Dolphin Escape Review

Tired of budget pool cleaners that don't deliver? Dreaming of a cleaner that does more than just skim the surface? Say hello to the Dolphin Escape – the game-changing robotic pool cleaner designed specifically for above ground pools.

Packed with smart technology, powerful motors, and a unique design, the Escape is here to save you time, money, and a whole lot of effort. Ready to find out why it's becoming a favorite among pool owners? Let's dive in!

Why Choose the Dolphin Escape for an Above Ground Pool or Inground Pool?

Above ground pools have unique needs. And not all robotic pool cleaners are made to meet them. With many, you’re probably paying too much for features you don’t need. And most budget cleaners are energy hogs that just vacuum—they don’t actively clean.

Fortunately, Dolphin has solved this problem for above ground pool owners with the Dolphin Escape. It’s priced at $589, and unlike most budget cleaners, its design is anything but an afterthought. And it has some impressive features you’ll have a hard time finding on pricier, supposedly more advanced robots on sites like Amazon.

Is the Escape only for above-ground pools?

No, it isn't just for above-ground swimming pools! This is a question we get asked frequently. The Escape works on both inground and above-ground pools. However, it does not include features like wall climbing that you may want for inground pools. As well as it utilizes a shorter cable.

Let’s dive into what makes the Escape an excellent choice for above ground pools, starting with intelligence and power.

SmartNav 2.0: Intelligent Mapping for Efficient Cleaning

The Escape has an onboard mapping system called SmartNav 2.0. This is a huge upgrade for most above ground pool owners because it actually maps the pool to determine the most effective cleaning route and coverage. Compared to traditional suction-side cleaners or pressure-side cleaners that just wander aimlessly, the Escape is intelligent enough to avoid overlapping cleaning paths and minimize cleaning time. That saves both time and money.

Dual DC Motors for Enhanced Cleaning Power

Unlike most robotic pool cleaners in this price range, the Escape has two motors—not one. The dual DC motors are more energy-efficient than traditional AC motors, so the Escape cleans faster and more effectively.

That power lends itself to a better all-around clean. The Escape filters 75 gallons per minute. And since stagnant water is a breeding ground for bacteria, this kind of filtration power is a huge bonus.

HyperGrip Tracks for Consistent Floor Contact

You’ll notice these HyperGrip continuous tracks maintain constant contact on the pool floor. The notches improve traction on slick surfaces, so the Escape doesn’t waste its energy floating or slipping.

HyperBrush: Active Cleaning Technology

But the real cleaning power is in the HyperBrush. Most budget pool cleaners are glorified vacuums. Some may have brushes, but they’re static and don’t actually dislodge debris. Not the Escape. This brush actively spins, using its tough rubber bristles to scrub stuck-on algae, bacteria, and dirt. Lesser models can’t deliver that depth of clean.

Dual-Action Vacuuming for Maximum Debris Removal

Once the Escape dislodges those tough contaminants, it vacuums them into the spacious filtration system. We should note that the Escape vacuums both forward and in reverse, so it captures even more debris before it can settle to the ground.

Large Filter Basket: More Debris, Less Hassle

The extra-large filter basket holds 60% more debris than comparably priced cleaners. It’s spacious enough to hold twigs and leaves, but fine enough to capture sand, silt, even algae. You may even find a pool toy in there from time to time. Unfortunately, the only filter media option is this standard fine lining, so you can’t customize filtration to your cleaning needs. But it’s easy to remove and clean—way easier than messy filter bags.

Ease of Use and Energy Efficiency

But for all of its cleaning power, what’s it like to actually own and operate the Escape robotic pool cleaner?

Plug and Play Design for Hassle-Free Operation

You can’t beat the plug-and-play design. It’s ready to go out of the box—just plug it in and put it to work.

At 14 lbs, it’s one of the most lightweight cleaners available that has this kind of power on board. And it’s easy to clean and maintain with the simple, top-loading filter cartridge.

Cost Savings: Low Energy Consumption

Beyond minimal elbow grease, it saves you money, too.

The Escape operates on 180 watts, which is 90% less energy than traditional cleaners. That adds up to only 5 cents an hour to operate.

Warranty Coverage

Plus, it comes with a one-year warranty. No, that’s not as long as top-of-the-line models like the Dolphin Sigma's 3-year warranty, but it’s still solid coverage for this price range.

Limitations of the Dolphin Escape

For all that the Escape can do, you should be aware of what it does not do, too.

Not Designed for Waterline Cleaning

It won’t clean the waterline of your above ground pool. It’s not designed to climb walls, but it’ll certainly cover the floor and clean it well.

Lacks Anti-Tangle Swivel

It doesn’t have Dolphin’s anti-tangle swivel, which is an impressive invention that keeps lengthy cables from getting tangled. The Escape’s SmartNav mapping helps, but it doesn’t eliminate cord tension like a swivel can.

No Internal Gyroscope

Higher-end models like the Dolphin Sigma use an internal gyroscope to increase mobility and precision. The Escape doesn’t have one, but since it only cleans floors anyway, you won’t really miss those benefits.

Limited Customization Options

In terms of customization, the Escape is lacking a bit. It only comes with one filter media option, as opposed to the Sigma, which has 4 options. And there’s no programmable timer on the Escape, so you can’t schedule cleanings—you’ll have to manually start the robot when you want to put it to work.

Is the Dolphin Escape the Right Choice for You?

But even after looking at what the Escape doesn’t have, we think this robotic pool cleaner is an excellent design and deal because of what it was made for: cleaning above ground pools. It has just enough bells and whistles to really get any above ground pool clean and pristine, without unnecessary features that add on to the price.

Above ground pool owners have waited a long time for a truly robotic pool cleaner that isn’t a compromise—and the Escape is the answer.

As always, browse Poolbots.com for more robotic pool cleaner reviews, and find the best price for the Dolphin Escape.