Help me choose
Our pick: Dolphin Sigma
Dolphin Sigma is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Sigma uses 2 active brushes instead of 1. Dolphin Sigma adds gyroscope-assisted navigation.
Active
Dolphin Active 30
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
ProLine
Dolphin Sigma
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
Why Dolphin Sigma is our pick
Dolphin Sigma
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
$2,399
Buy Dolphin SigmaDolphin Active 30 or Dolphin Sigma: our take
Dolphin Active 30 and Dolphin Sigma 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. Dolphin Active 30 lists 1 active brush and CleverClean navigation. Dolphin Sigma lists 2 active brushes, SmartNav 3.0 with gyroscope navigation, and Triple commercial-grade DC motors.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Active 30 includes Basket and UltraFilter; Dolphin Sigma includes Standard filter and NanoFilters. Both have documented fine-debris media, so basket capacity and ease of cleaning matter more than fine-particle capability. Dolphin Active 30 also has the better documented path for bulky leaves and larger debris.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Both models provide a weekly timer, smartphone control, and included remote control. Dolphin Active 30 uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel, while Dolphin Sigma uses a 55 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Active 30 is listed at $1,499 and Dolphin Sigma at $2,399; Dolphin Active 30 is $900 less. Dolphin Active 30 lists a 2-year warranty compared with 3 years for Dolphin Sigma. Pool Express pick: Dolphin Sigma. Dolphin Sigma uses 2 active brushes instead of 1. Dolphin Sigma adds gyroscope-assisted navigation. Choose Dolphin Active 30 when it is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,499 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 | Dolphin Active 30 | Dolphin Sigma |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | YesEdge | No |
| Automatic scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Smartphone app | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-tangle swivel | Yes | Yes |
| 3-year warranty | No | YesEdge |
| 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 shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,499 starting price.
- Includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves
- Is listed $900 lower
Where Dolphin Sigma stands out
Dolphin Sigma is the better fit for inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
- Uses 2 active brushes instead of 1
- Adds gyroscope-assisted navigation
- Carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years
Dolphin Active 30 vs Dolphin Sigma 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 Sigma |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | $1,499 | $2,399 |
| 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 | Basket, UltraFilter | Standard filter, NanoFilters |
| Scheduling | Weekly schedule + app | Weekly schedule + app |
| App and remote | App + included remote | App + included remote |
| Cable | 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel | 55 ft with anti-tangle swivel |
| Robot weight | Not listed | 24.6 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years |
Choose Dolphin Sigma
Dolphin Sigma is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Sigma uses 2 active brushes instead of 1. Dolphin Sigma adds gyroscope-assisted navigation.
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