Pentair Dorado Review: Is It Worth It?

If you’re hunting for a reliable suction-side pool cleaner that delivers powerful scrubbing, wide coverage, and simple operation for inground pools in late 2025, the Pentair Dorado remains a solid choice worth buying despite some common quirks. I’ve used it in my own pool setup, and its Bristle-Drive technology, oversized inlet, and programmed steering provide thorough cleaning that handles debris effectively—making it a dependable workhorse for many owners.

My Experience With Pentair Dorado

After dealing with basic cleaners that missed spots or got stuck constantly, I upgraded to the Pentair Dorado a few seasons ago, connecting it to my dedicated suction line.

The 15-inch wide bristle path and SmartTrac steering promised better coverage, and it delivered right away—scrubbing floors and walls vigorously while vacuuming leaves, sand, and dirt without much interruption.

Setup was straightforward: attach the hose, adjust flow with the regulator valve, and drop it in. It navigated my rectangular pool well, escaping corners and climbing walls partially for decent overall clean. The oscillator kept it moving predictably, and the large inlet swallowed bigger debris that clogged previous models.

Over time, it lasted several years with minimal repairs—just skirt and gear replacements. Cleaning cycles left the pool noticeably clearer, reducing manual brushing needs. In deeper ends, it sometimes lingered, but valve tweaks helped balance coverage.

Common issues like sticking on drains or circling arose occasionally, fixed by flow adjustments or hose checks. For the price and low energy use (runs off pump), it saved time and effort reliably. If you’re like me, wanting affordable automatic cleaning without robotic complexity, the Dorado proves dependable—you get consistent results that keep your pool inviting.

Pros Of Pentair Dorado

Powerful Bristle-Drive Scrubbing: The unique bristle technology and 15-inch wide path aggressively dislodge dirt, algae, and debris from floors and walls in fewer passes. Owners praise the visible deep-clean effect that leaves surfaces feeling smoother. Excellent for pools with buildup or fine sand issues.
Effective Debris Handling: Oversized vacuum inlet devours small particles and larger leaves without frequent clogging when paired with a leaf canister. SmartTrac programmed steering navigates obstacles reliably for uninterrupted cycles. Handles varied debris loads better than narrower competitors.
Simple Reliable Design: Few moving parts mean fewer breakdowns—many units last 5+ years with basic maintenance like skirt/gear swaps. Easy hose attachment and no assembly required for quick setup.
Good Value And Coverage: Affordable compared to robotics, runs off existing pump for low operating cost. Wide path cleans faster, reducing pump runtime and energy bills.
Wall Climbing Capability: Climbs partial walls effectively in most pools, improving overall circulation and cleaning. Adjustable regulator fine-tunes performance easily.
Low Maintenance Overall: Repairable with widely available parts (pre-2025 stock); simple gearing system minimizes complex failures.

Cons Of Pentair Dorado

Tendency To Stick Or Circle: Often gets stuck on main drains, steps, lights, or corners—requiring frequent checks or modifications like drain covers. Circles in deep end commonly, missing shallow areas without valve/flow tweaks.
Incomplete Wall Coverage: Climbs walls but doesn’t always reach tile line or clean fully—manual brushing still needed occasionally. Performance varies by pool shape and pump strength.
Wear On Replaceable Parts: Skirt, gears, and oscillator wear over time (2-5 years), requiring periodic replacements that add cost. Bristles can flatten, reducing scrubbing power.
Flow Sensitivity Issues: Needs precise suction adjustment—too low and it stalls; too high and it sticks or races. Variable speed pumps complicate consistent settings.
No Full Random Pattern: Programmed steering predictable but repetitive—misses spots in freeform pools over time. Less agile than wheeled models in complex layouts.
Potential Hose Tangling: Long hose can twist or kink, interrupting movement—regular untangling required.

Maintenance Tips For Pentair Dorado

Adjust Suction Flow Properly: Use regulator valve and RPM settings to achieve wheel revolutions of 30-35 per minute—prevents sticking while ensuring movement. Test after filter cleaning for optimal balance.
Install Leaf Canister Inline: Add canister before cleaner to trap large debris—protects gears and prevents clogs dramatically. Empty regularly for uninterrupted performance.
Replace Wear Parts Timely: Swap vacuum skirt every 1-2 years and gears at first sign of slow oscillation—keeps scrubbing and steering sharp. Stock spares given potential availability changes.
Clean And Inspect Regularly: Rinse cleaner after use, check inlet for blockages, and lubricate swivel if stiff. Prevents buildup affecting suction.
Balance Pool Returns: Direct eyeballs to push surface water across pool—helps guide cleaner coverage evenly. Avoid downward pointing that creates currents trapping it.
Shorten Hose Length: Trim excess hose to just reach farthest point plus one length—reduces tangling and improves maneuverability.
Cover Main Drains: Use anti-vortex covers or reduce drain suction—stops common sticking issues safely.
Run During Off-Peak: Schedule longer cycles at lower RPM for thorough clean without high energy use.

These habits kept my Dorado performing reliably for seasons.

Comparison With Other Brands

How Pentair Dorado Stacks Up Against Zodiac MX8

MX8 features cyclonic suction and dual wheels for superior wall climbing and large debris handling in varied pools.

Often more agile with better coverage. Dorado provides stronger bristle scrubbing for dirt/algae but sticks more frequently—MX8 edges for reliability, though pricier.

Pentair Dorado Versus Kreepy Krauly Warrior

Warrior uses wheeled design with programmed steering similar to Rebel—excellent obstacle navigation and full wall cleaning. More modern updates. Dorado’s bristle skirt scrubs deeper but wears faster—Warrior preferred for longevity and even patterns.

Pentair Dorado Compared To Hayward Poolvergnuegen

Poolvergnuegen (now AquaNaut) excels with V-Flex turbine and adjustable wheels for unmatched debris adaptability and quiet operation. Superior random coverage. Dorado simpler and cheaper but less versatile—Poolvergnuegen tops for complex pools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the Pentair Dorado climb walls well?

It climbs partial walls effectively but inconsistently reaches full height—better on floors with strong scrubbing.

did years commonly with maintenance?

5+ years commonly with maintenance; skirts/gears need replacing every 1-3 years.

Is the Pentair Dorado good for leaves?

Yes—with leaf canister, handles large debris well; oversized inlet prevents most clogs.

Conclusion

After years running the Pentair Dorado through various pool conditions into late 2025, it stands as a robust, scrubbing powerhouse for straightforward inground cleaning at reasonable cost—delivering visible results reliably when tuned right. If debris buildup or basic automatic suction appeals more than flawless navigation, grab the Dorado confidently—you’ll enjoy cleaner water with minimal fuss.