Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Aquabot Elite and Dolphin Explorer E40 are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Clear S. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
Aquabot
Aquabot Elite
Inground pools that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.
Explorer
Dolphin Explorer E40
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor cleaning.
What we recommend instead
Clear S
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
$1,749
Buy Clear SAquabot Elite or Dolphin Explorer E40: our take
Aquabot Elite and Dolphin Explorer E40 are compared on pool fit, cleaning reach, debris handling, controls and ownership details. The recommendation is based on the job the robot must do—not a simple feature count.
Pool fit and cleaning reach
Both robots are intended for inground pools. Dolphin Explorer E40 has a published maximum pool length of 50 ft; the other model does not have a verified length in our source material. Aquabot Elite cleans floor, walls, and waterline; Dolphin Explorer E40 cleans floor. Aquabot Elite's documented cleaning system includes 3 active brushes and Intelligent navigation.
Filtration and debris
Aquabot Elite has documented included filtration—Standard filter—while the other model's included media is not fully published.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Aquabot Elite provides a weekly timer; Dolphin Explorer E40 provides no fully published timer, app or remote specification.
Price, warranty and the decision
Aquabot Elite is listed at $1,299 and Dolphin Explorer E40 at $1,599; Aquabot Elite is $300 less. Each lists a 3-year manufacturer warranty. Aquabot Elite and Dolphin Explorer E40 each have a specific fit, but neither is the Pool Express pick for this job. Our better alternative is Clear S. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
Feature check: what each robot actually has
A green check means the feature is documented as included. A red X means it is documented as absent. A dash means the source does not make the feature clear.
| Feature | Aquabot Elite | Dolphin Explorer E40 |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | YesEdge | No |
| Scrubs the waterline | YesEdge | No |
| Fine-debris filter included | No | No |
| Large-debris filter | No | No |
| Automatic scheduling | Yes | Not listed |
| Smartphone app | Not listed | Not listed |
| Anti-tangle swivel | Yes | Not listed |
| 3-year warranty | Yes | Yes |
| No recharging between cycles | Yes | Not listed |
| Built-in UV-C water treatment | No | No |
Unknown is not treated as “no.” Specifications come from the product pages, current catalog records and manufacturer material collected for this site.
Where Aquabot Elite stands out
Aquabot Elite is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,299 starting price.
- Cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line
- Is listed $300 lower
Where Dolphin Explorer E40 stands out
Dolphin Explorer E40 is the better fit for inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor cleaning.
- Cleans the pool floor
- For pools up to 50 ft
Aquabot Elite vs Dolphin Explorer E40 specifications
Use pool fit first. Price and app control do not make up for a robot that cannot cover the length or surfaces you need cleaned.
| Specification | Aquabot Elite | Dolphin Explorer E40 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground pools that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning. | Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor cleaning. |
| Starting price | $1,299 | $1,599 |
| Pool type | Inground | Inground |
| Maximum pool length | Not listed | Up to 50 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls, Waterline | Floor |
| Power | Corded | Not listed |
| Filtration | Standard filter | Not listed |
| Scheduling | Weekly schedule | Not listed |
| App and remote | Not listed | Not listed |
| Cable | Not listed | Not listed |
| Robot weight | 35 lb | Not listed |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Aquabot Elite and Dolphin Explorer E40 are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Clear S. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
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