Skip to main content

Free Shipping, 30-day trial and a low price guarantee on every robot. Talk to a Pool Pro

Free Shipping and a low price guarantee on every pump. Need help sizing a pump?

Hourly water readings and personalized guidance in the ICO app, with no subscription required. Ask a Pool Pro

UV systems are sized to your pump's flow rate. Talk to a Pool Pro before you order.

Can't find a part? We can usually source any pool or spa product.

Free tools for choosing and running pool equipment. See all tools or ask a Pool Pro.

Reviews are written by our in-house pool professionals from hands-on testing. How we test

Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Aquabot Elite vs Dolphin Premier

A side-by-side comparison of pool fit, cleaning coverage, filtration, controls and the better Pool Express option.

Aquabot Elite Dolphin Premier
Pool Express pick

Our pick: Dolphin Premier

Dolphin Premier is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Premier adds swappable Multi-Media filtration and an oversized leaf bag for changing debris. Dolphin Premier includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris.

Pool Express pick

ProLine

Dolphin Premier

Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris and heavy leaves.

Current price $1,999MSRP $2,499 Save $500
Pool Express pick

Why Dolphin Premier is our pick

Buying guidance

Aquabot Elite or Dolphin Premier: our take

Aquabot Elite and Dolphin Premier 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 Premier has a published maximum pool length of 50 ft; the other model does not have a verified length in our source material. Each cleans floor, walls, and waterline, so coverage alone does not separate them. Aquabot Elite lists 3 active brushes and Intelligent navigation. Dolphin Premier lists 2 active brushes, SmartNav 2.0 navigation, and Dual commercial-grade motors.

Filtration and debris

Aquabot Elite includes Standard filter; Dolphin Premier includes Standard filter, NanoFilters, Oversized leaf bag, and Multi-Media. Dolphin Premier has the clearer documented edge for fine silt, pollen and sand. Dolphin Premier has the better documented path for bulky leaves and larger debris.

Controls and day-to-day ownership

Aquabot Elite provides a weekly timer; Dolphin Premier provides a weekly timer, power-supply controls, and optional remote control. Aquabot Elite uses continuous corded power, while Dolphin Premier uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel. Aquabot Elite is listed at 35 lb versus 20.3 lb for Dolphin Premier; that 14.7 lb difference matters when lifting the robot from the pool.

Price, warranty and the decision

Aquabot Elite is listed at $1,299 and Dolphin Premier at $1,999; Aquabot Elite is $700 less. Each lists a 3-year manufacturer warranty. Pool Express pick: Dolphin Premier. Dolphin Premier adds swappable Multi-Media filtration and an oversized leaf bag for changing debris. Dolphin Premier includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris. Choose Aquabot Elite when it is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,299 starting price.

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 Premier
Cleans the pool floor Yes Yes
Climbs and cleans walls Yes Yes
Scrubs the waterline Yes Yes
Fine-debris filter included No YesEdge
Large-debris filter No YesEdge
Automatic scheduling Yes Yes
Smartphone app Not listed No
Anti-tangle swivel Yes Yes
3-year warranty Yes Yes
No recharging between cycles Yes Yes
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.

  • Uses 3 active brushes instead of 2
  • Is listed $700 lower

Where Dolphin Premier stands out

Dolphin Premier is the better fit for inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris and heavy leaves.

  • Adds swappable Multi-Media filtration and an oversized leaf bag for changing debris
  • Includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris
  • Includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves
  • Weighs 20.3 lb versus 35 lb

Aquabot Elite vs Dolphin Premier 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 Premier
Best fit Inground pools that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris and heavy leaves.
Starting price $1,299 $1,999
Pool type Inground Inground
Maximum pool length Not listed Up to 50 ft
Cleaning coverage Floor, Walls, Waterline Floor, Walls, Waterline
Power Corded Corded
Filtration Standard filter Standard filter, NanoFilters, Oversized leaf bag, Multi-Media
Scheduling Weekly schedule Weekly schedule
App and remote Not listed Power-supply controls
Cable Not listed 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel
Robot weight 35 lb 20.3 lb
Warranty 3 years 3 years
Final call

Choose Dolphin Premier

Dolphin Premier is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Premier adds swappable Multi-Media filtration and an oversized leaf bag for changing debris. Dolphin Premier includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris.

Buy Dolphin Premier

Keep comparing without rebuilding the same specification table yourself.