Help me choose
Our pick: Clear S
Clear S is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Clear S carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years. Clear S is listed $50 lower.
CLEAR
Clear S
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
S-Line
Dolphin S400
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
Why Clear S is our pick
Clear S
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
$1,749
Buy Clear SClear S or Dolphin S400: our take
Clear S and Dolphin S400 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 S400 lists 2 active brushes and CleverClean navigation.
Filtration and debris
Clear S includes UltraFilter; Dolphin S400 includes Basket and UltraFilter. Both have documented fine-debris media, so basket capacity and ease of cleaning matter more than fine-particle capability. Dolphin S400 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 S400 provides a weekly timer and smartphone control. Clear S uses a 59 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel, while Dolphin S400 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 S400 at $1,799; Clear S is $50 less. Clear S lists a 3-year warranty compared with 2 years for Dolphin S400. Pool Express pick: Clear S. Clear S carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years. Clear S is listed $50 lower. Choose Dolphin S400 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 S400 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
- Carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years
- Is listed $50 lower
Where Dolphin S400 stands out
Dolphin S400 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
Clear S vs Dolphin S400 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 | Clear S | Dolphin S400 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris. | Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris. |
| Starting price | $1,749 | $1,799 |
| Pool type | Inground | Inground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 50 ft | Up to 50 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls, Waterline | Floor, Walls, Waterline |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | UltraFilter | Basket, UltraFilter |
| Scheduling | Weekly schedule + app | Weekly schedule + app |
| App and remote | App + included remote | App control |
| Cable | 59 ft with anti-tangle swivel | 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel |
| Robot weight | 27.6 lb | Not listed |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |
Choose Clear S
Clear S is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Clear S carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years. Clear S is listed $50 lower.
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