Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Active 15 and Dolphin Proteus DX5i are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Quantum. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
Active
Dolphin Active 15
Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning, with fine debris.
Proteus
Dolphin Proteus DX5i
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.
What we recommend instead
Dolphin Quantum
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
$1,649
Buy Dolphin QuantumDolphin Active 15 or Dolphin Proteus DX5i: our take
Dolphin Active 15 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
Dolphin Active 15 is intended for inground and above-ground pools, while Dolphin Proteus DX5i is intended for inground pools. Dolphin Active 15 is rated for pools up to 33 ft; Dolphin Proteus DX5i is rated up to 50 ft. Dolphin Active 15 cleans floor and walls; Dolphin Proteus DX5i cleans floor, walls, and waterline. Dolphin Active 15's documented cleaning system includes 1 active brush.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Active 15 includes Basket and UltraFilter; Dolphin Proteus DX5i includes Basket. 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 Proteus DX5i provides smartphone control. Dolphin Active 15 uses a 40 ft corded cable, while Dolphin Proteus DX5i uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Active 15 is listed at $849 and Dolphin Proteus DX5i at $1,299; Dolphin Active 15 is $450 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Dolphin Active 15 and Dolphin Proteus DX5i each have a specific fit, but neither is the Pool Express pick for this job. Our better alternative is Dolphin Quantum. 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 | Dolphin Active 15 | Dolphin Proteus DX5i |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | Yes | Yes |
| Scrubs the waterline | No | YesEdge |
| Fine-debris filter included | YesEdge | No |
| Large-debris filter | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic scheduling | Yes | Not listed |
| Smartphone app | No | YesEdge |
| Anti-tangle swivel | Not listed | Yes |
| 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 shoppers prioritizing the lower $849 starting price.
- Includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris
- Is listed $450 lower
Where Dolphin Proteus DX5i stands out
Dolphin Proteus DX5i is the better fit for pools up to 50 ft.
- Cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line
- Adds smartphone control
- Is rated for pools up to 50 ft
Dolphin Active 15 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 | Dolphin Active 15 | Dolphin Proteus DX5i |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning, with fine debris. | Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning. |
| Starting price | $849 | $1,299 |
| Pool type | Inground, Above-ground | Inground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 33 ft | Up to 50 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls | Floor, Walls, Waterline |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | Basket, UltraFilter | Basket |
| Scheduling | Weekly schedule | Not listed |
| App and remote | Power-supply controls | App control |
| Cable | 40 ft | 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel |
| Robot weight | 14 lb | Not listed |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Active 15 and Dolphin Proteus DX5i are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Quantum. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
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