Winny 200SE Review

Let’s get real: the Winny 200SE might look sleek with its transparent design and low price tag, but there’s more to this robotic pool cleaner than meets the eye. Marketed as an affordable cleaning solution for above-ground pools, the Winny 200SE seems like a great deal. But once you dig a little deeper—from its “D” grade on Mozilla’s Fakespot analysis to some eyebrow-raising user reports—you’ll find there’s a lot to think twice about.

I’m already cautious about cordless cleaners with lithium-ion batteries—mostly because of recent alleged fire risks from other brands like Aiper. The cordless promise sounds convenient, but our testing revealed more frustration than freedom.

And if you’re new here, welcome back to The Pool Nerd! I’m Justin, your resident pool aficionado, and today we’re diving into our experience with the Winny 200SE to see if it lives up to the hype.

Spoiler alert: it does not. Between frequent recharges, getting stuck on small pool wrinkles, and weak suction power, this model simply doesn’t deliver the ease and efficiency most pool owners want. Compared to high-performing corded models like the Dolphin Escape and Cayman, the Winny 200SE falls flat, and I’m here to explain why these reliable alternatives are worth every penny.

Questionable Reliability and Fakespot’s “D” Rating

Mozilla Fakespot’s “D” rating raises some big concerns, as they report that only about half of the Winny 200SE’s reviews appear reliable. I haven’t checked each of the reviews, but this certainly raises some concerns worth looking into. During testing, it often needed frequent charging and manual intervention—basically, the opposite of what an “automatic” cleaner should be.

Battery life was inconsistent. Some users report the battery lasting around an hour, but many others complained it needed recharging too often. After testing it in an 8x20 vinyl pool, we had similar battery issues: the Winny 200SE’s battery couldn’t finish our pool in one go when filled with significant debris, meaning constant removal, recharging, and restarting were necessary.

Performance and Limitations of the Cordless Design

The Winny 200SE’s transparent design is a unique look, but that’s where the “wow factor” ends. The suction power is mediocre at best, capable of picking up some debris but struggling with larger particles like leaves or debris. Many users echoed this issue. With a basic mesh filter, don’t expect crystal-clear water after each cycle.

Cordless cleaners, in general, come with a list of limitations compared to corded models, but they’ve also raised some safety concerns. Recently, cordless models from a different brand—particularly Aiper’s Seagull Pro—have allegedly been linked to fires while charging, with multiple reported incidents. While we have seen no similar reports from Winny or Wybot, it’s something to keep in mind when considering any cordless cleaner with a lithium-ion battery.

User Experience: Daily Frustrations with the Winny 200SE

From our tests, it’s clear the Winny 200SE lacks the smooth, set-and-forget experience you’d expect from a robotic cleaner. Instead, it was more like a part-time job, constantly needing adjustments and manual intervention. This defeats the purpose of having an automatic cleaner in the first place.

Battery life added to the frustration. While some users reported the battery lasting up to an hour, we found it frequently cut off before finishing a full clean. Once the battery died, it required hours to recharge, meaning we could only complete one cycle per day unless we wanted to spend all day waiting and recharging. Without a timer or scheduling options and continuous power, it often missed large sections of the pool, leaving it half-cleaned even after hours of use.

The Winny 200SE Filter

The filter is one of the most disappointing parts of the Winny 200SE. Why? Well - I would hardly call it a filter. It's a plastic mesh screen that seemed to let a ton of fine debris through, as it just let it recirculate throughout my pool.

Now compared to other cordless models, like the Aiper Scuba SE and Aiper Seagull SE, it isn't much different. Does that make it good though? No.

In my opinion you should stick to a robot with NanoFilters. Way better and well worth the price tag...

Comparing to Corded Alternatives: The Dolphin Escape and Cayman

The limitations of the Winny 200SE become even more apparent when you compare it to much more tried-and-true corded models like the Dolphin Escape and Dolphin Cayman. These models offer a steady, uninterrupted power, making them far more reliable for a thorough clean.

The Dolphin Escape, for example, features powerful motors that pump over 4000 gallons per hour, continuous corded power, and smart navigation that basically covers every inch of the pool floor. In our tests, the Escape didn’t get stuck once, navigated the entire pool effortlessly, and effectively removed all visible debris.

The Dolphin Cayman takes things a step further, offering features like an active scrubbing brush and a weekly smart timer to automate pool cleanings. During testing, the Cayman cleaned our pool’s textured surfaces and corners better than any cordless model we’ve tried. With a 4000 gallon-per-hour filtration rate, it filtered over 2.5 times more water in a single cycle than the Winny 200SE, providing consistent, high-powered cleaning from start to finish.

Certified Refurbished Options: More Power for Less

If price is a concern, there’s a little-known but valuable option: certified open box and refurbished models of these corded cleaners. Certified refurbished Dolphins, including both the Escape and Cayman, are often available at significantly reduced prices—sometimes as low as $300–$400. These units go through rigorous quality checks and come with the exact same warranties as new models, so you’re essentially getting a like-new cleaner at a fraction of the cost.

We’ve tested several refurbished Dolphin models and found their performance just as impressive as brand-new units. This makes certified refurbished an excellent option if you’re on a budget but don’t want to compromise on performance.

Safety Concerns with Cordless Models

Cordless cleaners are typically powered by lithium-ion batteries, which, while convenient, come with some additional risks. Aiper’s Seagull Pro, for instance, allegedly started fires in several reported cases. In one report, a house fire was allegedly linked to a charging Seagull Pro, with other incidents involving garages and yards. While no similar cases have been reported with the Winny 200SE, it’s worth being cautious.

We kept a close eye on the Winny 200SE while charging, but the constant monitoring quickly became exhausting. Corded models eliminate the battery risk, and they provide the added benefit of constant power and automation through smart timers that automatically turn on and off each day.

Final Verdict

At first glance, the Winny 200SE might seem like a good choice with its transparent design and cordless appeal, especially for small, flat-bottomed pools. However, from what we experienced, this cleaner is more hassle than it’s worth. Its weak suction, limited battery life, and tendency to get stuck make it frustrating to use, particularly when compared to the experience you’d get with a more powerful corded model like the Dolphin Escape or Cayman.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a dependable pool cleaner that doesn’t require constant charging or intervention, a corded option like the Dolphin Escape or Cayman is a far better investment. For those on a budget, here’s a hot tip to save $100–$200: look for a certified refurbished model. You’ll get the same performance and warranty at a budget-friendly price.

So what’s our final verdict on the Winny 200SE?

Pool Nerd Disapproved

If you want to keep nerding out over your pool, be sure to hit that subscribe button to keep learning how to make pool maintenance way easier. Head over to thepoolnerd.com to view my comparison page and see all the differences between the many robotic pool cleaners out there. Until then, enjoy that pool and check back soon for more pool maintenance tips and insight.

Your resident pool aficionado.

For over 5+ years, The Pool Nerd has been a leading source in the swimming pool industry. With years of experince owning a swimming pool, our hope here is to guide and help making owning a swimming pool easier.