Comparison Robert Knight by Robert Knight

Dolphin Escape vs Polaris 9650IQ Sport

Head-to-Head Review and Comparison

91
Dolphin Escape

Dolphin Escape

4.5 stars4.5
$569
VS
73
Polaris 9650IQ Sport

Polaris 9650IQ Sport

3.5 stars3.4
$997
Feature
Escape
9650IQ Sport
Pool Type
Above Ground
In-Ground & Above Ground
Coverage
Good
Good
User Experience
Excellent
Good
Warranty
2
2
Price
$569
$997

Highs & Lows

Compare the pros and cons of each robot

Check mark Highs
Escape
  • Best Above Ground Pool Cleaner (Also works fantastic for In-Ground Pools)
  • Easy-to-clean oversized MaxBin
  • Covers entire floor, can handle slopes, and even goes partially up the wall
  • Easy to setup - Simple plug and play design
  • 2 Year Warranty - Full Coverage that isn't Prorated
9650IQ Sport
  • Now with an App
  • Includes Weekly Timer
X icon Lows
Escape
  • Only floor coverage - but perfect for Above Ground Pools
  • No Weekly Timer - Look at Dolphin Cayman for Timer & Wall Climbing
9650IQ Sport
  • No NanoFilters
Escape vs 9650IQ Sport
Key Features Comparison

Features

NanoFilters

Next Gen Filtration Captures More

High-tech, plated filters are able to capture microscopic algae, debris, sand, and more in your pool water - all while increasing water clarity. To use, just simply snap them in and your robot is ready. NanoFilters are a must have for any pool robot.

EscapeOptional
9650IQ SportNo

Waterline / Tileline Cleaning

Clean where other robots can't

90% of the bacteria in your pool is on the waterline. Don't get confused with robots that are "Wall Climbing". There is a big difference. Waterline cleaning means the robot actively scrubs and sticks to the waterline scrubbing away this problem area in the pool. It is a feature you don't want to miss.

EscapeNo
9650IQ SportYes

Dolphin Sigma Wall Climbing

Wall Climbing

Provides floor and wall coverage

Wall climbing allows the robot to clean and climb the walls of your pool. However, don't get this confused with waterline cleaning. A robot without waterline cleaning will only clean the walls of your pool. It will miss the dirtiest part of your pool, the waterline, where 90% of all algae and bacteria is in your pool.

EscapeNo
9650IQ SportYes

Anti-Tangle Swivel Cable

Anti-Tangle Swivel

No more tangled cords

With an Anti-tangle Swivel, the robot can fully explore and clean your pool without ever getting stuck. The innovative design allows the robot to move freely 360 degrees around your pool, without ever knotting the cord.

EscapeNo
9650IQ SportYes

Energy Efficient Pool Robot

Ultra Efficient

Save Hundreds of Dollars Cleaning Your Pool a Year

A robotic pool cleaner saves hundreds of dollars a year in energy when compared to pressure-side or suction-side cleaners. Powered by energy efficient DC motors, a robotic pool cleaner can be 90% more efficient than its counterparts.

EscapeYes
9650IQ SportYes

Plug and Play Power Supply

Plug and Play

Simply plug in and start cleaning

Set up has never been easier. No installation needed. Your robot is ready to go right out of the box. No extra pumps, plumbing, or anything else needed. Simply plug it in and start cleaning!

EscapeYes
9650IQ SportYes

Smart Navigation System

Precise Navigation

Navigate Any Obstacle

This technology ensures that the most efficient route is used to clean your pool floor. So smart, the system automatically navigates around obstacles and quickly returns to its route. You'll want to look for SmartNav, as we found it performed best in our testing.

EscapeSmartNav 2.0
9650IQ Sport

Videos

Watch reviews and tutorials

Dolphin Escape Review - Best Above Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner - Powerful Vacuum & Scrubbing Power

Dolphin Escape Review - Best Above Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner - Powerful Vacuum...

The Pool Nerd
All Videos 3 videos
Pool Attributes

Specifications

Robot Dolphin Escape Dolphin Escape Polaris 9650IQ Sport Polaris 9650IQ Sport
Pool Types Above Ground In-Ground & Above Ground
Pool Size 33 ft 50 ft
Pool Shape Rectangle, Oval, or Freeform Rectangle, Oval, or Freeform
Obstacles Steps, Ladder, Drain Cover, Ledges, Pop-Ups Steps, Ladder, Drain Cover, Ledges, Pop-Ups
Surface Concrete, Plaster, Gunite, Pebble, Tile, Vinyl Liner, Fiberglass Concrete, Plaster, Gunite, Pebble, Tile, Vinyl Liner, Fiberglass
Cleaning
Waterline Cleaning No Yes
Number of Filters Included 1 3
Filter Cleaning Filter Basket Oversized Filter Basket
Cleaning Coverage Floor Floor, Walls, Waterline
Cleaning Cycle(s) 1.5 hrs 1.5 hrs
Number of Brushes 1 -
Connectivity & Automation
Remote operation No No
WiFi / Bluetooth WiFi: No
Bluetooth: No
WiFi: No
Bluetooth: No
Smartphone App No No
Automated Weekly Timer No Yes
Other
Full Bag Indicator No No
Cable Length 40 ft 60ft
Anti-Tangling Swivel No Yes
Restocking Fee No
No Restocking Fee Ever.
No
No Restocking Fee Ever.
Warranty 2 Years 2 Years
Caddy Included Optional Caddies Available Optional Caddies Available
Official Website Escape Official Site
Part Number 99996153-SPLF
ASIN B01I466H94

Customer Reviews

Escape Robotic Icon

Escape

4.5 stars 4.5
Based on 1192 Reviews
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Star
9650IQ Sport Robotic Icon

9650IQ Sport

3.5 stars 3.4
Based on Reviews
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Star
Pool & Shop

Where To Buy

Compare prices for Escape and 9650IQ Sport — get the best deal from trusted retailers

Seller Buy From Robot Shop Online
Buy on Amazon.com $639 Escape Shop At Amazon
Poolbots Logo $569 Escape Shop At Poolbots
PoolRobots Logo $569 Escape Shop At PoolRobots

Recommended Accessories

Essential add-ons for your pool robot

Terra Caddy for Dolphin Pool Robots

Terra Caddy

Best Seller

Weather and UV-resistant storage solution. Premium resin coating protects against scratches, weathering, and UV damage. The ultimate protection for your investment.

Dolphin Universal Caddy

Dolphin Universal Caddy

Budget Friendly

A robotic pool cleaner is an investment, so make sure to protect it. The Dolphin Universal Caddy is a solid option for easy storage and transport.

Pool Robot Replacement Parts

Replacement Parts

Maintenance

Need extra filters, replacement power supply, or new climbing rings? Shop all replacement parts for Dolphin and Polaris models.