The best that humanity managed to invent in the pool cleaning industry is robotic cleaning assistants. These compact and smart devices suit any inground pool, from the smallest with bizarre construction to the largest. The market offers us thousands of options, but there is hardly a more efficient way to keep your swimming reservoir fresh and safe than to get some of Dolphin or Polaris products. That’s where Dolphin vs Polaris battle starts.
Read these Forum’s Topics about Dolphin and Polaris
At the moment, brands share the pedestal, offering an extremelly close set of functions and technologies for similar money. So, how can we choose one suitable option for us? And what to rely upon during our search? Let’s find it out together.
Dolphin or Polaris Brand Comparison
Though we traditionally call Dolphin a brand, it is a branch of Maytronics corporation occupied in pool equipment production. Maytronics and Dolphin started their history in 1983 when their engineers launched the first domestic and commercial robotic pool cleaner under the Dolphin name.
Since that time, the company successfully provides luxurious quality at affordable prices. Dolphin cleaners are compatible with all pools and suitable for all customers. Annual innovations support the title of the pool cleaning pioneer. That’s why millions of people all over the world choose Dolphin.
By analogy, Polaris also started as a part of the Zodiac brand established in 1909. At that date, this European company produced inflatable products, boats mostly. Later, Zodiac entered the international market with headquarters located all over the world. By 1994, it launched the production of its first electric pool cleaners.
In 2018, Zodiac merged with Fluidra. Thus, Polaris counts over a century history. Its pool cleaners catch up with the most expensive brands. Customers love their durability and the wide range of models. The combination allows it to become the best-selling manufacturer on the market.
Anyway, one should remember that though robotic pool cleaners are the best (especially for large pools), they cost a lot. That’s why experts recommend performing a thorough investigation beforehand to pick up an optimal model.
Luckily, we did it for you. Today, we’ll try to reveal all Dolphin and Polaris cleaners’ pros and cons to help you make the best purchase for your requirements and budget.
Dolphin Robot Pool Cleaners – Comparison Table
Polaris Robot Pool Cleaners – Comparison Table
Frequently Asked Questions
Polaris vs Dolphin: what is the best robotic pool cleaner brand?
faqDolphin and Polaris are almost identical in terms of cleaning efficiency, technological equipment, and durability. Your choice should depend on your needs. Thus, Dolphin offers more affordable prices, lighter and extremely energy-efficient models that provide more thorough water filtration. Polaris brand pays special attention to suction and programming.
What is the best Dolphin robotic pool cleaner?
We prefer Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus as the most well-balanced product in terms of price and efficiency. Though it cannot clean the waterline, users love its thorough bottom and wall processing as well as ultra-fine water filtration. Pool cleaner supports week schedule, CleverClean navigation, not too long 2-hour cleaning cycle, long tangle-free cord, and lightweight body.
What is the best Polaris robotic pool cleaner?
Among Polaris robotic series, we distinguish Polaris F9550 Sport model. The unit is more affordable than the top-level F9650IQ and VRX iQ+ Smart cleaners but lacks only app controlling. For a smaller price, you get comprehensive floor+wall+waterline cleaning, enlarged suction port, and filter canister with a full indicator that earlier Polaris cleaners lack. Also, the bot features a 7-day schedule, handheld remote, super-long swivel cord, and 4WD system, and new Aqua-Trac tires.
Can I leave Dolphin and Polaris robotic pool cleaners in the pool?
Dolphin and Polaris allow users to keep their robotic pool cleaners in the water when not in use. However, if you’d like to ensure longer service life to your device, we’d recommend you pull it out of the water periodically.
How long do Dolphin and Polaris robotic pool cleaners last?
On average, Dolphin and Polaris pool cleaners last for at least five years. You can even prolong their life with proper and regular maintenance.
Can I use a Dolphin Remote control sold separately with Dolphin Nautilus CC?
The available on the market Dolphin Remote Control (9993179-R1) to drive the cleaner manually and select cycles is not compatible with reviewed in this article models (E10, Escape, Premier, Nautilus). For those who appreciate Dolphin Nautilus CC and want to have a remote control function, on the market appeared Dolphin Nautilus CC Pro and Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi with Wi-Fi connection for remote control via smartphone. The pro version has a top-load extra-large basket and can clean a waterline. Meanwhile, Polaris 9650iQ, reviewed in this article, already has the possibility of a Wi-Fi connection. You can connect Polaris 9650iQ with your family network and start the cleaning cycle using Alexa.
How to take care of Dolphin Premier filters?
All Dolphin cartridge filters require cleaning after each cycle. The filter bag from Dolphin Premier should be periodically washed in a washing machine on a gentle cycle. It is recommended to use ultra-fine cartridge filters for everyday use and net filters for dirty pools beginning of the season and with large debris.
Conclusion
Now you know everything we know about Dolphin and Polaris robotic pool cleaners. Both brands allow all customers to find their optional products.
Owners of medium-sized in-ground pools who don’t want to spend too much on super technologies will be pleased with Dolphin E10 and Escape cleaning quality for relatively small money. They are also the best options for above ground pools.
Polaris P825 Sport and F9450 Sport are more expensive, but they can climb walls and offer better suction. We recommend these units if your pool has a complicated shape with lots of obstacles (stairs, decorative elements) or if water often gets polluted with large debris like leaves or sticks.
attentionDolphin Nautilus CC, CC Plus and Polaris F9550 Sport are excellent golden mean cleaners. All feature a rather high price, but for the money, you get every function, including smart scheduling. Besides, they suit the largest pools and never get lost or tangled.
Dolphin Premier, Polaris VRX iQ+ Smart, and Polaris F9650IQ Sport are similar to the previous models. However, they are top devices. Here, you pay for ultimate performance (clean, even waterline), the widest kit (three filters in the Premier), and app control (in the IQ Sport and iQ+ Smart). They are not our favorites because, for us, the price is too high compared with the innovations offered. But lots of people are ready to invest in the best and latest technologies as well as the ultimate comfort of use. So, brands give us such an opportunity.
With any of these devices, you can be sure of your pool cleanliness and your time saved. Grab your model quicker and enjoy crystal clear water all year round!
Recent Updates
Feb 6, 2021: Since Dolphin E10 provoked great feedback in our audience for its functionality and affordability, the IntexPoolPumps team would also like to recommend the Dolphin E20 and E30 devices. These analogs can boast several decent updates like waterline cleaning (the E30) or weekly scheduler (the E20), while the price still pleases.
Apr 11, 2021: Those looking for the most popular and tested option should try Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus. By April 2021, this robot pool cleaner received over 7000 ratings on Amazon and got 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Apr 30, 2021: Polaris F9550 remote works even through the water when your cleaner is deep on the bottom. But on the land, we’d recommend using the remote no far than 50 meters from the cleaner.
May 18, 2021: Polaris F9550IQ can hold up to 5 liters of dirt in its filter bag. That’s what the manufacturer stated in the new model’s description.
Jul 5, 2022: While most models grew in price, Polaris F9450 and F9550 please their customers with sifnificant drop.
Dec 13, 2023: Dolphin Nautilus CC remains the most popular robotic cleaner by Dolphin 12.719 ratings with 78% of 5 stars. The section Frequently Asked Questions was updated with new popular questions.
Feb 10, 2024: The Polaris 9350 was replaced with a similar new model, the Polaris P825 Sport. Also, a new hot model Polaris VRX iQ+ Smart model was added. All sections were updated accordingly.
Hi! I’m Markus Robertson, and water is my passion.
Five years ago, I graduated from the University of California-Los Angeles and was going to become a professional marine biologist. However, my fate had other plans for me, and due to family problems, I had to find a more stable and well-paid job. I had only one wish for my job to be connected with water.
During this period of my life, I worked as a sales manager at Olympic Pool & Spa Supplies. The job helped me learn everything about swimming pools and related pool equipment, as well as how to choose the best option and what to pay attention to.
Hi could you do a direct comparison of the Dolphin Stigma and Polaris Vrt Iq+ ? Could you email me your opinion I’m waiting to see which one I want to buy.
I’m curious on your thoughts between those two?
Thank you so much
Hello, Diane! Thank you very much for your trust and questions! This is an interesting comparison. We’ll do our best to purchase these cleaner models and review them in one of our future articles.
Hi! Can I buy a Dolphin for a frame above ground pool?
Hello, Ben! Thank you very much for your question! Most Dolphins are developed for inground pools. However, you may try Dolphin E10? which is suitable for rigid above ground pools.
Hi everybody! Thanks for the comparison, pretty detailed. But I just want to mention that such widely advertised brands like these take pretty much to compensate ad expenses. I just don’t see the reason to pay for Dolphin when you can get a cheaper Chinese analog with the same characteristics (like AquaViva for ex.).
Hi, B.R.Q.! Thank you very much for your opinion! Indeed, the market is full of less known but more affordable models. However you should clearly understand that when you save on one thing, you’ll inevitably have to sacrifice something else. These brands are usually less powerful (which is a minus for large pool owners), sometimes have less attachements, and users may face difficulties with connection to pools as well as difficulties to find comsumables, etc. The models we examined above are more multifunctional and powerful. However, you’re absolutely right, the final choice completely depends on your needs and there can’t be one “perfect” answer for everybody)
Which do you recommend more, the Dolphin M600 or Polaris Alpha IQ+? It would be for an inground pool with Pebble Sheen finish. Thank you.
Hi, Alec! Thank you very much for your question! In fact, these models belong to the same niche and offer very similar performance. Let us mention that they both suit inground pools with any covering. However, Polaris Alpha features a bit faster cleaning and boasts exclusive smart and adaptive cleaning through the app. If you have a large pool and some additional objects (like lights, spa points) we’d recommend choosing the Alpha IQ+. Dolphin M600 wins by its more attractive price for almost the same perfromance. Besides, its filter basket is a bit larger. So if you like smart app control, top level cleaning even with large debris but in the plain pool, Dolphin M600 is a more preferable option. And it’s your choice if you’d like to stay within strict budget. Hope you’ll find this information useful!
Hi! I own Dolphin IQ. When I start cleaning from my phone, it turns on, moves for about 2-5 minutes and then stops completely. The problem appeared about a week ago. Perhaps someone faced the same trouble and can advise me what to do? Thank you so much!
Hi, Lana! Thank you very much for your question! Please try to start cleaning manually. If there is no problem in operation in that case, app connection will be the reason for errors. Then we’d recommend you reseting phone-WiFi-app connection. Hope you’ll find this helpful!
I am looking for a recommendation between the Polaris Alpha IQ, Polaris 8642 Epic IQ, and Dolphin Premium Robotic. Not sure which would be the best option. Inground, 18×36. Our robot lives in the water (probably a bad habit)
Hi, Anthony! Thank you very much for your question! At the moment we’re working over the new Polaris comparisons and hope that we’ll be able to provide you with thorough Polaris Alpha vs Epic comparison in the near future. However, here is our brief opinion on these models.
The robots you’re interested in are very resembling as they occupy the top niche. The life proves that all high-tech gadgets of the latest generations usually share the same innovations. Anyway, Polaris Alpha IQ boasts Smart cycle navigation and exclusively adjusts to your pool features. This is a top personal addition if you have any “inconvenient” elements inside the pool (like lights or spa) or non-standard shape. Also, we like its huge canister (the hugest).
Polaris Epic IQ mostly offers the same functionality except for better brushes and Cyclonic debris suction. This model is a choice if you often face massive debris (leaves, aggressive algae, insects). But please mind a smaller canister.
With Dolphin Premium you’ll save about $200. It also has the same functions (WiFi/App control, big canister, waterline cleaning, schedule, etc.) but there is no extra innovative navigation or scrubbing or anything else.
Thus, we can offer the following “choose guide”: 1) choose the Alpha if you have non-standard pool shape/construction and need faster cleaning; 2) choose the Epic if you need more thorough cleaning; 3) choose the Premium if you need neither super-speed nor super-thoroughness but would like to get almost the same performance for better money. Hope you’ll find this info useful!
P.S. All robots suit you pool size and I think there is nothing bad in keeping your pool cleaner in the water (the manufacturers also allow for such storage).
which is better Polaris vrxiq or dolphin sigma??
Hi, Linda Calvo! Sorry for the delay in responding and thank you for your question! Polaris VRX iQ is a deal for larger pools as it provides longer cable and faster cleaning cycle (while losing nothing in the quality). Dolphin Sigma is more available at the moment for almost identical performance (except for slightly slower cleaning and smaller dirtbin). That’s why at the moment we’d recommend choosing the Sigma or waiting for a couple of months for the VRX iQ price to drop.
Hi Marcus! Which cable is better for my above-ground swimming pool swivel cable or not?
Hello Hebert! Thank you for your question! It is always recommended for all types of swimming pools to have a cleaner with tangle-free swivel cable. However, you may use non-swivel cables only for small pools. That is why in this comparison, look closely at models with swivel cables.
Hi! I have a Polaris model with ActivMotion sensors. A month ago it began to miss some dirt spots. Can it be because the sensors got dirty? Do you need to clean them somehow? Thank you for help!
Thank you very much for your question! As far as we know, the manufacturer does not ask to clean ActivMotion sensor elements on purpose. Your robot’s navigation is supposed to work correctly on its on. However, if you face some problems, we can recommend you checking brush/roller elements (the problems are more frequent caused by them). Please also contact the user’s support service.
I don’t have a garden hose near the swimming pool in my backyard. How can I clean the filters on my Polaris 9550 that I am going to buy?
Hello Marian! Thank you for your interest in Polaris 9550. The fine canister of Polaris 9550 can be cleaned in any place with the pressure water jet to remove all particles stuck in the filter. You may clean it in any place in your backyard or use tap water in your kitchen or bathroom.
Real users, which is the smallest and lightest model? I’m afraid I won’t cope with a heavy robot full of water
Thank you very much for your question! Both brands – Polaris and Dolphin – are concerned about their robots’ weight. They try to produce as light and compact products as possible, because lots of users have similar doubts like yours. In fact, Dolphin wins this battle. Its Nautilus CC and CC Plus are the smallest, while the Nautilus CC and Dolphin Escape are also the lightest with their 14 pound bodies. Polaris offers robots the weight of which starts from 22 pounds.
I have a large underground pool. My pool is not covered and we live in the country with a lot of dirt and trees. I am looking at the Dolphin Naulilus CC Supreme and the Polaris 9650iQ Sport Robotic. Which machine would you recommend.
Thanks
Both the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme and Polaris 9650iQ Sport Robotic are great pool cleaning robots, but the Polaris may be better for your needs due to its ability to handle larger debris.
What is your opinion/advice about the Polaris Freedom model?
Thanks!
Hello. I have an article about this model: Polaris Freedom vs. Dolphin Liberty
I think this will be useful to you.
Hi! How much is the annual service of Dolphins? I mean which elements I need to replace regularly? Is it necessary to clean it specially and so on?
Thank you very much for your question! Usually, owners only need to regularly empty baskets and clean filters and scrubbers. These procedures can be done manually and do not require special (I mean paid) help from specialists. Thus, you can do it on your own for free. Baskets, filters and scrubbers last long, but you may need to replace them in case of breakage, which is a rare case.
Dear Marcus! Thank you for the review. My kids and dog love the pool, but I’m worried whether power cords are safe enough? Electricity and water are not the best couple you know.
Thank you very much for your question! Manufacturers guarantee safety. Besides, cords are long enough, have swivel mechanisms and are protected against possible damage of isolation layers.