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Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Aquabot Elite vs Dolphin T35

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

Aquabot Elite Dolphin T35
Better alternative

A stronger Pool Express option

Aquabot Elite and Dolphin T35 are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Quantum. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.

A better alternative

What we recommend instead

Buying guidance

Aquabot Elite or Dolphin T35: our take

Aquabot Elite and Dolphin T35 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. Each cleans floor, walls, and waterline, so coverage alone does not separate them. Aquabot Elite lists 3 active brushes and Intelligent navigation. Dolphin T35 lists 2 active brushes and CleverClean navigation.

Filtration and debris

Aquabot Elite includes Standard filter; Dolphin T35 includes Basket and UltraFilter. Dolphin T35 has the clearer documented edge for fine silt, pollen and sand. Dolphin T35 has the better documented path for bulky leaves and larger debris.

Controls and day-to-day ownership

Aquabot Elite provides a weekly timer; Dolphin T35 provides a weekly timer and smartphone control. Aquabot Elite uses continuous corded power, while Dolphin T35 uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel.

Price, warranty and the decision

Aquabot Elite is listed at $1,299 and Dolphin T35 at $1,199; Dolphin T35 is $100 less. Aquabot Elite lists a 3-year warranty compared with 2 years for Dolphin T35. Aquabot Elite and Dolphin T35 each have a specific fit, but neither is the Pool Express pick for this job. Our better alternative is Dolphin Quantum. 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 T35
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 Yes
Anti-tangle swivel Yes Yes
3-year warranty YesEdge No
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 inground pools that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.

  • Uses 3 active brushes instead of 2
  • Carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years

Where Dolphin T35 stands out

Dolphin T35 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,199 starting price.

  • Includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris
  • Includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves
  • Has documented smartphone control
  • Is listed $100 lower

Aquabot Elite vs Dolphin T35 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 T35
Best fit Inground pools that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning. Inground pools that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
Starting price $1,299 $1,199
Pool type Inground Inground
Maximum pool length Not listed Not listed
Cleaning coverage Floor, Walls, Waterline Floor, Walls, Waterline
Power Corded Corded
Filtration Standard filter Basket, UltraFilter
Scheduling Weekly schedule Weekly schedule + app
App and remote Not listed App control
Cable Not listed 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel
Robot weight 35 lb Not listed
Warranty 3 years 2 years
Final call

Consider the stronger Pool Express option

Aquabot Elite and Dolphin T35 are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Quantum. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.

Buy Dolphin Quantum

Keep comparing without rebuilding the same specification table yourself.