Help me choose
Our pick: Dolphin Cayman
Dolphin Cayman is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Cayman can start on a weekly schedule without a manual launch before every cycle. Dolphin Cayman is rated for pools up to 40 ft.
Max-Series
Dolphin Cayman
Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
Explorer
Dolphin Explorer E20
Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
Why Dolphin Cayman is our pick
Dolphin Cayman
Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
$1,079
Buy Dolphin CaymanDolphin Cayman or Dolphin Explorer E20: our take
Dolphin Cayman and Dolphin Explorer E20 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 Cayman is rated for pools up to 40 ft; Dolphin Explorer E20 is rated up to 33 ft. Each cleans floor and walls, so coverage alone does not separate them. Dolphin Cayman lists 1 active brush, SmartNav 2.0 navigation, and Dual 24-volt DC motors. Dolphin Explorer E20 lists 1 active brush and Dual DC motors.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Cayman includes MaxBin; Dolphin Explorer E20 includes Basket.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin Cayman provides a weekly timer and power-supply controls; Dolphin Explorer E20 provides one-touch starts and power-supply controls. Dolphin Cayman uses a 50 ft corded cable, while Dolphin Explorer E20 uses a 40 ft corded cable. Dolphin Cayman is listed at 14.6 lb versus 14.5 lb for Dolphin Explorer E20; that 0.09999999999999964 lb difference matters when lifting the robot from the pool.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Cayman is listed at $1,079 and Dolphin Explorer E20 at $699; Dolphin Explorer E20 is $380 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Pool Express pick: Dolphin Cayman. Dolphin Cayman can start on a weekly schedule without a manual launch before every cycle. Dolphin Cayman is rated for pools up to 40 ft. Choose Dolphin Explorer E20 when it is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $699 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 Cayman | Dolphin Explorer E20 |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | Yes | Yes |
| Scrubs the waterline | No | No |
| Fine-debris filter included | No | No |
| Large-debris filter | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic scheduling | YesEdge | No |
| Smartphone app | No | No |
| Anti-tangle swivel | No | Not listed |
| 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 Cayman stands out
Dolphin Cayman is the better fit for pools up to 40 ft.
- Can start on a weekly schedule without a manual launch before every cycle
- Is rated for pools up to 40 ft
Where Dolphin Explorer E20 stands out
Dolphin Explorer E20 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $699 starting price.
- Is listed $380 lower
- Weighs 14.5 lb versus 14.6 lb
Dolphin Cayman vs Dolphin Explorer E20 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 Cayman | Dolphin Explorer E20 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning. | Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning. |
| Starting price | $1,079 | $699 |
| Pool type | Inground, Above-ground | Inground, Above-ground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 40 ft | Up to 33 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls | Floor, Walls |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | MaxBin | Basket |
| Scheduling | Weekly schedule | One-touch start |
| App and remote | Power-supply controls | Power-supply controls |
| Cable | 50 ft | 40 ft |
| Robot weight | 14.6 lb | 14.5 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Choose Dolphin Cayman
Dolphin Cayman is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Cayman can start on a weekly schedule without a manual launch before every cycle. Dolphin Cayman is rated for pools up to 40 ft.
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