Dolphin Quantum Review

Looking for a powerful, efficient robotic pool cleaner that delivers top-notch performance without breaking the bank? Meet the Dolphin Quantum, one of Dolphin's most popular models designed to make pool cleaning effortless. We put the Quantum to the test to see how it fares on wall-climbing, fine particle filtration, and user-friendliness. Read on to discover if the Quantum is the right choice for you!

Unboxing and Initial Setup of the Dolphin Quantum

Unboxing the Quantum takes about 5 minutes. Once it’s in the water, the power supply is simple and customizable. You don’t have to walk into your backyard to turn the Quantum on for a cleaning in the middle of a hot day; you can program it to run as needed: daily, 2 times a week, or 3 times a week. Even if you’re out of town, the Quantum will keep your pool clean.

Suitable for In-Ground Pools of All Types

This cleaner can tackle in-ground pools up to 50 feet long. It can climb and clean anything from vinyl to gunite. Dolphin just added their patented anti-tangle swivel to this model, too, so now you don’t have to worry about cord tangling.

SmartNav 2.0 Technology: Optimized Cleaning Path

One of the frustrating things about a lot of pool cleaners is that they wander aimlessly. But the Quantum has SmartNav 2.0, which is software that scans the pool to calculate the optimum cleaning path. This keeps it from lingering in one area too long or missing other areas entirely.

PowerJet 3D Mobility for Superior Maneuverability

The Quantum has something called PowerJet 3D Mobility. This means it has 3 internal jets that can move the robot not just forward and backward on a flat surface, but even laterally while vertical.

Performance Comparison: Quantum vs. Higher-End Models

Quantum doesn’t provide the same agility as gyroscopic mobility, like what you’ll find on higher-end models like the Dolphin Sigma. And the Quantum has 2 DC motors on board as opposed to the Sigma’s 3. But its power and coverage are still impressive—especially for reaching the water and tile line.

Exceptional Waterline Cleaning

The tile line, also known as the scum line, is a particularly nasty part of the pool. Our test pool had accumulated a distinct buildup of algae and sludge where the water meets the tile. But the Quantum is engineered to clean waterlines. Most cleaners will partially climb walls and maybe reach 2/3 up the wall. The typical robot found on Amazon doesn’t go above that 2/3 point. This is a problem because there is a lot of buildup, debris, and algae found at the scum line. But the Quantum consistently attacked the scum line and scrubbed it free of algae and built-up residue. That’s a hard feature to find on an affordable robotic pool cleaner.

Dual Spinning Brushes for Effective Cleaning

Quantum has these dual spinning brushes to scrub the pool surfaces. These tough bristles are great at dislodging dirt and debris. However, it’s not an independent split brush like what you’ll find on more premium models like the Sigma. So, the Quantum sacrifices some precision and agility here.

Impressive Debris Collection with a High-Capacity Filter

After dropping in the pool, the Quantum operated for about 2 hours. We were impressed to see all of the dirt and debris disappear from the pool, and the water clarity was substantially improved. But the real proof of its power is in the filter.

This filter cartridge is huge—it has 400 square inches of space. So, when you pull it out after a cleaning, you’ll find it full of twigs, leaves, acorns, even small pool toys. This is one of the highest capacity pool cleaning filters available today.

Two Filter Media Options for Versatile Cleaning

While some higher-end models like the Dolphin Premier offer up to four filter media options, the Quantum has only two: the standard filter and the micro-filter. We used the standard filter to gather larger debris, like leaves and grass clippings. But you can use the micro-filter for a deep clean, where all these folds of special fabric capture debris as small as two microns. That includes sand, pollen, algae, and more.

Easy Maintenance with a Top-Loading Filter

Another feature we like about the Quantum’s filter is how easy it is to access and clean. It’s top-loading, so you don’t have to heave the unit over to access anything on the underside. Just dump the debris from the basket, rinse the lining clean, and put it back. It’s that simple.

Operating Costs and Warranty Information

The Quantum comes with a 2-year warranty. We wish that were longer, like the Premier’s 3-year, no-nonsense warranty. But all in all, we’re impressed. The Quantum is lightweight, it’s powerful, it’s easy to operate, and it uses a mere 180 watts of power. That adds up to just 5 cents an hour to operate.

Price Point and Value

At $1199, the Quantum is priced in the middle of the road. It’s not the premium commercial-grade machine like the Dolphin Sigma or Premier, but it outperforms the average robotic pool cleaner while providing a better value. So, if you’re looking for an everyday robotic pool cleaner that can make your life easier, the Quantum is a solid choice.

Conclusion: Is the Dolphin Quantum Right for You?

The Dolphin Quantum offers a balanced mix of performance, convenience, and value. It’s not the highest-end model, but it delivers powerful cleaning capabilities and energy efficiency at a reasonable price. For an everyday robotic pool cleaner that simplifies pool maintenance, the Quantum is a great choice.

Read more reviews and get the best price on Quantum and a dozen other pool robots at poolbots.com.