Help me choose
Our pick: Dolphin Premier
Dolphin Premier is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Premier cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line. Dolphin Premier adds swappable Multi-Media filtration and an oversized leaf bag for changing debris.
Explorer
Dolphin Explorer E40
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor cleaning.
ProLine
Dolphin Premier
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris and heavy leaves.
Why Dolphin Premier is our pick
Dolphin Premier
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris and heavy leaves.
$1,999
Buy Dolphin PremierDolphin Explorer E40 or Dolphin Premier: our take
Dolphin Explorer E40 and Dolphin Premier 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
Both robots are intended for inground pools. Both are rated for pools up to 50 ft. Dolphin Explorer E40 cleans floor; Dolphin Premier cleans floor, walls, and waterline. Dolphin Premier's documented cleaning system includes 2 active brushes, SmartNav 2.0 navigation, and Dual commercial-grade motors.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Premier has documented included filtration—Standard filter, NanoFilters, Oversized leaf bag, and Multi-Media—while the other model's included media is not fully published. Dolphin Premier has the clearer documented edge for fine silt, pollen and sand. Dolphin Premier has the better documented path for bulky leaves and larger debris.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin Explorer E40 provides no fully published timer, app or remote specification; Dolphin Premier provides a weekly timer, power-supply controls, and optional remote control.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Explorer E40 is listed at $1,599 and Dolphin Premier at $1,999; Dolphin Explorer E40 is $400 less. Each lists a 3-year manufacturer warranty. Pool Express pick: Dolphin Premier. Dolphin Premier cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line. Dolphin Premier adds swappable Multi-Media filtration and an oversized leaf bag for changing debris. Choose Dolphin Explorer E40 when it is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,599 starting price.
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 E40 | Dolphin Premier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | YesEdge |
| Automatic scheduling | Not listed | Yes |
| Smartphone app | Not listed | No |
| Anti-tangle swivel | Not listed | Yes |
| 3-year warranty | Yes | Yes |
| No recharging between cycles | Not listed | 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 E40 stands out
Dolphin Explorer E40 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,599 starting price.
- Is listed $400 lower
- Cleans the pool floor
Where Dolphin Premier stands out
Dolphin Premier is the better fit for inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris and heavy leaves.
- Cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line
- Adds swappable Multi-Media filtration and an oversized leaf bag for changing debris
- Includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris
- Includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves
Dolphin Explorer E40 vs Dolphin Premier 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 E40 | Dolphin Premier |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor cleaning. | Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris and heavy leaves. |
| Starting price | $1,599 | $1,999 |
| Pool type | Inground | Inground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 50 ft | Up to 50 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor | Floor, Walls, Waterline |
| Power | Not listed | Corded |
| Filtration | Not listed | Standard filter, NanoFilters, Oversized leaf bag, Multi-Media |
| Scheduling | Not listed | Weekly schedule |
| App and remote | Not listed | Power-supply controls |
| Cable | Not listed | 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel |
| Robot weight | Not listed | 20.3 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
Choose Dolphin Premier
Dolphin Premier is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Premier cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line. Dolphin Premier adds swappable Multi-Media filtration and an oversized leaf bag for changing debris.
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