Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Premium 10 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.
Premium
Dolphin Premium 10
Above-ground and small inground pools up to 30 ft that need the floor vacuumed.
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 Premium 10 or Dolphin Proteus DX3: our take
Dolphin Premium 10 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
Both robots are intended for inground and above-ground pools. Dolphin Premium 10 is rated for pools up to 30 ft; Dolphin Proteus DX3 is rated up to 33 ft. Dolphin Premium 10 cleans floor; Dolphin Proteus DX3 cleans floor and walls. Dolphin Premium 10 lists 1 active brush and CleverClean navigation. Dolphin Proteus DX3 lists 1 active brush.
Filtration and debris
Both models include Basket.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin Premium 10 provides one-touch starts and power-supply controls; Dolphin Proteus DX3 provides a weekly timer and power-supply controls. Dolphin Premium 10 uses continuous corded power, while Dolphin Proteus DX3 uses a 50 ft corded cable. Dolphin Premium 10 is listed at 14.6 lb versus 14 lb for Dolphin Proteus DX3; that 0.5999999999999996 lb difference matters when lifting the robot from the pool.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Premium 10 is listed at $719 and Dolphin Proteus DX3 at $699; Dolphin Proteus DX3 is $20 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Dolphin Premium 10 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 Premium 10 | 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic scheduling | No | YesEdge |
| Smartphone app | No | No |
| Anti-tangle swivel | No | Not listed |
| 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 Premium 10 stands out
Dolphin Premium 10 is the better fit for above-ground and small inground pools up to 30 ft that need the floor vacuumed.
- Cleans the pool floor
- 1.5-hour cycle, pools up to 30 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
- Can start on a weekly schedule without a manual launch before every cycle
- Is rated for pools up to 33 ft
- Is listed $20 lower
Dolphin Premium 10 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 Premium 10 | Dolphin Proteus DX3 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Above-ground and small inground pools up to 30 ft that need the floor vacuumed. | Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning. |
| Starting price | $719 | $699 |
| Pool type | Inground, Above-ground | Inground, Above-ground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 30 ft | Up to 33 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor | Floor, Walls |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | Basket | Basket |
| Scheduling | One-touch start | Weekly schedule |
| App and remote | Power-supply controls | Power-supply controls |
| Cable | Not listed | 50 ft |
| Robot weight | 14.6 lb | 14 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Premium 10 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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