Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Clear S vs Dolphin Active 40

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

By Brian Williamson, Pool Express product specialist
Updated November 9, 2026

Pool Express pick

Our pick: Clear S

Clear S is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Clear S uses 2 active brushes instead of 1. Clear S carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years.

Buy Clear S Compare every robot

Pool Express pick

CLEAR

Clear S

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

Current price $1,749MSRP ~~$2,749~~ Save $1,000

Buy Clear S

Active

Dolphin Active 40

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

Listed price $1,799

View better alternatives

Pool Express pick

Why Clear S is our pick

Pool Express pick

Clear S

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

$1,749

Buy Clear S

Buying guidance

Clear S or Dolphin Active 40: our take

Clear S and Dolphin Active 40 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. Both are rated for pools up to 50 ft. Each cleans floor, walls, and waterline, so coverage alone does not separate them. Clear S lists 2 active brushes, Intelligent navigation (C9 microprocessor), and Quad (2 pump + 2 drive) motors. Dolphin Active 40 lists 1 active brush and CleverClean navigation.

Filtration and debris

Clear S includes UltraFilter; Dolphin Active 40 includes Basket and UltraFilter. Both have documented fine-debris media, so basket capacity and ease of cleaning matter more than fine-particle capability. Dolphin Active 40 has the better documented path for bulky leaves and larger debris.

Controls and day-to-day ownership

Clear S provides a weekly timer, smartphone control, and included remote control; Dolphin Active 40 provides a weekly timer and smartphone control. Clear S uses a 59 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel, while Dolphin Active 40 uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel.

Price, warranty and the decision

Clear S is listed at $1,749 and Dolphin Active 40 at $1,799; Clear S is $50 less. Clear S lists a 3-year warranty compared with 2 years for Dolphin Active 40. Pool Express pick: Clear S. Clear S uses 2 active brushes instead of 1. Clear S carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years. Choose Dolphin Active 40 when it is the better fit for 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	Clear S	Dolphin Active 40
Cleans the pool floor	Yes	Yes
Climbs and cleans walls	Yes	Yes
Scrubs the waterline	Yes	Yes
Fine-debris filter included	Yes	Yes
Large-debris filter	No	YesEdge
Automatic scheduling	Yes	Yes
Smartphone app	Yes	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 Clear S stands out

Clear S is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,749 starting price.

Uses 2 active brushes instead of 1
Carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years
Is listed $50 lower

Where Dolphin Active 40 stands out

Dolphin Active 40 is the better fit for inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.

Includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves
60 ft cable with anti-tangle swivel