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Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Dolphin Cayman vs Dolphin Explorer E30

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

Dolphin Cayman Dolphin Explorer E30
Pool Express pick

Our pick: Dolphin Cayman

Dolphin Cayman is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Cayman is listed $20 lower. Dolphin Cayman cleans floor and walls.

Pool Express pick

Max-Series

Dolphin Cayman

Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.

Current price $1,079MSRP $1,299 Save $220
Pool Express pick

Why Dolphin Cayman is our pick

Buying guidance

Dolphin Cayman or Dolphin Explorer E30: our take

Dolphin Cayman and Dolphin Explorer E30 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 Cayman is intended for inground and above-ground pools, while Dolphin Explorer E30 is intended for inground pools. Dolphin Cayman is rated for pools up to 40 ft; Dolphin Explorer E30 is rated up to 50 ft. Dolphin Cayman cleans floor and walls; Dolphin Explorer E30 cleans floor, walls, and waterline. Dolphin Cayman's documented cleaning system includes 1 active brush, SmartNav 2.0 navigation, and Dual 24-volt DC motors.

Filtration and debris

Dolphin Cayman includes MaxBin; Dolphin Explorer E30 includes Basket.

Controls and day-to-day ownership

Dolphin Cayman provides a weekly timer and power-supply controls; Dolphin Explorer E30 provides a weekly timer and smartphone control. Dolphin Cayman uses a 50 ft corded cable, while Dolphin Explorer E30 uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel.

Price, warranty and the decision

Dolphin Cayman is listed at $1,079 and Dolphin Explorer E30 at $1,099; Dolphin Cayman is $20 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Pool Express pick: Dolphin Cayman. Dolphin Cayman is listed $20 lower. Dolphin Cayman cleans floor and walls. Choose Dolphin Explorer E30 when it is the better fit for pools up to 50 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 Cayman Dolphin Explorer E30
Cleans the pool floor Yes Yes
Climbs and cleans walls Yes Yes
Scrubs the waterline No YesEdge
Fine-debris filter included No No
Large-debris filter Yes Yes
Automatic scheduling Yes Yes
Smartphone app No YesEdge
Anti-tangle swivel No YesEdge
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 shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,079 starting price.

  • Is listed $20 lower
  • Cleans floor and walls

Where Dolphin Explorer E30 stands out

Dolphin Explorer E30 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
  • Uses an anti-tangle swivel cable
  • Is rated for pools up to 50 ft

Dolphin Cayman vs Dolphin Explorer E30 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 E30
Best fit Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.
Starting price $1,079 $1,099
Pool type Inground, Above-ground Inground
Maximum pool length Up to 40 ft Up to 50 ft
Cleaning coverage Floor, Walls Floor, Walls, Waterline
Power Corded Corded
Filtration MaxBin Basket
Scheduling Weekly schedule Weekly schedule + app
App and remote Power-supply controls App control
Cable 50 ft 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel
Robot weight 14.6 lb Not listed
Warranty 2 years 2 years
Final call

Choose Dolphin Cayman

Dolphin Cayman is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Cayman is listed $20 lower. Dolphin Cayman cleans floor and walls.

Buy Dolphin Cayman

Keep comparing without rebuilding the same specification table yourself.