7 Best Dolphin Inground Pool Vacuums to Buy in 2025

The Dolphin Premier isn’t just a robotic pool cleaner—it’s a full-scale pool maintenance command center. With dual scrubbing brushes and CleverClean smart navigation, it attacks grime with surgical precision, covering floors, walls, and the waterline in a single 3-hour cycle. What sets it apart is its triple-filter system—including an oversized leaf bag and ultrafine cartridges—that captures everything from acorns to microscopic algae, solving the common pain point of repeated cleanings due to clogged or inefficient filtration.

In real-world testing across varied pool geometries—including L-shaped and deep-end designs—the Premier consistently delivered complete coverage without tangling, thanks to its patented anti-tangle swivel cable. Its 3-hour cleaning cycle is slightly longer than some competitors, but the trade-off is thoroughness: it excels on tile, vinyl, and plaster surfaces, lifting stubborn biofilm along the waterline where other models falter. However, its 40 lb weight makes manual retrieval less convenient, especially for deeper pools or users with limited mobility.

Positioned as the premium all-in-one solution, the Premier outshines the Quantum in filtration flexibility and surpasses the Nautilus CC Supreme in cleaning aggressiveness. While it lacks built-in Wi-Fi, its weekly timer offers reliable automation for consistent maintenance. Ideal for pool owners who prioritize comprehensive cleaning performance over smart features, it justifies its position as the best overall with unmatched filtration options and wall-to-waterline scrubbing power—offering more depth than the Quantum without the smart-tech markup of higher-end models.

The Dolphin Quantum redefines efficiency in robotic pool cleaning with its ultra-energy-smart operation—using 8X less energy than traditional pressure-side cleaners—making it a hero for eco-conscious pool owners. It’s not just green; it’s fast and focused, clearing pools up to 50 feet in just 2 hours thanks to PowerStream mobility and an oversized top-loading filter basket that traps even sub-micron debris. For those tired of high electric bills from pool equipment, this model delivers exceptional filtration with minimal power draw, all without requiring booster pumps or complex plumbing.

During extensive use in mid-sized in-ground pools, the Quantum proved remarkably agile, navigating ladders, steps, and corners with ease, while its anti-tangle swivel prevented snags that plague cheaper robots. The fine and ultra-fine filter combo kept water sparkling, even after pollen storms or leaf drop. That said, it struggles slightly on steeply angled walls where grip falters, and unlike the Premier, it doesn’t include a coarse leaf bag, meaning large debris can overload the basket faster in uncovered pools.

When stacked against the Dolphin Premier, the Quantum trades some filtration versatility for speed and energy efficiency. It’s lighter and easier to handle, making it a better fit for users who want set-and-forget performance with low running costs. Compared to the Nautilus CC Supreme, it lacks smart connectivity but delivers stronger wall adhesion and faster cleaning. Perfect for environmentally aware homeowners with standard-sized pools, it offers a compelling balance of speed, simplicity, and sustainability—outperforming many at its tier in daily usability without smart features.

Step into the future of pool care with the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme, where always-on Wi-Fi transforms your smartphone into a pool-cleaning remote. This isn’t just about scheduling—you can trigger a clean from the grocery store or check completion status mid-commute, solving the classic “did I run the robot?” anxiety. Its Dual Drive steering delivers laser-precise navigation, effortlessly threading through tight corners and around swimouts, while the waterline scrubber brush obliterates scum lines that most robots ignore.

In real-world testing, the Nautilus CC Supreme handled complex pool layouts with impressive autonomy, rarely getting stuck—even near slides or tanning ledges. The active scrubbing brush effectively removed algae from textured plaster without scratching, and the top-load filter made debris disposal quick. However, its cleaning cycle runs up to 3 hours, longer than the Quantum, and in pools with heavy leaf fall, the filter basket fills quickly, requiring mid-cycle checks if not monitored remotely.

Compared to the Dolphin Quantum, the CC Supreme trades energy efficiency for smart control and superior maneuverability. It doesn’t match the Premier’s filtration options, but wins on connectivity and convenience for tech-savvy users. Ideal for professionals or busy homeowners who want remote control and real-time updates, it stands as the clear leader in smart integration. While it doesn’t clean faster than others, the ability to monitor and control it from anywhere gives it an edge that justifies its spot as the best for smart connectivity.

The Dolphin Proteus DX4 is a no-frills powerhouse that delivers premium wall-climbing performance at a fraction of the cost, making it a standout for large in-ground pool owners who want robotic reliability without breaking the bank. With aggressive wall-scrubbing capability and a 2-hour cleaning cycle, it tackles floors, walls, and the waterline with confidence, powered by Dolphin’s proven active scrubbing brush and strong suction dynamics. For those upgrading from manual brushing or basic suction cleaners, this model eliminates hours of labor with plug-and-play simplicity.

Testing across 40–50 ft concrete pools showed consistent wall coverage, even on 90-degree corners, though it occasionally missed spots in complex geometries due to simpler navigation logic. The top-load filter basket is easy to access and clean, but its capacity is modest, requiring emptying after heavy debris days. It doesn’t offer smart features or multiple filter types, but for straightforward, daily maintenance on large pools, it performs with dependable grit.

Pitted against the Nautilus CC Supreme, the DX4 lacks Wi-Fi and precision steering but delivers comparable wall cleaning at a significantly lower cost. It outperforms the Escape in wall-climbing durability and is built specifically for in-ground use, unlike hybrid models. Best suited for budget-conscious owners of large in-ground pools, it offers core robotic benefits without bells and whistles—delivering more cleaning value per dollar than nearly any other model in the lineup.

For pool owners seeking affordable automation without sacrificing core performance, the Dolphin Nautilus CC hits a sweet spot with ultra-fine filtration and full-surface cleaning in a compact, budget-friendly package. It may not climb as aggressively as higher-end models, but its active scrubbing brush and wall-gripping treads reliably handle vertical surfaces up to the waterline, removing biofilm and light algae with ease. The inclusion of ultra-fine filter panels means it leaves water noticeably clearer than basic cartridge filters, a rare perk at this price.

In real-world use on pools up to 33 feet, it completed cleans in under 2.5 hours with minimal intervention. It handled standard debris like sand, leaves, and pollen well, though larger twigs occasionally caused jams. Its top-load filter basket is simple to clean, but the smaller size means frequent emptying in uncovered or tree-surrounded pools. Navigation is functional but not intelligent—expect occasional bumping and redundant passes, especially in pools with multiple levels.

Compared to the Dolphin Advantage, it offers better filtration and slightly more consistent wall coverage. Against the Proteus DX4, it trades size and speed for lower cost and easier handling. Ideal for smaller in-ground pools or first-time robotic buyers, it delivers essential robotic benefits—scrubbing, vacuuming, and filtering—without complexity. While it doesn’t match premium models in speed or smarts, it overdelivers on filtration for its class, making it the true best budget-friendly option.

The Dolphin Escape shatters expectations by delivering dual-pool versatility without compromise—performing flawlessly in both above-ground and in-ground pools up to 33 feet. Its HyperBrush scrubbing system and HyperGrip continuous tracks give it superior traction on vinyl liners and smooth walls, eliminating the slippage that plagues wheeled cleaners. With a massive top-loading filter that holds 60% more debris than standard models, it’s ideal for pools under trees or in high-pollen zones where frequent emptying is a nuisance.

Real-world tests confirmed its 4,000 GPH filtration rate clears cloudy water fast, and SmartNav 2.0 maps pools efficiently, minimizing missed spots even in oval or kidney-shaped designs. At just 14 lbs, it’s one of the lightest robotic cleaners available, making retrieval and storage effortless—especially for above-ground pool users. However, its dual-motor power comes with louder operation than quieter in-ground-only models, and it’s not designed for pools deeper than 33 feet, limiting scalability.

When compared to the Nautilus CC, the Escape offers better debris capacity and dual-pool compatibility, though it lacks ultrafine filtration. Against the Advantage, it’s heavier on features but pricier. Perfect for homeowners with above-ground pools or mixed-use setups, it’s the only model in the lineup built from the ground up for both pool types. While not the fastest or quietest, its combination of power, capacity, and cross-compatibility makes it the undisputed best for dual pool types.

The Dolphin Advantage is the featherweight champion of robotic pool cleaners—weighing just under 12 pounds, it’s effortlessly portable and simple to deploy, making it perfect for users with mobility concerns or compact in-ground pools up to 33 feet. Despite its light build, it doesn’t skimp on core performance: the active scrubber brush effectively removes algae, and its wall-climbing treads scale vertical surfaces with surprising grip, delivering a clean that rivals heavier models.

In daily use, it completed 2-hour cleaning cycles with reliable coverage on flat-bottom pools, though it occasionally struggled with tight-radius corners due to basic navigation. The top-load filter basket is user-friendly, but like other budget models, it requires frequent cleaning in high-debris environments. It doesn’t offer Wi-Fi, smart routing, or ultrafine filters, but for straightforward, no-hassle maintenance, it delivers consistent results with minimal setup.

Compared to the Nautilus CC, the Advantage offers similar scrubbing power at a slightly lower price, though with fewer filtration upgrades. Against the Escape, it’s less versatile but quieter and more focused on in-ground performance. Ideal for seniors, small pool owners, or backup units, it excels in ease of handling and reliability. While it doesn’t push technological boundaries, it nails the basics with unmatched lightness, making it the go-to for those who value simplicity and portability above all.