Reddit Reveals What Pool Owners Really Want in a Robot Cleaner
June 13, 2025
min read
Real feedback from pool owners shows why Dolphin continues to lead in trust, performance, and long-term value!
As part of our commitment to protecting customers and supporting a fair online marketplace for authorized Dolphin dealers, our team continuously monitors product discussions, reviews, and online forums. This helps us identify everything from counterfeit listings to consumer concerns, giving us valuable insight into the real-world experiences of robotic pool cleaner owners.
One recent Reddit thread asked: “What matters most to you when buying a pool robot?” The replies were candid and unfiltered, and they offered a revealing look at what pool owners really care about, which brands they trust, and why.
Here’s a breakdown of what stood out, and why Dolphin pool cleaners by Maytronics were mentioned more than any other brand.
Top Robotic Pool Cleaner Buying Criteria: What Pool Owners Care About
1. Brand Reputation and Trust
Dolphin earned repeated praise for long-standing performance and name recognition:
“Dolphin has a good one [reputation] by both pool owners & pool techs.”
2. Local Dealer Support
For many buyers, having access to authorized service and replacement parts is essential: “I chose Dolphin because there’s a local dealer who is competent to do repairs if needed.” Customers can find authorized Dolphin dealers through our dealer locator tool, ensuring full product support and warranty protection.
3. Fine Filtration for Crystal-Clear Water
Multiple users cited Dolphin’s ability to remove fine dust and small particles as a deciding factor: “My pool has never looked clearer than since I got this.”
4. Long-Term Reliability
Users consistently highlighted durability, even years after purchase: “I had a Dolphin that lasted about 6–7 years… still a worthwhile purchase.”
5. Simple, Set-It-and-Forget-It Operation
Smart features weren’t always a priority, and many users preferred a straightforward plug-and-play approach: “No phone app. I plug it in, set it to run every day, and let it work.”
Other Pool Robot Brands Mentioned (and How They Stack Up)
In addition to Dolphin, users discussed other automatic pool cleaner options:
- Aiper: Noted for affordability and cordless models. However, many reviewers cited inconsistent cleaning, short lifespans, and limited support.
- Aqua Products: Received praise for leaf handling and cord quality but was contrasted with earlier positive Dolphin ownership.
- Hayward: Recognized as a reputable brand, though specific experiences were not shared in-depth.
- Dreame & Betta: Mentioned as emerging competitors, but without enough user data yet.
What Users Want in the Future
Some users imagined smarter robotic pool cleaners with voice controls, camera views, and AI-driven features. A few even shared DIY ideas using Raspberry Pi systems to monitor pool conditions like pH, salinity, and temperature. While these features aren’t mainstream yet, the message was clear: pool owners love innovation, but only when it adds real value.
Why It Matters to Maytronics
We’re proud that Dolphin pool cleaners are seen as the standard-setters in the industry, but we don’t take that for granted. These conversations remind us of that trust, reliability, and customer service still matter most. That’s why Maytronics backs every unit sold by our authorized online dealers, and why we’re constantly improving what we do.
Want to make sure you’re buying from an authorized seller?
Visit https://www.maytronics.com/en-us/store-locator to verify dealers, explore product specs, and learn more about how a Dolphin robotic pool cleaner can simplify your pool maintenance, season after season.
