Overall Score
80
29
83

Dolphin Active 30i Pool Cleaner

4.0 stars 4.0 8 Reviews Write A Review
Best Price
$1,499.00
The Dolphin Active 30i Pool Cleaner :
    • Twin dual-level fine and ultra-fine filter baskets for the deepest clean
    • Cleans floors, walls, and waterline of pools up to 50 feet
    • Programmable with the MyDolphin app for easy scheduling and navigating
    • 2-year full warranty
    • 3 different cleaning modes for each and every cleaning need
The Active 30i
The most intelligent of the Active series with state-of-the-art features.
Active 30i Features
Enjoy hands-off features that deliver the cleanest results for your pool..

Scorecard

Dolphin Active 30i Pool Cleaner Ratings

Coverage Very Good Good
Filtration Excellent Excellent
Cleaning Very Good Good
Intelligence Very Good Fair
Usability Very Good Good
Bluetooth Usability Poor
Maintenance Excellent Very Good
Value Very Good Good
Check mark Highs
2-Year Full Warranty
Excellent Filtration System
Underwater Mobility
Comes with a Caddy
Multiple Cleaning Cycles
X icon Lows
MyDolphin App Lacks
Frustrating Manual Navigation

Dolphin Active 30i Pool Cleaner

Dolphin’s Active 30i robotic pool cleaner is the highest-end model of the brand’s popular Active Series. As part of Dolphin’s premium class of robots, the Active 30i promises a wealth of features like smart technology, improved filtration, and energy efficiency. After having tested the other three models of the Active Series, we put the Active 30i in the water to see what sets it apart, and to see if it really does make owning a pool that much easier.

What Sets the Active 30i Apart
Triple Filtration System
The Active 30i comes with a top-loading filter basket with three different filtration options: fine, ultra-fine, and coarse. While most robotic pool cleaners come standard with a one-and-done filter cartridge, the option of three different filters sets the Active 30i apart. This gives pool owners the option to customize their cleaning jobs a step further. If the pool is carrying a lot of large debris after a storm or off-season, use the coarse filter option. If it’s just a daily clean, use the fine filter. If you’re looking to get all of the nitty gritty and actively purify your water, use the ultra-fine filter. The Active 30i gives you options, and we appreciate that.

CleverClean Technology
Dolphin engineers came up with CleverClean technology to keep their robotic pool cleaners from wandering aimlessly during cleaning jobs. It’s one of our favorite features, and it’s on the Active 30i, as well. This scanning software keeps track of where the robot has and hasn’t been, so it scr



ubs every bit of the pool without overlooking spots day in and day out.

PowerStream Mobility
The patent-pending PowerStream Mobility System sounds like a lot of technical jargon, but it’s actually pretty cool. The outer jet vents on the Active 30i’s shell propel the robot in whatever direction it needs, creating a multi-directional water flow. This gives the Active 30i a better grip on vertical spaces, and it makes reaching and clinging to the slippery waterline of the pool a breeze. It even powers the robot to move side to side and turn on a dime.

Tangle-Free Swivel
Who knew such a small piece of plastic could be such an engineering feat? Dolphin’s patented tangle-free swivel was a gamechanger when they first revealed it, and it’s still one of the most coveted features on robotic pool cleaners today. Especially with the capacity to clean pools up to 50 feet, you don’t want that length of cord to get tangled into impossible knots. Fortunately, the Active 30i is equipped with the handy swivel, so it can roam freely without getting knotted up.

How It Performs
Promising features aside, we were eager to see how the Active 30i actually worked in the water. We set it up for a standard, two-hour cleaning in a 50-foot underground gunite pool that hadn’t been cleaned for over a week. Here’s what stood out about the Active 30i’s performance.

Getting Started Was Easy
Like most Dolphin products, unboxing the robotic pool cleaner is an afterthought. Within a few minutes it was unpacked and we were carting it to the side of the pool with the handy caddy that is included.

The multi-function power supply is solid and easy to use. It just takes glancing at the owner’s manual to figure out exactly how to set a cleaning, schedule weekly jobs, or even set a delayed start.

The Active 30i comes equipped with Bluetooth capabilities that you can use via the MyDolphin app on your mobile device. You can schedule your cleanings on the app and even use the manual navigation feature to drive the Active 30i to specific points of the pool. This all sounds promising, but it’s still a bumpy ride from a user perspective. We did have trouble connecting to the robot, and the manual control lagged. However, you can still control cleanings and set timers on the power supply itself.

We Saw Results Immediately
Once the Active 30i was at the bottom of the pool, it got to work. As it crawled over sunken leaves and twigs on the bottom, it promptly sucked them into the filter cartridge and left nothing behind. We could see it kicking up some sediment that had settled and were concerned it would just cloud the pool even further, but the water actually became clearer within the first 30 minutes of the cleaning job.

It Has Impressive Dexterity
We mentioned the PowerStream Mobility before, and it’s worth mentioning again. The Active 30i climbs walls like a billy goat, and we never saw it fall back once. The multi-flow jets help the cleaner adhere to vertical surfaces, and the strong grips on its tracks cling to sides.

As it reached the slippery tile waterline, we expected the Active 30i to lose traction a bit and perhaps fall backward into the water, but it didn’t. Instead we saw it even move side to side by a few inches to scrub the tile before taking another pass-through.

There were a few corners of the pool we tested the Active 30i in that usually can only be cleaned manually. The bottom corners of the deep end, in particular, are hard to reach by any robotic pool cleaner. However, the Active 30i powered its way to the very far corners and shimmied into the nooks that had previously been accessible only by hand. And while a lot of pool cleaners we test struggle with underwater steps, this robot in particular handled them gracefully. It even lingered on the tanning ledge.

It Really Scrubs
The dual brushes on the Active 30i aren’t just for show. They actually scrub the surfaces of the pool. The bottom looked far brighter than usual after the Active 30i went over it, but we weren’t sure how much of that came from the vacuum itself, and how much was actually scrubbed from the surface and then vacuumed up.

As the Active 30i cleaned the waterlines, we paid close attention to a particular patch of algae growing near the shallow end. The scrubbing brushes bobbed up and out of the water and actually dislodged the green gunk from the surface. This impressed us. While the algae wasn’t hardened or congealed to the surface, it was still cultivated enough to take a little force to remove. Nonetheless, the Active 30i actively scrubbed the mess away.

The Filter Test
Any robotic pool cleaner worth its salt proves itself in the filter. And the Active 30i did not disappoint.

When you open the top of the robot, the filter cartridge handle pops up and comes out easily. We looked inside the filter after our initial two-hour cleaning and were impressed with all the Active 30i had grabbed: leaves, flower buds, small twigs, sand, and even dog hair. The inside of the cartridge was smeared with a greenish slime of algae - and while it’s not pretty to look at, it’s extremely satisfying to know that nasty stuff has been removed from your pool.

We did our first cleaning with the standard fine filters. They had obviously trapped smaller particles, as the color of the filters had changed from bright white to light brown. But like we mentioned before, the Active 30i comes with an ultra-fine filter option. We popped those into the filter basket (which was painless and easy) and set the robot in the pool for a short, one-hour job.

The pool looked sparkling clean before we started the second job. The first cleaning had made the water clearer, and there was no visible debris floating around. We weren’t sure how much the ultra-fine filter would have to grab.

But our eyes deceived us. The one-hour job with the ultra-fine filters captured more sand, silt, dirt, and who-knows-what than we realized was in the pool. The filters came out tinged with grayish brown, and when we pulled the folds apart we could see the tiny sediment trapped deep in the filter. Rest assured the Active 30i’s filtration system doesn’t just grab the big stuff - it can do a deep clean with the best robotic pool cleaners on the market today.

What We Love About the Active 30i
Set It and Leave It
The Active 30i is truly hands-off. With the push of a button it starts one of three different cleaning modes, and you can even schedule automatic cleanings. It’s elegantly designed and doesn’t require interference like untangling or rescuing it from a tight spot underwater.

Mountain Climber of the Pool
The way the Active 30i moves underwater is impressive. The technology behind it is game-changing. We watched this robotic pool cleaner scale the walls of the pool, even from the greatest depths, without losing grip once. It moves elegantly underwater and can pivot with the aid of water propulsion. Unlike many other robotic pool cleaners that have a more wooden, grid-like approach to cleaning, the Active 30i is fluid and flexible in how it moves.

Filter Functionality
The real winning feature of the Active 30i is the filtration system. With three different filter options, you can cater your pool’s cleaning to the season or situation. Best of all, the filtration system actually works. We were blown away by just how much it captured, and we feel confident it purified the water more deeply than more expensive cleaners on the market today. Plus, cleaning the filters was a breeze. Just dump the debris and hose it clean. It’s that easy.

What Leaves Us Wanting
The only qualm we have with the Active 30i is the MyDolphin app feature. While we like the idea of controlling the robotic pool cleaner remotely from our phones, it didn’t play out well in reality. We had trouble keeping the Bluetooth connection, and the user interface of the app itself isn’t all that intuitive. Plus, the manual navigation was actually frustrating to use. It lagged substantially. However, the power supply was seamless and has many of the same capabilities as the app, except for the manual navigation.

All in All…
The Dolphin Active 30i ticks all the boxes of a premium-level robotic pool cleaner.


The filtration system is in a class of its own, and regular maintenance is quick and painless. We were impressed with just how much it cleaned from the pool, and we appreciate how much time it frees up. While it works hard, you can enjoy your pool or take care of whatever other chores are undone. Plus, the Active 30i comes with a two-year full warranty, so in the unlikely event you encounter issues with it, it’s fully covered for 24 months.


If you’re in the market for a smart robotic pool cleaner with a few bells and whistles that’ll make pool ownership more fun, the Dolphin Active 30i is a top contender

Dolphin Active 30i Pool Cleaner - Bottom Line

The filtration system is in a class of its own, and regular maintenance is quick and painless. We were impressed with just how much it cleaned from the pool, and we appreciate how much time it frees up. While it works hard, you can enjoy your pool or take care of whatever other chores are undone. Plus, the Active 30i comes with a two-year full warranty, so in the unlikely event you encounter issues with it, it’s fully covered for 24 months. If you’re in the market for a smart robotic pool cleaner with a few bells and whistles that’ll make pool ownership more fun, the Dolphin Active 30i is a top contender.


Dolphin Active 30i Pool Cleaner Robot Class: Inground

Features

Active Brushing

Scrubs away algae and harmful bacteria while collecting fine and rough debris

Better than just a vacuum, Dolphin's active brushing attacks bacteria at the source. From stuck-on dirt to pesky algae colonies, the durable scrubbing brushes actively dislodge even the hardest grime.


Precise Navigation

Powered by CleverClean™ Technology

CleverClean™ coverage is powered by an advanced navigation system. This technology ensures that the most efficient route is used to clean your pool floor. So smart, the system automatically navigates around obstacles and quickly returns to its route.


Easy Clean Filtration

Simple Rinse & Reload Filter Maintenance

Cleaning out the filter basket is easier than ever. Simply lift, rinse, reload, and be on your way. The Active 30i does most of the dirty work for you.


Lightweight Design

Tough on Grime, Easy on Your Back

The Active 30i is easy to lift and handle. At only 16.5 pounds, it’s among the most lightweight robotic pool cleaners on the market, all without sacrificing cleaning power.


PowerStream Mobility System

Better Grip for Vertical Cleaning

Dolphin’s patent-pending PowerStream Mobility System creates a multi-directional water flow, which keeps a constant grip on vertical surfaces. This not only ensures your pool walls and waterline are effectively cleaned, but improves navigation, too.


Multi-Layer Filtration

Filter Dirt and Debris for the Cleanest Pool

The clog-free fine and ultra-fine filters remove dirt, debris and algae. Snaps apart for super easy cleaning.


Energy-Saving Power Supply

Effortless Cleaning

The simple, user-friendly power supply utilizes easy on/off operation with a weekly timer and cycle selector.


MyDolphin App

Control Your Dolphin Remotely

With this easy-to-use app you can register your Dolphin robotic pool cleaner online and control it remotely. On full-featured Dolphin models, use the app to activate cleaning programs, activate the weekly timer, and more.


Swivel Cable

Uninterrupted Hassle-Free Clean

The patented anti-tangling swivel cable allows the robot to move easily and efficiently around your swimming pool and make clean-up a breeze.



Pool Attributes

Dolphin Active 30i Pool Cleaner Specs

Pool Size Up to 50ft
Pool Shape All
Obstacles Steps, Ladder, Drain Cover, Ledges, Pop-Ups
Surface Concrete, Plaster, Gunite or Pebble, Tile, Vinyl Liner, Fiberglass
Cleaning
Enhanced Cleaning Cycles -
Filter Cleaning Fine, Ultra Fine
Filter Type Dual Top Load
Cleaning Coverage Floors, Walls, Waterline
Cleaning Mode(s) Quick, Standard, Enhanced
Cleaning Cycle(s) 1.5, 2, 2.5 Hours
Connectivity & Automation
Remote operation Yes
Bluetooth -
MyDolphin App Yes, Navigation and Programmable
Automated Weekly Timer Yes
Other
Full Bag Indicator Yes
Cable Length 60Ft
Anti-Tangling Swivel Yes
Warranty 2 Years - Full

Customer Reviews

Dolphin Active 30i Pool Cleaner
4.0 stars 4.0 Based on 8 Reviews
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Stars
How would you rate Dolphin Active 30i Pool Cleaner?*
Rating Stars
Rating Stars
Awesome clean time

Steve Jennings -

I just opened my pool here in the northern Mid-west. We close pools during winter and the algae growth can sometimes get really bad. Sediments and leaves settle on the pool bottom. Well welcome the Dolphin ! I shocked my pool… then set the Dolphin in the water and never vacuumed my pool. RESULTS.. clean bottom and all debris , sediment and algae gone. Of course there was rising of the filters every few hours but this saved me several hours of initial clean time just to get the pool start-up. Now I can kick back and enjoy the pool. Or do other yard work that the Dolphin cant help me with. My wife says pool has never looked cleaner.

Rating Stars
5 Stars

Roni Alexander -

Love it ! Has made owning our pool so much easier and more time to enjoy it than clean it!

Rating Stars
Impressed

Tony -

I was attending a pool care class and the couple next to me laughed when the instructor asked if they cleaned their pool. They said we don’t. Our dolphin does all the work. And that’s how I ended up with a robotic pool vaccum. This thing is low maintenance and fast. First day I ran the dolphin for 3 cleaning cycles and it looked great. Now I’ll run it once a week before the weekend. Cleaning and care is quite easy so far. Filter pops out and drops dirt easily. Lot of earlier reviews complain about the cord- I can only think maytronics updated the design because I have no tangle. No issues with steps or floor drains but I do occasionally pull the pool brush out to get the corners. I’m curious on the fatigue wear of the power cable because of pulling at it to remove it from the water. But that’s what the video shows. Time will tell but this little thing is incredible.

Rating Stars
Average

kenny -

Pros-easy to clean, does respond to smart-phone command(would be much easier to allow all options on the power control) ,fast, climbs well, cons:the cord started to tangle from the beginning, despite all my efforts I was not able to remove filters(1,2,3 4-number one detaches on the top after being pushed in and that is where it ends) for cleaning, pick up is very poor against my previous Aquabot Turbo-picks small debris (unless floor is uneven -if so all the sand particles remain) but leaves for example -no,runs over them, lifts them up and leaves them behind it after that-they simply settle down again.

Rating Stars
Love my Dolphin

DMuddah -

I love our Dolphin Active 30i for pool cleaning and am often amazed at how much it picks up. I like the handy access to the filters which are easy to clean. The caddy that was included makes moving it from storage to pool a breeze. My only complaints are that it always seems to avoid the same spots no matter where it enters the pool and that it does not scrub the tile all the way around the pool at the water line. (Possible user error??) That being said, I am very happy to have our Dolphin and use it several times a week. It is much easier to use than the vacuum/hose system and overall does a great job; I highly recommend this Dolphin to others.

Rating Stars
1 year first time owner

Timothy -

It’s a great product but recently died on me. I tested everything seems like the controller is putting out wrong voltage after 30 seconds. I am upset that it only lasted a year for what I spent on it. Active 30i

Rating Stars
Needs a swivel

Terry W. Wood -

Does an excellent job with cleaning. Filters are easy to empty and clean. The cord-tangling issue, however, is a critical flaw in this “Premium” robot.

Rating Stars
Manual cleaning is much easier

Lori Suhrbier -

I bought this two years ago. The first year it did a good job. After that I have leaves that it goes over and doesn’t pick up. The cleaner is so random that it gets close to the debris on the bottom and suddenly changes directions. I’ve tried to use the manual drive from my phone but it’s not easily directed to where you want to move it. I could manually clean my pool in a half hour and looks perfect. I thought this would save time but after running it twice or even three times there are so many missed areas.

Question & Answer

Question
What is the typical life span of a Dolphin robot?
Answer

The Dolphin is designed to last many seasons. However, the lifespan differs from Dolphin to Dolphin. Many different factors play a role, such as amount of use, pool chemistry, and pool surface.

Question
Can my Dolphin access the MyDolphin Application via Bluetooth capability?
Answer

Yes, this Dolphin robotic pool cleaner has access to the MyDolphin Application. Please visit the App store via your Smart Phone and search keyword Maytronics. Download the App from the App store, launch the app and follow the prompts. Compatibility: Android version 4.3 or later; Apple iPhone 4S or higher/ starting at version 6.0 operating system. Requires connection with 3G/4G network with a minimum of 60% signal strength. Bluetooth feature must be enabled on the phone.

Question
What DIY repairs can I complete on my Dolphin?
Answer

DIY repairs should be completed by an authorized technician. Please contact your local retailer for service, Maytronics directly at 1-888-365-7446 or the support page of our website.

Pool & Shop

Where To Buy

Seller Buy From Availability Shop Online
Watson's $1,499.00 In Stock https://www.watsons.com/dolphin-active-30i-pool-cleaner/ Shop At Watson's


Compare to the higher rated robots

Check mark Highs
2-Year Full Warranty
Excellent Filtration System
Underwater Mobility
Comes with a Caddy
Multiple Cleaning Cycles
Check mark Highs
Plug-and-Play
Cleans Floors and Walls
Powerful Vacuum
Effective Scrubbing
Powers Over Drains