Automatic Pool Cleaner Review:
Dolphin DL2019 Pool Cleaner
*All of our reviews are written from a non-biased point of view and are based upon research and testing.
The Dolphin Diagnostic DL2019 comes in 4th place on our Best Pool cleaner 2012 List due to its affordability, design and functionality. Though the Diagnostic lacks in a couple different areas when compared to its rival the Aquabot, it is still a decent cleaner with a moderate price tag. Maytronics is the manufacturer of Dolphin cleaners and has 25 years of history in creating quality pool cleaners. This unit also comes with a 2 year warranty on the motor along with a 1 year “bumper to bumper” warranty on the unit.
When you lift the Diagnostic out of the box, you will find a pretty simple 21 lb. pool cleaner with a unique color distinction. Almost all Dolphin pool cleaners are easily identified by their multi-colored body. When we went to test the unit, it was very similar in operation to other models like the Aquabot. The robot has a 65’ average length cord that reaches to the transformer box. This box controls the power which is supplied to the pool cleaner and cleans your pool fairly similar to any other manufactured pool cleaner.
One thing about the Dolphin pool cleaner that we weren't impressed with was the average cleaning time. For pool owners who aren’t concerned with the time it takes to clean their pool, the average 3 hour cleaning time for the Diagnostic will be just fine, but could have been improved on in keeping with the competition. For instance, if you were to compare the Aquabot T2 or T4RC, both of those units are machines rated to clean your pool in 1 hour. Of course speed comes with a higher price tag, which some people could do without. Also, this unit will not come with an adjustable timer feature like other models, but instead an auto-shut-off timer which shuts the unit off after 6 hours of continuous use.
Like other pool cleaners, the Dolphin Diagnostic has a cloth filter for collecting debris and filters down to 2 microns which seems to be the average filtration rate for pool cleaners of today. Bacteria that equals 2 microns in size is not visible to the eyes, therefore it does a great job of filtering the water and keeping a pool clean with very little maintenance.
The Diagnostic is also rated high on cleaning your entire pool which includes the surface, side walls up to the water line and steps. When we tested the machine and it’s climbing abilities, it did a sufficient job but occasionally missed places like steps and harder to reach areas. It is designed with a standard brush system with vacuum ports that face the surface floor. These vacuum ports are diagonal from one another and are designed for complete control throughout the unit. This design is standard on most robotic cleaners. It's by no means an industry breakthrough, but this reliable technology has been effectively incorporated into the Dolphin DL2019.
CONCLUSION:
We gave the Dolphin Diagnostic DL2019 our 4th place award based on performance, price, features and reliability. If you want a standard cleaner with a good warranty, the Dolphin Diagnostic might be a great choice. If you want any additional features, cutting edge technology (or up to date appearance), or a focus on energy effficiency, you might like the EcoJet series cleaner for just a slightly higher price tag.
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