Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I rely heavily on product reviews when making purchases so I will leave the most accurate comprehensive review possible. I researched robotic pool cleaners extensively prior to this purchase. For the cost, I believe this is the best choice. Pro's... strong suction, excellent traction, adequate pool coverage, easy to clean/replace removeable cartridges, overall excellent cleaning device. Cons... becomes disabled on steps, no user/owners manual, cord to power supply is short, should come with cart/which is an additional purchase. I have a 25,000 gallon pebble tech in ground pool. The Dolphin is supplementing a Hayward DE filter system. The in ground system is performing to standards, however the Dolphin replaces the need to manually vacuum debris left on the walls or bottom. The Dolphin arrived promptly with no damage. The contents includes a quick start guide, however no owners manual. I downloaded the owners manual and it basically contains the same information as the quick start guide...pretty much no information. This unit operates with "clever clean technology." I have no idea what that is. Some of the more costly models indicate that the unit will scan and map your pool for optimum coverage. That is not happening with this model. It navigates randomly. It covers 90% of the pool each cleaning, which I consider excellent. I have several 5 inch steps and two benches that are at the 4 foot level. The Dolphin will occasionally climb one or two of the short steps but is unable to climb to the higher steps. The Dolphin climbs up to the higher benches and often turns and becomes disabled/stuck on top of the bench. I included a picture of the Dolphin disabled. It's necessary to unplug the power source, plug it back in and give a tug to remove it from the bench and begin the cleaning cycle over again. My children enjoy watching the Dolphin and they named it "Willy." It was later amended to "Free Willy," as they shouted out to me to "go free Willy." The extra cloth filters that shipped with the Dolphin do a much better job of retaining debris than the installed nylon cartridges. Once you insert the cloth cartridges you won't go back to the nylon. The cartridges are easily accessed from the top doors and cleaned with a hose. The rolling storage cart was an additional $129. From a marketing standpoint the manufacturer realized you pretty much need the cart and since you paid $699 you will most likely spend the additonal $129. I feel they took advantage of me with that deal. You do need the cart. They should include it with the purchase of the Dolphin for a total price of $750. The cart is basically a golf club cart with a value of no more than $50. You need to obtain a bungy cord and use it to secure the long power cord to the cart or it will not stay attached. That should have been included. The quick start guide was adamant that you should not use a supplemental extension cord. Presumably from a safety perspective so the Dolphin does not drag that cord into the pool. Most people will find that you need to use an extension cord to plug the independant power supply modual into the outlet or you will not get the Dolphin close enough to your pool. I have experienced no problems using an extension cord for this purpose. I operated the Dolphin for 45 days prior to submitting this review. Overall I am very pleased and hopeful that the unit holds up mechanically over time.