By Justin D. • April 16th, 2025
Keeping your pool water crystal clear sounds simple—until it's not. One day, it's pristine and you're wondering why people make such a big deal about pool care. But then—well, reality kicks in.
Now you're battling leaves, scrubbing algae, and wondering how things got out of hand so fast.
It's a never-ending chore—unless you've got the right tool to handle it for you. And I've found it, the Dolphin Escape.
Rated Best Above-Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner after testing nearly 30+ robotic pool cleaners in my pool, the Dolphin Escape stood out as a superior choice for small inground and above-ground pools.
Why? The answer is simple. With corded power, MaxBin, and a HyperBrush, the performance and price is a no brainer if you're on a budget.
Hey there and welcome back to the Pool Nerd, I'm Justin, your pool aficionado. Today, we're diving into the new Dolphin Escape, the above-ground robotic pool cleaner that delivers the best bang for your buck.
After testing over 30 robotic cleaners, I've finally found the sweet spot for pool owners who want a hands-off cleaning solution without the big price tag.
The Dolphin Escape is a corded robotic cleaner designed for above-ground pools but also works in smaller in-ground pools. In its price range, it delivers the best performance I've tested. With powerful DC motors, SmartNav 2.0, constant corded power, and a spacious, easy-to-clean filter, it outshines budget cordless models like Aiper and Winny that often suffer from weak suction and limited battery life. After testing each one, there's no contest—the Escape is in a league of its own.
In this review, I'll break down everything you need to know about the Escape—from its navigation system and HyperBrush to its huge, easy-to-clean MaxBin. I'll also compare it to pricier options, so you'll know exactly where it stands out and where it might come up short.
The Hassle of Maintaining an Above-Ground Pool
An above-ground pool can be awesome for escaping the heat without breaking the bank on an inground pool. But it doesn't take long to realize how leaves, bugs, and other random debris have a habit of collecting on the surface—or worse, settling at the bottom.
"One minute, you're relaxing in your pool; the next, you're its full-time janitor. Maybe you try skimming the top layer of leaves, only to discover a pile of dirt at the bottom. Or you buy a cheap vacuum that can't handle any significant debris, so you end up scrubbing by hand anyway. Then you see all these robotic cleaners with "effortless maintenance," only to have your heart skip a beat at the cost.
That's why I started testing these robots in my own pool. I tried cordless models—great in theory, but their batteries often died midway through a cleaning cycle and required daily recharging.
Then I stumbled across the new Dolphin Escape, priced around $600, and it's been solid. I've used and tested almost all the top models from Dolphin – and the Escape didn't disappoint. While it may lack some of the higher-end features, such as waterline cleaning, app control, and a weekly timer, Escape takes it back to the basics with a solid and reliable performance at a lower cost.
It's super simple to run, set up, and use. I had mine up and running in less than a minute. You just plug it in and turn it on. No assembly, programming, or anything else.
Why the Dolphin Escape Caught My Attention
The Escape secured a top position on my list of above-ground pool cleaners, and that's not something I say lightly.
During my tests, I've seen cheap cordless units wander around aimlessly, cleaning the same spot multiple times while passing right over debris. Others look flashy but can't scrub off stubborn dirt.
The Escape, however, tackles both navigation and deep cleaning in a way that makes sense for any pool owner. It's also part of the Max-Series from Maytronics, meaning it has modern features—like the MaxBin, HyperBrush, and SmartNav 2.0 — with performance that most above-ground pool robots simply can't match.
SmartNav 2.0
Lower-priced pool robots often stumble around like a drunk Roomba. They clean the same corner five times and ignore the real mess. They drive straight until they hit a wall, then pivot in a random direction, sometimes cleaning the same corner repeatedly. That's not the case with the Dolphin Escape. Its SmartNav 2.0 system scans your pool and determines how to cover it efficiently, so it doesn't waste time going in circles. You won't see it bumbling around or getting stuck. Instead, it maneuvers like it actually knows what it's doing.
Maybe this sounds excessive if your pool is on the smaller side, but you still want a robot that covers every area effectively. There's no point using extra energy to roam aimlessly if SmartNav can do the job in less time. In my 8' x 20' pool, it cleaned and vacuumed every inch.
Using the Escape in a Smaller In-Ground Pool
Although the Escape is advertised for above-ground pools, I still tried it in a small in-ground setup, purely out of curiosity. It performed great, gripping the floor, swallowing leaves like a pro, and handling slopes without issue.
Can the Dolphin Escape be used on In-Ground Pools?
Yes it can! Contrary to the manual in the box, I reached out to Maytronics and confirmed it can be used in in-ground pools as well as there was a lot of conflicting information online.
A question I've seen a lot is, can you use the Dolphin Escape on inground pools? Yes, you can even use it in smaller in-ground pools. There is no difference between using it in an inground vs above-ground pool. The only difference is you don't get some of the more advanced features like wall climbing or a weekly timer. If you want those, I highly recommend checking out the Dolphin Cayman – which you can watch my review on it as well.
It won't climb walls all the way to the top like the way high-end robots do. But for the average person with a smaller in-ground pool, its cleaning power is more than enough. Don't expect it to clean the waterline or walls though —that's a job for Dolphin's higher-end models like the Dolphin Cayman, Premier or Sigma.
Dual DC Motors
One thing that a lot of pool cleaners lack is raw power. They either rely on a booster pump, which can drive up your electric bill. Or, they use a smaller motor powered by a battery.
In contrast, the Escape uses Dual DC motors that process up to 4,000 gallons per hour. That's 3-times more power than some leading cordless models I've tested. This translates into solid suction for leaves, dirt, and smaller acorns (so long as they're not too bulky).
Even better, these motors only need around 180 watts of power. That's far less than older machines or typical pressure-side cleaners. "Older pressure-side cleaners can burn through 700–1000 watts. The Escape? Just 180 watts. That's over 80% less power consumption—saving you money every time you clean." You're only spending pennies per hour to operate it, which is fantastic for anyone who doesn't want their electric bill skyrocketing every pool season.
Plus, there's no battery to worry about. Being corded means it will keep running at full strength the entire cleaning cycle, and you can run multiple cycles in a row if needed.
HyperGrip Tracks
I've tested robots with wheels that would slip on every bump or slope. Or they would get stuck or spin in place until their battery died. But not the Escape.
The Dolphin Escape has HyperGrip tracks instead of traditional wheels. These tracks cling to the pool floor and maintain traction on transitions or slopes. You won't see it drift around or skid, but cling to your pool floor.
HyperBrush Active Scrubbing
Lots of above-ground pool cleaners don't actively scrub. They just simply vacuum. If dirt or algae is stuck to the surface, they won't remove it. Whether it is a pressure-side cleaner or the Aiper Scuba SE, there is no rotating scrubbing brush on the unit. That changes with the Escape.
The Escape's HyperBrush spins at twice the speed of standard Dolphin pool cleaners, so it's not just scrubbing – but actively attacking debris. That breaks up even some of the tougher buildup so the vacuum can suck it in, avoiding the need to run multiple cycles just to tackle the same grime.
MaxBin
I've lost count of how many times I've popped open a robot's filter only to find it jammed and clogged, while still only a quarter full, forcing me to empty and rinse it halfway through the job.
The Escape's top-loading MaxBin solves that problem. It's about 50% bigger than older filter cartridges, so you can often let it run through a full cycle—or more—before you need to dump it out. When you do, it's a breeze: open the top, lift the bin, shake out the debris, and rinse. Done.
That extra capacity is super handy if you have trees overhanging your pool that dump leaves in. The MaxBin vacuums it all. From bugs to leaves, there isn't anything too big for the Escape. I've even seen small twigs get sucked in without clogging. It's a big reason the Escape was ranked the #1 above-ground pool cleaner for this year.
What's Missing
No pool cleaner is flawless, and the Escape does have a couple of notable features you may want:
No Swivel Cable: While not always a dealbreaker, a swivel cable can help prevent tangling in bigger or unusually shaped pools. Above-ground pools are usually simpler in shape, making tangling less common, but it can still happen. If you do get a tangle, you'll have to untwist the cord yourself.
No Wall or Waterline Scrubbing: The Escape only does the pool floors, so it won't scrub your entire pool floors and walls.
No Built-In Scheduling: It's strictly a plug-and-play cleaner; you turn it on when you want it to run. If you like the idea of a "set-it-and-forget-it" weekly timer, you'll need to step up to a more advanced model like the Dolphin Cayman.
How It Handled My Pool
I have an 8ft by 20ft pool with plenty of nearby trees, which means leaves, dirt, and bugs galore. Before I got the Escape, I'd spend a fair chunk of time vacuuming by hand and skimming every day. The first time I dropped the Escape in, I simply plugged in the power supply, hit start, and went about my business. About half an hour later, I noticed the floor was already much cleaner, and the basket was partially full of leaves. I rinsed it quickly, put it back in, and let it finish.
Energy Efficiency
The Escape isn't just affordable upfront—it's ridiculously cheap to run. If you've ever used an older pressure-side or suction-side cleaner, you know they're energy hogs. Pressure and suction-side cleans pull 700 to 1000 watts since they rely on your pool's main pump or a separate booster pump.
The Escape? It barely sips power at just 180 watts. That's next to nothing. We're talking pennies an hour to run. Even if you let it loose in your pool every single day during peak season, your electric bill won't even flinch. That kind of efficiency is exactly why I recommend it so often. It's not just a smart buy—it's the kind of purchase that keeps paying for itself, long after you've taken the plunge.
A-Grade on Mozilla's Fakespot
In my recent reviews, I've been focusing on the authenticity of product reviews using tools like Fakespot—an AI-driven platform that analyzes online reviews to detect potential fake or incentivized content posted online. I see tons of other reviews online praising all kinds of pool products that I've found to be complete junk. This helps cut through the noise and determine whether a product's reputation is truly earned.
So, how does the Dolphin Escape measure up? It earned an A grade—the highest possible rating on Fakespot.
This is a big deal because the pool cleaner market is full of products with glowing reviews that don't always match real-world performance. I've seen it happen time and time again—robots with thousands of five-star ratings that turn out to be underpowered, unreliable, and frustrating to use.
The reason according to Fakespot? Fake reviews.
Brands like Aiper, Beatbot, and Winny have received F ratings on Fakespot, and honestly, that doesn't surprise me. Many of their reviews seem artificially inflated, but in real-world testing, their robots often fail to deliver.
The Dolphin Escape, on the other hand, is the real deal. Its A rating reflects what I've personally experienced—an ultra-reliable, high-performing robotic pool cleaner that lives up to the hype.
With powerful DC motors, an oversized debris basket, and an efficient cleaning system, the Escape isn't just another pool cleaner—it's a major upgrade for effortless pool maintenance. And I can confidently say it deserves the praise it gets.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Escape
Maintain Balanced Water Chemistry: No robot can magically fix heavily algae-ridden water. Shock and balance your pool first if it's green or cloudy.
Don't Let Debris Overflow: If you deal with a lot of leaves, you might want to check the MaxBin during a cycle and empty it before it's completely stuffed.
Lift the Robot Out by Its Handle: Avoid yanking on the cord, which can damage it over time. Pull the robot gently to the surface and grab it using the handle.
Who is the Dolphin Escape for?
The Escape is built for above-ground pool owners who want an easy, budget-friendly way to automate cleaning. It's also a solid choice for smaller in-ground pools, if you don't mind the robot not climbing the walls.
If you're after a Weekly Smart Timer or Wall Climbing, you'll want to look at a premium Dolphin like the Premier, Sigma, or Cayman. But if you just want to flip a switch and let the Escape do the heavy lifting—without the hassle of hoses or booster pumps—it's got you covered.
Why I Prefer Corded Pool Robots over Cordless
Cordless pool cleaners might seem like the future—until you actually own one. Limited battery life, weaker suction as the charge drops, and worst of all, the risk of them dying mid-clean. I've tested a few that just quit halfway through, and let me tell you, fishing them out was not fun.
That's where the Dolphin Escape shines. Its corded design means unlimited power, so it keeps running at full strength for the full cleaning cycle. Need an extra cleaning cycle? No problem—it's ready to go back-to-back without waiting on a recharge. Worried about tangles? Just keep an eye on how the cable is laid out, and if it ever twists up, a quick unplug and manual untwist is all it takes. Simple, effective, and hassle-free.
Comparing the Dolphin Escape
I'm a big fan of the Dolphin Escape—especially at this price point. It outperforms brands like Aiper, Winny, and even some Polaris models. The power, reliability, and consistently thorough cleaning make it one of the best pool robots I've tested.
Cordless models might seem convenient at first, but they come with a daily hassle: you have to take them out, charge them, and put them back in—sometimes twice a day. With the Escape, there's none of that. Just press a button, and it's ready to clean.
No dealing with charging cables, hauling the robot in and out of the pool, or waiting for it to recharge on the patio. The Escape is always ready to go, and for me, that's a game-changer. At this price, no other cleaner delivers what the Dolphin Escape does – which is why it made my list as the Best Above-Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner.
Comparing the Escape to other Dolphin Models
If you're looking to upgrade or want to compare to other top Dolphin models, I've got you covered. I've tested the Dolphin Premier, Dolphin Sigma, and Dolphin Cayman, which are all a step above the Escape – both in price and performance. But should you consider upgrading? Let me break it down for you:
If you want full hands-off cleaning performance with a Weekly Smart Timer, with the same great MaxBin and Max-Series performance, look into the Dolphin Cayman. It comes with a Weekly Timer, something other models in this price range – like the Dolphin Nautilus CC, Dolphin E10, and Dolphin Explorer E20 are missing. It's an upgrade you absolutely have to have if you want to automate your pool cleaning. Do you need it for an above-ground pool? Probably not – but it is a super useful feature that just makes owning a pool robot easier.
If you have a large pool that is larger than 30ft long, take the plunge and upgrade to a ProLine model. That includes the Dolphin Premier, Quantum, and Sigma. These robots are more powerful than the Escape, include more features – such as that weekly timer I was talking about, and include NanoFilters.
My Personal Take
I'll never forget the first time I used my Escape. I'd left my pool uncovered on a windy night, and I woke up to leaves, bugs, and dust everywhere. Normally, I'd have spent a good hour vacuuming and skimming. Instead, I dropped in the Escape, plugged it in, and walked away. When I came back half an hour later, the pool floor looked super clean.
The filter bin was half-full, yet it kept cleaning just as efficiently. A quick rinse of the MaxBin and boom—my pool was leaf-free, with minimal effort.
It does have limits—if you need waterline scrubbing or want a weekly timer, you'll need to look at pricier Dolphin models. But for an above-ground or smaller in-ground scenario, it manages an impressive blend of cost-effectiveness, performance, and convenience that's hard to beat.
Certified Open Box
Looking for the best deal on a Dolphin Escape? Here's a little-known secret: Certified Open Box units. I came across these online, and they're hands down one of the best values out there. You get a like-new cleaner with a full warranty—while saving hundreds. Want to save even more? Check out the refurbished models.
Many open-box and refurbished units are in pristine condition—often just returns that have been tested and certified for resale. Same great performance, just at a better price. Why pay full retail when you don't have to?
If you're interested, head over to ThePoolNerd.com/Deals to find the latest discounts on Open Box, Refurbished, and New Dolphin Escape cleaners.
Final Verdict: Pool Nerd Approved
So what's my final verdict on the Dolphin Escape?
It's Pool Nerd Approved.
If you're worn out from manual vacuuming or budget cleaners that can't pick up the leaves stuck at the bottom of your pool, the Dolphin Escape is a great purchase.
It's more reasonably priced than the high-end options, and powerful enough to grab most leaves and debris in a single cycle. I wouldn't recommend it for larger pools, but for a typical above-ground or a small in-ground pool, it's a perfect fit. You'll see an immediate difference in how much less time you spend on maintenance.
Sure, $600–$700 isn't pocket change, but consider how much of your life is currently spent cleaning the pool or how much a professional pool cleaner might charge over a season. The Escape lets you toss it in, head off to do something else, and return to a clean pool.
Hopefully, the Escape gives you a more laid-back approach to pool ownership—because we all deserve a little more time to relax and enjoy our pools.
If you wanna keep nerding out over your pool, head on over to my deals page at ThePoolNerd.com/deals where I post the best deals on robotic pool cleaners and other pool equipment.
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