So Many Choices for a newbie!

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PureLuck

PureLuck

0
Silver Supporter
May 1, 2016
196
Hopkinton, MA
Pool Size
1
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
We purchased our house last fall so this is the first full season with the 22k gallon in ground pool. I'm soo done with vacuuming this thing every day.
I have been reading the posts here to see if anyone has the same set up, but I don't see it.
We have a vinyl liner, thinking it is original(2003)- currently our salt water system isn't working but that's another issue.. the pool is rectangle, with angled sides, two spots where the clean water comes in and two that take out to filter.
I am a mom, with 2 kids, and husband works, so maintenance is on me. What I want is something reliable, easy to use and clean out, that will clean walls, water line, floor etc. I have been vac-ing the pool every day.
We have trees , and it is spring in Massachusetts..
Cost really is not important. Ease of use, and removal from pool and great cleaning is important.
I hope my pool info will be in my signature.. any input will help! Thanks so so much
 
Welcome to TFP!!:handwave:

You will get a lot of opinions on cleaners. I happen to like robots and have a Maytronics M5.

The most important part of keeping your pool clean/clear is the chemicals you add. We base our pool care system on accurate testing and only adding what the pool needs, when it needs it. To do that you need your own accurate test kit. I recomend you get a TF100. If you already have a test kit, please add it to your signature so it shows up with the rest of your pool equipment.
 
+1 to everything that Tim5055 said. I love robots.

That said, they ate still dumb mechanical things that can be incredibly unhelpful. Make a robot deal with a 30 day guarantee. You have to see how they work and if they will save you the time you so desperately need.

I think a good one will do that but you really need to see for yourself what they can and cannot do.
 
So I did add my test kit info in my signature.
I have been testing since it was opened and green, and the past few weeks it has been stable, needing only bleach.
I am looking at robots, not a manual cleaner (I manually clean enough around here).
My husband's friend suggested a dolphin. Have been reading posts, and it seems like most are with solid pools, not liners. Seems like many people here like the dolphins..
 
If money is no object: In the long term picture, have you ever considered adding an automatic pool cover over the pool? They can be added on to existing pools.
Mine cost 7K but it was worth it to us not to worry about little kids getting in when unsupervised, keeps the leaves down (a few do sneak in the moving end at times) and if you heat the pool it helps maintain the temp overnight.

This is the brand we used- Pool Cover Specialists® • Infinity 4000 Electric Pool Cover
 
Not to derail your thread too much, but the Poolmaster 22260 5-Way Test Kit is not going ot allow you to follow our methods. Filters and cleaners can never solve algae issues, only proper testing and the correct additions of chlorine.

Now, back to the topic at hand - cleaners.

YS is correct, is money is no object the best way to keep the pool clear of debris is a cover. Once past that every pool cleaner is going ot be a trade off of one thing for another. I find my robot with removable cartridges simple and easy to use, but it doesn't have a huge capacity to pick up a large volume of leaves. During leaf season I use a net each afternoon clearing them before they get waterlogged and sink.
 
PureLuck said:
So I did add my test kit info in my signature.
I have been testing since it was opened and green, and the past few weeks it has been stable, needing only bleach.
I am looking at robots, not a manual cleaner (I manually clean enough around here).
My husband's friend suggested a dolphin. Have been reading posts, and it seems like most are with solid pools, not liners. Seems like many people here like the dolphins..
Click to expand...

Just dropped my Dolphin S300 in my inground vinyl lined pool for the first time yesterday and it blew me away with how clean it got the pool. The only thing I heard about most robotic cleaners with regards to vinyl is to not set them down on surfaces (gravel, sand, etc) where the brushes could potentially pick up debris that could scratch the liner. That might be a myth but I've been toting the thing around on its caddy all day just in case.
 
Tcraw487 said:
Just dropped my Dolphin S300 in my inground vinyl lined pool for the first time yesterday and it blew me away with how clean it got the pool. The only thing I heard about most robotic cleaners with regards to vinyl is to not set them down on surfaces (gravel, sand, etc) where the brushes could potentially pick up debris that could scratch the liner. That might be a myth but I've been toting the thing around on its caddy all day just in case.
Click to expand...

Setting it down for a moment is one thing, it's prolonged storage on its treads that can cause problems. You spent a lot on it so you want to store it with its brushes elevated. On my old Dolphin I could just lay it on its side, the S300 is so streamlined that the caddy is the better solution.
 
I went through two different pool cleaners (Kreepy Krauly and The Pool Cleaner) before I purchased the Dolphin S300i. The Kreep Krauly did a very good job WHEN it wasn't being finicky. The Pool Cleaner (new model) was a piece of junk that never worked well. I recently purchased a Dolphin S300i, and I am very happy with it. It keeps my pool cleaner than either of the pool cleaners ever did. When deciding which robot to purchase, the choice was between the the Dolphin M5, Oasis Z5, and the S300i. My understanding is that the M5 and the S300i are about the same price. However, they can only purchase from a local retailer and not from the internet. The OASIS Z5 was a couple of hundred dollars cheaper and could be purchased online through Epic Pool Supply . I was ready to pull the trigger on the Z5 when I found the S300i for about $100 more than the Z5. I pulled the trigger on the S300i. So far, I have been very happy with the S300i. I wished I had purchased a robot 15 years ago when I purchased my house. I posted a thread about my S300i purchase experience.

One more note: Someone here mentioned that he purchased a M5 and had problem with it damaging his pool liner. HOwever, he said that he isn't having problem with the S300i. I can't comment on this because I have Pebble Tech on my pool.
 
I have a vinyl pool and I have a Dolphin Nautilus. It works great. Climbs the walls and the water line just a little.
It's good enough for me.

There are some of them that are probably too powerful for a vinyl pool. Some of the really powerful ones have been known tyo scrath and rub holes in liners. Consider getting a robot with only 2 scrubbers, front and back is all you need to keep a vinyl pool spotless.

Dolphin makes a great robot, and options abound. I recommend visiting the Dolphin website and read about all of the options available on all of the different models offered, and then make a selection that fits you.

Do your homework and you will be a happy camper.

Home - Maytronics US, Inc
 

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So, since reading more and more on these things, I am curious as to what people think of the aquabots? I saw in the Dohenys catalog that there is one called Sonic that says it has a super grip on slippery surfaces, and sponge like texture brushes. Dave, you mentioned that a super powerful one could potentially damage the liner, and I would love to avoid that!
Its funny, the company who opened our pool was supposed to contact us with information on cleaners, a new SWG, and possibilities for replacing the current filtration, as I had inquired if buying new filtration would save us money - they never followed up with us. You all here have been so helpful!

The aquabot turbo also looks nice. Way too many choices!
DX5 and DX6 also look like good choices.
I found the DX5 (advantage Plus) at Dohenys for 879.99, including caddy, remote control and 2 year warranty. -- good deal? - JUST Looked this in detail. and it has a reusable bag... so not a good deal.
DX6, or Aquabot?
 
Last edited:
PureLuck said:
Its funny, the company who opened our pool was supposed to contact us with information on cleaners, a new SWG, and possibilities for replacing the current filtration, as I had inquired if buying new filtration would save us money - they never followed up with us. You all here have been so helpful!
Click to expand...
This story is common and I am amazed every time. So many pool companies have horrible follow through. They could make a fortune with good customer service and reasonable prices.
 
The pool place I just bought my pump from sells the Dolphin M200.. their price is $1020. I have not seen this one noted much, and am wondering if it is a good deal/model to get?
 
PureLuck said:
The pool place I just bought my pump from sells the Dolphin M200.. their price is $1020. I have not seen this one noted much, and am wondering if it is a good deal/model to get?
Click to expand...

I have no direct experience with the M200, but a bottom-loading filter is a pain (I was using a Dolphin Diagnostic that has this same configuration for years - cleaning it was a pain). If leaves are your primary concern then look at the S300. The top-loading basket is large and very easy to clean. I paid about $75 more than your quoted price on the M200.

Dolphin S-series - quick user guide - YouTube
 
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