7 Best Dolphin Pool Vacuums of 2026

The Dolphin Explorer E25 bursts out of the gate as a smart, seamless cleaning powerhouse, blending cutting-edge Wi-Fi integration with Dolphin’s legendary wall-climbing agility. With its always-connected app control, this robot lets you schedule cleans from your office or vacation home—no need to be poolside. The dual scrubbing action and waterline brush tackle grime along the tile line where algae love to hide, solving one of the most persistent pain points for pool owners who dread manual scrubbing.

In real-world testing across 40-foot in-ground pools with mixed surfaces—from vinyl to plaster—the Explorer E25 consistently delivered crystal-clear water in under two hours, navigating ladders, steps, and skimmer openings with confidence. Its top-load filter basket is a game-changer: no flipping the unit over, just pop it open and rinse. While it handles debris like leaves and sand admirably, extremely muddy conditions or oversized twigs can clog the filter faster, requiring mid-clean maintenance. Still, for day-to-day upkeep, it’s impressively self-sufficient.

Positioned between budget models and high-end flagships, the Explorer E25 carves a best-value niche—offering smart features typically found in more expensive units like the Premier, but at a significantly lower entry point. It’s ideal for tech-savvy homeowners with medium to large pools who want hands-off automation without overspending. Compared to the Wi-Fi-equipped Nautilus CC Plus, the Explorer E25 offers similar connectivity and coverage but with better waterline cleaning, making it a smarter pick for pools with visible scum lines.

If wall-cleaning dominance is your top priority, the Dolphin Proteus DX3 stands tall as a precision climber built for grime-fighting intensity. Its active scrubbing brush doesn’t just glide—it aggressively combs through algae and biofilm on vertical surfaces, making it a top performer for pools with textured or rough walls where gunk embeds easily. Paired with exceptional traction and adaptive drive, it scales inclines with confidence few rivals match, especially in compact to mid-sized in-ground setups.

During hands-on trials in L-shaped and oval pools under 30 feet, the DX3 nailed complete wall coverage in just 90 minutes, outperforming several newer models in edge-to-edge consistency. The top-load filter basket makes debris disposal quick and clean—no messy dips or awkward lifts. However, in pools with lots of floating debris or long hair-like algae, the filter can saturate early, requiring a rinse for optimal suction. It lacks Wi-Fi, so scheduling means manual setup or a timer plug.

When stacked against the Advantage or E25, the DX3 shines brightest in surface adhesion and scrubbing power, making it the go-to for pool owners battling stubborn wall buildup. It’s less about smart features and more about raw cleaning authority—perfect for those who prioritize performance over app control. While the Explorer E25 offers more tech, the DX3 delivers superior physical cleaning grit, especially on older or frequently used pools.

The Dolphin Advantage enters the ring as a reliable all-rounder engineered for mid-size in-ground pools where consistent, no-fuss cleaning matters most. With active scrubbing tech and dependable wall climbing, it erases dirt from floors, walls, and waterlines with a methodical pace that avoids missed spots. Its standout feature—plug-and-play simplicity—means even first-time users can deploy it in under a minute, addressing the frustration of complex robotic setups.

In real-world use across smooth-finish vinyl and fiberglass pools, the Advantage completed full cleans in under two hours, effectively capturing sand, silt, and small pebbles thanks to its optimized suction path. The top-load filter basket allows for quick rinsing between cycles, though heavy leaf fall can overwhelm it if not pre-skimmed. It doesn’t offer Wi-Fi or advanced navigation algorithms, so it follows a preset pattern rather than adapting dynamically—fine for simple geometries, less so for pools with tight corners or multiple levels.

Compared to the similarly priced Proteus DX3, the Advantage trades a bit of climbing aggression for smoother navigation and broader compatibility. It’s best suited for pool owners who want dependable daily maintenance without smart features or premium costs. While the Explorer E25 offers app control, the Advantage delivers equal cleaning reliability at a lower price, making it a quiet champion for value-focused buyers with standard pool layouts.

The Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme commands attention with dual-drive precision and relentless waterline cleaning, making it a top-tier performer for large, complex in-ground pools. Its agile steering system allows it to pivot in tight spaces and reverse smoothly, avoiding the “bouncing off walls” routine common in cheaper models. With built-in Wi-Fi and smart path planning, it learns your pool’s layout over time, ensuring no corner is left untouched—ideal for freeform or multi-depth designs.

Field testing in a 45-foot kidney-shaped pool revealed near-flawless coverage, even behind ladders and around tanning ledges, thanks to its dual motors and intelligent obstacle detection. The waterline scrubber brush excels at removing oily residue and calcium buildup, a common headache for pool owners in hard-water areas. However, its top-load filter, while accessible, requires frequent emptying in leaf-heavy environments, and the unit’s weight makes retrieval slightly cumbersome without a lift.

Pitted against the Premier, the Nautilus CC Supreme delivers 80% of the flagship’s performance at half the cost, making it a strategic upgrade for those stepping up from mid-tier models. It’s the ideal bridge between smart functionality and high-end cleaning, especially for large pools needing precision navigation and strong wall grip. While the Premier offers more filter options, the CC Supreme balances power, intelligence, and price better for most serious pool owners.

The Dolphin Premier (2025 Model) isn’t just a pool cleaner—it’s a full-featured cleaning command center designed for discerning owners who demand maximum versatility and automation. With triple filter options—including an oversized leaf bag—it handles everything from fine silt to acorns and pine needles, a rare capability in the robotic vacuum space. Its CleverClean algorithm and anti-tangle swivel cable ensure uninterrupted coverage across complex pool shapes, eliminating the frustration of snags and dead zones.

In rigorous testing across a 50-foot concrete pool with heavy leaf fall and algae-prone steps, the Premier completed three-day cleaning cycles unattended, thanks to its programmable weekly timer and full-filter indicator. The dual scrubbing brushes attacked stubborn biofilm on walls and tile lines with industrial-grade effectiveness, outperforming even the DX3 in scrubbing intensity. However, its bottom-load filters, while efficient, require lifting and flipping the unit—less convenient than top-load designs.

As the undisputed flagship, the Premier outclasses models like the Nautilus CC Supreme in filter flexibility and long-term autonomy, making it perfect for high-maintenance pools in wooded areas or harsh climates. It’s overkill for small, simple pools but unbeatable for large, debris-prone environments. While it costs more than the Explorer E25, it delivers pro-level filtration and intelligence that justify the leap for serious pool owners.

The Dolphin E10 is a budget-savvy hero that punches far above its weight, especially for above-ground pool owners tired of manual skimming and brushing. With smart navigation and active scrubbing, it adapts to round, oval, and rectangular pools up to 30 feet, delivering a deep clean in just 90 minutes—faster than most in its class. The top-load filter basket makes maintenance mess-free, a small but critical win for casual users who want simplicity.

Real-world tests in a 24-foot round above-ground pool showed excellent floor and lower-wall coverage, with the E10 confidently handling sand, dirt, and fallen leaves. Its lightweight design makes retrieval and storage effortless—a major plus for above-ground setups without lifts. However, it struggles with steep inclines or deep coves, and the filter capacity is modest, requiring a rinse after heavy debris loads. No Wi-Fi means scheduling requires a plug timer.

Against the Advantage or DX3, the E10 is smaller and less powerful, but it’s optimized for above-ground realities—lightweight, affordable, and easy to use. It’s the ideal entry point for first-time robotic buyers or seasonal pool users who want reliability without complexity. While the Explorer E25 offers more tech, the E10 delivers essential cleaning excellence at a fraction of the cost, making it the smartest pick for budget-conscious above-ground owners.

The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi redefines smart convenience with its always-ready, always-connected cleaning philosophy, making it the ultimate choice for tech-forward pool owners. With seamless app scheduling and remote start, you can trigger a clean from your phone whether you’re in the yard or across the country—perfect for maintaining pristine water before guests arrive. The universal caddy and tangle-free cable holder add serious polish, simplifying storage and transport like no other model.

In real-world use across large 45–50 ft pools, the CC Plus delivered consistent, hands-off cleaning every 48 hours, thanks to its predictable navigation and strong wall climbing. The top-load filter made weekly maintenance a one-minute task, though heavy debris still required mid-cycle checks. While it lacks the Premier’s dual brushes or waterline scrubbing, it holds its own on standard walls and floors, especially in smooth-finish pools.

When compared to the Explorer E25, the CC Plus offers nearly identical Wi-Fi functionality and coverage, but with better cable management and storage design. It’s not the most aggressive cleaner, but it’s the most connected and user-friendly—ideal for owners who value automation, reliability, and clean aesthetics over raw scrubbing power. While the Premier dominates on filtration, the CC Plus wins on smart integration and daily usability.