Just picked up the Dolphin Active 30i which is a new model for this year. It is the equivalent of the S300i model but just rebranded for different market, so I am told. Anyway, got an amazing deal that I couldn't pass up ($995). And yes this is for the model with full Bluetooth control. Anyhow, so far so good. I have used it twice to not only clean the pool but also test out some of the features. As far as unit itself, it's pretty lightweight, which is great as I can teach my girls how to use and put in the pool. It has the ability to setup weekly cleaning schedule, delayed start and various cleaning cycles. I've used just 2, Standard which includes floors and waterline and just the floor. The cleaning itself is pretty great and the floors feel squeaky clean. Definitely an improvement over my Zodiac MX8. The MX8 was good for the money but was not performing as well as when I first got it thus my reason for picking up the new Dolphin.
Back to cleaning cycle, again the 30i does a great job. I can't figure out the cleaning pattern though. To me it seems to travel odd paths but eventually does indeed get to the whole pool. The path of the MX8 was definitely more predictable. I guess as long as it gets to the whole pool I am happy. As mentioned, I tested 2 different cleaning cycles, Standard and Floor only. Standard is what you would expect, floors and the waterline. It does a good job of sliding across the sides with the side jets, almost too good. One time I did notice that it used the jets too much and spun itself off the wall and was propelling itself into the middle of the pool for a few seconds before shutting off the jets and dropping to the bottom. Only witnessed this once, so will have to take notice to see if it occurs again. For the floor mode, I did notice it will go all the way up to the wall and position itself to 90 degrees before it backs up and heads back down into another direction. I guess this is good and ensures that it is picking up all items that build up along the edge of the floor walls.
Bluetooth control. This sounded cool at first, but after using it, it's just ok. Just about all items / modes can be done directly from the power supply itself. The Bluetooth app only give you 2 additional features. First is the remote control. As you would expect, it allows you to direct the 30i to where ever you like in the event it missed a spot, or you have a particular area you want to address first. It's use was just ok for me. First, there is a delayed reaction to your movements. Second, I experienced a few bluetooth disconnects so not so great. Second option I noticed was that there were 2 additional cleaning modes. One of them is SuperClean and sorry, forgot what the other was. Haven't used either of them yet so can't comment on their usefulness. So again, this feature was just ok for me. Since I don't expect to have to use it much, I think I can live with it. A physical remote might have been better, however it's one less thing to have to worry about losing.
Maintenance. Filter cleaning is easy. Absolutely love the top pop out basket. It is pretty large and has dual filters all around. As their video shows, it is extremely easy to clean. This design really attracted me over the Z5/M5 models.
Last thing I will mention is this model does not come with the swivel cable, however for me, it appeared to be a non-issue. Again, have only used it twice but based on it's cleaning pattern and flexibility of the cord, it doesn't seem like this will be a problem. Time will tell.
Anyway, so far so good. I am very happy with this purchase, particularly for the price. Let me know if anyone has any questions on the unit.
Back to cleaning cycle, again the 30i does a great job. I can't figure out the cleaning pattern though. To me it seems to travel odd paths but eventually does indeed get to the whole pool. The path of the MX8 was definitely more predictable. I guess as long as it gets to the whole pool I am happy. As mentioned, I tested 2 different cleaning cycles, Standard and Floor only. Standard is what you would expect, floors and the waterline. It does a good job of sliding across the sides with the side jets, almost too good. One time I did notice that it used the jets too much and spun itself off the wall and was propelling itself into the middle of the pool for a few seconds before shutting off the jets and dropping to the bottom. Only witnessed this once, so will have to take notice to see if it occurs again. For the floor mode, I did notice it will go all the way up to the wall and position itself to 90 degrees before it backs up and heads back down into another direction. I guess this is good and ensures that it is picking up all items that build up along the edge of the floor walls.
Bluetooth control. This sounded cool at first, but after using it, it's just ok. Just about all items / modes can be done directly from the power supply itself. The Bluetooth app only give you 2 additional features. First is the remote control. As you would expect, it allows you to direct the 30i to where ever you like in the event it missed a spot, or you have a particular area you want to address first. It's use was just ok for me. First, there is a delayed reaction to your movements. Second, I experienced a few bluetooth disconnects so not so great. Second option I noticed was that there were 2 additional cleaning modes. One of them is SuperClean and sorry, forgot what the other was. Haven't used either of them yet so can't comment on their usefulness. So again, this feature was just ok for me. Since I don't expect to have to use it much, I think I can live with it. A physical remote might have been better, however it's one less thing to have to worry about losing.
Maintenance. Filter cleaning is easy. Absolutely love the top pop out basket. It is pretty large and has dual filters all around. As their video shows, it is extremely easy to clean. This design really attracted me over the Z5/M5 models.
Last thing I will mention is this model does not come with the swivel cable, however for me, it appeared to be a non-issue. Again, have only used it twice but based on it's cleaning pattern and flexibility of the cord, it doesn't seem like this will be a problem. Time will tell.
Anyway, so far so good. I am very happy with this purchase, particularly for the price. Let me know if anyone has any questions on the unit.
