Help me choose
Our pick: Dolphin Cayman
Dolphin Cayman is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Cayman adds wall climbing and scrubbing. Dolphin Cayman includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves.
Max-Series
Dolphin Cayman
Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
Explorer
Dolphin Explorer E40
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor 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 E40: our take
Dolphin Cayman and Dolphin Explorer E40 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 E40 is intended for inground pools. Dolphin Cayman is rated for pools up to 40 ft; Dolphin Explorer E40 is rated up to 50 ft. Dolphin Cayman cleans floor and walls; Dolphin Explorer E40 cleans floor. 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 has documented included filtration—MaxBin—while the other model's included media is not fully published. Dolphin Cayman also has the better documented path for bulky leaves and larger debris.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin Cayman provides a weekly timer and power-supply controls; Dolphin Explorer E40 provides no fully published timer, app or remote specification.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Cayman is listed at $1,079 and Dolphin Explorer E40 at $1,599; Dolphin Cayman is $520 less. Dolphin Cayman lists a 2-year warranty compared with 3 years for Dolphin Explorer E40. Pool Express pick: Dolphin Cayman. Dolphin Cayman adds wall climbing and scrubbing. Dolphin Cayman includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves. Choose Dolphin Explorer E40 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 E40 |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | YesEdge | No |
| Scrubs the waterline | No | No |
| Fine-debris filter included | No | No |
| Large-debris filter | YesEdge | No |
| Automatic scheduling | Yes | Not listed |
| Smartphone app | No | Not listed |
| Anti-tangle swivel | No | Not listed |
| 3-year warranty | No | YesEdge |
| No recharging between cycles | Yes | Not listed |
| 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.
- Adds wall climbing and scrubbing
- Includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves
- Is listed $520 lower
Where Dolphin Explorer E40 stands out
Dolphin Explorer E40 is the better fit for pools up to 50 ft.
- Carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years
- Is rated for pools up to 50 ft
Dolphin Cayman vs Dolphin Explorer E40 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 E40 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 cleaning. |
| Starting price | $1,079 | $1,599 |
| Pool type | Inground, Above-ground | Inground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 40 ft | Up to 50 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls | Floor |
| Power | Corded | Not listed |
| Filtration | MaxBin | Not listed |
| Scheduling | Weekly schedule | Not listed |
| App and remote | Power-supply controls | Not listed |
| Cable | 50 ft | Not listed |
| Robot weight | 14.6 lb | Not listed |
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years |
Choose Dolphin Cayman
Dolphin Cayman is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Cayman adds wall climbing and scrubbing. Dolphin Cayman includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves.
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