# Dolphin Escape review

Simple corded floor cleaner for above-ground and small pools

- Our score: 8.1 out of 10
- Price: n/a (checked Oct 30, 2026)
- Status: on sale
- Best for: above-ground pools up to about 30 ft
- Skip if: you need wall and waterline cleaning
- HTML version: https://robotsforthat.com/robot/dolphin-escape/

## Verdict

A no fuss corded Dolphin for above-ground and small in-ground pools that only needs the floor cleaned. Bob Vila found a 90 minute cycle cleaned a 24 ft pool thoroughly, and The Pool Nerd rated it its best entry level pick. It has no app, timer, swivel cable or waterline scrubbing, so skip it for large pools.

## Pros

- Simple one button operation
- Corded, so no charging or battery wear
- Large top load filter basket
- Light at 14 lb dry

## Cons

- Floor only, no waterline cleaning
- No app or weekly timer
- No swivel, so the cord can tangle
- Power supply is not waterproof (Bob Vila)

## Specs

- pool types: Above-ground pools, plus smaller in-ground pools (The Pool Nerd); gunite, plaster, vinyl and fiberglass floors (Bob Vila)
- cleans: Floor only; no waterline scrubbing and limited wall climbing (The Pool Nerd, Bob Vila)
- power: Corded, 180 W with dual DC motors (The Pool Nerd); 40 ft cable with no swivel (Bob Vila, The Pool Nerd)
- runtime: 90 min cycle (Bob Vila)
- charge time: None needed, corded
- filter: Top load MaxBin basket; up to 4,000 gph suction (The Pool Nerd)
- max pool size: Up to 30 ft long (Bob Vila); The Pool Nerd says up to 33 ft in its roundup but advises against pools over about 30 ft
- app: No app or weekly timer; one button start (The Pool Nerd, Bob Vila)
- weight: 14 lb (Bob Vila)
- warranty: 2 years (The Pool Nerd roundup)

## Safety

- recalls: Not checked
- fcc: Not checked
- company status: Active
- warranty: 2 years (per The Pool Nerd; not confirmed on a Maytronics page)

## Questions buyers ask

### Will it climb the walls?

Not reliably. Bob Vila says it cleans floors only, and The Pool Nerd describes limited wall climbing and no waterline scrubbing.

### Does it work in an in-ground pool?

The Pool Nerd says Maytronics confirmed it works in smaller in-ground pools, but it advises against pools longer than about 30 ft.

### Can I schedule it?

No. It has no weekly timer or app. You start each cycle with the button.

## Sources

1. [Bob Vila: Dolphin Escape robotic pool cleaner review](https://www.bobvila.com/articles/dolphin-escape-robotic-pool-cleaner-review/)
2. [The Pool Nerd: Dolphin Escape review](https://www.thepoolnerd.com/dolphin-escape-review)
3. [The Pool Nerd: best robotic pool cleaners](https://www.thepoolnerd.com/best-robotic-pool-cleaners)