Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Explorer E20 and Dolphin S50 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.
Explorer
Dolphin Explorer E20
Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
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 Explorer E20 or Dolphin S50: our take
Dolphin Explorer E20 and Dolphin S50 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 Explorer E20 is intended for inground and above-ground pools, while Dolphin S50 is intended for above-ground pools. Dolphin Explorer E20 is rated for pools up to 33 ft; Dolphin S50 is rated up to 30 ft. Dolphin Explorer E20 cleans floor and walls; Dolphin S50 cleans floor. Dolphin Explorer E20 lists 1 active brush and Dual DC motors. Dolphin S50 lists 1 active brush.
Filtration and debris
Both models include Basket.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Both models provide one-touch starts and power-supply controls. Both use a 40 ft corded cable. Dolphin Explorer E20 is listed at 14.5 lb versus 14 lb for Dolphin S50; that 0.5 lb difference matters when lifting the robot from the pool.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Explorer E20 is listed at $699 and Dolphin S50 at $649; Dolphin S50 is $50 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Dolphin Explorer E20 and Dolphin S50 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 Explorer E20 | Dolphin S50 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic scheduling | No | No |
| Smartphone app | No | No |
| Anti-tangle swivel | Not listed | 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 Explorer E20 stands out
Dolphin Explorer E20 is the better fit for pools up to 33 ft.
- Adds wall climbing and scrubbing
- Is rated for pools up to 33 ft
Where Dolphin S50 stands out
Dolphin S50 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $649 starting price.
- Is listed $50 lower
- Weighs 14 lb versus 14.5 lb
Dolphin Explorer E20 vs Dolphin S50 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 Explorer E20 | Dolphin S50 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning. | Above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning. |
| Starting price | $699 | $649 |
| Pool type | Inground, Above-ground | Above-ground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 33 ft | Up to 30 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls | Floor |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | Basket | Basket |
| Scheduling | One-touch start | One-touch start |
| App and remote | Power-supply controls | Power-supply controls |
| Cable | 40 ft | 40 ft |
| Robot weight | 14.5 lb | 14 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Explorer E20 and Dolphin S50 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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