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Dolphin Escape above ground robotic pool cleaner

Why pool owners trust the Escape

Rated the Best
Above-Ground Pool Robot.

Voted Best for Above-Ground Pools by The Spruce · Forbes Vetted’s above-ground pick · 4.8 out of 5 from 1,894 owners

★★★★★ 4.8 out of 5
1,894 owner reviews

Read the Reviews

The reviews are in

Voted the Best Above-Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner.

The Spruce voted the Dolphin Escape its Best for Above-Ground Pools pick; Forbes Vetted and Real Simple name it their above-ground pick today, and This Old House its best filtering robot. The experts who test pool robots for a living keep reaching the same verdict: Pool Nerd Approved, a 91 out of 100 from Robotic Reviews, a 9.5 out of 10 from Bob Vila, 9 out of 10 from Terra Hills and PoolPad, 4.8 out of 5 from Pool Express, a full recommendation from ActuallyUsed and Poolbots, and 4.8 out of 5 from the pool owners who run one every week.

4.8 / 5 Average owner rating
1,894 Owner reviews
12 of 12 Expert reviewers recommend it
A Grade Fakespot review-authenticity grade, per The Pool Nerd
The Pool Nerd's Dolphin Escape video review: Best Above-Ground Pool Robot

Watch The Pool Nerd’s full Dolphin Escape review. It plays right here.

The Pool Nerd

Pool Nerd Approved · 4.8 out of 5 · Best Above-Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner

“In its price range, it delivers the best performance I’ve tested.”

“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.”
  • After testing each one, there’s no contest—the Escape is in a league of its own.”
  • The power, reliability, and consistently thorough cleaning make it one of the best pool robots I’ve tested.”
  • 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.”
Ryan from ActuallyUsed beside the Dolphin Escape at the pool edge
ActuallyUsed

Tested in-pool · Best Under $1,000 · The Value Pick for above-ground pools

“The Dolphin Escape is one of the best values I’ve found for a robotic pool cleaner.”

“And don’t think that you’re settling for less, the Escape still cleans like a pro. It has more power, more suction, and better scrubbing than all the other options in this price range.”
  • But don’t let “entry-level” fool you. This thing cleans just as well as robots that cost double.”
  • Since the Escape is corded, the suction stays strong from start to finish. No drop-off, no slow fade.”
  • It cleans better than cordless robots at the same price, and you’ll spend way less time manually cleaning your pool. It’s reliable, easy to maintain, and gets my full recommendation.”
The Dolphin Escape on the lawn after Terra Hills' test in an above-ground pool
Terra Hills

Terra Hills score 9 out of 10 · The pick for above-ground and smaller pools

“The Escape is an easy recommendation for an above-ground or small in-ground pool when the floor is the main job.”

“I watched the brush cut a path through algae, pulled a heavy load from the MaxBin, and sent the robot back in without waiting on a battery.”
  • It scrubs, carries a large basket, and runs at full power for the whole cycle.”
  • The MaxBin is the Escape’s best everyday feature. I open the lid and pull the whole basket straight up.”
  • For an above-ground or small in-ground pool, this is the Dolphin I would start with.”
Dolphin Escape on a pebble pool floor during the Robotic Reviews test
Robotic Reviews

Overall score 91 out of 100 · Best Above-Ground and Small In-Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner

“The Dolphin Escape cleaned extremely well, even better than we anticipated for a robotic pool cleaner of this price range.”

“It was kind of hypnotic, actually, to watch it run back and forth and magically leave behind a trail of pristine pool surface.”
  • We tried to set it up for failure with an extraordinarily dirty pool, but it still sucked up gunk, debris, and algae that had been sitting stagnant for weeks.”
  • As far as maintaining robotic pool cleaners goes, this one is about as simple as it gets.”
  • If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, reasonably priced robotic cleaner for your above ground pool, the Dolphin Escape is your answer.”

Expert reviews

Loved by the Experts.

12 independent reviewers and publications, from hands-on testers with a leaf-choked above-ground pool to the editors at Forbes Vetted and This Old House, and every one of them recommends the Escape. Read each verdict in full.

Tested in-pool

“One of the best values I’ve found for a robotic pool cleaner.”

Best Under $1,000
Ryan, ActuallyUsed · January 2026

Read the ActuallyUsed review
9.5 / 10

“The first time I used the Dolphin Escape, I was blown away by its ability to clean so effortlessly.”

9.5 / 10
Stephanie Cronk, Bob Vila

Read the Bob Vila review
Best for Above-Ground Pools

“The Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner is our top pick for above-ground pools thanks to its lightweight design.”

Kaitlin Gates, Real Simple · 2026

Read the Real Simple roundup
Best for Above-Ground Pools

“With SmartNav, a HyperBrush, and the MaxBin, it is the best cleaner we’ve tested in its class.”

5 / 5
Joshua, Poolbots · March 2026

Read the Poolbots review
9 / 10

“The best above-ground robotic pool cleaner I’ve tested yet.”

9 / 10
Kelly E., PoolPad · February 2026

Read the PoolPad review

What every reviewer agrees on

Three things they keep coming back to.

Different pools, different testers, the same three findings. Photographed by the reviewers themselves.

The Dolphin Escape MaxBin full of leaves after a cleaning cycle

The MaxBin™ wins them over.

Top-loading, about 50% bigger than older Dolphin cartridges and rinsed clean in under a minute. The Pool Nerd calls it his favorite Dolphin filter, ActuallyUsed one of his favorite things about the robot, and Terra Hills its best everyday feature.

The Pool Nerd checking the Dolphin Escape HyperBrush

It scrubs, not just vacuums.

The HyperBrush™ spins twice as fast as a standard Dolphin brush. Every reviewer watched it lift algae and settled dirt that cordless robots at the same price leave behind.

The Dolphin Escape cleaning the base of a pool wall underwater

Constant corded power.

Dual DC motors move 4,000 gallons an hour on 180 watts, for the whole cycle. ActuallyUsed measured the suction with a manometer, Terra Hills sent it straight back in without waiting on a battery, and The Pool Nerd puts the running cost at pennies an hour.

Rated 4.8 out of 5 by pool owners.

4.8 1,894 owner reviews

Real reviews from Escape owners, in their own words: above-ground pools and Intex pools, small in-ground pools, leaves, sand and dog hair, and how it compares with the suction cleaner it replaced.

Amazing asset to my pool!

“I can’t brag enough on this Dolphin. This machine is amazing at cleaning my entire pool bottom and super easy to use and clean out. I LOVE the extra large filter that even catches sand! The ease of use, just drop it in the pool and turn it on.”
Sherry H.Verified purchase · Amazon

This is your sign to get one.

“I got the Dolphin Escape 2026 model for our above ground pool. So far it has already been a lifesaver! … I can empty and run another cycle and not worry about a charging cycle or down time after a windstorm where we collect extra in the pool. … So this has been a game changer for maintenance!! Worth every penny.”
Amazon customer2026 model, above-ground pool · Verified purchase · Amazon

Worth the money!

“Wish I had gotten this years ago for our above ground pool. I purchased this at the beginning of the summer and have been using it for the past 3 months. Very happy with the product. Good quality, works amazing at cleaning the pool. … Navigates around and in between our pool stools and doesn't get tangled. Saves on water as I now backwash the filter much less frequently.”
Peter D.Above-ground pool · Verified purchase · Amazon

I love this vacuum - so convenient. 3 years old and going strong.

“I have this for two years, bought it in September 2022 and it is running fine. I keep the controller in a waterproof box during the summer, and it gets really hot here in Texas, but I have not had an issue. … this vacuum has lasted so much longer than the Polaris ones I had …”
Allison G.Texas · Verified purchase · Amazon

Absolutely love this thing!

“This thing is incredible. The stock filter basket holds super fine material, and is very high capacity. I am very impressed how much stuff it filters out of the pool. This thing sucks up everything off of the bottom and perimeter of the pool. … Buying this thing was the best money I've ever spent on a pool accessory. No more manual vacuuming!!!!!”
Corey V.Intex pool · Verified purchase · Amazon

Best Money ever spent

“Seriously this pool vac! Amazing! It is quick! It takes care of the smallest dirt, it is efficient and so the best bang for my buck!”
RebeccaSoft-sided Intex pool · Verified purchase · Amazon

Worth every penny!

“This has been the best purchase we have made for our above ground pool. This baby has been a life savor! We have so many trees in our yard and it’s been a struggle to keep the pool clean. We purchased this and the pool has never been so clear. I know its a big purchase, but if you are having doubts, don't. Saves you so much time in the end.”
Jessica N.Verified purchase · Amazon

It works great but note that it doesn't climb walls

“Otherwise it works amazing, waaaay better than other robots I have used. This is the best one so far! … It has great suction and the brush really helps. … Great cord design, it doesn't get in the way at all. It picks up dirt and debris really well, and you do need to make sure to clean it out after every use.”
Hiram W.Verified purchase · Amazon

GREEN BE GONE !!!

“We plopped our Dolphin Escape down into our GREEN bottom pool. And in two sweeps (away and back) you clearly see a FAT BLUE LINE cutting between all of the green. This little wonder sucked it ALL up. … Pulled the basket out at the end and it was FULL of large oak leaves and a myriad other debris. That basket holds a LOT of debris.”
LindaVerified purchase · Walmart
“After 5 years with the Pool Rover Jr., I replaced it with the Dolphin Escape for my above ground 18x33 oval pool. After one season, I could not be happier. In my opinion, a much better product for the following reasons: it brushes the bottom of the pool, removing stubborn algae, does a much better job cleaning the corners of the pool walls and even slightly climbs them, the cord does not twist up, emptying the bag and cleaning it is a breeze …”
Dominic T.18 x 33 oval above-ground pool · Verified buyer · Poolbots

Saves me time & money!

“We use the fine particle basket most of the time and it does pick up algae from the bottom. We have an 18x38 above-ground pool that is 7.5 feet in the deepest end. Previous summers I would spend minimum of 1.5 hours cleaning my pool and adding more water/chemicals. This year I spend 15 minutes per week and test my water every other day.”
Tammie G.Wisconsin · Verified purchase · Amazon

Game-Changer!!

“This thing is amazing. We plug it in, toss it in the pool, and walk away. Clean pool. Before we got this, we had to vacuum our 18-ft round above-ground pool every Saturday, and it was kind of tough. … Now that we've completed one summer with the robot, I have to say, it's a game-changer! The pool has stayed clean. Period. No cloudy water days, no messing with the chemistry.”
Boise Foxes18 ft round above-ground pool · Verified purchase · Amazon

Great Above Ground Pool Cleaner!

“I had an Aquabot Breeze XLS and the power supply went out. So I decided to try something different and order this Dolphin.... oh my goodness! The difference it makes is amazing! … it picks up the finest particles just using the basket that came with it and when you lift it out of the water nothing goes back into the water but water! YAY! And, clean up is SUPER easy!”
JA33 ft round pool · Verified purchase · Amazon

It simply works.

“You just turn it on and walk away. I tried several vacuums that used the suction of the pool pump. I was never able to keep them working for any length of time for various reasons. I was skeptical of this cleaner, mainly due to the cost, but I decided to give this robot a go and I couldn't be happier. The cord has never tangled on me. It picks up big and small debris. The basket is very easy to clean.”
IanVerified purchase · Amazon

I have never been so proud of a purchase made!

“Definitely worth every cent spent on it. Easy to use. The filter basket disassembles completely for you to easily remove debris. It even climbs up the walls (we have a round Intex 12’x30” overground pool). My oldest son drops it in the pool once or twice a week to keep our water sparkling clean. It usually took him over an hour a week and lots of skimming in between. Now he actually looks forward to clean the pool.”
Yazmin V.Intex pool · Verified purchase · Amazon

Best thing ever!

“Before I got this dolphin I was spending about 3 hours at a time vacuuming my pool manually. It felt like it took forever, was inefficient and also didn't get it all that clean really. Well purchased this baby and that changed everything! I just drop it in, plug it in and turn it on! Mr. Dolphin does the work for me. … The basket is great it can pick up the smallest particles leaving the pool crystal clear.”
Laura F.Large above-ground pool · Verified purchase · Amazon

I'm now a believer

“After doubting that these robotic cleaners could really do a good job, I decided to take a chance on this model when it was on sale. OMG. What a huge time and frustration saver. It worked like a dream and is so easy to use. Plug it in. Drop it in the water and push a button. Then once it's finished, pull it out and empty and rinse the basket and you're done. Spotless pool in 2 hours.”
Jimmie S.Verified purchase · Amazon

I should have bought this thing years ago

“All you need to do is put this thing in the water, plug it in, turn it on, and come back in about 2 hours to a crystal clean pool. Pull the basket out (either basket works fine) shoot it clean with a hose, put the basket back in the dolphin, and put it away until next time. Simple operation. Excellent performance. Simple cleanup.”
Carmine F.Verified purchase · Amazon

Awesome above ground pool bot.

“This thing is awesome. I had another brand for two years and the electronics went berserk. I have had no problems with this machine. I like that the water is vacuumed through and comes out the top, causing the water from the bottom of the pool to circulate to the top. My wife likes it because it cleans very well.”
Sam C.Verified purchase · Amazon

Amazing

“Best purchase!! Never gets tangled. Runs for 2 hours and super easy to clean! I could never get the bottom basket lid off or on when I would clean the pool. Now I just pop the basket out and spray it off. Wish I would have bought it sooner”
Dana G.Verified purchase · Amazon

Best pool cleaner tool you could own

“This was half the price of the top model that I had before. However this one is much more light weight (other one was super heavy), doesn’t drop stuff back in the pool when you lift it (like the other one), and has a much bigger basket.”
Joe R.Verified purchase · Amazon

Outstanding Machine

“Had this same model for 4 years (Seasons). Never had an issue with it and it ALWAYS did a great job. After 4 years, one of the tracts broke. I will be buying a new unit in the spring (the same model).”
Amazon customerFour seasons of use · Amazon

Suction power and easy to use

“Retired cop. I hated cleaning the bottom of the swimming pool with my old handheld vacuum cleaner that I purchased about two years ago- I had to use physical hard manual labor to clean the bottom of the swimming pool. … The Dolphin Escape Robotic cleaner works great! So far, no complaints-the floor of the swimming pool is left very clean. Its a bit pricey but I feel like it’s worth every dime.”
Ruben H.Verified purchase · Amazon

Simply amazing. Takes the headache out of an above ground pool.

“This is probably one of the best things I've ever bought on Amazon. I was hesitant because obviously it's expensive, but we have an above ground pool in a yard surrounded by trees … every time I pull it out of the pool and open it up and see everything that it is picked up I am blown away and mesmerized. My pool is spotless and sparkling because of this incredible machine.”
ivygodivaAbove-ground pool under trees · Verified purchase · Amazon

Quite happy

“So far so good - i have been using this in my above ground pool for the last month and it is working great. … I had previously been buying a different brand (Pool Rover Jr.) and found that they would last 2 or 3 seasons at the most. Overall the build quality of the Dolphin is much better, and also the cleaning brush on the front is a big plus. The filter on this Dolphin is also very easy to remove and clean.”
Kevin L.Above-ground pool · Amazon

Doing a Good Job!

“This one does a really good job and actually goes up the sides of the pool too. We still have sand around the outside base of our pool (haven't landscaped much yet) so I was surprised that with the regular basket, it actually picked up a lot of fine particles and sand. … Easy to drop in, the cord stays floating and doesn't get in the way, and it runs for right about 1-1/2 to 2 hours.”
Mama MaryNew above-ground pool · Verified purchase · Amazon

Simplified my life and saved me time

“The Dolphin pool robot has really made cleaning our above ground pool so much easier and saved us time and effort. It does a very good job cleaning the crud from the pool bottom. The included filter does a good job and gets all but the smallest debris - the stuff you can't see - and cleans easily.”
Todd F.Above-ground pool · Amazon
“Cleans my 24-foot round pool spic and span in 90 minutes.”
Jimmie C.24 ft round pool · Pool Express

absolutely amazing

“I bought a Hayward a year before and paid over $1000.00 thinking I would get a really good vacuum. It lasted one summer and can not find anyone to work on it. … The dolphin has exceeded all my expectations. It is so easy to empty. No bags to clean. A well made large basket that comes out so easy. It has not skipped a beat. Cleans my pool spotless.”
Deborah B.Verified purchase · Amazon

Worth it's weight in gold!

“I can't even begin to tell you how much easier this little wonder has made my life! With two little kids who demand my full attention, cleaning the pool has been a real challenge. With this little guy, we drop him in the water, turn the power on, and off he goes, cleaning up dead bugs, leaves, sticks and any other crap that ends up on the bottom of the pool on a daily basis.”
Bargain HunterVerified purchase · Amazon

Expert ratings, verdicts and quotations belong to their publishers; follow each link for the complete review. Owner reviews are quoted from public retail and dealer listings for the Dolphin Escape, with names shortened. Results vary with pool size, shape and debris. See the current Escape for this season's configuration.

Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner

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Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner

$899$659Save $240

Redefine how you clean your pool. With the top-loading MaxBin™, HyperBrush™ scrubbing and SmartNav 2.0™, see why pool owners everywhere love the new 2026 Dolphin Escape. Free shipping, a 30 day trial and no restocking fees.

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