REVIEW: Dolphin Oasis Z5 from Epic Pool supply

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Is the Oasis Z5 at $1199 the least expensive you can go for a Dolphin Robot that has a remote? I haven't seen any other Dolphin models less expensive that have one, but I'm sure there's a few out there that I'm not aware of.

Thanks!
Greg

edit: I did see that a Triton with an add-on remote would probably be less expensive, but I do really like the top-loading filter feature of the Z5.
 
I don't really know, but they are worth every penny. More than not, you get what you pay for with Robots. They aren't 100% perfect, but they are close in my book.

When it comes to Robots...$$$= Cleaning Power
 
rhythm said:
Is the Oasis Z5 at $1199 the least expensive you can go for a Dolphin Robot that has a remote? I haven't seen any other Dolphin models less expensive that have one, but I'm sure there's a few out there that I'm not aware of.

Thanks!
Greg

edit: I did see that a Triton with an add-on remote would probably be less expensive, but I do really like the top-loading filter feature of the Z5.
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just a PSA on the Z5, checkout with code dolphin100 at Epic Pool and the total drops to $1149.99
 
I don't really use my remote much if at all. Seems like a good thing to have but not necessary by any means.
I only tried it a couple of times actually and I'm pretty sure it wasn't workingvright last time I tried it. Wouldn't travel in a straight line if I remember correctly.
 
rhythm said:
Patrick, are you speaking specifically about having a remote, or about having a robot cleaner in general?
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I was saying that I don't know which is the least expensive Dolphin with a remote, and that my M5 was worth every penny. I don't have much Robot experience, but I chose Dolphin on the suggestion of a friend who had tried a few brands of others and settled on Dolphin as the best. Others may perform as well, but someone will have to prove it to me before I would consider switching. I think I've probably pushed mine to the limit of what a Robot can clean up, and I've never been disappointed.
 
Golferdoc said:
I like some feedback from someone whose had the Z5 for a year +. What kind of repairs, replacements (i.e. rollers and filters), maintenance have you had to do. Are those who've owned for over a year still as happy with the Z5 as when you purchased.
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Welcome to TFP Doc :wave:

The Z5 has barely been out for a year, but its closest relative is the M5 and that's what I have. The Z5 is just as a good machine, minus the bottom brush.

You also asked about how they were with Algae in another thread, so I'm addressing that here too.

I probaly put a years worth on my M5 by close of season last year, bought it new about the start of May. I ran it a whole lot extra with dirt and thunder storms all summer. I have no doubt mine will be perfectly fine come opening. No one seems to report much trouble prior to about three years with the Dolphins.

As for the Algae, no pool cleaner is going to address that one. That is strictly a chemistry issue. The start and finish of it is inadequate Free Chlorine in the pool. If there is Algae, there is a problem with chlorination. It's either because of a lack in FC or a bad balance beween it and the Cya level. Quite commonly, we see the latter as the main culprit.

I strongly encourage you to check out Pool School, and start with the ABC's. Algae isn't something to be cleaned, but eliminated methodically, and prevented by being pro-active.
 

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Well I pulled the trigger and bought the Z5 from Epic Pool Supply. I just received it and put everything together, and I'll be putting it in the pool tomorrow. Looking forward to watching it clean up the pool! Still deciding which of the two filter types would be best for me, and keeping my fingers crossed that it has no problem with my drain covers. Any feedback regarding your experience with various handle positions would be helpful. I know it's suggested that I put it in a diagonal position, but I'm not sure what I'll start with (diagonal left, diagonal right, gentle or sharp angle). In any case, tomorrow should be pretty cool checking it out. I'll report back on my experience with it. Thank you all for the information that's been posted in this thread and related threads.

Greg
 
rhythm said:
Well I pulled the trigger and bought the Z5 from Epic Pool Supply.
Greg
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I too pulled the trigger last week and just place the unit into service yesterday - all very straight forward on the installation and initial run. So far it's working out like a champ and cleaned the entire pool after a mild winter in TX. Looking forward to many years of service.

Jeff :)
 
Well, I gave the Z5 it's first run yesterday and I am happy with it! It was easy to use and the pool looks great. It did spend noticeably more time in the deep end and middle of the pool, but the shallow end got enough attention that it looked good also when the cycle was done. It did miss one little spot where the curve of our shallow end steps meets the side of the pool, making a little 'corner' area, but I think it would be tricky spot for any cleaner because the curve of the steps kind of 'shields' this corner from easy access. And I've only used it once, so I have yet to see if it remains a problem spot. If so, I can just take 5 seconds with the pool brush and quickly swipe that area before the pool cleaner runs. But overall it seemed to work as advertised, and it didn't get stuck on my drain covers, which was a relief. It did a pretty good job climbing also. When it would go all the way up to the waterline tile, it varied how much it would actually move along the tile line before dropping back down. Sometimes it would move laterally across many tiles, and sometimes only a few. This was with the handle set at a gentle diagonal angle, and I think a greater angle setting would make it move faster along the tiles.

All in all, I think this thing is great and I'm glad I bought it!

-Greg
 
Patrick_B said:
Mrcarcrazy should remind Maytronics he needs a commision check after this thread. :mrgreen:
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hahaha, just a break on my next robot. That's all I want....:p
Divin Dave said:
And also I think Epic should become a Lifetime supporter.
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gotta agree with that.

rhythm said:
Well, I gave the Z5 it's first run yesterday and I am happy with it! It was easy to use and the pool looks great. It did spend noticeably more time in the deep end and middle of the pool, but the shallow end got enough attention that it looked good also when the cycle was done. It did miss one little spot where the curve of our shallow end steps meets the side of the pool, making a little 'corner' area, but I think it would be tricky spot for any cleaner because the curve of the steps kind of 'shields' this corner from easy access. And I've only used it once, so I have yet to see if it remains a problem spot. If so, I can just take 5 seconds with the pool brush and quickly swipe that area before the pool cleaner runs. But overall it seemed to work as advertised, and it didn't get stuck on my drain covers, which was a relief. It did a pretty good job climbing also. When it would go all the way up to the waterline tile, it varied how much it would actually move along the tile line before dropping back down. Sometimes it would move laterally across many tiles, and sometimes only a few. This was with the handle set at a gentle diagonal angle, and I think a greater angle setting would make it move faster along the tiles.

All in all, I think this thing is great and I'm glad I bought it!

-Greg
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Awesome, I'm really glad you like yours as well. I watched mine get after my pool yesterday. I'm so glad Patrick convinced me the price tag was worth it. I shouldn't admit that or he will have me buying other expensive things soon.
 

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