Looking For Quality Robot Cleaner

[Gladius Nova]

Hello everyone. We are currently in the process of building a 427 sq. ft. IGP. It will be on the smaller side (14'x35') (3.5' to 4.5' to 5.5' depth). I see a lot of folks here give rave reviews for the Dolphin 300i. I know you get what you pay for but having a hard time grasping paying $1000+ for a robot! Does anyone have any recommendations for a "quality" cleaner for my size pool, say $700 and under? We need one with a swivel cord, climbs walls up to water line, climbs steps and cleans a 6" deep tanning ledge (I heard that they won't pull in enough water for this). And hopefully will last many seasons with proper preventative maintenance. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[bmoreswim]

Your expectations for a cleaner to climb steps and clean a tanning ledge are not likely to be met. I'd lower them in that regard. A very good robot closer to that price level is the Dolphin S200, depending on active rebates and dealer pricing. Calling Marina Pool and Spa for pricing may be a good bet as many have purchased from them. Marina Pool & Spa

 

[Jimrahbe]

G,

The S200 was $700 total including shipping at Marina Pool and Spa, last month...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Gladius Nova]

Your expectations for a cleaner to climb steps and clean a tanning ledge are not likely to be met. I'd lower them in that regard. A very good robot closer to that price level is the Dolphin S200, depending on active rebates and dealer pricing. Calling Marina Pool and Spa for pricing may be a good bet as many have purchased from them. Marina Pool & Spa

Really? Maybe it's my ignorance, but I thought most of the "higher end" robots climb walls and steps (we will only have one step down). Or do you mean in my estimated price range I mentioned? Thanks for the reply.

 

[Jimrahbe]

G,

The S200 will clean the floors, walls and water line tile... None of them will clean steps or shallow tanning beds...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Geebot]

Check out a video of an S200 in action on youtube and you'll get the idea. It works best with continuous surfaces. "Steps" can mean any number of configurations and most do not lend themselves to meticulous cleaning of steps. Sure they can climb up a step (assuming it's deep enough) but it's not like it knows "I'm on a step, I should make a 90-degree turn and follow its length." It moves like a zombie in search of brains, straight ahead until something blocks its bath and it needs to turn.

 

[Gladius Nova]

Check out a video of an S200 in action on youtube and you'll get the idea. It works best with continuous surfaces. "Steps" can mean any number of configurations and most do not lend themselves to meticulous cleaning of steps. Sure they can climb up a step (assuming it's deep enough) but it's not like it knows "I'm on a step, I should make a 90-degree turn and follow its length." It moves like a zombie in search of brains, straight ahead until something blocks its bath and it needs to turn.

Understood. Thanks!

 

[thaied]

Really? Maybe it's my ignorance, but I thought most of the "higher end" robots climb walls and steps (we will only have one step down). Or do you mean in my estimated price range I mentioned? Thanks for the reply.

If its a tile pool; no robot will climb. Just sits there for minutes to 5 minutes wasting its whole life ruining drive tracks and belts.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

The Dolphin 300i you list is bluetooth capable and has a way to tweak the run times, but I'm not sure what else it does that much any differently than the S200?

Maytronics puts out a couple of robots that are S200s but painted in different colors depending on which of the dealer markets they're working with. All covered by Maytronics warranty and repaired by Maytronic folks. For example mine came from Doheny's, others have obtained good prices from Marina's.

Look around at this model if you want to save a few bucks and don't have to have bluetooth.

Maddie

 

[Gladius Nova]

So I just purchased the Proteus DX5i. Surprisingly, the wife convinced me to shell out a few more bucks than what I budgeted in my mind. Wish me luck!

 

[djw]

G,
None of them will clean steps or shallow tanning beds...

When anyone makes a robot that will do a thorough job on steps and benches, I'll be upgrade time for me.