Best Robotic Pool Vacuum — Dolphin vs Aiper

If you’re shopping for the best robotic pool vacuum for your backyard, two brands keep popping up: Dolphin (Maytronics) and Aiper. Both make capable robots, but they target different shoppers. Whether you’re leaning toward a Dolphin robotic pool vacuum or a cordless Aiper pool cleaner, both brands offer strong picks suited to above ground pool maintenance — it just depends on how you balance power vs convenience.

Quick summary on our 2 competitors in the race for the title "Best Robotic Pool Vacuum":

• Dolphin: Proven, plug-in robots with excellent cleaning algorithms and reliable build quality — great if you want a no-fuss, long-lasting robotic pool cleaner (many models are corded). Popular picks: Dolphin E10, Dolphin Escape and the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus.

• Aiper: Fast-growing maker of cordless pool robots with flashy features (underwater Wi-Fi hubs, cordless convenience, long battery life on flagship models). Examples: Aiper Scuba X1 Pro Max (powerhouse, premium), Aiper Scuba S1, Aiper Seagull Pro and the Aiper Seagull SE (budget cordless). Aiper is exciting for tech-forward owners who want cordless convenience.

Below we break down these most popular models best suited for above ground pools, their key features, run time, reliability, reviews and cost, and which type of pool owner each brand usually fits best. First, lets take a look at the top Dolphin models:

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus — reliable, high-performance cleaning

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• Type: Corded robotic pool cleaner (plug-in).

• Key features: Dual scrubbing brushes, powerful suction, and CleverClean™ smart navigation for efficient coverage. The Nautilus CC Plus cleans the pool floor and walls, capturing fine debris and larger particles with easy-access top-load filters. It’s one of Dolphin’s most popular models thanks to its balance of performance and simplicity.

• Runtime / power: Corded (continuous run while plugged in), so there’s no battery limitation. Designed to complete full cleaning cycles efficiently, making it suitable for most residential pool sizes (easily manage pools up to 40ft in length!).

• Reliability & reviews: Excellent — consistently strong customer reviews highlight dependable build quality, effective cleaning, and long-term reliability. Often recommended as a “sweet spot” model for homeowners who want strong performance without paying for top-tier extras.

• Cost: Mid-to-upper range (typically around $799), offering very good value compared to premium models while still delivering trusted Dolphin performance.

Dolphin Escape — dependable performance and strong cleaning for above-ground pools

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• Type: Corded robotic pool cleaner (plug-in).

• Key features: The Dolphin Escape combines powerful suction, dual scrubbing brushes, and smart navigation to thoroughly clean your pool floor and lower walls. Its top-load debris cartridges are easy to remove and empty, making maintenance simple after every cleaning cycle. This model is designed to handle typical above-ground pool debris such as leaves, dirt, sand and other organic matter with consistent performance.

• Runtime / power: Corded (continuous run while plugged in) — no battery limits or charging stops. This continuous power makes the Escape especially reliable for routine weekly cleaning in a wide range of above-ground pool sizes.

• Reliability & reviews: Very strong — many pool owners praise the Escape for its durability, cleaning consistency and solid build quality. It’s often recommended as a reliable, long-lasting robotic pool vacuum that delivers effective results without a steep learning curve.

• Cost: Mid-range — (typically around $679) more affordable than premium Dolphin models but still offering excellent cleaning power and trusted performance. A great value choice for above-ground pool owners who want a dependable robot that gets the job done week after week.

Dolphin Nautilus CC — dependable, straightforward above-ground pool cleaning

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• Type: Corded robotic pool cleaner (plug-in).

• Key features: The Dolphin Nautilus CC uses dual scrubbing brushes and efficient CleverClean™ navigation to methodically clean your pool floor and lower walls. Its large, easy-access top-load debris cartridges capture leaves, dirt and fine debris without frequent stops to empty. This model delivers strong suction and reliable coverage in a simple, no-fuss design.

• Runtime / power: Corded (continuous run while plugged in), so you won’t need to worry about battery life. This makes it a solid choice for routine weekly cleaning on most above-ground pool sizes (ideal for pools up to 33ft in length).

• Reliability & reviews: Very good — pool owners consistently praise the Nautilus CC for dependable performance, solid build quality and easy maintenance. It’s often recommended as a practical, workhorse cleaner that gets the job done without extra frills.

• Cost: Mid-range — (typically around $599) its more affordable than premium models but still offering robust Dolphin cleaning power, making it a great value for above-ground pool owners seeking reliable robotic performance.

Dolphin E10 — simple, effective cleaning for above-ground pools

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• Type: Corded robotic pool cleaner (plug-in).

• Key features: The Dolphin E10 is a user-friendly robotic pool cleaner designed especially well for above-ground pools. It features an active scrubber brush and an easy-to-clean top-load filter cartridge that captures leaves, sand and debris as it methodically cleans your pool floor. With straightforward plug-and-play operation and intuitive navigation, it’s ideal for pool owners who want powerful cleaning without complicated setup.

• Runtime / power: Corded (continuous run while plugged in) — no batteries to recharge and no runtime limits. This makes the E10 a dependable choice for weekly maintenance cycles in most above-ground pool sizes (recommended for pools up to 30ft).

• Reliability & reviews: Strong — many owners praise the E10 for reliable performance, easy maintenance and excellent value. Its straightforward design and Dolphin’s proven build quality help it consistently earn high marks from users looking for a simple, effective robotic pool vacuum.

• Cost: Budget-friendly to mid-range — (typically around $499). Again, more affordable than higher-end models while delivering dependable cleaning power and trusted Dolphin reliability. Great value for above-ground pool owners who want performance without premium pricing.

Now lets take a look at some of the top models by Aiper:

Aiper Scuba X1 Pro Max — cordless powerhouse!

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• Type: Cordless robotic pool cleaner (battery-powered).

• Key features: The Aiper Scuba X1 Pro Max delivers powerful 8,502 GPH suction with advanced multi-mode cleaning — covering pool floors, walls, waterlines, and surface debris in a single cycle. It features ultra-fine filtration for capturing dust, leaves, fine sand and algae, underwater Wi-Fi connection via HydroComm Pure for real-time app control and smart surface parking when the cycle finishes. Its intelligent navigation and strong treads make it well-suited for various pool shapes and above-ground surfaces.

• Runtime / power: Cordless operation with long runtime on a single charge (varies with cleaning mode - 12 hour surface cleaning, 5 hour floor cleaning). No tethered cord means fewer tangles and easier deployment anywhere in your backyard pool.

• Reliability & reviews: Many owners praise the Scuba X1 Pro Max for excellent cleaning power and the convenience of app-enabled control, though battery-powered models typically require a bit more planning around charge time versus corded units. The hydro-comm Wi-Fi control and smart features such as the smart surface parking stand out compared to basic pool robots.

• Cost: Premium cordless category — (typically around $1,900) priced higher than basic robotic vacuums, but justified by strong suction, smart features, multiple cleaning functions (floor, walls, waterline and also surface skimming) and advanced filtration — making it a compelling choice if you want hands-off, modern pool cleaning that comes with all the bells and whistles!

Aiper Scuba S1 — cordless convenience for above-ground pool cleaning

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• Type: Cordless robotic pool cleaner (battery-powered).

• Key features: The Aiper Scuba S1 delivers smart, cordless pool cleaning with multi-mode operation that tackles pool floors, walls, and waterlines. It uses efficient suction and a reusable filter to capture sand, leaves and fine debris without needing a cord or external pump. With intelligent navigation and easy-to-use controls, the Scuba S1 is designed for quick, hands-off cleaning on a variety of above-ground pool sizes.

• Runtime / power: Battery-powered with a runtime suitable for most midsize above-ground pools (typically up to ~2–3 hours per charge, depending on the mode used). Cordless operation means you avoid cord tangles and can place the cleaner anywhere in the pool without worrying about power access.

• Reliability & reviews: Users often highlight the cordless convenience and balanced performance — strong suction and good debris pickup for weekly maintenance. While battery models aren’t as continuously powerful as corded units, the Scuba S1 stands out for its ease of use and flexibility.

• Cost: Mid-range cordless category — (typically around $549) its more affordable than premium cordless models but still offering very good cleaning performance and convenience for above-ground pool owners who want a robotic pool vacuum with no cord hassles.

Aiper Seagull Pro — powerful, cordless cleaning for above-ground pools

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• Type: Cordless robotic pool cleaner (battery-powered).

• Key features: The Aiper Seagull Pro combines cordless convenience with effective pool cleaning performance. It features four-motor WavePath navigation system for smart navigation and powerful suction that tackles debris on the pool floor, walls and waterline. With a washable reusable filter and intuitive operation, the Seagull Pro delivers solid robotic pool vacuum performance with minimal setup.

• Runtime / power: Battery-powered with a generous runtime of 150 mins (fully charging in just 3-4 hours), suitable for most above-ground pools. The lack of a cord gives you complete freedom to place the robot anywhere in the pool without worry about tangles or proximity to a power outlet.

• Reliability & reviews: Users frequently praise the Seagull Pro for its cordless ease of use, dependable debris pickup and straightforward controls. While cordless models may not offer the continuous power of corded robots, the Seagull Pro strikes a strong balance for weekly maintenance and general pool debris cleanup, especially in medium-sized and larger pools.

• Cost: Mid-range cordless model — (typically around $475) priced competitively among Aiper’s lineup. It offers solid performance for the price, making it a great choice for above-ground pool owners who want the convenience of a cordless cleaner without a premium price tag.

Aiper Scuba SE — reliable budget friendly cordless cleaner for everyday above-ground pool maintenance

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• Type: Cordless robotic pool cleaner (battery-powered).

• Key features: The Aiper Scuba SE offers cordless convenience with smart navigation and multi-mode cleaning that tackles pool floors. It uses efficient suction and a reusable filter to capture sand, leaves and debris without needing an external pump or cord. Designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind, the Scuba SE is a solid choice for routine weekly cleaning on a budget.

• Runtime / power: Battery-powered with a runtime tailored to midsize above-ground pools (90 min runtime). Cordless operation means no cords to manage, giving you freedom to place and retrieve the cleaner anywhere in your pool.

• Reliability & reviews: Users appreciate the balance of performance and convenience — good suction, straightforward operation and easy setup make the Scuba SE a good entry-level cordless robotic pool vacuum. Battery cleaners like this typically don’t match corded models for continuous power, but for weekly debris removal and general maintenance, the Scuba SE holds its own.

• Cost: Budget friendly range cordless category — (typically around $135) far more affordable than premium and mid-range models, while providing solid performance and the convenience of cordless cleaning. It’s a good “everyday” robotic pool vacuum option for above-ground pool owners who want a simple, cordless solution on a budget.

Head-to-head: Dolphin vs Aiper

Cleaning power & build quality:

• Dolphin robots are built on decades (40 years!) of Maytronics experience and use track systems, robust motors and reliable filtration (tracks offer better traction for climbing and scrubbing). Many tests rank Dolphin’s higher-end models among the best for consistent deep cleans.

  
  

• Aiper sells high-suction cordless machines (especially the Scuba X1 Pro Max) that look and feel powerful on paper — but outside the flagship, some Aiper models trade filtration or durability for lower price. Read model reviews closely!

Corded vs Cordless:

• Dolphin: Mostly corded plug-in robots. Excellent for full-coverage cleaning without battery limits — great for larger and high-use pools.

  
  

• Aiper: Focuses on cordless pool robot convenience (no tether, app control, wireless docks). Cordless is fantastic for above-ground owners who dislike cables, but battery runtime and long-term battery health should be considered.

Filtration & debris handling:

• Dolphin Nautilus and similar premium models use multi-media or NanoFilter systems that capture fine particles and leaves efficiently.

  
  

• Aiper flagship claims ultra-fine MicroMesh filtration, but some mid/low-end Aiper models use smaller or flatter filters that reviewers say are harder to clean. Always check filter type and access!

Reliability & reviews:

• Dolphin: consistently strong reliability and long service life in user reviews and lab tests. Great brand reputation for long-term ownership.

  
  

• Aiper: strong momentum and lots of positive user buzz around certain models (and impressive specs on flagship units), but reviews are mixed across the product lineup — some budget units underperform versus expectations. Read user reviews for the exact model you’re buying.

Cost & value:

• Dolphin: ranges from budget (~$400–$600 for entry models) to premium ($1k+ for top models). Excellent long-term value if you want a sturdy, corded robot.

  
  

• Aiper: entry cordless models can be quite affordable (some under $150!), while the Scuba X1 Pro Max sits in the premium price bracket (~$1,500–$2,300 for bundles). If you want cutting-edge cordless features and wireless control, expect to pay a premium.

Best pick for above-ground pool owners:

• If you want cordless convenience for a small to medium-sized above-ground pool: consider a well-reviewed Aiper cordless model (like the Seagull for budget shoppers or the Scuba series for premium cordless). Just check run time vs your pool size.

  
  

• If you want proven reliability and deep cleaning (and don't mind a cord): choose a Dolphin (E10 or Nautilus CC for above-ground pools). They’re plug-and-play and remove the hassle of battery management.

Final thoughts

Both Dolphin and Aiper make strong cases: Dolphin leans on proven engineering and reliability, while Aiper pushes cordless convenience and high-tech features. For above-ground pools, size and budget often make the decision — small to medium-sized pools can benefit from Aiper’s cordless ease, while bigger or heavily used pools may be better off with a Dolphin plug-in robot that runs as long as needed.

Ready to simplify your pool care and spend less time manually vacuuming? Click any of the "View on Amazon" buttons above to view the latest prices and deals on Amazon and get the right robotic pool vacuum for your above ground pool today!