Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin E10 and Dolphin M550 are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Cayman. Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
M-Line
Dolphin M550
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning with app control, Pick-Up and a caddy.
What we recommend instead
Dolphin Cayman
Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
$1,079
Buy Dolphin CaymanDolphin E10 or Dolphin M550: our take
Dolphin E10 and Dolphin M550 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 E10 is intended for above-ground pools, while Dolphin M550 is intended for inground pools. Dolphin E10 is rated for pools up to 33 ft; Dolphin M550 is rated up to 50 ft. Dolphin E10 cleans floor; Dolphin M550 cleans floor, walls, and waterline. Dolphin E10 lists 1 active brush. Dolphin M550 lists 2 active brushes and CleverClean navigation.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin E10 includes Basket; Dolphin M550 includes Basket and UltraFilter. Dolphin M550 has the clearer documented edge for fine silt, pollen and sand.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin E10 provides one-touch starts and power-supply controls; Dolphin M550 provides a weekly timer and smartphone control. Dolphin E10 uses a 40 ft corded cable, while Dolphin M550 uses continuous corded power.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin E10 is listed at $499 and Dolphin M550 at $1,999; Dolphin E10 is $1,500 less. Dolphin E10 lists a 2-year warranty compared with 3 years for Dolphin M550. Dolphin E10 and Dolphin M550 each have a specific fit, but neither is the Pool Express pick for this job. Our better alternative is Dolphin Cayman. Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
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 E10 | Dolphin M550 |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | No | YesEdge |
| Scrubs the waterline | No | YesEdge |
| Fine-debris filter included | No | YesEdge |
| Large-debris filter | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic scheduling | No | YesEdge |
| Smartphone app | No | YesEdge |
| Anti-tangle swivel | Not listed | 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 E10 stands out
Dolphin E10 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $499 starting price.
- Is listed $1,500 lower
- Cleans the pool floor
Where Dolphin M550 stands out
Dolphin M550 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
- Uses 2 active brushes instead of 1
- Can start on a weekly schedule without a manual launch before every cycle
Dolphin E10 vs Dolphin M550 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 E10 | Dolphin M550 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor cleaning. | Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning with app control, Pick-Up and a caddy. |
| Starting price | $499 | $1,999 |
| Pool type | Above-ground | Inground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 33 ft | Up to 50 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor | Floor, Walls, Waterline |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | Basket | Basket, UltraFilter |
| Scheduling | One-touch start | Weekly schedule + app |
| App and remote | Power-supply controls | App control |
| Cable | 40 ft | Not listed |
| Robot weight | Not listed | 22.6 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin E10 and Dolphin M550 are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Cayman. Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
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