Dolphin Eon robotic pool cleaners promise to clean the shallows, too

Maytronics is showing an expanded line of Dolphin robotic pool cleaners at CES this week. The Dolphin Eon series promises to work in shallow water—areas with as little as 8 inches of coverage—making them usable on steps, shelves, ledges, and zero-entry slopes (at least up to a point). More typical pool robots must be completely submerged in order to properly operate, limiting some larger robots to cleaning pool surfaces with a minimum water depth of 14 inches, leaving shallower areas for you to scrub.

The Eon line includes two models, both of which feature treads connecting two large front wheels and two smaller rear wheels, part of the design that allows for their shallow water operation. Maytronics’ JetIQ technology also allows the robots to traverse steps and walls vertically, providing for wall and waterline scrubbing. The battery-powered robots have a maximum runtime of up to 4.5 hours, depending on the model. The Eon robots also provide for app-based control, so you can troubleshoot problems, configure settings, and schedule runs without needing to step outside.

The entry-level Dolphin Eon 100 includes all the features above, while the Dolphin Eon 120d adds one additional feature called DebrisLock. This is a backwash filtration system designed to clean the unit’s filters while it’s in the pool, preventing trapped dirt particles and leaves from escaping once they are captured.

DebrisLock sequesters these materials in a sealed compartment that Maytronics says is effective at collecting even the smallest of particles and includes sensors that can detect if a filter is clogged, triggering an automatic cleaning cycle. Not only is the system designed to provide clearer, cleaner water, it can also reduce time spent on maintenance; namely, cleaning the filter baskets, which needn’t be cleaned out after each run).

Later this year, Maytronics plans to introduce a hybrid power design option to the Eon line, allowing users to operate the robot either via battery power or while connected via a cable plugged into a power outlet.

MSRP for the Dolphin Eon 100 is set at $899, while the Dolphin Eon 120d has a price tag of $1,199. Both models are available for purchase today, with shipping at the end of January. You’ll also find them in dealers’ inventories beginning in February. All units are covered by a three-year warranty.

This news story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best robotic pool cleaners.