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Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Dolphin Explorer E70 vs Dolphin Premium 20

A side-by-side comparison of pool fit, cleaning coverage, filtration, controls and the better Pool Express option.

Dolphin Explorer E70 Dolphin Premium 20
Better alternative

A stronger Pool Express option

Dolphin Explorer E70 and Dolphin Premium 20 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.

A better alternative

What we recommend instead

Buying guidance

Dolphin Explorer E70 or Dolphin Premium 20: our take

Dolphin Explorer E70 and Dolphin Premium 20 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 E70 is intended for inground pools, while Dolphin Premium 20 is intended for inground and above-ground pools. Dolphin Explorer E70 is rated for pools up to 50 ft; Dolphin Premium 20 is rated up to 33 ft. Dolphin Explorer E70 cleans floor, walls, and waterline; Dolphin Premium 20 cleans floor and walls. Dolphin Explorer E70 lists CleverClean navigation. Dolphin Premium 20 lists 1 active brush and CleverClean navigation.

Filtration and debris

Dolphin Explorer E70 includes Basket and UltraFilter; Dolphin Premium 20 includes Basket. That gives Dolphin Explorer E70 the clearer documented edge for fine silt, pollen and sand.

Controls and day-to-day ownership

Dolphin Explorer E70 provides a weekly timer, smartphone control, and included remote control; Dolphin Premium 20 provides one-touch starts and power-supply controls. Dolphin Explorer E70 uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel, while Dolphin Premium 20 uses continuous corded power.

Price, warranty and the decision

Dolphin Explorer E70 is listed at $2,099 and Dolphin Premium 20 at $899; Dolphin Premium 20 is $1,200 less. Dolphin Explorer E70 lists a 3-year warranty compared with 2 years for Dolphin Premium 20. Dolphin Explorer E70 and Dolphin Premium 20 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 E70 Dolphin Premium 20
Cleans the pool floor Yes Yes
Climbs and cleans walls Yes Yes
Scrubs the waterline YesEdge No
Fine-debris filter included YesEdge No
Large-debris filter Yes Yes
Automatic scheduling YesEdge No
Smartphone app YesEdge No
Anti-tangle swivel YesEdge No
3-year warranty YesEdge 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 E70 stands out

Dolphin Explorer E70 is the better fit for pools up to 50 ft.

  • Cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line
  • Includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris
  • Can start on a weekly schedule without a manual launch before every cycle
  • Adds smartphone control

Where Dolphin Premium 20 stands out

Dolphin Premium 20 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $899 starting price.

  • Is listed $1,200 lower
  • Cleans floor and walls

Dolphin Explorer E70 vs Dolphin Premium 20 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 E70 Dolphin Premium 20
Best fit Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris. Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
Starting price $2,099 $899
Pool type Inground Inground, Above-ground
Maximum pool length Up to 50 ft Up to 33 ft
Cleaning coverage Floor, Walls, Waterline Floor, Walls
Power Corded Corded
Filtration Basket, UltraFilter Basket
Scheduling Weekly schedule + app One-touch start
App and remote App + included remote Power-supply controls
Cable 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel Not listed
Robot weight Not listed 14.6 lb
Warranty 3 years 2 years
Final call

Consider the stronger Pool Express option

Dolphin Explorer E70 and Dolphin Premium 20 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.

Buy Dolphin Quantum

Keep comparing without rebuilding the same specification table yourself.