Dolphin DB1 Pool Cleaner Review - Our Opinion + Best Prices

Dolphin DB1 Pool Cleaner Review - Our Opinion + Best Prices

The Dolphin DB1 is a budget-friendly robotic pool cleaner that has one of the cheapest price points available on the market. Although this machine is definitely more affordable than others, you may be wondering: is a cheaper pool cleaning robot still worth investing in?

In this article, we cover the upsides and downsides of this particular model, compare its main features to similar cleaners, and answer frequently asked questions to help you decide if this pool cleaner is the right choice for your pool.

Pros & Cons

Design

The Dolphin DB1 is an affordable and lightweight pool cleaner for pools that are no more than 8 metres in length. This cleaner is one of the lightest models available; most users will be able to lift and transport this unit with relative ease.

This robotic pool cleaner is for the floors of your pool only. Compatible with both in-ground and above-ground pools, this machine also works well with almost all types of pool lining.

This cleaner has a sleek design that is primarily blue and grey. This colour scheme makes the cleaner blend in with your pool and stand out less than more brightly coloured alternatives (like the Zodiac CX20).

Cleaning Performance

The Dolphin DB1 is great at cleaning the floors of your pool and is equipped with a multipurpose filter basket. This filter basket has both large and finer mesh panels, making it great for picking up both small and large debris alike.

This robotic cleaner can be set up on a timed cleaning schedule during which it will automatically activate. The options for cleaning schedules are to have the cleaner run once, twice, or three times during each 7-day period.

Although this machine is not a climber and does not do the walls, waterline, steps, or ledges in your pool, it is effective for those looking to clean the floors of their pool only, making it a great robot for those interested in trying one out for the first time.

Build Quality & Warranty

Dolphin DB1 Problems

The biggest known problem with the Dolphin DB1 involves the power cord. Because this cord does not attach to the robot via a swivel port, the cord is prone to becoming tangled during operation.

Even though the robot can map your pool well enough to clean it, it may still tie itself into a knot. Other models (like the Dolphin S200) come with a swivel port which prevents this issue entirely.

Additionally, this machine experiences suction loss when the machine is turning.

Although this is fairly normal among pool cleaner robots, some customers have been frustrated when watching this occur in the pool because it temporarily appears as if the cleaner has failed.

Dolphin DB1 Warranty

The Dolphin DB1 is manufactured by Maytronics, which provides this product with a two-year limited warranty.

Due to the limitations of this warranty, certain issues with the machine may not be covered, including any catastrophic damage to internal parts that may have occurred with improper care or storage of this robotic cleaner.

Most customers who have had to get in contact with Maytronics customer service agree that their responses were helpful and timely.

Compared to customer service teams working with other robotic pool cleaner manufacturers, Maytronics service and warranty care is much more positively rated.

Dolphin DB1 Price

The Dolphin DB1 is a more affordable model of robotic pool cleaner, being available for approximately $1,000.

This is about $400 less than similar, competing models of machine, but it should be noted that most of these more expensive models do often contain additional features, such as the ability to climb walls and clean the water line.

If cleaning the waterline is not a top priority for you and you are simply seeking an easy way to remove debris that has settled to the bottom of your pool, this machine still makes a great choice for those looking to reduce the amount of time they spend vacuuming manually.

Dolphin DB1 - FAQ

How Often Should I Run My Dolphin Pool Cleaner?

The Dolphin DB1 pool cleaner should be run as needed in your pool. The weekly timer setting on this model can be set to allow your cleaner to run once, twice, or three times during each week-long period.

In general, you should run your Dolphin DB1 when noticeable amounts of debris start accumulating in your pool.

If too much debris accumulates at the bottom of your pool in between cleanings, your machine may experience interruptions to its cleaning cycle as the filter basket becomes full more quickly.

If this happens, your machine will need to be emptied in the middle of the cycle in order to finish cleaning effectively.

Are Maytronics And Dolphin The Same?

Maytronics is the name of the company which manufactures all Dolphin brand robotic pool cleaners. Maytronics may also manufacture other brands of robotic pool cleaner aside from the Dolphin brand, although this is their primary product line.

Final Thoughts - Dolphin DB1 Review

The Dolphin DB1 is a fairly good option for those seeking a more budget friendly cleaner. Being a few hundred dollars less than most other new cleaners on the market, many users may find the tradeoff in functionality to be worth the affordability of this machine.

We recommend this machine for those with a lower budget for pool cleaning robots, however, it is important that you understand the limitations of this machine before purchasing it.

For example, if you will be disappointed by its lack of ability to climb walls or frustrated by the cord becoming tangled during the cleaning cycle, you may opt for a more expensive machine that has improved upon these features.

Price Comparison - Dolphin DB1

Let's compare the top suppliers out there in Australia for the Dolphin DB1.