Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Explorer E20 and Dolphin T35 are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Quantum. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
Explorer
Dolphin Explorer E20
Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
T-Line
Dolphin T35
Inground pools that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
What we recommend instead
Dolphin Quantum
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
$1,649
Buy Dolphin QuantumDolphin Explorer E20 or Dolphin T35: our take
Dolphin Explorer E20 and Dolphin T35 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 T35 is intended for inground pools. Dolphin Explorer E20 has a published maximum pool length of 33 ft; the other model does not have a verified length in our source material. Dolphin Explorer E20 cleans floor and walls; Dolphin T35 cleans floor, walls, and waterline. Dolphin Explorer E20 lists 1 active brush and Dual DC motors. Dolphin T35 lists 2 active brushes and CleverClean navigation.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Explorer E20 includes Basket; Dolphin T35 includes Basket and UltraFilter. Dolphin T35 has the clearer documented edge for fine silt, pollen and sand.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin Explorer E20 provides one-touch starts and power-supply controls; Dolphin T35 provides a weekly timer and smartphone control. Dolphin Explorer E20 uses a 40 ft corded cable, while Dolphin T35 uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Explorer E20 is listed at $699 and Dolphin T35 at $1,199; Dolphin Explorer E20 is $500 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Dolphin Explorer E20 and Dolphin T35 each have a specific fit, but neither is the Pool Express pick for this job. Our better alternative is Dolphin Quantum. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
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 T35 |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | 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 shoppers prioritizing the lower $699 starting price.
- Is listed $500 lower
- Cleans floor and walls
Where Dolphin T35 stands out
Dolphin T35 is the better fit for owners who put smartphone control first.
- 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 Explorer E20 vs Dolphin T35 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 T35 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning. | Inground pools that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris. |
| Starting price | $699 | $1,199 |
| Pool type | Inground, Above-ground | Inground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 33 ft | Not listed |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls | 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 | 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel |
| Robot weight | 14.5 lb | Not listed |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Explorer E20 and Dolphin T35 are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Quantum. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
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