ur Dolphin robotic pool cleaner. The multi-function power supply is tried and true on many of the brand’s models. You can use the control interface to select your cleaning cycle time and even set a weekly schedule. The remote control comes with the same functionalities, with the added benefit of manually navigating the DX4 to reach any problem spots.

Dual Filtration System
Dual-layer filters separate rough, fine, and ultra-fine debris as they come through the filtration system. The large filter bags are especially adept at capturing larger debris like leaves, twigs, and the occasional toy.

How Does It Actually Perform?
Getting Into the Water is Easy
Thanks to the large handle, you don’t have to lean down very far at all to drop the DX4 into the pool itself. However, we wondered if the strange shape of the tall handle might prove to be a hindrance to the DX4’s mobility underwater.

It was easy to set up the DX4, as it already came in one piece and required hardly any work on our end. Beyond plugging it in, we didn’t have to fiddle with any tedious pieces or assembly instructions. The power supply itself has an easy user interface. It was clear very quickly how to operate the DX4 from the power supply after just glancing at the owner’s manual. We played with the remote control a little bit, but it felt slower than we expected. Instead, we selected our cleaning job from the power supply.

The maiden voyage of our DX4 was in a 50’ x 26’ in-ground gunite pool. We selected the standard 2.5 hour cleaning, and we watched it get to work.

Climbing Walls
Like we mentioned before, we thought the shape of the DX4 might hinder its ability to navigate under the water with the dexterity its specs promise. With the handle situated substantially above the center of gravity of the robot, it seemed like it might add unnecessary resistance underwater.

Lo and behold, the DX4 climbed the walls remarkably well. We did see it fall back from its vertical trek twice, but those were the only times. And it quickly climbed the same route again, so it didn’t overlook those spots.

The DX4 also climbed all the way to the waterline. As we peeked over the side to watch it reach the surface, it was clear the scrubbing brushes didn’t just skim the waterline. The durable plastic bristles actively scrubbed the grimy gunite before sinking back down for its next cleaning line.

Navigating Obstacles
The DX4 is equipped with a Dynamic Dual Drive motor. This gyroscopic technology is supposed to help the robotic pool cleaner maneuver itself around obstacles seamlessly underwater. This was put to the test as the DX4 approached the underwater steps and tanning ledge.

The underwater steps proved a little tricky to the robot, but to be fair, they are tricky for most pool cleaners. The DX4 did slip from the steps a few times, but it didn’t abandon the obstacle until it had completed full coverage, even reaching the very top steps.

It handled the tanning ledge more smoothly. It roamed the entire surface area, and the DX4 even hoisted its top brushes upward to scrub the shallow waterline.

Cleaning the Bottom
The bottom of our testing pool hadn’t been cleaned in about one week. Visible debris littered the surface, and the water itself was cloudy from having silt blown in after a string of windy days.

As the DX4 powered across the floor, it left behind a satisfying strip of brightness. Especially compared to adjacent untouched flooring, we could tell the DX4 was actually scrubbing and picking up more debris than we realized had settled onto the bottom. It even sucked up some substantially sized twigs, which we thought might be too large for the cleaner to handle.

The DX4’s Dynamic Dual Drive really shined while cleaning the bottom of the pool. The slopes of the deep end are rather steep, and they meet the wall of the pool to create abrupt corners that are hard for most pool cleaners to reach. However, the DX4 powered down the slope with ease and steadiness. It shimmied into the crannies of the pool’s deep corners instead of overlooking them, which is unlike many other robotic pool cleaners we’ve tested.

Checking the Filter
Now for the real test – looking in the filter.

We flipped the DX4 upside down and unlatched the bottom plate of the robot to open the filtration system. The filter bag latches around a wire frame internally. It’s not the easiest task to remove the filter from the frame, much less clean it. Filter bags are notoriously flimsy and cumbersome to deal with.

However, the DX4’s filter bag caught a substantial amount of debris of all shapes and sizes. It grabbed a good deal of leaves, large twigs, bugs, and flower buds. What was most noticeable, however, was the amount of small sediment present in the filter bag. Most bags are good at catching larger debris, but this filtration system actually captured a lot of the nitty gritty that we expected to be overlooked. Not only was the bag itself satisfyingly dingy from all of the dirt and silt the DX4 sucked up, but there was a good amount of sludge within the bag as well.

Cleaning the bag, especially when it’s so dirty, is a hassle. You can just rinse it out with a hose, but it’s good practice to throw it in the washing machine every few cycles or treat it with a bleach solution so it doesn’t start to reek or harbor bacteria. And be advised – always at least rinse it after each cleaning cycle. Otherwise future-you will chastise past-you.

Other Thoughts
The Swivel
We are suckers for Dolphin’s patented anti-tangle swivel. Fortunately, this is a feature of the DX4. This little device keeps the 60-foot cord from tangling into a heap of knots, therefore keeping you from the hassle of having to unkink it after every cleaning.

Maybe Spring for a Caddy
A caddy for easier transportation isn’t included with purchase of the DX4, but it’s worth considering. The robot weights 22 pounds, which isn’t so heavy you can’t lift it, but it’s a bit on the hefty side. If you’ll be carrying yours a good distance from its storage spot to the water, the caddy might make life a little easier for you.

The Remote Control Isn’t Necessary
We like the idea of the remote control, but it feels superfluous. You can still start and schedule cleanings from the power supply. The main benefit of the remote control is its ability to manually navigate the DX4 underwater for any spot treatment. We tested this and while it got the job done, the commands lagged and left feeling frustrated. We preferred sticking with the power supply instead.

Good Warranty
The two-year limited warranty is a win in our books. It’s not restricted to number of cycles or hours used, either. Just be sure you purchase your DX4 from a certified dealer. Otherwise the warranty is void.

The Final Verdict
The DX4 is a solid robotic pool cleaner.

It did fall occasionally while it did its wall cleaning, and it took a while to conquer cleaning the underwater steps. Plus, the bag is no one’s favorite maintenance chore. However, it still cleans remarkably well and captures an impressive amount of debris. After its one cleaning job, the pool surfaces were spotless and the water was far clearer and brighter than before.

You will definitely get what you pay for with the DX4. It’s priced affordably, but we wouldn’t say it’s a steal. It may have a few shortcomings, but none of them are deal breakers. Instead, it’s a durable and trusty robotic pool cleaner that has the power to make your life easier