Pentair Dorado Vs Great White: Which One Is Better?

As a pool owner who has dealt with both manual and automatic pool cleaners for years, I’ve used the Pentair Dorado (cordless robotic) and the Pentair Great White (pressure-side cleaner) extensively. The Dorado offers independent, battery-powered freedom, while the Great White leverages your pool’s existing pump for reliable, low-maintenance cleaning. In late 2025, here’s my detailed comparison based on real use to help you decide which suits your pool type, budget, and cleaning needs.

Comparison Table

My Experience With Pentair Dorado

I bought the Dorado for my 25×15 ft inground pool after getting tired of dragging hoses and dealing with pressure-side limitations.

The setup is truly zero-effort: charge it overnight, drop it in the pool, press the button, and walk away.

It climbs walls well, scrubs the waterline, and picks up sand, algae dust, and small leaves effectively. The fine filter bag traps even tiny particles that would pass through my pool filter.

Battery life covers my pool in one 2-hour cycle most days. I empty the bag every 2–3 days, rinse it, and recharge. It’s quiet enough that I forget it’s running.Downsides: it struggles with large oak leaves or pine needles (gets clogged), and the price is high. No booster pump needed, but you’re dependent on battery life and charging routine. For fine debris and convenience, it’s been excellent.

My Experience With Pentair Great White

I used the Great White on the same pool for two seasons before switching to Dorado. It connects easily to the dedicated suction line (or skimmer with adapter). Once the pump runs, it starts moving in a random pattern, sweeping the floor and occasionally climbing walls. It’s excellent at grabbing big leaves, twigs, and acorns—things that would overwhelm a robotic bag.

Maintenance is minimal: empty the leaf canister every few days and occasionally check the tail sweep. No battery to charge, no cord to tangle.

The main drawbacks are that it misses corners and fine silt, and it’s noisier because the pump is running. It also requires your filter to handle the debris load. Great for heavy leaf drop or budget-conscious owners, but not as thorough on fine particles.

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Pros Of Pentair Dorado

• Hands-Free Operation — Drop it in, press start, and it cleans floor, walls, and waterline independently. No hoses or pump running required. You’re free to do other tasks while it works.
• Excellent Fine Debris Collection — The fine mesh bag captures sand, silt, algae, and small leaves that pass through pool filters. Water stays noticeably clearer after use. Ideal for pollen-heavy or dusty areas.
• Wall and Waterline Cleaning — Climbs walls reliably and scrubs the waterline where algae builds up. Reduces manual brushing significantly. Keeps pool edges cleaner longer.
• Quiet Performance — Operates with minimal noise, making it pleasant to run during the day or evening. Neighbors don’t notice it running. Comfort improves daily use.
• No Pump Dependency — Works independently of your filtration system. No need to run the pump extra hours. Energy savings add up over season.
• Cordless Convenience — No tangled cords or tripping hazards. Easy to move between pools or store. Safety and ease enhance experience.
• Rechargeable Battery — 2-hour runtime covers most residential pools in one cycle. Charges overnight with included dock. Reliability stays high.
• Easy Filter Maintenance — Large bag empties quickly with a rinse. No small parts to lose. Cleaning takes under 5 minutes.
• Smart Obstacle Navigation — Avoids steps, drains, and ladders effectively. Gets into tight spots better than pressure cleaners. Coverage feels thorough.
• No Additional Plumbing — No booster pump or dedicated line needed. Installation is truly plug-and-play. Perfect for existing setups.

These strengths make the Dorado ideal for owners who want thorough, low-effort cleaning with minimal pool system involvement.

Pros Of Pentair Great White

• Superior Large Debris Handling — Picks up big leaves, twigs, acorns, and pine needles with ease. Prevents clogs in pool skimmer basket. Great for tree-heavy yards.
• Lower Upfront Cost — Significantly cheaper than robotic cleaners. Budget-friendly option for reliable cleaning. Savings free up funds for other pool needs.
• Continuous Operation — Runs as long as the pump is on—no battery limits. Cleans during regular filtration cycles. No recharging required.
• Simple Maintenance — Empty leaf canister every few days; check tail sweep occasionally. No complex parts or filters. Upkeep stays minimal.
• No Electricity Near Pool — Uses existing pool pump power—no cords or charging dock. Safer around water. Convenience suits many setups.
• Effective Floor Sweeping — Strong suction moves across floor quickly. Keeps main pool bottom clean. Reduces vacuuming frequency.
• Works with Booster Pump — Optional booster increases performance for larger pools. Flexibility scales to pool size.
• Durable Construction — Heavy-duty plastic and wear-resistant components last years. Reliability proves over seasons.
• Random Pattern Cleaning — Bounces around to cover missed spots. Eventually reaches most areas. Coverage improves with runtime.
• Proven Track Record — Long-time favorite among pool pros and owners. Trust builds from widespread use.

These advantages make the Great White a practical, cost-effective choice for heavy leaf loads and simple operation.

Cons Of Pentair Dorado

• Higher Purchase Price — Premium cost compared to pressure-side or suction cleaners. Budgets feel the difference upfront. Investment requires justification.
• Limited Large Debris Capacity — Struggles with big leaves or pine needles—bag clogs quickly. Needs more frequent emptying in fall. Large debris handling lags.
• Battery Runtime Constraint — 2-hour cycle may not cover very large pools fully. Multiple charges needed for bigger areas. Limits apply.
• Charging Dependency — Requires routine charging and storage of dock. Adds small daily step. Convenience trades off slightly.
• Fine Filter Bag Cleaning — Must rinse bag after each use to prevent odor and clogging. Maintenance slightly more involved. Effort increases.
• No Continuous Cleaning — Stops when battery dies—pool not cleaned until recharged. Gaps possible in heavy-use periods.
• Occasional Navigation Misses — Can get stuck on steps or drains in odd pools. Needs occasional nudge. Reliability varies slightly.
• Waterline Scrubbing Inconsistent — May not reach top of walls every cycle. Manual brushing still required sometimes. Thoroughness trades off.
• Replacement Parts Cost — Bags, brushes, battery replacements add up over time. Long-term expense rises.
• Learning Curve for Setup — First-time robotic users need app familiarity. Initial setup takes adjustment.

These drawbacks matter most for large pools or heavy leaf situations.

Cons Of Pentair Great White

• Limited Fine Debris Pickup — Misses sand, silt, and small particles that pass through pool filter. Fine cleaning remains incomplete.
• Requires Pump Operation — Cleaning only happens when pump runs. Increases energy use and wear on system. Efficiency reduces.
• Poor Wall and Waterline Cleaning — Rarely climbs walls or scrubs waterline effectively. Algae buildup needs manual brushing. Coverage limits.
• Noisy Operation — Pump noise plus cleaner movement can be noticeable. Quiet pool time compromised.
• Hose Tangling Risk — Long hose can snag on drains or furniture. Requires occasional untangling. Convenience drops.
• Debris Load on Filter — Large leaves go straight to pool filter or skimmer. Filter cleaning frequency increases.
• Booster Pump Extra Cost — Larger pools often need booster for proper suction. Total price rises.
• Random Pattern Inefficient — Can miss spots for long periods. Coverage less predictable than robotic.
• Maintenance on Hose/Tail — Hose cracks over time; tail sweep wears out. Parts replacement needed periodically.
• Less Modern Features — No app control, no smart navigation. Technology feels dated compared to robotics.

These limitations affect owners seeking fine cleaning or hands-off operation.

Maintenance Tips For Pentair Dorado

• Rinse Filter Bag Immediately — Empty and hose out bag after each use to prevent algae odor and clogging. Keeps suction strong and extends bag life. Cleaning takes 2–3 minutes.
• Charge After Every Use — Return to dock even if battery shows 50%—full charge prevents deep discharge. Battery health stays optimal for years. Runtime maximizes.
• Store Dry and Cool — Remove from pool, dry unit, and store in shaded area or garage. Prevents UV damage and mold. Longevity increases significantly.
• Brush and Inspect Brushes — Check brushes monthly for wear; replace when worn. Ensures good wall contact and scrubbing power. Performance maintains.
• Clean Intake Ports — Rinse intake grates weekly to remove hair or small debris. Flow stays unrestricted. Efficiency preserves.
• Use in Clean Pool — Run after skimming large debris to avoid clogging bag. Prevents premature emptying. Cycle time shortens.
• Test Battery Health — Watch run time in app; if it drops below 1.5 hours, consider replacement. Performance stays predictable.
• Winter Storage — Fully charge, clean, and store indoors off-season. Battery and electronics protected. Spring startup smooth.
• Check Wheels/Rollers — Ensure they spin freely; clear hair or debris. Mobility stays smooth. Navigation improves.
• Update Firmware — Connect to app for occasional updates. Features and reliability improve over time.

These habits keep the Dorado running efficiently with minimal downtime.

Maintenance Tips For Pentair Great White

• Empty Leaf Canister Regularly — Check and empty every 2–4 days depending on debris load. Prevents clogs and maintains suction. Cleaning takes 1 minute.
• Inspect Tail Sweep — Replace worn tail sweep every 1–2 seasons. Ensures good floor contact and prevents scratching. Performance stays optimal.
• Rinse Hose Periodically — Flush hose with hose to remove sand or small debris buildup. Improves flow and movement. Longevity increases.
• Check Connections — Ensure hose fittings at skimmer and cleaner are tight. Prevents air leaks and weak suction. Reliability holds.
• Clean Skimmer/Leaf Basket — Empty pool skimmer basket after each cleaning cycle. Reduces load on main filter. System stays efficient.
• Run Pump Adequately — Clean when pump is on normal cycle for best suction. No extra runtime needed. Energy conserves.
• Winterize Properly — Remove from pool, drain water, store dry. Prevents cracking and damage. Spring reinstall easy.
• Inspect Wheels/Feet — Check for wear or cracks; replace if needed. Ensures smooth movement. Coverage maintains.
• Test Suction Strength — If movement slows, check for clogs or low pump pressure. Troubleshooting quick. Performance restores.
• Avoid Overloading — Don’t let canister get completely full—empty proactively. Prevents suction loss. Operation stays consistent.

These steps keep the Great White effective with very little effort.

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Comparison With Other Brands

• Versus Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus — Dolphin robotic stronger wall climbing; Dorado quieter and easier bag cleaning. Convenience leans Dorado.
• Versus Polaris 280/360 — Polaris pressure-side excels large debris; Great White simpler install. Budget favors Great White.
• Versus Hayward AquaVac — Hayward robotic similar fine cleaning; Dorado better battery life. Price comparable.
• Versus Beatbot AquaSense — Beatbot advanced navigation; Dorado simpler and cheaper. Tech gap exists.
• Versus Maytronics Wave — Wave budget robotic; Dorado superior wall cleaning. Value edges Pentair.
• Versus Zodiac Baracuda — Zodiac pressure-side strong leaf pickup; Great White quieter. Performance ties.
• Versus Aiper Seagull — Aiper cordless budget; Dorado more durable. Cost favors Aiper.
• Versus Intex ZX300 — Intex basic suction cleaner; Great White far superior debris handling. Quality difference clear.
• Versus Kreepy Krauly — Kreepy classic pressure-side; Great White modern design. Durability similar.
• Versus Paramount PV3 — Paramount in-floor system; both cleaners supplemental. Needs vary.

Pentair offers strong options at both price points—Dorado for convenience, Great White for value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Neither the Pentair Dorado nor Great White is universally better—it depends on your pool and priorities. If you want hands-free cleaning, superior wall and waterline scrubbing, excellent fine debris removal, and quiet operation, choose the Dorado—you get convenient, thorough cleaning with minimal effort. For large leaf and debris handling, lower upfront cost, continuous operation, and simple maintenance, pick the Great White—you enjoy reliable, budget-friendly performance that excels in heavy-debris environments. I’ve used both and switch based on season: Dorado for summer polish, Great White for fall leaf drop. Choose the one that matches your pool’s biggest challenge for consistently clean water.