The Dolphin Premier is one of Maytronics’ flagship robotic pool cleaners, marketed as a high-performance, feature-rich solution for keeping residential in-ground pools sparkling clean with minimal effort. With multiple filter options, smart navigation, and an efficient energy profile, the Premier promises a deep clean without the hassle of older suction or pressure-side cleaners.
After testing the Dolphin Premier over an entire swimming season, we’ve put together this comprehensive review covering its design, performance, maintenance, and long-term reliability—so you can decide if it’s the right investment for your pool.
First Impressions
Out of the box, the Dolphin Premier looks every bit like a premium cleaner. Its sturdy chassis, tangle-resistant swivel cable, and sleek blue-and-gray design give it a professional feel. The package includes multiple filter options—fine cartridge filters, ultra-fine filters, and an oversized leaf bag—allowing you to customize debris capture for the day’s cleaning needs.
Setup is extremely straightforward: plug in the power supply, connect the 60-foot floating cable, choose your filters, and drop the Premier into the pool. There’s no need for additional hoses or booster pumps, since it operates independently of your pool’s circulation system.
Key Features
- Coverage: Cleans floors, walls, and waterline.
- Navigation: SmartNav 2.0 scanning ensures efficient coverage and avoids wasted passes.
- Filtration Options: Fine cartridges, ultra-fine cartridges, and an oversized leaf/debris bag.
- Brush System: Dual scrubbing brushes for deep surface cleaning.
- Cable: 60-foot tangle-free swivel cable.
- Cycle Time: 3 hours (standard cleaning mode).
- Energy Use: Low-voltage operation for high efficiency.
Performance Testing
We ran the Dolphin Premier in a 20’ x 40’ in-ground pool 3–4 times per week for an entire summer. Here’s how it performed in different categories:
Floor Cleaning
The Premier’s suction and dual scrubbing brushes made short work of fine dust, sand, and small debris. Even in corners and tight spots, it navigated effectively, thanks to its smart scanning system. Larger debris, like leaves and small twigs, were handled well when using the leaf bag attachment.
Wall and Waterline Cleaning
Unlike some mid-tier robots, the Premier consistently climbed walls to the waterline, scrubbing off the oily film and dirt that tends to accumulate at the surface edge. This is a big plus for those who don’t want to supplement with manual brushing.
Navigation and Coverage
SmartNav 2.0 technology really does make a difference. The Premier didn’t wander aimlessly; instead, it followed a logical cleaning pattern that minimized missed areas. While no robot is perfect, we found that in most cycles, the entire pool was covered without the need for an immediate second run.
Debris Handling
One of the Premier’s standout features is its interchangeable filtration system. For a pool that’s mostly collecting fine dirt and pollen, the fine cartridges do an excellent job. During heavy leaf drop, swapping in the large leaf bag kept the unit from clogging mid-cycle. Having this flexibility means better cleaning efficiency and less downtime for filter emptying.
Ease of Maintenance
Cleaning the Premier’s filters is quick. Cartridge filters pop out easily and can be rinsed with a hose in a few minutes. The leaf bag requires a bit more effort to shake out, especially when filled with wet debris, but it’s still manageable. The top-loading access makes filter changes much easier than bottom-load designs found in some older models.
Energy Efficiency
Because the Dolphin Premier operates independently from the pool’s pump, it consumes far less energy than traditional cleaners. Maytronics estimates the unit costs just 5 cents per hour to operate, which adds up to substantial savings over a season compared to pressure-side or suction cleaners that rely on high-flow pumps.
Durability Over Time
After a full season of use, the Premier showed no mechanical issues. The tracks maintained their grip, the brushes stayed in good condition, and the motor remained quiet and powerful. The swivel cable prevented major tangling, though we recommend laying it out straight after each use to extend its life.
Pros
- Excellent cleaning performance on floors, walls, and waterline
- Multiple filtration options for different debris types
- Efficient navigation system minimizes missed spots
- Easy-to-access, easy-to-clean filter system
- Energy efficient, low-cost operation
- Durable, high-quality build
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than entry-level robots
- 3-hour cycle may be longer than needed for lightly soiled pools
- No Bluetooth or app control
- Leaf bag can be messy to empty when wet
Who Should Buy the Dolphin Premier?
The Premier is an ideal choice for pool owners who:
- Have medium to large in-ground pools
- Want full-pool cleaning, including walls and waterline
- Experience a wide variety of debris types and sizes
- Value energy efficiency and low ongoing costs
- Prefer a plug-and-play design without complicated setup
Tips for Best Performance
- Match the filter to the debris—leaf bag for large debris, fine/ultra-fine cartridges for dust and pollen.
- Clean filters after each use to maintain strong suction.
- Brush stubborn wall spots occasionally to help the robot finish the job.
- Lay the cable out straight after each cycle to prevent twisting.
Final Verdict
The Dolphin Premier is a versatile, reliable, and powerful robotic pool cleaner that lives up to its high-end reputation. Its multiple filtration options make it adaptable to any debris situation, while its smart navigation and full coverage mean less manual intervention for you. Although the initial cost is higher than budget models, the time saved, energy efficiency, and cleaning performance make it a worthwhile investment for serious pool owners.
If you want a cleaner that can handle everything from fine dust to heavy leaf loads, scrub your walls and waterline, and keep your pool sparkling with minimal effort, the Dolphin Premier is one of the best options available in its class.