Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Premium 30 and Dolphin Proteus DX4 are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Premier. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris and heavy leaves.
Premium
Dolphin Premium 30
Inground and above-ground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning on a weekly timer.
Proteus
Dolphin Proteus DX4
Inground pools that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.
What we recommend instead
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 Premium 30 or Dolphin Proteus DX4: our take
Dolphin Premium 30 and Dolphin Proteus DX4 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 Premium 30 is intended for inground and above-ground pools, while Dolphin Proteus DX4 is intended for inground pools. Dolphin Premium 30 has a published maximum pool length of 50 ft; the other model does not have a verified length in our source material. Each cleans floor, walls, and waterline, so coverage alone does not separate them. Dolphin Premium 30 lists 2 active brushes and CleverClean navigation. Dolphin Proteus DX4 lists 1 active brush.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Premium 30 includes Basket and UltraFilter; Dolphin Proteus DX4 includes Basket. That gives Dolphin Premium 30 the clearer documented edge for fine silt, pollen and sand.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Both models provide a weekly timer and power-supply controls. Dolphin Premium 30 uses continuous corded power, while Dolphin Proteus DX4 uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Premium 30 is listed at $1,279 and Dolphin Proteus DX4 at $1,199; Dolphin Proteus DX4 is $80 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Dolphin Premium 30 and Dolphin Proteus DX4 each have a specific fit, but neither is the Pool Express pick for this job. Our better alternative is Dolphin Premier. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris and heavy leaves.
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 30 | Dolphin Proteus DX4 |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | Yes | Yes |
| Scrubs the waterline | Yes | Yes |
| Fine-debris filter included | YesEdge | No |
| Large-debris filter | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Smartphone app | No | No |
| Anti-tangle swivel | Yes | Yes |
| 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 30 stands out
Dolphin Premium 30 is the better fit for inground and above-ground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning on a weekly timer.
- Includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris
- Uses 2 active brushes instead of 1
Where Dolphin Proteus DX4 stands out
Dolphin Proteus DX4 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,199 starting price.
- Is listed $80 lower
- 60 ft cable with anti-tangle swivel
Dolphin Premium 30 vs Dolphin Proteus DX4 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 30 | Dolphin Proteus DX4 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground and above-ground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning on a weekly timer. | Inground pools that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning. |
| Starting price | $1,279 | $1,199 |
| Pool type | Inground, Above-ground | Inground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 50 ft | Not listed |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls, Waterline | Floor, Walls, Waterline |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | Basket, UltraFilter | Basket |
| Scheduling | Weekly schedule | Weekly schedule |
| App and remote | Power-supply controls | Power-supply controls |
| Cable | Not listed | 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel |
| Robot weight | 18.4 lb | Not listed |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Premium 30 and Dolphin Proteus DX4 are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Premier. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris and heavy leaves.
More robotic pool cleaner comparisons
Keep comparing without rebuilding the same specification table yourself.
Clear UV vs Clear S
Pool Express pick: Clear UV
Dolphin Quantum vs Clear S
Pool Express pick: Dolphin Quantum
Dolphin Premier vs Dolphin Sigma
Pool Express pick: Dolphin Premier
Dolphin Premier vs Dolphin Quantum
Pool Express pick: Dolphin Quantum
Dolphin Sigma vs Dolphin Quantum
Pool Express pick: Dolphin Quantum
Dolphin Cayman vs Dolphin Escape
Pool Express pick: Dolphin Cayman