Maytronics Dolphin S200IIAssistedCompare

Released 2017.09Reassessed 2026.08.07Compare

Maytronics Dolphin S200

Name: Maytronics Dolphin S200
Brand: Maytronics

Self-contained corded robotic cleaner: its own drive motors, its own 4,000 gph pump and a top-load filter basket, running from a household outlet with no connection to the pool's plumbing. Maytronics documents floor, wall and waterline scrubbing, CleverClean scanning navigation and a two-brush active system, with an onboard weekly timer for unattended starts. Rated for in-ground and above-ground pools up to 50 ft.

List price

$1,189

Released 2017.09Reassessed 2026.08.07

Autonomy Ladder

Why Level II.

One five-rung scale, every category, from acting only on command to working unsupervised anywhere.

VGeneralized AutonomyAny task, any setting. No consumer robot has reached it.
IVEnvironmental AutonomyCopes with everyday clutter and frees itself, shown by independent testing.
IIIConditional AutonomyFinishes whole jobs in familiar spaces; struggles at the edges.
To reach Level IIIMost sessions finish without intervention. Rescue is occasional, not routine.
IIAssisted AutonomyThis robot

Maytronics Dolphin S200 runs preset routines on its own, and the owner is its recovery system.

Navigation and control

CleverClean scanning navigation with onboard drive motors; weekly timer for unattended cycle starts.
Why this level
- Self-contained robotic cleaner with its own drive motors and its own 4,000 gph pump, running CleverClean scanning navigation rather than a fixed path.
- An onboard weekly timer starts cycles unattended, and once the robot is in the water it covers floor, walls and waterline without an operator.
- It does not adapt its plan to the pool's condition, and it has to be lifted out and emptied after every cycle.
Autonomy dimension 36 / 100 · No independent sources reviewed, 2 from the maker
IManual AutomationOne action on command; no independent operation.

How we assign a level →

Behind the classification

Sources on file.

PendingNo independent sources reviewed, 2 from the maker

Fewer than two independent sources reviewed. Evidence is still being collected. The word says how much we read. It is not a grade.

From the maker, reviewed2

Specification sources2 sources

Pages the published specifications were read from.

Also monitored, nothing listed yet

Manufacturer documentation

Dolphin S200 specification sheet and operation manual; pressure-side motor specs, cable length, filtration type documented.

Owner reports

Pool service forums and Amazon reviews covering brush maintenance intervals, cable swivel wear patterns, and seasonal performance over 2–5 year ownership spans.

Independent teardown

Service manual and parts diagram analysis of brush cartridge assembly, cable management, and motor housing.

Firmware release notes

Maytronics publishes firmware releases and software notes through its support portal; reviewed on an ongoing basis.

How we evaluate evidence →

Human Readiness

Ready Now.

One question: what does buying this robot today walk you into? The state is computed from the record, and recomputed daily.

Ready NowThis robot

Maytronics Dolphin S200 is on sale, assessed, and nothing on its record argues for waiting.
How this was derived
- Shipping past the first-90-day ownership window with a published assessment, no documented issues on record, and no announced successor.
Notes on the record
- Widely available through pool retailers and online channels for nearly a decade.
- Corded operation requires outlet access and cable management but eliminates charging cycles.
- Setup is straightforward; ongoing maintenance involves weekly brush cleaning and seasonal filter changes.
On the record
- Shipping since September 2017 · 110 months on the market
- Retail listings on file: Amazon
- No current new-stock listing confirmed
- No successor announced
- No independent sources reviewed, 2 from the maker
What would move it
A documented problem, an announced successor, or a withdrawn listing moves it out; the rating recomputes daily.
New to MarketOn sale under 90 days; the ownership record is still forming.
WaitA successor is announced and has not shipped; re-read the decision when it arrives.
Known IssuesDocumented problems stand on the record; read the case before buying.

How we assess readiness →

Robovations Score

How this number was reached

66of 100

CapableAt or above 45% of the 456 robots we scoreand 68% of the 65 scored robot pool cleaners

DeficientLimitedCapableStrongExemplary

Measured on 8 of the 9 inputs10% not counted

Our assessment did not establish an independent source for edge-case recovery on this machine, so that input is left out of the score rather than guessed at, and the rest re-weighted to fill the space. A gap in what we have been able to verify is not evidence against the robot. Where a whole pillar has nothing measured, we publish no number at all.

What moved itpoints gained or lost against a typical robot

Carried by

Field failure rate96+4.2
Support longevity88+2.6

Held back by

Software stability33−4.5
Coverage and navigation50−2.2
Task completion62−1.6

Capability40% of the score59What it does without you.

Task completion16% of the score62

Evidence

ProductReview.com.au owner review (Keith, verified, 2.5 years of ownership): "From new, its always taken three or so cycles to clean the pool and if you put the fine filter into it, it simply fails to clean the pool at all." PoolAdvisor's S200 review adds that a Maytronics representative states the Dolphin robots "are not programmed to clean steps, benches, and tanning" ledges, and that the manual tells owners to sweep debris off those areas by hand before a cycle, so a human routinely finishes part of the job.

Coverage and navigation10% of the score50

Evidence

A ProductReview.com.au owner writes that "the cleaner doesn't map" and that "it doesn't cover the whole pool and often have to run it 2 or 3 times"; Poolbots' S200 review puts it at "about 90% of the pool," says it uses CleverClean to scan and plan a route but "won't clean your underwater steps" and is "not as thorough in its cleaning coverage as the Dolphin Sigma or the Premier, especially at the waterline." A planned scan re-established every run, with repeat runs needed to finish.

Edge-case recoverynot countedno source verified28

Evidence

No obstacle sensing, no connectivity, no app and no alert channel, so a unit wedged on a step, a ladder foot or a main drain sits there unreported until somebody looks at the pool. Held marginally above the found-stalled anchor for the cable swivel, which sheds the twist that binds a fixed cable, and for the timed cycle that ends on its own rather than straining indefinitely.

Operating envelope4% of the score68

Evidence

PoolAdvisor's S200 review: it is built "for pools that are no more than 15 meters in length," with an 18m cable, "designed for in-ground pools specifically, and is compatible with most pool linings," but its finer filter is rated only to 50 microns, so "if you have issues with pollen, dust, or sand, this machine may not be the best option." Broad within its class, with one documented condition where it degrades.

Dependability40% of the score72Whether it keeps doing it.

Field failure rate16% of the score96

Evidence

Nine years in market on the Maytronics platform, which carries no CPSC recall, with an established dealer and pool-service repair network. The platform's documented modes govern this SKU: brush matting and swivel wear here, and on the sibling Pentair-badged build of the same platform, motor bearing and power supply faults at around five seasons. Recurring but neither universal nor job-stopping within the service life, and the failure evidence is owner-report and forum grade with nothing showing how warranty claims were handled.

Software stability14% of the score33

Evidence

No update channel exists on this model. There is no app, no radio and no firmware path; the only programmability is an onboard weekly timer set at the unit. The record's firmware-notes source points at the Maytronics support portal generally, not at anything the S200 can receive. Rule 1 applies: having nothing to update is not stability, and it means a control defect would be permanent rather than fixable.

Support longevity10% of the score88

Evidence

A commitment demonstrated by duration: the model has been sold since 2017 and Maytronics maintains a dealer parts and service network that stocks brushes, swivels, cable assemblies and power supplies for it. Marked down because Maytronics publishes no replacement intervals and no parts pricing for the brushes or the swivel, so the owner cannot see the cost of the service life in advance and has to ask a dealer. No software support window applies.

Ownership burden20% of the score68What it asks of you.

Routine maintenance12% of the score64

Evidence

Every cycle: lift 17.9 lb out of the water, pull the top-load basket, empty and hose it, then coil 60 ft of cable and store the unit out of the sun. The top-load basket is the light end of this category, but the cable is handled twice per run and the swivel gets a weekly rinse, with monthly brush inspection and a seasonal removal before freezing weather on top of it.

Consumables8% of the score73

Evidence

The filter basket is reusable with no scheduled replacement and there is no battery to degrade, so the recurring spend is brushes and eventually a swivel or cable assembly. Held down rather than up because Maytronics publishes no interval and no price for either, so the five-year cost is a dealer quote rather than a catalog number, which is the opposite of the published-parts position that earns credit here.

middle half of the databaseits medianthis robot

Reported, not scoredneither measures how well the robot works

Five-year cost$1,389

mid-market for robotic pool cleaners at about $1,099 to $1,189, with roughly $200 assumed over five years for brush sets and a swivel; no subscription and no scheduled filter cartridge, but Maytronics publishes no parts prices, so the running figure is an estimate rather than a catalog total

Data postureLocal

Core function needs no account and no network.

What leaves the homeNot documented

Read the full methodology →

FIT CHECK

Will the Maytronics Dolphin S200 work in your pool?

Describe your pool using the controls. Each choice reads the spec sheet for you, flagging where the Maytronics Dolphin S200 is built for your space and where it isn’t.

Pool type

Pool size

Debris load

Coverage you want

See every pool cleaner suited to these conditions

A classification of fit for the conditions you set, not a recommendation. Verdicts describe engineering design intent, not test results.

OWNERSHIP

Living with it.

Stable pressure-side mechanism with minimal electronics; cable swivel is the primary wear point.

Stableowner-reported arc

The record so far

Owner reports describe consistent performance across 5+ years. No major firmware issues (no smart controls). Cable swivel replacement documented every 3–5 years; brush cartridge every 2–3 seasons. Corrosion risk in salt systems.

What goes wrongnot yet documented independently

The independent record is still forming. Failure modes are listed once an outside source reports them.

Upkeep routine

Each useEvery cycle

Lift the cleaner out, remove the top-load filter basket, empty it and rinse it with a hose.

Weekly52×/yr

Rinse the cable swivel; uncoil the cable before the run and coil it after.

Monthly12×/yr

Inspect both brushes for wear and matting.

Seasonal4×/yr

Check the cable for cuts or kinks.

Remove the cleaner and cable from the pool before freezing weather; store both dry with the power supply indoors.

Cost over timeabout $360 past the sticker over three years

PurchaseRunning cost

Year 1

$1,309

Year 3

$1,549

Year 5

$1,789

$1,189 to buy, then about $120 a year in replaceable parts. Over three years that is roughly $360 past the sticker price. Excludes electricity and any repairs.

Safety notes2 cautions

CautionSuction port can pinch fingers or small objects; supervise children and pets during operation.
CautionElectrical hazard (cord and outlet)Ensure GFCI-protected outlet; keep power cord away from pool edge and water puddles.

SPECIFICATION

The full spec sheet.

Priced below the category median, with every figure charted against the category below.

Dimensional drawing

Key specificationsManufacturer-publishedSources: Product page

FootprintThe width, depth and height of the robot itself, without its dock.: 15.8 × 17.4 in, 11.7 in tall✓
WeightThe robot alone, without its dock, as the maker states it.: 17.9 lbs✓
Cycle length: 120 minutes
Max pool length: 50 ft✓
Surfaces cleaned: Floor, walls and waterline✓
Power type: Corded✓
Cable length: 60 ft•
FilterA pleated filter between the bin and the fan; it loses airflow long before it looks dirty.: 30 micron•

Where it lands · position among 76 robot pool cleanersThis robotMedianTypical range

PriceThe maker's list price, not a price found in a shop.$1,189

$299$4,250

Near median

WeightThe robot alone, without its dock, as the maker states it.17.9lbs

7.9 lbs46.3 lbs

Near median

Position shows where the figure sits across the tracked category, not a quality judgment.

Official referencesProduct page

RECORD

How the assessment has moved.

Every announcement, release and reassessment behind the current classification.

Coming soon

Just launched

Active updates

Settled

Discontinued

Sep 2026 · AssessmentRobovations Score revised 74 → 66
Sep 2026 · AssessmentRecord status: Provisional → Pending
Aug 2026 · AssessmentRecord status: Verified → Provisional
Aug 2026 · AssessmentRobovations Score rescored under v4.2: 64 → 74
Jul 2026 · AssessmentRobovations Score recorded at 64 of 100
Mar 2024 · NewsDolphin S200 value position narrows as cordless cleaners reach sub-$800 pricing

Editorial comparisons

How Maytronics Dolphin S200 compares.

All comparisons →

Tech shift

A white pool robot with blue tracks climbs the pool wall, its brush breaking the surface, its floating cable rising over the coping and across the deck into its own small power supply on a cart, with the pool pump far off on its pad.

Robot Pool Cleaners2 robots

Replacing a pressure-side pool cleaner with a robot: energy and upkeep

Suction-side and pressure-side pool cleaners depend on the house pump or a dedicated booster pump to move through the pool. Self-contained robotic cleaners carry their own motors.

vs Polaris VRX iQ+

Questions

What people actually ask.

5 answered

OperationDoes the Dolphin S200 work with above-ground pools?

Yes. Maytronics lists the S200 for both in-ground and above-ground pools, in rectangular, round, free-form and kidney shapes, up to 50 ft. The cleaner is self-contained: it plugs into a household outlet and carries its own pump, so it makes no use of the pool’s circulation system and above-ground plumbing makes no difference to it.

OwnershipHow often do I need to replace the brush cartridge?

Maytronics publishes no replacement interval or price for the S200’s brushes. They are a wear part on any active-brush cleaner: inspect for splaying and matting, and replace when the bristles stop making contact with the surface. Parts pricing comes from a Maytronics dealer.

OperationCan the S200 handle heavy leaf load in fall?

Moderate leaf load yes; heavy fall debris benefits from pre-skimming. Large leaves can jam the intake; a pool skimmer should be run before the robot to avoid weekly clogs.

OwnershipWhat is the cable swivel, and does it need maintenance?

The cable swivel lets the cable rotate freely so it does not twist as the robot changes direction. Rinse it along with the rest of the cleaner. Maytronics publishes no replacement interval or price for the part.

OperationDoes the S200 work in chlorine pools and salt-water systems?

Yes. Maytronics states that its Dolphin cleaners work with all pool types, saltwater included, and the line is stocked by saltwater pool specialists. Maytronics publishes no restriction limiting these cleaners to freshwater chlorine pools.

Availability

Where it's sold

Some links earn Robovations a commission. It does not change any classification. Affiliate disclosure.

We are no longer finding a current new-stock listing for this robot. Remaining offers may be used, refurbished, or third-party — confirm the condition and price on the retailer’s page before buying.

Amazon See current listings

Cite & Embed

Reference the Maytronics Dolphin S200 classification.

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Citation

Robovations. "Maytronics Dolphin S200: Autonomy Level II (Assisted Autonomy)." Autonomy Ladder™, assessed August 2026. https://robovations.com/robots/maytronics-dolphin-s200/

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Where to next

Three ways to keep going.

For evaluators

Compare with a peer.

See the Maytronics Dolphin S200 and Polaris 9450 Sport side by side: autonomy level, Robovations Score, readiness, and price. Classification, not a verdict.

See the full comparison

Or compare with Maytronics Dolphin Nautilus CC Pro, Hayward TigerShark QC, Maytronics Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus.

For browsers

See every Level II.

Every robot we’ve classified at assisted autonomy. Sorted by readiness, score, and price. Filter by category, manufacturer, or release date.

Browse every Level II robot

Updated weekly with new entries and reclassifications.

Maytronics Dolphin S200

Will the Maytronics Dolphin S200 work in your pool?

Living with it.

The full spec sheet.

How the assessment has moved.

How Maytronics Dolphin S200 compares.

Replacing a pressure-side pool cleaner with a robot: energy and upkeep

What people actually ask.

Other robot pool cleaners we have classified.

Wybot C2

Maytronics Dolphin Escape

Maytronics Dolphin E10

Maytronics Dolphin Nautilus CC Pro

Where it's sold

Reference the Maytronics Dolphin S200 classification.

Three ways to keep going.

Get the next reassessment.

Compare with a peer.

See every Level II.