If you're looking to keep your pool as clean as the day it was filled for the first time, there's nothing like a robotic pool cleaner! And in this field, Maytronics, founded in 1983 and based in La Ciotat, is proving to be a world leader in the innovation of robotic pool cleaners. Today, I'd like to introduce you to their latest addition, the Dolphin M550, a pool cleaner that does everything, except maybe bring you a cold drink at the water's edge (although that's not far off)! This little jewel of technology promises to revolutionize your pool-cleaning experience. Let's find out more…
Unpacking the Maytronics Dolphin M550
Careful, it's heavy! And bulky! Weighing in at 11kg, the robot comes with its own docking station.
The packaging highlights the robot we're about to discover:
With a comprehensive technical data sheet on the back:
As soon as you open the box, you come face to face with the robot in all its splendor: sleek design, modern lines and high-quality finish.
It looks sturdy and ready to tackle any task you throw at it, thanks in particular to its wide tracks on either side:
On top, there's a handle on each side for easy handling:
For cleaning, it features four silicone brushes, positioned at the front and rear, for double brushing:
On the top is access to the dirt tray, whose condition can be easily checked through a transparent cover:
The bin is very easy to access thanks to its handle, which automatically unfolds when the compartment is opened:
With its large capacity, this basket is suitable for all pool sizes (up to 15m according to the manufacturer's data, in particular because of its cable length).
Once the basket has been removed, the interior is uncluttered for easy cleaning (just spray with water).
In the box, you'll also find everything you need for immediate and easy use. There's the transformer (for plugging in your robot), the anti-tangle cable (a real blessing for avoiding tangles), the instruction manual, and even the transport cart!
There's also another set of filters, fine and ultra-fine, for more or less thorough cleaning. The first robot I've tested to offer this!
Next up is the control box, which also powers the robot. Yes, this is a wired robot.
It's also this box that will make the Bluetooth / Wifi connection, as the Dolphin M550 is of course a connected robot :) . A good point, as wireless robots with built-in Bluetooth often have trouble receiving signals once they're at the bottom of the pool. Here, the box will always be within range of the Wifi.
The cart has to be assembled. But there's nothing complicated about that:
Just follow the assembly instructions, use the screws supplied, and you're all set:
It's always handy to have such a cart, both for transporting the heavy robot and for storing it and all its accessories (notably the 18m cable and control box). The manufacturer even offers a protective tarpaulin (sold as an option).
So much for the owner's tour. Now it's time to get to work!
Dolphin M550: in use
As mentioned above, the Dolphin M550 is a wired model. It is hooked up to a large 18m cable, enabling it to navigate freely in a pool up to 15m long.
This cable features an anti-tangle system, enabling the robot to navigate throughout the pool without the risk of becoming entangled (the cable turns on itself):
The robot cable is screwed onto the control box. Of course, everything is watertight, so all you have to do is insert the plug and screw the clamping ring around it:
So we have the robot connected to its control box, which in turn plugs into a mains socket:
Everything can then be stored on the cart, which comes in very handy. There's room for the robot, of course, as well as a holder for the coiled cable and the control console:
This Dolphin M550 is a connected pool cleaner, which comes with a mobile application, available on Android and iOS. First install it on your smartphone, then create a user account:
We choose the type of power supply for our robot. Here, the first choice, with control box:
The assistant then prompts us to plug in the robot and put it in the water. Simply press the button on the control box to switch it on:
The Dolphin M550 is then detected via Bluetooth by the application.
You can then configure the WiFi link, which will enable you to control the robot even from a distance, without being in range of the Bluetooth, but also to receive notifications of its activity.
The application lets you launch a cleaning mode, and track its progress. Several cleaning modes are available:
- complete cleaning, the most frequently used mode, which cleans the bottom, sides and even the water line. The robot will climb up the walls to clean them, and will reach the water line to scrub it. This mode takes 2 hours.
- Fast mode: bottom cleaning only, in one hour.
- Bottom only: as the name suggests, the robot will clean the bottom only, at “normal” speed.
- Water line: cleaning of walls and water line only.
In use, I mainly used the complete mode. I usually put the robot in the water after each swim, at the end of the day, for a complete cleaning.
The app also lets you program the frequency of cleaning, on the days and at the times you want. To do this, of course, the robot must be in the water. Finally, a manual mode lets you control the robot via a remote control in the app, which can be handy when you need to take it back to you to get it out of the water.
Once the Dolphin M550 has finished its work, it climbs a wall and positions itself at the waterline, waiting to be retrieved. Notifications via the app come in very handy for this, as you're alerted when the job is done, and can then take the robot out of the water to clean it.
Cleaning is relatively straightforward, as all you have to do is empty the dirt tray and hose it down. The robot is then ready for its next run.
This Dolphin M550 is the first corded pool cleaner I've tested. While I greatly appreciate cordless robots for their ease of use, I have to admit that the suction power of this model is impressive (20.0 Mᶾ / H!). There's no debris too small or too stubborn for this robot. Algae, sand, leaves… nothing resists it. What's more, thanks to its active brushes, it scrubs away encrusted impurities, leaving crystal-clear water behind. And let's talk about the filtration technology: it captures the finest particles, guaranteeing clean, healthy water. What's more, its ultra-fine filters are highly efficient, providing better water filtration than other models we've seen.
Thanks to its advanced gyroscopic navigation system, which corrects the robot's trajectory as it moves (slope, obstacle, cable imbalance…), it covers every square centimetre of the pool, from the bottom to the sides, including the waterline, which is really handy, because all pool owners know what a pain it can be to clean.
In short, this Dolphin M550 is extremely powerful! And it's very easy to use, since all you have to do is put it in the water and press the button on the control unit, and it's ready to go to work. You only need to use the app if you want to change the cleaning program or set up a timer.
Conclusion
The Maytronics Dolphin M550 is much more than just a pool cleaner, it's a true ally for all pool owners. It combines power, efficiency and cutting-edge technology to deliver impeccable cleaning every time.
With features such as a top-access basket, weekly timer and “retrieve me” mode for easy removal, the Maytronics M550 is designed to make life easier and more enjoyable for pool owners. It's particularly well-suited to in-ground pools, of course, but can also be used on an above-ground pool, as shown here in my 7m Gré steel pool.
In short, if you want to spend more time enjoying your pool and less time cleaning it, the M550 is the ideal solution.
The M550 is now available from authorized Maytronics dealers at a price of €1549. It comes with a 3-year warranty.
Please remain courteous: a hello and a thank you cost nothing! We're here to exchange ideas in a constructive way. Trolls will be deleted.