Help me choose
Our pick: Dolphin Escape
Dolphin Escape is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Escape is listed $180 lower. Dolphin Escape cleans the pool floor in pools up to 30 ft.
Active
Dolphin Active 15
Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning, with fine debris.
Max-Series
Dolphin Escape
Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning.
Why Dolphin Escape is our pick
Dolphin Escape
Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning.
$669
Buy Dolphin EscapeDolphin Active 15 or Dolphin Escape: our take
Dolphin Active 15 and Dolphin Escape 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 and above-ground pools. Dolphin Active 15 is rated for pools up to 33 ft; Dolphin Escape is rated up to 30 ft. Dolphin Active 15 cleans floor and walls; Dolphin Escape cleans floor. Dolphin Active 15 lists 1 active brush. Dolphin Escape lists 1 active brush, SmartNav 2.0 navigation, and Dual 24-volt DC motors.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Active 15 includes Basket and UltraFilter; Dolphin Escape includes MaxBin. That gives Dolphin Active 15 the clearer documented edge for fine silt, pollen and sand.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin Active 15 provides a weekly timer and power-supply controls; Dolphin Escape provides one-touch starts and power-supply controls. Both use a 40 ft corded cable. Dolphin Active 15 is listed at 14 lb versus 14.2 lb for Dolphin Escape; that 0.1999999999999993 lb difference matters when lifting the robot from the pool.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Active 15 is listed at $849 and Dolphin Escape at $669; Dolphin Escape is $180 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Pool Express pick: Dolphin Escape. Dolphin Escape is listed $180 lower. Dolphin Escape cleans the pool floor in pools up to 30 ft. Choose Dolphin Active 15 when it is the better fit for pools up to 33 ft.
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 | Dolphin Active 15 | Dolphin Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | YesEdge | No |
| Scrubs the waterline | No | No |
| Fine-debris filter included | YesEdge | No |
| Large-debris filter | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic scheduling | YesEdge | No |
| Smartphone app | No | No |
| Anti-tangle swivel | Not listed | No |
| 3-year warranty | No | 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 Dolphin Active 15 stands out
Dolphin Active 15 is the better fit for pools up to 33 ft.
- Adds wall climbing and scrubbing
- Includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris
- Can start on a weekly schedule without a manual launch before every cycle
- Is rated for pools up to 33 ft
Where Dolphin Escape stands out
Dolphin Escape is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $669 starting price.
- Is listed $180 lower
- Cleans the pool floor in pools up to 30 ft
Dolphin Active 15 vs Dolphin Escape 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 | Dolphin Active 15 | Dolphin Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning, with fine debris. | Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning. |
| Starting price | $849 | $669 |
| Pool type | Inground, Above-ground | Inground, Above-ground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 33 ft | Up to 30 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls | Floor |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | Basket, UltraFilter | MaxBin |
| Scheduling | Weekly schedule | One-touch start |
| App and remote | Power-supply controls | Power-supply controls |
| Cable | 40 ft | 40 ft |
| Robot weight | 14 lb | 14.2 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Choose Dolphin Escape
Dolphin Escape is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Escape is listed $180 lower. Dolphin Escape cleans the pool floor in pools up to 30 ft.
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