Pool cleaners have become an essential tool for keeping swimming pools clean and hygienic. Two of the most popular automatic pool cleaner brands are Zodiac and Dolphin.
But which one is better for your pool cleaning needs? This comprehensive comparison examines the key features, pros and cons of Zodiac and Dolphin pool cleaners to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Zodiac | Dolphin |
| Type | Suction-side, pressure-side, robotic | Robotic |
| Pool compatibility | Inground, above ground | Inground |
| Scrubbing brushes | Yes | Yes |
| Filters | Some models | Yes |
| Climb ability | Good for floors and walls | Excellent all-surface climbing |
| Programming | Limited preset programs | Advanced programming via app |
| Anti-tangle cords | Varies by model | Yes |
| Smart navigation | Basic | Advanced |
| Energy efficiency | Moderate | High |
| Noise | Louder motors | Quieter motors |
| Price | $ | $$$ |
| Warranty | 1-2 years | 2-5 years |
Overview of Zodiac Pool Cleaners
Zodiac is a popular brand known for making reliable and affordable automatic pool cleaners. They offer three main types of cleaners:
Suction-side cleaners: Work by connecting to the pool’s filtration system. The suction pulls debris into the cleaner as it moves around the pool floor. Budget-friendly but not as efficient for larger debris.
Pressure-side cleaners: Use the return jets from the pool’s pump for their power. This gives them better cleaning capability than suction models. Require booster pumps for optimal performance.
Robotic cleaners: Battery-powered models that offer complete pool coverage and smart navigation. Allow for customized cleaning schedules via onboard controls or apps. Most expensive Zodiac option.
Key Benefits of Zodiac Pool Cleaners
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Available for both in-ground and above-ground pools
- Spinning scrub brushes agitate stuck-on debris
- Some models have fine filters to capture small debris
- Strong suction for picking up leaves and sediment
- Hoses are less prone to tangling compared to early models
- Provide thorough cleaning of pool floor and lower walls
Potential Drawbacks of Zodiac Cleaners
- Limited programming options compared to robotic models
- May struggle climbing taller walls and waterline
- Motors tend to be louder than premium brands
- Shorter warranty periods than rival brands
- Not as energy efficient as latest tech models
Overview of Dolphin Pool Cleaners
Dolphin is known for its high-end robotic pool cleaners loaded with advanced features. Models are designed for in-ground pools only.
Key Benefits of Dolphin Pool Cleaners
- Smart sensor navigation provides complete pool coverage
- Powerful motors for excellent scrubbing and suction
- Large top-access filters capture fine debris down to 2 microns
- Anti-tangle swivel cords prevent stoppages
- Ability to scrub walls, floors, coves and waterline
- Customizable cleaning schedules via mobile app connectivity
- Advanced algorithms for efficient routing
- Quiet operation compared to pressure/suction models
- Long warranties up to 5 years
Potential Drawbacks of Dolphin Cleaners
- Premium pricing – cost prohibitive for some buyers
- Designed for in-ground pools only
- Require periodic filter cleaning like any pool cleaner
- Large unit size not ideal for small pools
- Higher energy use compared to pressure/suction models
- More complex maintenance requirements
Also Read: Is Burnout 73 Better Than Smart Shock?
Key Differences Between Zodiac and Dolphin
Now let’s dive into a detailed, category-by-category comparison between these two popular pool cleaner brands.
- Cleaning Ability
Zodiac: Has models suitable for all pool surfaces – floors, walls and waterline. Spinning brushes provide good scrubbing. Suction-side cleaners are fine for sediment, leaves and larger debris. Models with fine filters can capture some sand and silt. But debris bags need frequent emptying.
Dolphin: Advanced robotic models have no trouble tackling all pool surfaces. Powerful suction and micro-fiber brushes excel at scrubbing floors.
Angled brushes and strong adhesion climb walls easily. Top-access ultra fine filters down to 2 microns capture the smallest debris for weeks between cleanings. Dolphin has superior cleaning capabilities.
- Ease of Use
Zodiac: Suction and pressure cleaners involve attaching hoses to filtration system which is cumbersome. Some programming via onboard buttons or remote but limited options compared to robots. Cords prone to tangling on earlier models. Maintenance involves replacing debris bags.
Dolphin: Drop in water and let robotic cleaner go – no hoses required. Programmable cleaning cycles via mobile app allow custom scheduling. Advanced mapping algorithms mean no aimless wandering.
Anti-tangle swivel cords prevent stoppages during cleaning. Just open to access filter basket for easy debris removal. Easier to use overall.
- Energy Efficiency
Zodiac: Pressure and suction cleaners rely on pool’s pump so runtime depends on your filtration cycles. Cycle too long and it wastes energy. Robotic models run on built-in battery power. But cheaper units may lack the advanced algorithms that maximize efficiency.
Dolphin: Uses onboard battery power – no need to run pump for cleaner. Smart sensor navigation allows for targeted cleaning.
Sophisticated software monitors power use and provides reporting via mobile app. Advanced models can match cleaning cycles to location and pool conditions. Dolphin wins for energy efficiency.
- Noise Output
Zodiac: Pressure and suction cleaners have underwater motors powered by the pool’s pump which tends to be noisy when running. Some robotic models also have loud motors relative to premium brands.
Dolphin: Quieter motor operation than traditional pressure/suction models. Also less noisy compared to other robotics – able to hold a conversation poolside. Silent drivetrain on high-end models. Clearly better than Zodiac for quiet operation.
- Navigation and Coverage
Zodiac: Depends on model – pressure/suction cleaners rely on preset patterns for floor coverage. Robotic models use basic random navigation which can miss spots after multiple cycles. Most include some type of wall climbing capability.
Dolphin: Uses advanced sensory navigation – scans pool thousands of times per second to map most efficient cleaning path.
Provides total pool floor coverage. Optional tablet shows real-time cleaning activity. Superior climbing ability with PowerJet angled jets to scrub walls and waterline. Far better navigation and coverage than Zodiac.
- Convenience
Zodiac: Suction and pressure models require dealing with hoses and connections to pump filtration system. Limited ability to program schedules – rely on pump timers. Robots allow drop-in convenience but still need periodic debris removal.
Dolphin: Drop in and go convenience with no hoses to handle. Program exact cleaning cycles from a smartphone app. Large capacity top-load filtration removes debris weeks between cleanings. Simpler maintenance overall. The most convenient experience.
- Reliability
Zodiac: Budget suction and pressure cleaners tend to have shorter lifespans around 1-2 years. Issues with hose and cord tangling can also cut longevity. Robotic models vary – cheaper ones may last only 2-3 years before needing replacement.
Dolphin: Advanced materials and corrosion-resistance provide long-lasting durability. Robust designs capable of years of continuous use. High-quality components backed by long warranty periods (up to 5 years) ensure a long, reliable lifespan. Clearly outperforms Zodiac for reliability.
- Warranty
Zodiac: Suction-side and pressure models typically have just a 1 year warranty. Higher-end robotic cleaners may offer 2 year coverage but still lag rivals. Reflects shorter expected lifespan of cheaper models.
Dolphin: Offers industry-leading 2-5 year warranties across its lineup – a sign of excellent product quality and durability. Certain components may have extended 5-10 year warranties. This demonstrates the long-lasting reliability customers can expect.
- Pricing
Zodiac: Offers range of affordable price points from $100 budget suction cleaners to $1200 range for top-of-line robots. Appeal for buyers looking for cheaper cleaning options.
Dolphin: Commands premium pricing from $1200-3500+ for its high-capability robotic models. Advanced features and proven reliability command Dolphin’s higher pricing. Not a fit for buyers on tight budgets.
Also Read: Comparison Between Pool Perfect Plus Phosfree And Perfect Weekly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For affordable but basic cleaning, Zodiac is a decent option. But when it comes to premium performance, advanced features and reliability, Dolphin is widely considered the superior robotic pool cleaner brand over Zodiac. You get what you pay for.
Dolphin consistently ranks among the top-rated and best performing robotic pool cleaners on the market. Their combination of advanced smart technology, cleaning power, energy efficiency and proven reliability make Dolphin a top choice among pool cleaning robots.
Zodiac’s main competitors in automatic pool cleaners include Dolphin, Polaris, Hayward, Pentair, SmartPool and Aquabot. Dolphin leads the higher-end robotic cleaner market while Zodiac focuses on budget-tier options.
For buyers seeking truly premium performance and the ultimate in convenience, Dolphin’s robotic cleaners deliver on their higher price tag. The cleaning ability, energy savings, and reliability justify the cost for many homeowners ultimately.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to pool maintenance, cleaners from Zodiac and Dolphin both offer viable automation options. Zodiac provides affordable performance across a range of models.
But for discerning buyers seeking the pinnacle of robotic cleaning, Dolphin stands alone as the top brand on the market today.
With our detailed comparison as a guide, select the cleaner that aligns with your needs and budget. Whichever route you choose, enjoy the convenience of a cleaner pool this swim season.