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Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Dolphin Active 30 vs Dolphin Active Solo

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

Dolphin Active 30 Dolphin Active Solo
Better alternative

A stronger Pool Express option

Dolphin Active 30 and Dolphin Active Solo 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.

A better alternative

What we recommend instead

Buying guidance

Dolphin Active 30 or Dolphin Active Solo: our take

Dolphin Active 30 and Dolphin Active Solo 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 30 is intended for inground pools, while Dolphin Active Solo is intended for inground and above-ground pools. Dolphin Active 30 is rated for pools up to 50 ft; Dolphin Active Solo is rated up to 33 ft. Dolphin Active 30 cleans floor, walls, and waterline; Dolphin Active Solo cleans floor and walls. Dolphin Active 30's documented cleaning system includes 1 active brush and CleverClean navigation.

Filtration and debris

Dolphin Active 30 includes Basket and UltraFilter; Dolphin Active Solo includes Basket. That gives Dolphin Active 30 the clearer documented edge for fine silt, pollen and sand.

Controls and day-to-day ownership

Dolphin Active 30 provides a weekly timer, smartphone control, and included remote control; Dolphin Active Solo provides one-touch starts and power-supply controls. Dolphin Active 30 uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel, while Dolphin Active Solo uses continuous corded power.

Price, warranty and the decision

Dolphin Active 30 is listed at $1,499 and Dolphin Active Solo at $599; Dolphin Active Solo is $900 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Dolphin Active 30 and Dolphin Active Solo 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 30 Dolphin Active Solo
Cleans the pool floor Yes Yes
Climbs and cleans walls Yes Yes
Scrubs the waterline YesEdge No
Fine-debris filter included YesEdge No
Large-debris filter Yes Yes
Automatic scheduling YesEdge No
Smartphone app YesEdge No
Anti-tangle swivel YesEdge 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 30 stands out

Dolphin Active 30 is the better fit for pools up to 50 ft.

  • Cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line
  • Includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris
  • Can start on a weekly schedule without a manual launch before every cycle
  • Adds smartphone control

Where Dolphin Active Solo stands out

Dolphin Active Solo is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $599 starting price.

  • Is listed $900 lower
  • Cleans floor and walls

Dolphin Active 30 vs Dolphin Active Solo 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 30 Dolphin Active Solo
Best fit Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris. Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning at the lowest Active-series price.
Starting price $1,499 $599
Pool type Inground Inground, Above-ground
Maximum pool length Up to 50 ft Up to 33 ft
Cleaning coverage Floor, Walls, Waterline Floor, Walls
Power Corded Corded
Filtration Basket, UltraFilter Basket
Scheduling Weekly schedule + app One-touch start
App and remote App + included remote Power-supply controls
Cable 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel Not listed
Robot weight Not listed 14.6 lb
Warranty 2 years 2 years
Final call

Consider the stronger Pool Express option

Dolphin Active 30 and Dolphin Active Solo 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.

Buy Dolphin Quantum

Keep comparing without rebuilding the same specification table yourself.