Most reliable/robust robot for extreme heavy use hours continuously in pool?

[jim1274]

I am currently using a Dolphin S400 that has been trouble free for almost 2 years until completely failing recently at the 2500 hour use mark. I have a very large deep pool (45’) with undersized filter/pump and no center drain, so rely heavily on a robot for addition cleaning and bottom circulation, leaving it in pool continuously and running 10-15 hours a day.

I’m looking to find the most reliable/robust robot that is most likely to hold up to continuous heavy use. The S400 has been great, but with only a 2 year warranty and its high price, that’s expensive per year. I was thinking something with a 3 year warranty might be a better option given my extreme duty use. If the S400 had a 3 year warranty, I’d probably just buy another one.

I need one with a remote app to avoid having to physically use the control box to restart multiple times a day. I was considering a Dolphin Sigma (3 year warranty) until noticing the horrible reviews on Amazon, a full 14% giving it a 1 star review, mostly for reliability/performance issues. I borrowed a neighbors Dolphin Premier to try, but that only has control from the power unit. (I also prefer my S400 to the premier, but that is. It relevant for this discussion)

Anyone have thoughts on what robot is likely to be most reliable under these extreme use conditions? Are there any that have good reliability and are easy/cost effective to repair and keep going since any robot will likely have problems under this heavy use?

 

[Texas Splash]

Hello and welcome! Did you ever make a decision on the robot?

 

[Katodude]

Why not just buy another S400 with a credit card that offers to extend the warranty by a year. Then you get your 3 years.

 

[1poolman1]

I am currently using a Dolphin S400 that has been trouble free for almost 2 years until completely failing recently at the 2500 hour use mark. I have a very large deep pool (45’) with undersized filter/pump and no center drain, so rely heavily on a robot for addition cleaning and bottom circulation, leaving it in pool continuously and running 10-15 hours a day.

I’m looking to find the most reliable/robust robot that is most likely to hold up to continuous heavy use. The S400 has been great, but with only a 2 year warranty and its high price, that’s expensive per year. I was thinking something with a 3 year warranty might be a better option given my extreme duty use. If the S400 had a 3 year warranty, I’d probably just buy another one.

I need one with a remote app to avoid having to physically use the control box to restart multiple times a day. I was considering a Dolphin Sigma (3 year warranty) until noticing the horrible reviews on Amazon, a full 14% giving it a 1 star review, mostly for reliability/performance issues. I borrowed a neighbors Dolphin Premier to try, but that only has control from the power unit. (I also prefer my S400 to the premier, but that is. It relevant for this discussion)

Anyone have thoughts on what robot is likely to be most reliable under these extreme use conditions? Are there any that have good reliability and are easy/cost effective to repair and keep going since any robot will likely have problems under this heavy use?

Do you have a dedicated cleaner port in the pool? Consider a Polaris 280. Even when not running they circulate water to the bottom of the pool. When running (usually no more than 3 hours/day) they will keep the pool clean. Cost with a booster pump and timer is about the same as a robot. Mine is over 20 years old with few repairs.