Dolphin E10 Review: What We LOVE & HATE

Let me guess. You bought an above-ground pool because you wanted summer fun, not a part-time job cleaning it. Now you're out there every other day with a vacuum hose in one hand and a deep sigh in the other.

Same here. That was me last spring. I finally gave in and bought the Dolphin E10 robotic pool cleaner. Not because I’m lazy (okay, maybe a little), but because I got tired of fighting leaves and sand and mystery gunk at the bottom of the pool.

This is my take on the E10. No corporate fluff. No "technically speaking" mumbo jumbo. Just what works, what doesn't, and what I'd tell a friend who's tired of cleaning their above ground pool the old-fashioned way.

Above Ground Pools Deserve Good Robots Too

A lot of the fancy robotic pool cleaners out there are made for in-ground setups with built-in filtration systems and more horsepower than a lawnmower. That’s cool and all, but those of us with above ground pools need a robot that actually makes sense for our setup.

The E10 is built specifically for above ground pools up to 30 feet long. No adapters, no plumbing, no pressure-side hookups. Just plug it into a standard power supply, drop it in the water, and off it goes.

Dolphin E10: What You Get Right Out of the Box

You know how some gear makes you feel like you need a degree in engineering just to get started? Not this. The Dolphin E10 comes with:

• A power supply that plugs into a normal outlet
• A 40-foot cord (long enough for most above ground pools)
• A top-load filter basket
• A basic on/off control button
• And one active scrubbing brush on the bottom

You won’t need to assemble anything. Just unbox it, plug it in, and press a button to start cleaning. It’s so straightforward that I didn’t even glance at the manual until about a week later when I got curious.

What I LOVE About the Dolphin E10 Robotic Pool Cleaner

It's Made for Above Ground Pool Owners

This is huge. It’s not some in-ground cleaner that was rebranded. The E10 is lightweight, compact, and handles above ground pools like a pro. If you’ve ever tried to force a bigger cleaner to do the job, you’ll instantly notice the difference.

It Actually Cleans the Pool Floor Really Well

I’ve had everything from acorns to bugs to what looked like half a beach wind up on the pool’s floors, and this little thing handled it all. The active scrubbing brush loosens dirt, and the suction pulls it into the filter. It won’t scrub your walls, but it’ll keep the pool floor looking spotless if you run it a few times a week.

Easy Maintenance

The filter basket is a top-loader, which is so much better than flipping the robot over like you're changing a tire. Pop it open, rinse the filter with a hose, done. If your pool water gets extra dusty, I recommend getting the fine filter insert to help capture small particles. It made a noticeable difference in my pool.

Energy Efficient and Quiet

This thing sips power. I was expecting a bump in my electric bill, but nope. It’s also way quieter than I thought. You can barely hear it humming around under the surface. The only giveaway is the occasional little ripple when it reverses direction.

What I Don’t Love (Because No Robot’s Perfect)

No Wall Climbing

Let’s get the big one out of the way. The E10 does not climb walls. It focuses on the floor only. If you’re hoping for wall climbing or waterline cleaning, this isn’t your bot. I give my walls a quick brush every weekend, and honestly, it’s not a big deal. But if you want full automation, you’ll want to look at something like the Dolphin Cayman.

No Weekly Timer

There’s no weekly timer built in. You have to manually start it each time. Some folks don’t mind that at all. I ended up plugging it into a smart plug so I could at least turn it on from my phone. Not the fanciest solution, but it works.

The Cord Twists If You're Not Careful

The cord is long enough for most above ground pools, but it doesn’t have an anti tangle swivel. That means you’ll want to untwist it by hand every few uses. It’s not the end of the world, just something to keep an eye on.

Returns Might Cost You

If you buy online, check the fine print. Some places charge a restocking fee if you try to return it after using it. That annoyed me because it’s not always clearly stated. Just a heads-up before you buy.

Real Talk: How to Get the Most Out of the E10

Here’s what I’ve figured out after a full summer of use:

• Clean the filter regularly. If it clogs, suction drops fast.
• Run it after storms or after a party. That’s when the pool gets dirty the fastest.
• Upgrade to the fine filter if your ground pool collects pollen or sand. It makes a big difference.
• Untwist the cord once a week to avoid it getting stuck or looped up.
• Brush the walls yourself every now and then. The E10 won't touch them.

Dolphin E10 vs Dolphin Escape vs Dolphin Cayman

Thinking about other options? Here’s how the E10 compares.

A Quick Take

• The Dolphin Escape has a bigger debris bin and slightly better suction, but still no wall climbing.
• The Dolphin Cayman is the upgrade if you want wall, floor, and waterline cleaning, a weekly timer, and fewer tangles.
• The Dolphin E10 Robotic Pool Cleaner is the best budget option for above ground pools if you’re mainly focused on the pool floor.

Should You Get the Dolphin E10?

So concluding my Dolphin E10 Review, If you’re the kind of pool owner who just wants clean water, no drama, and a few more hours back each week, the Dolphin E10 robotic pool cleaner is absolutely worth it. It does exactly what it says it does. It’s reliable, easy to clean, and doesn’t come with a steep learning curve.

You’ll still need to do a bit of manual work on the walls, and you’ll have to push a button to start it, but for the price, this thing makes owning an above ground pool way more enjoyable.

It’s not perfect, but it’s dang close for the money.

And honestly? Watching it scoot around the bottom of the pool while I sit on the deck with a drink in my hand... that alone makes it worth it.

A Few More Thoughts Before You Hit "Buy"

Here’s one more reason I went with the E10. I didn’t want to mess around with finicky suction side cleaners that tie into your pool’s filtration system or rely on water pressure. I just wanted a true automatic robotic pool cleaner that ran independently and did its job. The E10 delivered on that.

Plug the power supply into a standard outlet, press the button, and let the robot work its magic. That’s the beauty of a true plug and play setup — especially for busy above ground pool owners like us.

Also, don’t sleep on the importance of the filter basket design. The top-load style means you get easy access, and with the fine filter insert, it can even capture small particles like pollen, dirt, and sand. You won’t believe how much ends up in there after a windy day.

If you're wondering whether it's covered by a warranty — yes, it typically is, but check depending on where you shop. And again, watch out for that sneaky restocking fee if you decide to send it back.

How the Dolphin E10 Fits Into the Bigger Dolphin Lineup

The Dolphin E10 is one of the more affordable bots in the full Dolphin lineup, which includes more advanced pool robots like the Dolphin Cayman and even smarter ones with Bluetooth, WiFi, and more. But not everyone needs bells and whistles. If you're a newer pool owner or you just want to keep things simple, the E10 is a great starting point.

Sure, it lacks a programmable timer, but I’ve found that its 1.5-hour cycle is short enough to squeeze in before dinner and powerful enough to tackle several days of debris. I’ve even started to run it daily during heavy use weeks and haven’t had a single issue.

And for those curious about cleaning performance over time — mine still runs like new after months of use. That’s with regular pool cleanings, rinsing the filters, and making sure the cord doesn't get stuck or twisted.

Final Verdict: Is the E10 Robotic Pool Cleaner Worth It?

Look, there are plenty of other robots out there. Some cost double and promise full-pool coverage, mobile apps, waterline scrubbing, and so on. If that’s what you’re looking for, the Dolphin Cayman or another advanced model might be better for you.

But if you’re just done with manual vacuums, tired of hauling out hoses, and ready to enjoy your pool water again — the Dolphin E10 robotic pool cleaner hits the sweet spot.

You get reliable pool cleanings, smart design, and low effort. It’s perfect for above ground pool owners who want something that just works.

Would I buy it again? Absolutely. In fact, I’ve already recommended it to three neighbors. One of them even stopped calling their kid the “pool boy.” That says it all.

Related: 

• Dolphin E10 vs Nautilus CC
• Dolphin Escape vs E10
• Dolphin Proteus DX3 vs E10
• Dolphin Active 10 Vs E10