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Robotic pool cleaner comparison

BWT RC50 vs Dolphin S100

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

BWT RC50 Dolphin S100
Better alternative

A stronger Pool Express option

BWT RC50 and Dolphin S100 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

BWT RC50 or Dolphin S100: our take

BWT RC50 and Dolphin S100 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

BWT RC50 is intended for inground pools, while Dolphin S100 is intended for inground and above-ground pools. Dolphin S100 has a published maximum pool length of 33 ft; the other model does not have a verified length in our source material. BWT RC50 cleans floor; Dolphin S100 cleans floor and walls. BWT RC50 lists 2 active brushes. Dolphin S100 lists 1 active brush.

Filtration and debris

Dolphin S100 has documented included filtration—Basket and UltraFilter—while the other model's included media is not fully published. Dolphin S100 has the clearer documented edge for fine silt, pollen and sand. Dolphin S100 has the better documented path for bulky leaves and larger debris.

Controls and day-to-day ownership

BWT RC50 provides no fully published timer, app or remote specification; Dolphin S100 provides a weekly timer and power-supply controls.

Price, warranty and the decision

BWT RC50 is listed at $1,399 and Dolphin S100 at $849; Dolphin S100 is $550 less. BWT RC50 lists a 3-year warranty compared with 2 years for Dolphin S100. BWT RC50 and Dolphin S100 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 BWT RC50 Dolphin S100
Cleans the pool floor Yes Yes
Climbs and cleans walls No YesEdge
Scrubs the waterline No No
Fine-debris filter included No YesEdge
Large-debris filter No YesEdge
Automatic scheduling Not listed Yes
Smartphone app Not listed No
Anti-tangle swivel Not listed Not listed
3-year warranty YesEdge No
No recharging between cycles Not listed 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 BWT RC50 stands out

BWT RC50 is the better fit for inground pools that need floor cleaning.

  • Uses 2 active brushes instead of 1
  • Carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years

Where Dolphin S100 stands out

Dolphin S100 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $849 starting price.

  • Adds wall climbing and scrubbing
  • Includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris
  • Includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves
  • Is listed $550 lower

BWT RC50 vs Dolphin S100 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 BWT RC50 Dolphin S100
Best fit Inground pools that need floor cleaning. Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning, with fine debris.
Starting price $1,399 $849
Pool type Inground Inground, Above-ground
Maximum pool length Not listed Up to 33 ft
Cleaning coverage Floor Floor, Walls
Power Not listed Corded
Filtration Not listed Basket, UltraFilter
Scheduling Not listed Weekly schedule
App and remote Not listed Power-supply controls
Cable Not listed 50 ft
Robot weight Not listed 14 lb
Warranty 3 years 2 years
Final call

Consider the stronger Pool Express option

BWT RC50 and Dolphin S100 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.