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Robotic pool cleaner comparison

BWT RC50 vs Dolphin Sigma

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

BWT RC50 Dolphin Sigma
Pool Express pick

Our pick: Dolphin Sigma

Dolphin Sigma is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Sigma cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line. Dolphin Sigma includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris.

Pool Express pick

ProLine

Dolphin Sigma

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

Current price $2,399MSRP $2,999 Save $600
Pool Express pick

Why Dolphin Sigma is our pick

Buying guidance

BWT RC50 or Dolphin Sigma: our take

BWT RC50 and Dolphin Sigma 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 Sigma has a published maximum pool length of 50 ft; the other model does not have a verified length in our source material. BWT RC50 cleans floor; Dolphin Sigma cleans floor, walls, and waterline. BWT RC50 lists 2 active brushes. Dolphin Sigma lists 2 active brushes, SmartNav 3.0 with gyroscope navigation, and Triple commercial-grade DC motors.

Filtration and debris

Dolphin Sigma has documented included filtration—Standard filter and NanoFilters—while the other model's included media is not fully published. Dolphin Sigma has the clearer documented edge for fine silt, pollen and sand.

Controls and day-to-day ownership

BWT RC50 provides no fully published timer, app or remote specification; Dolphin Sigma provides a weekly timer, smartphone control, and included remote control.

Price, warranty and the decision

BWT RC50 is listed at $1,399 and Dolphin Sigma at $2,399; BWT RC50 is $1,000 less. Each lists a 3-year manufacturer warranty. Pool Express pick: Dolphin Sigma. Dolphin Sigma cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line. Dolphin Sigma includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris. Choose BWT RC50 when it is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,399 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 BWT RC50 Dolphin Sigma
Cleans the pool floor Yes Yes
Climbs and cleans walls No YesEdge
Scrubs the waterline No YesEdge
Fine-debris filter included No YesEdge
Large-debris filter No No
Automatic scheduling Not listed Yes
Smartphone app Not listed Yes
Anti-tangle swivel Not listed Yes
3-year warranty Yes Yes
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 shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,399 starting price.

  • Is listed $1,000 lower
  • Cleans the pool floor

Where Dolphin Sigma stands out

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

  • Cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line
  • Includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris
  • Has documented smartphone control

BWT RC50 vs Dolphin Sigma 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 Sigma
Best fit Inground pools that need floor cleaning. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
Starting price $1,399 $2,399
Pool type Inground Inground
Maximum pool length Not listed Up to 50 ft
Cleaning coverage Floor Floor, Walls, Waterline
Power Not listed Corded
Filtration Not listed Standard filter, NanoFilters
Scheduling Not listed Weekly schedule + app
App and remote Not listed App + included remote
Cable Not listed 55 ft with anti-tangle swivel
Robot weight Not listed 24.6 lb
Warranty 3 years 3 years
Final call

Choose Dolphin Sigma

Dolphin Sigma is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Sigma cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line. Dolphin Sigma includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris.

Buy Dolphin Sigma

Keep comparing without rebuilding the same specification table yourself.