Hi all. I've been trying to find the right cleaner for my new pool and have had a hard time understanding what was what. I've decided to share some of what I have found on here for others to reference.
First off, Maytronics is one of the biggest robot manufacturers. As I understand it, they make many of the robots on the market - including private labeling for brands like Pentair. There are a few other manufacturers, but the emphasis here is on Dolphin products (and you can see some crossover with brands like Pentair).
I'll start by saying that I hate their branding strategy! Perhaps it is genius... but it sucks for the consumer. Maytronics tens to have different models built for different channels. For example, some products are designed to be sold only through brick and morter stores while others are online only. Many are designed for specific retailers too, so don't believe the advertising from some companies that claim a particular model is the best Dolphin on the market.
I've called Maytronics on a few occasions to figure out which features I wanted and then found a place to buy my model. I plan on buying my model today and I'm 90% sure I am going to buy the Dolphin Supreme M500 (was named the M5 until this year). I'm about 10% on saving $212 and buying the M400/M4 - which has an inferior remote. The better remote give better controlling of the robot if I want to clean a particular spot AND it offers a bunch of specific program alterations for the robot that I find intriguing.
Maytronics has a website to view their non-private labeled brands. Please use this to learn about the specific products and features. Also, call them to learn even more after you have an idea of what you want.
Residential - Maytronics US, Inc.
A few specific points I found interesting:
- When you see the brush on the front split, it has independent drives on it. This is better/costs more. You can easily see this by looking at a picture of the robot.
- The top loading cartridge like on the M400/M500 allows for an extra middle brush - which helps to clean. Other models, like the DX line has a filter bag. The bag can hold more, but is a little harder to clean and it eliminates the middle brush cleaner. I've also heard the Z5 does NOT have the middle brush.
- The M400/500 is exclusive to a massive pool supply master distributor. They sell to lots of smaller shops. This might add to the cost of this model.
Beyond what I have posted, I built a nice spreadsheet with about 10 models and their features to compare the differences. I pasted a picture below to save you some time and effort.
I hope this helps!
First off, Maytronics is one of the biggest robot manufacturers. As I understand it, they make many of the robots on the market - including private labeling for brands like Pentair. There are a few other manufacturers, but the emphasis here is on Dolphin products (and you can see some crossover with brands like Pentair).
I'll start by saying that I hate their branding strategy! Perhaps it is genius... but it sucks for the consumer. Maytronics tens to have different models built for different channels. For example, some products are designed to be sold only through brick and morter stores while others are online only. Many are designed for specific retailers too, so don't believe the advertising from some companies that claim a particular model is the best Dolphin on the market.
I've called Maytronics on a few occasions to figure out which features I wanted and then found a place to buy my model. I plan on buying my model today and I'm 90% sure I am going to buy the Dolphin Supreme M500 (was named the M5 until this year). I'm about 10% on saving $212 and buying the M400/M4 - which has an inferior remote. The better remote give better controlling of the robot if I want to clean a particular spot AND it offers a bunch of specific program alterations for the robot that I find intriguing.
Maytronics has a website to view their non-private labeled brands. Please use this to learn about the specific products and features. Also, call them to learn even more after you have an idea of what you want.
Residential - Maytronics US, Inc.
A few specific points I found interesting:
- When you see the brush on the front split, it has independent drives on it. This is better/costs more. You can easily see this by looking at a picture of the robot.
- The top loading cartridge like on the M400/M500 allows for an extra middle brush - which helps to clean. Other models, like the DX line has a filter bag. The bag can hold more, but is a little harder to clean and it eliminates the middle brush cleaner. I've also heard the Z5 does NOT have the middle brush.
- The M400/500 is exclusive to a massive pool supply master distributor. They sell to lots of smaller shops. This might add to the cost of this model.
Beyond what I have posted, I built a nice spreadsheet with about 10 models and their features to compare the differences. I pasted a picture below to save you some time and effort.
I hope this helps!
| DX3 | DX4 | DX6 | Supreme M200 | Supreme M400 | Supreme M500 | Dolphin M5 Liberty (Cordless) | Dolphin Oasis Z5 | Dolphin DX5 Plus | Dolphin Deluxe 5 | Dolphin Apollo Plus | |||
| Part Number | 99996333-DX3 | 99996343-DX4 | 99996369-DX6 | Part Number | 99996403-US | 99991043-US | 99991089-US | 99994101-US | Part Number | 99991079-OAS | 9999381-DX5 | 99996383 | 99996053-US |
| DIY | Yes | Yes | Yes | DIY | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | DIY | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Type | Filter Bag, Cartridge Kit Available | Filter Bag, Cartridge Kit Available | Filter Bag, Cartridge Kit Available | Filter Type | Cartridge | Cartridge | Cartridge | Cartridge | Filter Type | Cartridge | Filter Bag | Filter Bag, Cartridge Kit Available | Filter Bag, Cartridge Kit Available |
| Scrubs Tile Line | No | Yes | Yes | Scrubs Tile Line | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Scrubs Tile Line | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Climbs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Climbs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Remote | None | Basic | Pro | Remote | None | Basic (opt.) | Pro | Pro | Remote | Basic | Pro | Pro | Basic |
| Weekly Timer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Weekly Timer | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Weekly Timer | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Full Filter Indicator | No | Yes | Yes | Full Filter Indicator | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Full Filter Indicator | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Delayed Start | No | No | No | Delayed Start | No | Yes | Yes | No | Delayed Start | No | Yes | No | No |
| Caddy | No | No | Yes | Caddy | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Caddy | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Access | Bottom | Bottom | Bottom | Filter Access | Top | Top | Top | Top | Filter Access | Top | Bottom | Bottom | Bottom |
| Cable Length | 60 ft | 60 ft | 60 ft | Cable Length | 60 ft | 60 ft | 60 ft | 3 ft floating cable for battery | Cable Length | 60 ft | 60 ft | 60 ft | |
| Cycle Time | 3 hours | 1 hour, 2.5 hours | 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours | Cycle Time | 3 hours | 1 hour, 2.5 hours | 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours | 1.5 hours | Cycle Time | 1.5 hours, 2.5 hours | 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours | 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours | 1 hour, 2.5 hours |
| Warranty | 18 Month Bumper-to-Bumper | 24 Month Bumper-to-Bumper | 36 Month Bumper-to-Bumper | Warranty | 24 Month Bumper-to-Bumper | 36 Month Bumper-to-Bumper | 36 Month Bumper-to-Bumper | 36 Month Bumper-to-Bumper | Warranty | 36 Month Bumper-to-Bumper | 36 Month Bumper-to-Bumper | 36 Month Bumper-to-Bumper | 36 Month Bumper-to-Bumper |
| Suction Rate | 4,233 gal/hr | 4,233 gal/hr | 4,233 gal/hr | Suction Rate | 4,233 gal/hr | 4,233 gal/hr | 4,233 gal/hr | 4,233 gal/hr | Suction Rate | 4,233 gal/hr | 4,233 gal/hr | 4,233 gal/hr | 4,233 gal/hr |
