Dolphin E10 Review

The Dolphin E10 from Maytronics is a popular choice for an above ground pool cleaner. But don't be caught missing features you may want for your pool, especially if you have a larger above ground or in-ground pool. Not to mention avoiding hefty restocking fees.

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Dolphin E10 Review

Hey guys, I’m Joshua with Poolbots.com. And today we’re taking a closer look at the Dolphin E10 robotic pool cleaner.

Features and Limitations

This is a popular online unit that’s liked by above ground pool owners because it’s relatively inexpensive and does a solid job of cleaning pool floors. But when you consider its price and capabilities compared to what’s needed to maintain an above ground pool, the E10 lacks a lot of features you will want. We put it to the test, and here’s what we found.

Package and Contents

First, let’s take a look at what all comes with the E10 and what all it can do. There’s the unit itself, which weighs just 13 pounds. And it has this 40-foot cable attached to it, which doesn’t have an anti-tangle swivel. This means it is still prone to tangling, and when it does tangle, it seriously hinders the E10’s mobility and keeps it from reaching the full width of the pool. In order to fix this, you will have to stretch the cord out and manually untangle it.

Filter Basket

Pop open the top of the E10 and you’ll see this top-loading fine filter basket, which is easy to access and clean. Just pop the top open, empty the basket, and rinse it clean. The fine filter is standard on most units, however, this filter leaves behind smaller debris like silt and sand that an ultra fine cartridge on higher-end models will pick up. These little particles cloud pool water and affect water clarity more than a few leaves or more obvious large debris.

Power Supply and Scheduling

The power supply is worth mentioning too because there’s some confusion about its capabilities. The Amazon listing for the E10 currently shows a power supply with a weekly scheduling option, but that’s not what actually comes with the unit. The E10’s power supply is really just a single on-off button, which is disappointing to see because comparable units, like the Dolphin Cayman, are beginning to include this feature. Without a scheduler, you will have to go outside and manually start the robot every time you want it to clean.

Cleaning Performance

Once the E10 is in the water, you can expect it to start roaming your pool’s floors. Remember, this unit is designed specifically for above ground pools with mostly flat floors. Cleaning your pool’s walls will still be up to you. This is a feature that you will find in units such as the Dolphin Cayman. In terms of coverage, the E10 is just okay. Its cleaning cycle is limited to an hour and a half, so you’ll have to manually restart it if your pool needs more cleaning time.

Warranty and Return Policy

Finally, there is the E10’s warranty. The E10 comes with a 2-year limited warranty, which is fairly standard for robotic pool cleaners in its price range. However, there is a big issue worth mentioning – the sellers of the E10 we found online have a terrible return policy. They charge a 20-50% restocking fee for any returned units. The restocking fee can be 20% even if you never take the E10 out of the box! So as soon as you click “buy now,” you’re immediately out 20% of the cost of the unit, even if you return it without opening the box. And if you try it in your pool and it doesn’t work like you hoped, that’s up to 50% of the price you’ll never get back. The alternatives to the E10 that we prefer, like the Dolphin Escape, Dolphin Cayman, or Dolphin Quantum, have absolutely no restocking fee. When you purchase them from a platinum seller, you’re not signing on for hidden costs in case your purchase doesn’t work out.

Conclusion

So, is the E10 a good buy for your above ground pool? It depends. If your priorities are floor cleaning and water circulation, the E10 is worth considering. But this unit barely scratches the surface of what above ground pool maintenance really requires. It won’t clean your walls or the all-important waterline, so that’s something you’ll have to clean by hand instead. And the one filter media option leaves behind the small particles that cloud pool water, so you’ll never get crystal clarity unless you pay more for the ultra-fine filter. For a more well-rounded option for your above ground pool, we suggest the Dolphin Cayman or Dolphin Escape.

As always, you can read real reviews and learn more about dozens of other robotic pool cleaners at poolbots.com. Visit our website to find the best deals, tips, and tricks for pool ownership, and special buys that’ll help you enjoy your pool to its full potential.

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