Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Explorer E40 and Dolphin Premium 40 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 E40
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor cleaning.
Premium
Dolphin Premium 40
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning with app scheduling and a caddy.
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 E40 or Dolphin Premium 40: our take
Dolphin Explorer E40 and Dolphin Premium 40 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 Premium 40 cleans floor, walls, and waterline. Dolphin Premium 40's documented cleaning system includes 2 active brushes and CleverClean navigation.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Premium 40 has documented included filtration—Basket and UltraFilter—while the other model's included media is not fully published. Dolphin Premium 40 has the clearer documented edge for fine silt, pollen and sand. Dolphin Premium 40 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 Premium 40 provides a weekly timer and smartphone control.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Explorer E40 is listed at $1,599 and Dolphin Premium 40 at $1,629; Dolphin Explorer E40 is $30 less. Dolphin Explorer E40 lists a 3-year warranty compared with 2 years for Dolphin Premium 40. Dolphin Explorer E40 and Dolphin Premium 40 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 E40 | Dolphin Premium 40 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| Anti-tangle swivel | Not listed | Yes |
| 3-year warranty | YesEdge | No |
| 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.
- Carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years
- Is listed $30 lower
Where Dolphin Premium 40 stands out
Dolphin Premium 40 is the better fit for inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning with app scheduling and a caddy.
- Cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line
- Includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris
- Includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves
- Has documented smartphone control
Dolphin Explorer E40 vs Dolphin Premium 40 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 Premium 40 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 app scheduling and a caddy. |
| Starting price | $1,599 | $1,629 |
| 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 | Basket, UltraFilter |
| Scheduling | Not listed | Weekly schedule + app |
| App and remote | Not listed | App control |
| Cable | Not listed | Not listed |
| Robot weight | Not listed | 18.6 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Explorer E40 and Dolphin Premium 40 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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