Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Explorer E40 and Dolphin Proteus DX3 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 E40
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor cleaning.
Proteus
Dolphin Proteus DX3
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 E40 or Dolphin Proteus DX3: our take
Dolphin Explorer E40 and Dolphin Proteus DX3 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 E40 is intended for inground pools, while Dolphin Proteus DX3 is intended for inground and above-ground pools. Dolphin Explorer E40 is rated for pools up to 50 ft; Dolphin Proteus DX3 is rated up to 33 ft. Dolphin Explorer E40 cleans floor; Dolphin Proteus DX3 cleans floor and walls. Dolphin Proteus DX3's documented cleaning system includes 1 active brush.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Proteus DX3 has documented included filtration—Basket—while the other model's included media is not fully published. Dolphin Proteus DX3 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 Proteus DX3 provides a weekly timer and power-supply controls.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Explorer E40 is listed at $1,599 and Dolphin Proteus DX3 at $699; Dolphin Proteus DX3 is $900 less. Dolphin Explorer E40 lists a 3-year warranty compared with 2 years for Dolphin Proteus DX3. Dolphin Explorer E40 and Dolphin Proteus DX3 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 E40 | Dolphin Proteus DX3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | No | YesEdge |
| Scrubs the waterline | No | No |
| Fine-debris filter included | No | No |
| Large-debris filter | No | YesEdge |
| Automatic scheduling | Not listed | Yes |
| Smartphone app | Not listed | No |
| Anti-tangle swivel | Not listed | Not listed |
| 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 pools up to 50 ft.
- Carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years
- Is rated for pools up to 50 ft
Where Dolphin Proteus DX3 stands out
Dolphin Proteus DX3 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $699 starting price.
- Adds wall climbing and scrubbing
- Includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves
- Is listed $900 lower
Dolphin Explorer E40 vs Dolphin Proteus DX3 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 Proteus DX3 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor cleaning. | Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning. |
| Starting price | $1,599 | $699 |
| Pool type | Inground | Inground, Above-ground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 50 ft | Up to 33 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor | Floor, Walls |
| Power | Not listed | Corded |
| Filtration | Not listed | Basket |
| Scheduling | Not listed | Weekly schedule |
| App and remote | Not listed | Power-supply controls |
| Cable | Not listed | 50 ft |
| Robot weight | Not listed | 14 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Explorer E40 and Dolphin Proteus DX3 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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