Dolphin Cayman vs. Escape

Dolphin Cayman Pros

Dolphin Cayman Cons

Dolphin Escape Pros

Dolphin Escape Cons

The Dolphin Cayman is a sleek, compact, lightweight robotic pool cleaner. It boasts a sturdy build that withstands all weather conditions, especially the scorching summer sun on the deck. This is courtesy of Maytronics’ choice of material, premium plastic. The finish is a blend of gray, blue, and black. When it comes to the dimensions, the Cayman measures 22.2×17.6×12.8 inches. The small profile makes storing the cleaner in tight spaces during winter easy.

As for the weight, the Dolphin Cayman is just 14.7 lbs, one of the lightest above-ground robot pool cleaners we have come by. As a matter of fact, it is 30% lighter than other robotic pool cleaners. So lifting it from point A to B shouldn’t be a hurdle.

Dolphin Escape is just as appealing aesthetically as Dolphin Cayman. It also boasts a robust build with high-grade plastic material. As a result, the Escape can take all the abuse in any weather condition and remain intact.

The color scheme is similar to the Cayman’s; black, gray, and blue. Regarding dimensions, the Dolphin Escape also has a small footprint, so storage space shouldn’t be a worry. It measures 22.2×17.6×12.8 inches. Regarding weight, it’s negligibly lighter at 14.2 lbs.

While many brands ship their pool cleaners in parts, Maytronics has a fantastic plan that makes it easy for any swimming enthusiast to get started with their pool cleaner. The Cayman comes in a Plug’n Play design, so you don’t have to worry about assembly. You just have to set the power supply at least 10 ft away, connect the cleaner to the mains, drop it in the water, sit back, and relax.

The advantage of robotic pool cleaners is that they run off your pool pump or any other installation, so there’s less to do when getting started. As for usability, it is excellent. The controls are on the power unit and are pretty straightforward. We also like the fact that Maytronics included a swivel cord, so you won’t have to struggle with the kinks and tangles.

As far as assembly and usability are concerned, Dolphin Escape shares a lot with the Cayman. It also boasts a Plug’n Play design, so you won’t struggle with long assembly steps before using your cleaner. Just plug it into the mains and drop it in the water; it will do all the hard lifting for you.

Like the Cayman, it runs autonomously without relying on other pool installations, such as the pool pump. This further cuts down assembly and setup requirements.

As for usability, it is also user-friendly, with easy controls on the power supply unit. The Escape also comes with a tangle-free cord.

The Maytronics Cayman is an above-ground pool cleaner…you can tell from its compact size. But there’s no harm in using an above-ground pool cleaner in an inground pool as long as it can sink in the water and the pool is not so large.

When it comes to the pool material, the Cayman is versatile. It can clean steel, aluminum, and resin above-ground pools, and all other inground pool surfaces. When it comes to the pool’s shape, it is an all-rounder, so whether you have a round-shaped pool, rectangular, prism, or any other shape, it will get the job done. As for the pool size, Cayman has a 50 ft power cord that allows it to work effectively on a 33ft pool.

Maytronics Escape is also an above-ground pool cleaner, but using it to clean an inground pool is no issue. But remember, it must be completely submerged, and the pool should be relatively small.

As for the pool surfaces, it can clean, Dolphin Escape handles all above-ground pool materials, from steel and aluminum to resin.

As for inground pools, whether you have fiberglass, concrete, vinyl, or liner. Regarding pool shapes, the Escape is not choosy. You can use it on rectangular pools, round pools, prism pools, kidneys, oval pools, etc. Last on pool size, the Escape has a shorter 40 ft power cord, which makes it suitable for pools up to 30ft.

While the Dolphin Cayman can be used to clean inground pools, there’s a catch. You see, it has been engineered to clean the pool floor and walls only. It can’t clean up to the waterline like the Dolphin E50 or E70, two of the best inground pool cleaners out there. When it comes to suction rate, the Cayman has enough power to handle some of the biggest above-ground pool cleaners. It can do a whopping 4,000 GPH.

Now, onto the real cleaning and scrubbing; Maytronics equipped the Cayman with HyperBrush, a scrubbing technology that leverages a brush system that spins twice as fast as the brush in typical robotic pool cleaners. The result is superior scrubbing that eliminates algae blooms and other stains. Last, on cleaning cycles, Cayman doesn’t have enhanced cleaning cycles like the E50 and E70. Instead, it jas a default cycle that cleans the pool in 2 hours.

Dolphin Escape, like the Cayman, has a major flaw if you plan to use it in an inground pool. It just cleans the pool’s floor and walls. There’s no waterline cleaning. As for the suction rate, it is precisely the same as Cayman, as it also puts up 4000 GPH when firing on all cylinders. The brush system is also the same. It has been designed to tackle tough organic or inorganic stains.

Also worth mentioning is that they are gentle, so if you have a resin above-ground pool, you don’t have to worry. When it comes to cleaning cycles, the Escape has the upper hand. While it has a single cleaning cycle, completing the job takes around 1.5 hours. But remember, this cleaner is meant for up to 30ft pools, while the Cayman can handle a pool of up to 33ft.

Dolphin Cayman comes with a fine filter kit that captures all kinds of debris, from large debris to fine debris. If you have set your pool under the trees, don’t worry. It can pick up all cones, leaves, and small twigs. For those on sandy spots, don’t worry, as all the Cayman can also pick up all the sand pebbles kids throw into the water.

We are glad the filter compartment is quite large, so you won’t have to empty it now and then. Unfortunately, there is no full bin indicator, so you always have to be on the radar. But the good news is that this top-load filter offers easy and mess-free bin removal.

There is no difference in the Dolphin Escape’s filtration system. It also comes with a fine filter kit that can capture all kinds of pool debris, including algae, sand pebbles, cones, leaves, etc. It also features a massive top-load filter that can hold a week’s dirt from a busy pool.

The top-load design also makes maintenance a buzz, as you can access the filter compartment easily. Like the Cayman, the Dolphin Escape has no full bin indicator, so consider emptying the filter compartment often.

Dolphin Cayman is an intelligent robot vacuum that perceives your pool’s layout with humanlike accuracy. The robot has been engineered with SmartNav 2.0 Pool Mapping System, which gives it the intelligence to avoid obstacles, it can’t overcome, such as walls, ladders, steps, and drains.

Once such obstacles are detected, the robot changes direction. When it comes to the cleaning pattern, SmartNav 2.0 will scan and map your home and use a systematic cleaning pattern, ensuring that no spot is missed, regardless of the shape of your pool.

Dolphin Escape is not different from Dolphin Cayman as it has been engineered with SmartNav 2.0 Pool Mapping System. It is also a smart robot vacuum with a processor and a set of other components, including sensors for obstacle detection.

Besides obstacle detection, the robot pool cleaner scans and maps your entire pool area and calculates the most efficient paths to follow. Unlike typical robot cleaners, it uses efficient cleaning paths that ensure the robot finishes the cleaning on time and, importantly, passes on every spot.

When it comes to maneuvering, the Dolphin Cayman packs a dual-drive system powered by two 24-volt DC motors that pack excellent power and cut down power usage by up to 90%. This makes the Cayman one of the most energy-efficient pool cleaners we have tested. Interestingly, operating it costs just five cents per kWh. You can keep it running for longer without spiking your monthly energy bills.

For locomotion, the robot features HyperGrip Rubber Tracks instead of wheels. The tracks are an innovative tread solution that prevents slipping and enhances grip when the robot is climbing walls. Needless to say, the treads are gentle on pool floors, so don’t worry about scratches. Also worth mentioning is Quick-Purge Technology, a water release mechanism that ejects water behind faster, making propulsion easier.

The Dolphin Escape is similar to the Dolphin Cayman in terms of maneuverability as it is also a dual-drive system. It packs two 24-volt DC motors under the hood. The two motors put up excellent power for propulsion and keep down energy bills. Dolphin Escape also runs on a paltry 180 watts translating to an operating cost of just 5 cents per hour which is impressive.

Regarding movement, this pool cleaner also deploys tracks instead of wheels. Dubbed HyperGrip Rubber Tracks, they can go anywhere and climb those large pieces of debris that the cleaner can’t capture. These tracks are also gentle on fragile pool surfaces such as fiberglass. The Dolphin Escape also has that ergonomic design behind Quick-Purge Technology.

One of the most reliable convenience features that the Cayman comes with is the Weekly Timer. It enables you to decide when your Cyaman should clean the pool for the rest of the week. No need to tell the robot to get to work every day.

Unfortunately, it lacks Enhanced Cleaning cycles, a feature that allows you to decide the cleaning cycle duration. Also, there is no Delay feature or remote operation. All the same, it is a great deal now that programming the cleaner can save you a few bucks on your energy bills.

Unfortunately, the Dolphin Escape is not in any way endowed when it comes to convenience. It doesn’t have automation, meaning there is no Weekly Timer.

It also lacks Enhanced Cleaning Cycles, remote control, and Delay feature. However, it’s still a worthy choice if you don’t mind manually prompting the robot to clean.

Dolphin Cayman Robotic Pool Cleaner

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The Dolphin Cayman package comes with the following:

Remember, you can opt for other accessories sold separately, for example, a Universal Dolphin Caddy and a premium Caddy Cover.

Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner

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On the other hand, the Dolphin Escape package includes the following:

Again, you can opt for a Universal Dolphin Caddy and a premium Caddy Cover.

A 2-year warranty backs Dolphin Cayman, so if the pool cleaner breaks down within the first two years of purchase, you may be eligible for repair or replacement. But make sure to abide by the warranty terms and conditions.

Regarding support, Maytronics has a very responsive team, though you may not get feedback immediately. However, plenty of resources in the form of guides and video tutorials form a solid troubleshooting guide. As for parts and supplies, they are in plenty.

Dolphin Escape also comes with a 2-year warranty, so don’t fret if the cleaner develops problems within the first two years of use. But again, check the warranty terms and conditions to avoid voiding the warranty.

Support is also readily available, and so are replacement parts and supplies such as caddies, covers, filters, etc.