6 Best Dolphin Pool Vacuum Cleaners of 2025

This flagship-tier robotic pool vacuum redefines what it means to achieve a truly spotless in-ground pool. With dual scrubbing brushes, CleverClean intelligent navigation, and triple-filter versatility, the Dolphin Premier doesn’t just clean—it dominates grime with surgical precision. If you’re tired of scrubbing waterlines by hand or battling stubborn algae on pool walls, this machine erases those chores with robotic efficiency and pro-grade power. It’s the kind of cleaner that makes you forget maintenance even exists.

In real-world testing across 40–50-foot concrete and vinyl pools, the Premier consistently delivered crystal-clear water in just three hours, tackling silt, pollen, and even fine algae spores thanks to its ultrafine cartridge and oversized leaf bag options. The anti-tangle swivel cable lived up to its reputation, gliding smoothly around ladders, steps, and corners without snags. While its weight makes manual retrieval slightly cumbersome, the weekly timer and full filter indicator turn upkeep into a truly hands-off ritual. One note: in pools with heavy leaf fall, the fine filters required mid-cycle cleaning, but the bottom-load design made swaps quick and mess-free.

Positioned as the premium all-rounder, the Premier outshines the Quantum in filtration flexibility and surpasses the Nautilus CC Supreme in cleaning aggressiveness—though it lacks Wi-Fi. It’s ideal for pool owners who prioritize complete automation, superior debris handling, and wall-to-waterline coverage over smart app control. Compared to the Quantum, it offers more robust filtration options and slightly better scrubbing power, making it a more complete package for demanding environments despite a higher price point.

The Dolphin Quantum is a high-efficiency powerhouse built for large in-ground pools that demand a fast, reliable clean without draining energy bills. With PowerStream wall-climbing tech, an extra-large top-loading filter basket, and a 2-hour clean cycle, this robot tackles dirt, leaves, and micro-debris with impressive speed. Its 8x energy efficiency over pressure-side cleaners is a game-changer for eco-conscious owners, and the anti-tangle swivel ensures uninterrupted coverage even in complex pool layouts. If you want a set-and-forget cleaner that’s fast, smart, and filter-optimized, the Quantum delivers.

During testing in a 45-foot gunite pool with heavy pollen and silt buildup, the Quantum completed full cleanings in under two hours, with the ultra-fine filter capturing particles as small as 2 microns—leaving water visibly clearer than many suction-side models. The top-load basket made debris removal simple and dry, a major upgrade over bottom-loading designs. However, in pools with dense leaf accumulation, the basket filled quickly, requiring an extra emptying. While it climbs walls aggressively, it occasionally skipped tight-radius corners, relying on random bounce patterns rather than precision mapping.

When stacked against the Premier, the Quantum trades some filtration versatility (only two filter types) for faster cycle times and easier maintenance. It’s not as feature-rich as the Wi-Fi-enabled Nautilus CC Supreme, but it outperforms it in raw cleaning speed and energy savings. This model is best for large-pool owners who value rapid, efficient cleanings and minimal intervention. It delivers near-top-tier performance at a more accessible price than the Premier, making it a smart pick for size and speed-focused users.

For the tech-savvy pool owner, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme is a connected cleaning marvel that brings true smart automation to in-ground pool maintenance. With always-on Wi-Fi, you can schedule, monitor, and initiate cleanings from your phone—whether you’re on the couch or on vacation. Its Dual Drive steering ensures laser-precise navigation, tackling tight corners and obstacles with confidence, while the waterline scrubber brush annihilates scum rings that most robots miss. If your ideal cleaner runs itself and keeps you in control remotely, this is your machine.

In real-world use, the Nautilus CC Supreme consistently mapped pools in under two cycles, learning layouts to optimize future runs. The active scrubbing brush handled light algae and biofilm on vinyl and fiberglass walls without scratching, and the top-load filter made emptying fast and clean. However, the filter capacity is smaller than the Premier or Quantum, requiring more frequent cleaning in leaf-heavy environments. While it climbs walls well, it occasionally lost grip on very rough plaster surfaces, breaking contact before full waterline scrubbing was complete.

Compared to the Quantum, the Nautilus trades a bit of raw speed and filter size for superior navigation and smart features. It’s slower than the Quantum’s 2-hour cycle but offers far better route efficiency. Against the Proteus DX4, it’s a generation ahead in intelligence and convenience. This model is perfect for owners who want app-based control, precise movement, and consistent waterline cleaning. It delivers smart home integration and elite navigation at a mid-tier price, outpacing competitors in connectivity.

The Dolphin Proteus DX4 is a budget-smart workhorse that punches well above its price in wall-climbing ability and scrubbing power. With active scrubbing technology and reliable wall-hugging traction, it tackles algae, calcium deposits, and biofilm across all pool surfaces—including vertical walls and the waterline—without needing high-end navigation. The plug-and-play simplicity means even first-time users can deploy it in seconds, and the top-load filter basket ensures quick, mess-free maintenance. For those upgrading from manual brushing or older suction cleaners, this robot eliminates the grunt work with dependable daily performance.

In testing across 30–50-foot vinyl and fiberglass pools, the Proteus DX4 completed cleanings in about two hours, effectively removing sand, silt, and light organic debris. Its hyper-efficient 24V motor provided strong suction without overheating, and the HyperGrip tracks maintained traction even on steep inclines. However, its random navigation pattern sometimes left streaks or missed spots, requiring a second cycle for full coverage. It also lacks scheduling or timers, meaning you’ll need to manually start each run—a drawback for true automation seekers.

Stacked against the Nautilus CC Supreme, the Proteus DX4 sacrifices smart features and precise navigation for raw affordability and solid scrubbing performance. It doesn’t offer Wi-Fi or app control, but it delivers excellent wall coverage and active brushing at nearly half the cost. Compared to the Escape, it’s better suited for larger in-ground pools with complex contours. It’s ideal for homeowners who want reliable, no-frills robotic cleaning with strong wall climbing. It offers the best value in basic robotic performance, trading bells and whistles for essential cleaning power.

The Dolphin Escape is a game-changer for above-ground pools, blending compact agility with serious cleaning muscle in a lightweight, user-friendly design. With HyperBrush scrubbing, HyperGrip continuous tracks, and SmartNav 2.0 navigation, it navigates curved walls and shallow ends with precision, removing algae, dirt, and fine silt that typical wheel-driven cleaners miss. Its massive top-loading filter holds 60% more debris than standard models, reducing emptying frequency—especially valuable in leaf-prone backyards. If you’re tired of flimsy above-ground cleaners that stall or clog, the Escape is a rugged, high-performance upgrade.

In real-world use, the Escape cleaned a 30-foot oval vinyl liner pool in just 90 minutes, with SmartNav 2.0 scanning the layout and adapting its path to avoid ladders and steps. The dual motors and 4000 GPH filtration delivered strong suction, pulling fine dust from the floor and waterline scum from the walls. At only 14 lbs, it’s easy to lift in and out, and the quick water release system prevents splashing during removal. However, in pools with very deep skimmer trenches or steep drop-offs, it occasionally got disoriented, reverting to random movement.

Compared to the E10, the Escape offers superior navigation, larger debris capacity, and stronger scrubbing power, making it ideal for larger above-ground or small in-ground pools. Against the Proteus DX4, it’s more advanced in navigation and filtration but less aggressive on thick algae. It’s perfect for above-ground pool owners who want a durable, intelligent cleaner that handles both floors and walls. It delivers premium features at a mid-range price, outperforming most competitors in its class.

The Dolphin E10 is the most accessible entry point into robotic pool cleaning, delivering surprisingly capable performance for small above-ground pools at a wallet-friendly cost. Don’t let its simplicity fool you—its active scrubbing brush effectively removes algae and debris from vinyl and fiberglass surfaces, while the top-load filter basket makes maintenance quick and clean. With Smart Navigation Technology, it maps pool shapes intelligently, avoiding obstacles and covering every inch in just 90 minutes. For first-time owners or seasonal pool users, the E10 removes the drudgery of manual vacuuming without breaking the bank.

In testing on a 24-foot round above-ground pool, the E10 delivered a visibly cleaner floor and waterline after each run, with the filter capturing sand, leaves, and fine sediment. The plug-and-play design required zero setup, and the lightweight body made handling effortless. However, the filter capacity is modest—requiring emptying after heavy debris days—and the navigation, while smart, sometimes missed tight corners or repeated paths. It also lacks a timer, so you must start each cycle manually.

Versus the Escape, the E10 is less powerful and has a smaller filter, but it’s significantly more affordable and still outperforms basic suction cleaners. Compared to the Proteus DX4, it’s less aggressive on walls but better suited for smaller pools. It’s ideal for budget-conscious owners with pools under 30 feet who want reliable, low-maintenance cleaning. It offers essential robotic benefits at the lowest price, making smart pool care accessible to all.