2023 Dolphin Pool Cleaner Comparison Chart

This Article Was Last Updated on August 2, 2023

Whether you have an above ground pool, vinyl pool, gunite pool, or manage a YMCA, you have probably considered a robotic pool cleaner.  In this article, we’ll go over why they dominate the market for robotic pool cleaners. After that, we’ll look at what to look for when buying a Dolphin for your specific pool. Then we’ll give you our recommendation for a dolphin pool cleaner based on your pool type. Then we’ll talk a little bit about the history of Dolphin pool cleaners.  

Why Are Dolphin Pool Cleaners So Impressive?

There are some basic features of the Dolphin pool cleaner which set it apart from other pool cleaner options. To summarize, Dolphin has better debris management, brushing and a wider catalog than other pool cleaners.

One of the features which sets all dolphin pool cleaners apart from manual vacuums and suction cleaners is what happens to the debris.  A dolphin pool cleaner doesn’t send the dirt and debris into the pool filtration system. Instead, the robotic cleaner has an on board circulation, filtration, and debris collection system.  This reduces filter cleaning and/or backwashing. 

Therefore, Dolphins reduce how often you clean your filter pump basket.   When your filter is cleaner your pump doesn’t work as hard.  A pump running at lower pressure doesn’t burn as much electricity, doesn’t make as much noise, and lasts longer.

Next there’s the scrubbing brush on the front of Dolphin Cleaners.  One of the most overlooked features of a dolphin pool cleaner is the motorized rotating brush.  As the cleaner moves through the pool, every square inch travelled gets scrubbed by the rotating brushes.  This is akin to a light brushing with the nylon brush. 

The benefit here is you obviously don’t have to brush the pool as much, but also the dolphin overlaps the same spot multiple times. Whereas when you brush, you only hit a specific spot once or twice at most.  This is a huge benefit when it comes to algae buildup as algae needs a surface to bind to.  Obviously a Dolphin pool cleaner is no substitute for proper water chemistry maintenance.  That said, a Dolphin will certainly reduce the amount of algae on the surface of any swimming pool interior finish.

Which Dolphin Pool Cleaner To Buy Guide

The right Dolphin pool cleaner for your pool will depend on, well, your pool. What size is your pool? Is it above ground or inground? Is it flat or are there different depths? All of these questions need to be answered before you’ll know which Dolphin pool cleaner you should buy. However, we’ve done the leg work to specify which one you should buy for each case.

Above Ground Pools Dolphin Pool Cleaner (floor cleaning only)

Since above ground pools generally have right angles at the wall, a cleaner will not be able to make the transition.  Because of this, you should most often consider one of the less expensive ‘floor only’ cleaners for an above ground pool. Although, this is not a cardinal rule. You ought to consider a floor and wall cleaner if your pool has a sloping floor.

Pool builders have gotten more and more creative over the years, and it’s not uncommon now for an above ground pool to have a significant depth variation from shallow to deep.  If your above ground pool has a sloping floor, you should consider the floor and wall cleaning models. These will be able to negotiate the transition between deep and shallow. However, they most likely will not do any wall climbing.

Dolphin E10

Dolphin Escape

When comparing the Dolphin E10 and Dolphin Escape, it becomes glaringly obvious these are the same cleaner packaged differently.  The features are nearly identical down to the warranty and cleaning capability.  It is our recommendation that whichever of these is less expensive at any given time, buy it, you won’t be disappointed.  These are entry level cleaners, ideal for above ground flat bottomed pools.  If your pool is larger than 30’ however, you’ll want to consider one of the Floor and Wall cleaners.

Inground Dolphin Pool Cleaner (floor and wall)

These cleaners do the heavy lifting of the robotic pool cleaner market.  These are attractively priced and will do the lions share of the cleaning you will need for the swimming pool.  The only feature they do not possess is the ability to climb up to the water line, and scrub the transition area between dry and wet.  These cleaners are perfect for the vinyl pool owner who doesn’t have to worry as much as the gunite pool owner about buildup at the waterline being difficult to clean. 

There are two basic categories of floor and wall cleaners.  Those who can clean up to a 33’ pool, and those who can clean up to a 40’ pool.  If your pool is larger than 40’ you need to consider one of the floor, wall and waterline cleaners below.  

For pools up to 33’: Dolphin Explorer E20

This cleaner is the best of the Dolphin pool cleaners in the up to 33’ category for a couple of reasons.  First, it’s the lightest in its class, only by a few ounces, but everything helps.  Also, this cleaner is not confused by the shape of the pool.  Though we like the Dolphin Proteus DX3 and the Dolphin Advantage, those two cleaners will only work on rectangular and round pools.  If you have a rectangular or round pool, and the DX3 or Advantage is significantly less expensive than the E20, by all means, go that direction. 

Dolphin Explorer E20

For pools up to 40’: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus

This cleaner is one of the most popular Dolphin models for a number of reasons.  It has the more powerful circulation pump, operating at 4500 gph instead of the standard 4000 gph.  Dolphin also recognizes this as a better motor, as they give it a 3 year warranty instead of the 2 year warranty provided to the 4000 gph cleaners on the market. 

You could step up to the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus with Wi-Fi. However, we don’t think the additional features of the Wi-Fi connectivity justify the additional price.  Both models have the anti tangling cord swivel which is extremely helpful for those pools with swim up bar barstools.  Also, the cleaning capability between the two models is identical, and we feel this is a good place to save some money and get a great cleaner by choosing the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus.

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus

Inground Dolphin Pool Cleaner (floor, wall and waterline)

These cleaners are the best of the best in the residential Dolphin pool cleaner line. If you have a gunite pool, these are the type of cleaner we’d recommend.  One of the most frustrating parts of having a gunite pool is the buildup of scum and calcium at the waterline.  This is due to the waterline being the transition between wet and dry. The tile line is where the calcium will dry as the water evaporates.  If you let this build up, you will need to clean the tile using any number of methods, none of which are easy. 

The Dolphin pool cleaner is capable of regularly scrubbing your tile line and helping to prevent buildup.  Obviously the best way to prevent buildup is to keep on top of your water chemistry. Additionally, watch out for the total dissolved solids reading getting too high. Keep in mind however, that even though the Dolphin pool cleaner will scrub the waterline, it will not be able to clean the skimmer throat.  Additionally, the spa dam-wall, raised beam areas will require manual cleaning by you or your service tech.

Best Low Budget: Dolphin Explorer E30 and Dolphin Proteus DX4

As you may have guessed, the Dolphin Explorer E30 and the Dolphin Proteus DX4 have the 4000 gph circulation pump, and lack programmability in the cleaning cycle time.  However at a 2 hour pre programmed cleaning cycle, this cleaner will get the job done on most swimming pools out there. 

The warranty is only 2 years like the rest of the 4000 gph units, but all the basics are included. The Explorer E30 and Proteus DX4 are an excellent choice for those who want the tile line cleaned, but don’t need the added special features like advanced programmability or a full bag indicator notification.  We are reviewing the two of these together. This is because though they have visual differences, functionally they are nearly identical.

Dolphin Explorer E30

Dolphin Proteus DX4

Best High End: Dolphin Premier

This cleaner has the 3 year warranty as it has the 4500 gph circulation system.  Additionally, this cleaner has the benefit of the full bag indicator, which we really like if you live in the northern climates where fall leaf loads can be insurmountable. 

This is one of the only bottom access cleaners on the market, and if you look closely, you’ll find this cleaner shares a similar design frame as the commercial cleaner, the Dolphin W20.  This is one of our favorite cleaners, and though the price can seem high, it can pay for itself with reduced frustration. 

Dolphin Premier

Honorable Mention: Dolphin Explorer E70

This cleaner is the creme de la creme.  We believe many of the features are superfluous to the for the average homeowner, but for those of us who have an obsession with robotics and advanced tech, the E70 does not fail to entice us.  This cleaner has fully programmable cleaning cycles with multiple filter options. One of our favorite features is the included caddy. Any Dolphin pool cleaner owner will find the caddy extremely helpful.  

Dolphin Explorer E70

Large / Commercial Dolphin Pool Cleaner

These Dolphin pool cleaners are not only great for commercial swimming pools, but also for the larger residential pools out there.  If you have a pool over 50’ in length you may want to consider one of the cleaners in the Dolphin commercial pool cleaner family.  These are heavy duty, no nonsense cleaners which get the job done.  They are large, they are heavy, but all of them come with the convenience of a pool cleaner caddy, and all of them clean floors, walls, and waterline. 

When considering a commercial pool cleaner, the easiest way to separate the ideal cleaner for you is the size of the pool you need to clean.

For pools up to 50’: Dolphin Wave 60

For pools up to 68’: Dolphin Wave 80

The Dolphin Wave 60 and the Dolphin Wave 80 both come with two filtration capabilities, the fine filter kit, and the ultra fine filter kit.  These filters are great for high pollen and high dust environments.  These cleaners are programmed for a 2.5 hour cleaning cycle.  The Dolphin Wave 80 has the advanced cleaning cycles capability. That means you can program it to run as little as 1.5 hours, or as long as 2.5 hours along with some other capabilities.

For pools up to 88’ : Dolphin Wave 100

For pools up to 100’: Dolphin Wave 120

The Dolphin Wave 120 is a huge cleaner.  Created by fusing two cleaners together, this is a very large, and very heavy option, weighing in at a gross 96 pounds including the cord.  Only buy this cleaner if you absolutely need it, and have the strength to move it around.  You will typically move this cleaner in and out of the pool with a partner.

Fountains/Kiddie Dolphin Pool Cleaner

Fountains and kiddie pools is a small segment of the market, but Dolphin hasn’t forgotten about it.  The Dolphin W20 is generally thought of as a commercial pool cleaner. However, it can also be a great solution for the homeowner with a shallow reflecting pool or kiddie like pool of their own.  This cleaner can operate in as little as 8” of water.  Though it will not climb walls, is effective in pools up to 68’ in length.  If you have an unusually large above ground pool, this would also be a great fit. 

Dolphin W20

Dolphin has recently entered the market for cordless vacuums with the Liberty 200 and the Liberty 300.  These are brand new cleaners and as of today, we cannot recommend them.  Much like buying the first model year of a new car model, buying their first foray into cordless vacuums is probably not the best idea.  For cordless robotic cleaners in pools we would recommend a more established battery powered cleaner like the Aiper family of cleaners.

Our Experience With Dolphin Pool Cleaners

When I first entered the pool industry in 2002, there were four types of mainstream pool cleaning methods.  First there were the suction cleaners which are good for dust and small debris.  Then the pressure cleaners which are great for leaves and large debris.  Then the in-floor cleaning systems which work great when installed correctly, but cost thousands up front and cannot be added after the fact.  And lastly there was the manual vacuum with its setup process and cumbersome stowage after use.  

It wasn’t until I had been working in the industry for a year or so that I heard about the fifth cleaning method.  At the time considered a fringe product, this was the plug in robotic pool cleaner called the Dolphin.  At the time, these were considered bizarre luxuries of eccentric pool owners.  Fast forward a couple decades, and they’re now the #1 recommended method for cleaning just about any swimming pool out there.  

History Of Dolphin And Robotic Pool Cleaners

Often when we refer to ‘dolphin pool cleaner’ we are referring to ‘robotic pool cleaner’ in general.  For most of the history of robotic pool cleaners only one option made sense.  The Dolphin pool cleaner manufactured by Maytronics was the progenitor of all other robotic pool cleaners on the market today.  They literally invented the market segment. Thus, they have had a decades long leg up on the competition.  When it comes to research,  development, manufacture, and service of corded robotic pool cleaners, Dolphin is the market leader.

The first pools to become die hard Dolphin pool cleaner users were competition pools.  If you think about manually cleaning a competition pool, you realize cleaning the middle is just about impossible.  You’re using an incredibly long pole, and in general the pool staff will not do a great job because of the strenuous nature of doing it ‘right’. 

The advent of the robotic pool cleaner was a game changer in competition and commercial pool maintenance.  It wasn’t just beneficial for outdoor pools. Indoor pool managers found Dolphin pool cleaner ability to scrub the surface prevented buildup.  Before the Dolphin pool cleaner, surface brushing was all done manually with the brush and pole.

As you might guess, it was only a matter of time until the dolphin pool cleaner became popular in households around the world.  Over time the price point of Dolphin pool cleaners has come down.  Now anyone who likes a clean pool without performing much manual labor can benefits from a Dolphin pool cleaner.