Help me choose
Our pick: Clear UV
Clear UV is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Clear UV includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris. Clear UV adds built-in UV-C water treatment while the robot cleans.
CLEAR
Clear UV
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
Proteus
Dolphin Proteus DX5i
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.
Why Clear UV is our pick
Clear UV
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
$1,999
Buy Clear UVClear UV or Dolphin Proteus DX5i: our take
Clear UV and Dolphin Proteus DX5i 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 UV lists 2 active brushes, Intelligent navigation (C9 microprocessor), and Quad (2 pump + 2 drive) motors. Dolphin Proteus DX5i lists 1 active brush.
Filtration and debris
Clear UV includes UltraFilter; Dolphin Proteus DX5i includes Basket. That gives Clear UV the clearer documented edge for fine silt, pollen and sand. Dolphin Proteus DX5i has the better documented path for bulky leaves and larger debris.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Clear UV provides a weekly timer, smartphone control, and included remote control; Dolphin Proteus DX5i provides smartphone control. Clear UV uses a 59 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel, while Dolphin Proteus DX5i uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel.
Price, warranty and the decision
Clear UV is listed at $1,999 and Dolphin Proteus DX5i at $1,299; Dolphin Proteus DX5i is $700 less. Clear UV lists a 3-year warranty compared with 2 years for Dolphin Proteus DX5i. Pool Express pick: Clear UV. Clear UV includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris. Clear UV adds built-in UV-C water treatment while the robot cleans. Choose Dolphin Proteus DX5i when it is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,299 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 | Clear UV | Dolphin Proteus DX5i |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | Yes | Yes |
| Scrubs the waterline | Yes | Yes |
| Fine-debris filter included | YesEdge | No |
| Large-debris filter | No | YesEdge |
| Automatic scheduling | Yes | Not listed |
| 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 | YesEdge | 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 UV stands out
Clear UV is the better fit for algae-prone pools that benefit from supplemental UV-C treatment.
- Includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris
- Adds built-in UV-C water treatment while the robot cleans
- Uses 2 active brushes instead of 1
- Carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years
Where Dolphin Proteus DX5i stands out
Dolphin Proteus DX5i is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,299 starting price.
- Includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves
- Is listed $700 lower
Clear UV vs Dolphin Proteus DX5i 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 UV | Dolphin Proteus DX5i |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Starting price | $1,999 | $1,299 |
| 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 |
| Scheduling | Weekly schedule + app | Not listed |
| 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 UV
Clear UV is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Clear UV includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris. Clear UV adds built-in UV-C water treatment while the robot cleans.
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