Hayward R130
#13 in CordedFull review
Hayward’s newer, lighter robot for in-ground or above-ground pools up to 50 ft, with a weekly timer.
ePoolSupply $1,251.95$1,251.95
The Hayward R130 is the better robotic pool cleaner overall, rated 3.6 to 2.8. The Hayward R130 leads on cleaning. The Dolphin Escape wins on value. The Dolphin Escape costs $582.95 less ($669 vs $1,251.95).
Dolphin Escape
#40 in CordedFull review
A floor cleaner for above-ground pools from the dealer line, with a two-year warranty.
Pool Express $669$669
Prices were last checked October 21, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Hayward R130 for cleaning (Floor, walls and waterline vs Floor only).
- Choose the Dolphin Escape for value ($669 vs $1,252).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every corded robotic pool cleaner; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Hayward R130 | Dolphin Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 25% | 30 $1,252 | 57 $669 |
| Cleaning 25% | 85 Floor, walls and waterline | 20 Floor only |
| Navigation 15% | 50 Smart navigation | 50 Smart scanning |
| Warranty 15% | 50 2-year warranty | 50 2-year warranty |
| Pool size 10% | 100 pools up to 50 ft long (about 1,250 sq ft) | 17 pools up to 30 ft long (about 450 sq ft) |
| Features 10% | 50 2 of 4; no app control, caddy | 0 0 of 3; no app control, scheduling, swivel cable |
Specifications
| Hayward R130 | Dolphin Escape | |
|---|---|---|
| Pool | ||
| Pool size (rated) | Up to 50 ft long | Up to 30 ft long |
| Pool types | In-ground and above-ground | In-ground and above-ground |
| Surfaces | Any pool surface | - |
| Cleaning | ||
| Cleans | Floor, walls and waterline | Floor only |
| Surface skimming | No | No |
| Filter | Extra-large top-load basket with fine and ultra-fine panels | Fine Filter Kit, top access |
| Water flow | - | 4,000 gal/h |
| Power | ||
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Run time | - | Longest cycle 1 h 30 min |
| Swivel cable | Yes | No |
| Navigation & app | ||
| Navigation | Smart navigation | Smart scanning |
| App | No | No |
| Scheduling | Yes | No |
| Caddy included | No | - |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 16.5 lb (7.5 kg) | 14.2 lb (6.4 kg) |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |