An in-depth Dolphin vs. Polaris pool cleaner comparison.
Are you in the market for a new Dolphin pool cleaner? What about buying a Polaris pool cleaner?
If so, you might consider purchasing a pool cleaner from Dolphin or Polaris.
These two brands are a couple of the industry’s leading manufacturers.
However, how do you know which one is best for you? Keep reading and you'll find out.
Here’s a full comparison of Dolphin vs. Polaris - two of the biggest pool cleaner brands.
In this article, we have put Dolphin and Polaris pool cleaners side by side to ensure that you are capable of making the best purchasing decision for your pool cleaning needs.
You will find out how they are alike and what their differences are.
You will find out about their warranties, pricing, and even common customer complaints that we have found related to their companies and their pool cleaners.
Let’s get started!
What is better, Dolphin or Polaris pool cleaners?
Before we start to go into detail about which of these pool cleaner brands is the best, there are a few things that you should know.
For instance, both of these brands provide customers with quality pool cleaners, but they are not all the same.
Each of Dolphin and Polaris's pool cleaners is a little different.
Therefore, you must know what you find important before trying to make the best decision on which will suit your needs.
After all, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all pool cleaner that will always be the best in every given situation.
You have to realize that different pool cleaners will excel in some areas and falter in others.
How do you know which one will be best for you? By doing research.
This is the only way that you can be sure to get the best pool cleaner for your pool and your needs.
When you start to compare Dolphin and Polaris, you should take into account your research and base your decision on that, rather than strictly trying to decide on a specific brand.
Dolphin and Polaris Quick Summary of Pros & Cons
Whenever you are looking for a new product, you need to understand that different models and brands will have their pros and cons. This is true when it comes to Dolphin and Polaris pool cleaners.
To help you get a brief view of these two companies, we have compiled some of the pros and cons that you can find with these brands.
Here we go!
Dolphin Pros
Dolphin always strives to use the most updated motors, which helps to ensure that their models are by far the top of the line. They are also keen on saving energy.
So, their models are considered to be energy saver models. This is usually important because it can cost a lot of energy to run a pool, in general.
Therefore, using a pool cleaner that helps to save on some of that energy will always be a plus in Dolphin’s pros column.
Next, Dolphin always tries to provide the most up-to-date technologies in their models, and they use SmartNav technology in most of their units, which helps the cleaner to follow the best path to get the best cleaning outcome.
Finally, convenience features are often used in their models to help make cleaning your pool easier. For instance, many of their models come with the ability to program schedules weekly.
This means that you will not have to constantly worry about scheduling your pool cleaning.
- Strives to use the most updated motors
- Provides energy saver models
- Uses SmartNav technology in most models
- Comes with the ability to program schedules weekly
Dolphin Cons
Compared to a lot of other brands, Dolphin models are usually on the more expensive side of the budget spectrum. Although, they do provide quality models and excellent customer service, which helps to make up for the price of their products.
However, unlike other brands, Dolphin’s models usually do not come with extras, like caddies or caddy covers.
Some of their models that can be controlled remotely do not even come with remote control, but these sorts of things can be purchased separately from Dolphin.
- On the expensive side
- Usually doesn’t include extras
Polaris Pros
Polaris as a whole brand has many quality models for their customers to choose from. Each of their models is different, and they are always looking for newer technologies to make their next model even better. For instance, some of their latest models use Vortex Vacuum technology.
This technology was developed to give the pool cleaner more powerful suction for areas that need it. Another type of technology that Polaris is known for is its ActivMotion Sensor technology.
It allows the pool cleaner to move more accurately than other models to ensure the cleaner reaches the areas that most need it.
Polaris also uses the highest quality parts in their models, like Aqua-Trax tires that help to keep the cleaner on the floor of the pool easier. They also provide extra features, like a full-bag warning light and multiple cleaning cycle options.
- Always looking for newer technologies
- Uses the highest quality parts
- Provides extra features
Polaris Cons
When looking at some of Polaris’s models, we found that some people mentioned that some of the models would sometimes flip over but couldn’t correct themselves.
This could cause the motor to burn out after a while, but it also means your pool won’t be clean when you are ready to go swimming.
- Minor issues with pool cleaners flipping over
How Their Pool Cleaners Work
To answer this question, you are best to look at the instruction manuals for the models that you are considering.
However, when it comes to how pool cleaners generally work, we are here to help you.
You just need to understand that every model is different, and depending on their features, the method in which they work could vary.
Each model is different, but the general idea on how pool cleaners work is they use technologies to submerge under water and hug the floor, walls, and stairs, of your pool to clean out dirt and debris that finds its way into the water and settles on the bottom.
It is important to note that most pool cleaners will not gather things that are on the surface.
For this, you will have to rely on a strainer or your pool’s pump to pull surface debris from the pool.
Price
When looking at prices between these two brands, you should remember that each brand has various models in different pricing brackets for you to choose from.
While you are creating your checklist, you should include the price range of your budget, because this will assist you in finding the proper models that you should be researching based on your budget.
These brands both have models that cost between $250 and $500.
These are usually the lower-range models for Dolphin and Polaris brands, and although they are quality made, they will not have as many features or provide as much convenience as their higher-priced models.
If you have the budget, the pool cleaners above $850 from these two brands are classified as their top models.
These models will offer you the most features available, and they usually come with a better warranty, due to their cost.
However, it is still imperative that you consult your checklist to ensure it has the features that are most important to you because even the top models might not have all of the features you are searching for.
Size & Weight
Why would size and weight be important for a pool cleaner?
Well, the answer to this is quite simple. If the pool cleaner is too large or too small for your pool type and size then it will not adequately clean your pool.
Pool cleaners are designed to clean certain sized areas, and if it is too large of an area, it could cause the pool cleaner to break down faster than intended.
However, if the pool cleaner is being used in a smaller pool than it is intended then it could cause issues with the pool cleaner properly maneuvering around the pool reaching all of the areas that it should be able to clean.
Therefore, you should make sure that your pool cleaner is the proper size for your pool to avoid any issues in the future.
The size of the pool cleaner is not the only calculation that you have to consider.
Weight is also a factor that must be considered, especially if you have an above-ground pool.
These types of pools can cause issues with the weight of a pool cleaner, especially if it is designed to clean up along the walls.
Of course, this also depends on the quality of your above-ground pool. Some of these pools are capable of withstanding the weight, but it is something that you should take into consideration.
As a side note, it is important to remember that pool cleaner will still need to be stored when they are not being used.
Therefore, you should take the size and weight of your machine into consideration for storage, as well.
After all, you will want a secure place to store it because your pool cleaner will need to be kept out of the weather when it isn’t being used to clean the pool.
This is the best way that you can be sure that it continues to run in optimal condition. After all, you should never leave a machine out in the weather, even if it can withstand water.
Performance
When it comes to performance, Dolphin and Polaris pool cleaner models hold up well to most testing. Each model is a little different, and depending on the model, the performance that it provides will be determined by the features of that particular design.
You should consult your checklist to make sure that the model you are considering has the proper features to provide you with the performance that you will desire. This is the best way for you to ensure you will be satisfied with the performance.
One of the biggest issues people end up having with performance is that a model will not work properly for their particular type of pool. This normally becomes an issue when you are dealing with an in-ground pool versus an above-ground pool.
It might not seem like this matters, but when it comes to performance, it is one of the most important considerations. After all, a model can give its top performance if it is not being used as it was intended to be used.
Warranty
When it comes to warranties, Dolphin and Polaris are both considered to be excellent in providing and upholding their warranties.
However, why would you need a warranty if their products are quality made? Unfortunately, regardless of how good a product model is, it is important to understand that there are still plenty of things that can go wrong.
One thing that you should always remember is that nothing is certain when it comes to a machine. There are all types of moving parts and internal systems that could potentially give out.
Not to mention, a pool cleaner is a machine that is constantly submerged in water. If anything goes wrong, the entire machine could need to be replaced or just parts.
However, regardless of what needs to be replaced, the cheapest and most efficient way to do this without having to purchase a whole new machine is by ensuring your current machine is covered by a warranty.
Most warranties last for one to two years, but in some instances, you can get one for up to 5 years. When looking at a warranty, the time frame of the warranty is not the only important part.
You also need to look and see what the warranty covers. If the warranty says that it is a limited warranty, this means that there are specific parameters in which the pool cleaner will be fixed at no cost by the company, but it does not cover everything. These types of warranties usually only deal with specific parts of pool cleaners.
So, when looking at a pool cleaner from Polaris or Dolphin, you need to check that the model you are considering has a warranty and the type of warranty that it has. You should remember that not all of their products will come with a warranty.
So, you will need to make sure that it does come with one. It should be announced somewhere in the description of the product.
Common Customer Complaints
One thing that you need to understand about customer complaints is that they do not always mean that a brand or model is not good.
It could just mean that they didn’t do their research, which means there was a feature or aspect of the pool cleaner that they didn’t agree with.
That being said, they could very easily help steer you away from models that would also cause you issues or wouldn’t reach your expectations.
Dolphin
Now for the Dolphin pool vacuums.
There were very few complaints about Dolphin models, but some did mention that the models that were designed to climb walls, could do so easily.
However, some of these models would still have issues climbing the stairs.
Finally, there have been a few customer complaints about Dolphin’s robotic pool cleaner models.
They like that these models come with an excellent warranty, but some have complained about having to send in a unit multiple times for the same type of repair.
Polaris
After reading some customer reviews from different Polaris models, here are a few of the customer complaints that we found.
One issue that some of their models have is not fully gripping the bottom of the pool. This can be an issue when it comes to thoroughly clean the pool.
Many of the Polaris models are larger designs, which means that they can be difficult if your pool has any awkward corners or edges.
Therefore, some of these models could cause you to have to manually brush along the edges of your pool and in the corners for these models to properly clean the pool.
Company Background
Although we’ve already spoken about how Dolphin and Polaris’s pool cleaner models compare and contrast to each other, we feel it is also important to know the companies and what they stand for as well.
After all, knowing who you are supporting by purchasing their products is just as important as the specs and features you gain from the models.
Dolphin
Dolphin is considered to be a brand, but in actuality, it is a branch of Maytronics corporation. This brand started its history back in 1983, which is when they first developed and launched their first commercial and domestic robotic pool cleaner model.
This was done under the Dolphin name. Since then, they have become known for manufacturing luxurious quality pool cleaners that can be purchased at affordable prices.
Unlike other brands including Polaris, Dolphin strives to ensure that all of its products are compatible with all types of pools.
This has helped them to gain favor with their customers because they know that if it is made by Dolphin they can depend on the pool cleaner to work on any type of pool they have or have a need to clean.
In turn, millions of people all over the world have decided to choose Dolphin as their brand for pool cleaners.
Polaris
Polaris has been around for over a century, and they are known for producing quality products at lower prices. They have models for just about every pool cleaning solution.
Their customers claim to keep going back to Polaris due to the durability and quality of their models. They excel at manufacturing robotic pool cleaners, but it is important to know that these models tend to be the most expensive.
However, before choosing Polaris as your brand of choice, it is recommended that you research and investigate further to ensure that you are making the best option for your individual needs rather than someone else’s.
Final Verdict
Now that you have reviewed the above information, we can talk about which one is truly better. The answer is, it depends on what you are looking for in a pool cleaner.
Both of these brands provide quality products for their customers. Therefore, which one is better comes down to your personal preference and the needs that you have for a pool cleaner.
That is why we highly recommend that you make a checklist of what you want in a pool cleaner. It is the best way to ensure that you choose the brand and model that is best suited for your pool and your needs.
It is important to remember that you should use your checklist against all models that you are considering.
Regardless of the brand, this will help you narrow down what is best for you. After all, there isn’t a pool cleaner in existence that is always going to be the best in every given situation.
If there was, there wouldn’t be any need to have new models, and the industry would cease to exist. So, do your research, and you will surely find if Polaris or Dolphin will be the best brand for your household.
