Dolphin Skimmi Solar-Powered Robotic Pool Skimmer Review

If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to keep your pool surface pristine, you might want to check out the Dolphin Skimmi solar-powered robotic pool skimmer. This clever gadget works hard using the sun’s energy to keep your pool surface looking fantastic. In this review, we’ll dive into what makes the Dolphin Skimmi tick, how it performs, and if it’s worth your hard-earned cash.

Quick Summary of the Dolphin Skimmi

So, what’s the deal with the Dolphin Skimmi? It’s a robotic pool skimmer that runs on solar power, so you don’t have to worry about electricity bills or cables. The solar panel on top of the unit keeps it paddling and picking up leaves throughout the day, and most of the night.

Although, if you were looking for a charging port, you won’t find it. The internal lithium-ion battery can only be charged by the sun, because the Skimmi cannot be recharged any other way. This reminds me of the Betta SE pool surface skimmer, since it also does not have a charging port.

In contrast, the Betta SE Plus model has been updated with a charging port, so it can be charged by plugging the included power adapter into a wall outlet. Likewise, the excellent but expensive Beatbot iSkim Ultra also offers both solar-charging and electrical charging, although it has a unique wireless magnetic charging system.

In brief, the Dolphin Skimmi adjusts to whatever pool size or shape you’ve got, which is great for a thorough clean. Moreover, it’s got a leaf basket that’s easy to take care of, and it’s super lightweight, so you won’t feel like you’re lifting a bag of sand every time you take it out of the pool. Click here to read more on Amazon (paid link).

What Makes the Dolphin Skimmi Stand Out?

First off, the Dolphin Skimmi comes with two bottom sensors to detect floating junk like leaves and bugs, and four more above the waterline to avoid bumping into things. It works hard during the day to save energy, so it can keep your pool clean even when you’re catching some sleep.

And get this, it’s got a smartphone app that lets you control it like a remote controlled boat. You can steer it around to hit those leaves that just don’t want to be picked up, or set its cleaning mode to do its thing on its own. Plus, the app tells you stuff like the current battery charge level, the power usage, and the water temperature.

Putting the Dolphin Skimmi together is a walk in the park: you just need a smartphone with Wi-Fi. Once you’ve got it set up, it’s all about letting it do its thing while you kick back. The app’s a nice touch, and the solar power means you’re not constantly plugging it in and out. It’s good at not getting stuck, but if it does, it’s usually pretty good at freeing itself.

How Well Does It Clean?

The Dolphin Skimmi is actually good at picking up small stuff like bugs and grass. It’s got a simple filter basket that makes emptying and cleaning it quick and easy.

It’s designed to work with the sun, so it charges up during the day and then gets busy at night if you want it to. Not only that, but it’s got a neat trick (automatic sun detection) where it moves to sunnier areas to charge up. This solar detection feature is actually quite necessary, for the reason that the Skimmi is entirely dependent on sunlight for recharging its battery.

The Dolphin Skimmi does not skimp on skimming the surface of a swimming pool.

What Do People Think of the Dolphin Skimmi?

Lots of folks love using the Dolphin Skimmi to keep their pool’s surface looking fresh. It’s like having your very own robotic pool guy, scooping up leaves without you having to lift a finger. However, the Skimmi’s basket might be on the small side, so you might need to empty it more often after a big storm, but it can get into those tight spots like sun shelves and steps without scraping the bottom. The solar panel keeps it charged and ready to go.

Some users have mentioned a bit of a struggle getting it out of the pool because it doesn’t offer the best grip, but that’s a small price to pay for a mostly trouble-free experience. Most people find it does a decent job of getting all the leaves, but if you’ve got lots of trees around your swimming pool, it might need a bit more help.

At the end of the day, the Dolphin Skimmi is lightweight, easy to use, and does a great job of keeping the surface of the water looking crystal clear. The app makes it a fun gadget to play with, and it’s pretty good at avoiding obstacles, even though it might need a hand getting unstuck sometimes.

The Downsides of the Dolphin Skimmi

The only real downside is that it’s solar-powered only, so if you’ve got a gloomy stretch of weather, it might not work as well. The basket could be a bit bigger for those leafy seasons, but hey, nobody said having a pool was going to be completely maintenance-free.

Should You Get One?

After all is said and done, is the Dolphin Skimmi worth it? If you want an automated pool skimmer that’s easy to use, doesn’t break the bank, and keeps the surface of your swimming pool clean, then yes, it’s totally worth checking out. It’s like having a robotic pool man that runs on sunshine. Just keep in mind that it might need a hand now and then, especially if your pool’s a real leaf magnet.

Overall, the Dolphin Skimmi is a hit with pool owners. It’s a no-fuss, eco-friendly way to keep your pool sparkling. And let’s not forget, it’s got that green factor of being solar-powered. So, if you’re tired of chasing after leaves with that old pool net, maybe it’s time to give the Dolphin Skimmi a shot and let it do the skimming for you. Click here for today’s pricing on Amazon (paid link).