S200 has only one cleaning program: a two-hour standard clean. This makes using the power supply remarkably simple since there’s only one choice of program.

You can also set a weekly timer from the power supply, selecting it to go once a day, once every two days, or once every three days. Every seven days, however, the timer resets. So, every week you’ll have to re-select your weekly timer frequency. This isn’t a huge deal, but it is inconvenient, especially if you’ll be out of town for a while.

From there, it only took pushing the power button to start the S200’s cleaning job.

Impressive Mobility
The S200 is equipped with PowerStream mobility. This patent-pending technology from Dolphin engineers creates a multi-directional water flow from internal jets. The counterforce it creates helps the S200 maintain a constant grip on surfaces – especially vertical ones. It’s remarkable to watch it at work, actually. The jets spurt force dependent upon which direction the S200 needs to move, leaving a bubbly trail in its wake.

With this power, it can turn on a dime with dexterity you wouldn’t expect from what is essentially a small underwater tank. Its ability to grip vertical surfaces and climb was especially obvious when it approached a rounded corner of the pool and moved upward with only one half of the S200 making contact with the corner. It had enough power to climb an awkward angle with even half its resources.

The bottom two steps of the underwater steps were no problem for the S200, but the higher ones were. The robotic pool cleaner never climbed past the bottom two steps, leaving the top ones to be scrubbed manually. We weren’t disappointed by this, as steps are tricky for even the best robotic pool cleaners.

It did, however, handle other obstacles and difficult spots remarkably well. The slope from the shallow end to the deep end is very steep, and the S200 both descended and ascended it with ease. The cove beneath a built-in waterfall often goes untouched, but the cleaner managed to climb up even to the underbelly of the cave formation.

Scrubbing Action
The bright blue brushes on the S200 aren’t just for show. As the cleaner popped above the water to clean the waterline, we could see its bristles spinning rapidly across the surface.

We were particularly impressed at the S200’s scrubbing ability on a unique feature of the pool. There is a hot tub attached to the main body of the pool near the shallow end, and it rises above the surface with an exterior of slick blue tile. The S200 actually managed to climb a good few inches above the water to scrub this tile, even scrubbing away some white residue and easing the appearance of hard water stains.

Proof of Power
The filters of a robotic pool cleaner always tell the best story. When we pulled the filter basket out from the top of the S200, it was satisfyingly full of junk. From leaves to pecan nuts to dog hair and sand, it had managed to suck up debris of many shapes and sizes. Even the filter lining of the basket was dingy and greenish-gray from the two-hour cleaning job.

Water Clarity
After the initial cleaning with the standard fine filter basket, the S200 had obviously improved the water clarity substantially. However, we wanted to test the ultra-fine filter option to see what else it could grab that wasn’t visible to the naked eye.

We changed out the filter to the ultra-fine basket and ran the S200 for about an hour before manually stopping the job and pulling it to the surface. While the basket was nearly empty, the filter lining had obviously changed color from capturing small particles lurking in the water. When we pulled back the tiny folds of the filter, we could see the tiny sediment, dust, and sand discoloring the white nylon.

What Stands Out About the S200
Easy Maintenance
The filtration system on the S200 is very easy to clean and care for. After each cleaning job, just dump the debris from the filter basket and rinse the filter lining clean. Snap it back into its spot inside the cavity of the robot and you’re good to go.

On top of that, the S200 is pretty light. Weighing only 16.5 pounds, you can lift it out of the water easily and carry it around without putting too much strain on yourself. With lots of other models, we recommend paying extra for the caddy. But we don’t think it’s necessary with the S200.

Underwater Dexterity
The PowerStream mobility makes the S200 look like an underwater ninja. It can reach tough spots, shimmy into corners, and climb to the waterline with ease. Although it didn’t manage to reach the top steps of the underwater stairs, it covered every other surface.

User Friendly
There aren’t unnecessary features on the S200 that make it tedious to operate. The power supply is simple, and with only one cleaning job option, you won’t get stumped trying to start it.

Serious Cleaning Power
The S200 impressed us with its cleaning power. Not only did it leave behind no visible debris while using the standard filter, but it actually improved the water’s clarity with the ultra-fine filter installed. Between the scrubbing brushes, suction, and mobility, it provides a deep clean.

Designed for Any Pool
Well, any pool under 50 feet. No matter the shape or size, the S200 is equipped to handle it. We saw it navigate sharp corners, crawl under an overhanging waterfall, climb tile coping, and cling to dramatic underwater slopes. So, if you’ve got a freeform pool full of twists and turns or a straightforward rectangle, it can probably take care of it.

Room for Improvement
Didn’t Reach Everywhere
The S200 couldn’t climb all the way up the underwater steps. While this isn’t a big deal, it does mean those will have to be manually scrubbed.

Reset Timer Weekly
This may be where the simplicity of the power supply falters a bit. While you can set a weekly timer for recurring cleanings, that setting only lasts one week. Every seven days, you’ll have to go in and reset the cleaning frequency you want.

The Little Pool Cleaner That Could
The S200 robotic pool cleaner may be nimble and light, but it packs a heavy punch. We think Dolphin designers have developed an excellent mid-range machine that’s capable of more than you’d expect for the price you pay.

It’s not burdened by too many features or frustrating maintenance, and it churns out a deep and efficient clean. The S200 virtually eliminates the need to manually vacuum your pool, making it easier than ever to enjoy the perks of owning your pool as opposed to cleaning it by hand. It’s a basic model executed to the highest standards, and it would make a worthy underwater ally for almost any pool.