to have purchased something while always wishing I would of purchased something better.
With me, I purchased my robot in 2017 for my aboveground pool and am still using that same robot with my new (little over a year old) inground pool. I am glad I spent the extra money to purchase more than I thought I needed at the time, and I hope it keeps on working for another 6 years. LOL
 
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2FUGBiv.mp4

I linked a time lapse of the E10 working. Not sure if everyone can see it
 
I have the nautilus cc- it does floors & walls. It hangs out & scrubs the waterline for a second vertically then goes back down. Dedicated “waterline” bots move horizontally at the waterline. It only has 1 brush. I find the nautilus cc’s abilities to be sufficient for my 33’ vinyl lined pool.
It also has the longer cord, a schedule option, & the ability to use automation mode (which is what I use with a smart plug).
Its like the body of the e10 with the options of a higher priced bot & a price in between.
 
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Tried to catch Robert the robot 🤖 on video during his rounds climbing the wall this morning but his run was about over when I saw your thread.
 
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I appreciate all the feedback and the videos!! The more I am thinking on this I think I may just go middle of the road with the E20 or the Nautilus CC depending on the price. I know the Polaris evo 502 is a potential option too. I got a nice price from Marina on the Prowler 920, I just think the waterline scrubbing is just not worth the extra $ for me and my situation. I'll keep you all posted on what I eventually get!
 
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Man...this is another decision I have spent more time on then I probably should have. Issue I am having right now is I called the Marina spa place lot of people recommend here and they really don't have any introductory level Maytronics/Dolphin models available. It pretty much the Active 30, Active 40, M600 or the E70. All 4 of those are like $1100+ and just more than I want to spend. The price on the Prowler 920 was good but they offered another potential model that does Floor/wall/waterline and it $120 cheaper. It is the Aquabot Evo 604 but I can't seem to find pretty much any reputable reviews on it, like that is has dual brushes for the price range but the filter basket is quite different and doesn't seem easy to find a replacement. ughh decisions decisions
 
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Stylez78 said:
Man...this is another decision I have spent more time on then I probably should have. Issue I am having right now is I called the Marina spa place lot of people recommend here and they really don't have any introductory level Maytronics/Dolphin models available. It pretty much the Active 30, Active 40, M600 or the E70. All 4 of those are like $1100+ and just more than I want to spend. The price on the Prowler 920 was good but they offered another potential model that does Floor/wall/waterline and it $120 cheaper. It is the Aquabot Evo 604 but I can't seem to find pretty much any reputable reviews on it, like that is has dual brushes for the price range but the filter basket is quite different and doesn't seem easy to find a replacement. ughh decisions decisions
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Do you have a local store that sells & services dolphins? That’s often a good choice since you can just take it there if you have problems vs shipping it back yourself.
Also you can buy certain ones on Amazon like the nautilus cc/ e20 or an e10 if you don’t need the extra cable or scheduling.
people have noted that they were able to add a lawn & garden extended warranty when purchasing on Amazon. I was ok with knowing I had extended warranty protection through my credit card.
Go on the maytronics website & find the one you want (the features you desire) - if it’s available for purchase online it will direct you there. If its a brick & mortar model it will send you to the dealer locator.
 
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Mdragger88 said:
Do you have a local store that sells & services dolphins? That’s often a good choice since you can just take it there if you have problems vs shipping it back yourself.
Also you can buy certain ones on Amazon like the nautilus cc/ e20 or an e10 if you don’t need the extra cable or scheduling.
people have noted that they were able to add a lawn & garden extended warranty when purchasing on Amazon. I was ok with knowing I had extended warranty protection through my credit card.
Go on the maytronics website & find the one you want (the features you desire) - if it’s available for purchase online it will direct you there. If its a brick & mortar model it will send you to the dealer locator.
Click to expand...
Yeah initially I was going to get the E20 or the CC on Amazon but thought to check with Marina first since many people here swear by them and that there prices are really unbeatable. The prowler 920 by pentair looks like a maytronics/dolphin clone and at the price point doesn't seem too bad but for $779 for the EVO 604 and it feature set seems really good, I just don't know much about this Aquabot brand even though they do have a service center about 20 min from me. analysis paralysis for me it seems.
 

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