Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Proteus DX3 and Dolphin T3000 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.
Proteus
Dolphin Proteus DX3
Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
T-Line
Dolphin T3000
Inground and above-ground pools up to 50 ft with steps or a sun ledge that need full-coverage cleaning with scheduling and modes.
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 Proteus DX3 or Dolphin T3000: our take
Dolphin Proteus DX3 and Dolphin T3000 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 Proteus DX3 is rated for pools up to 33 ft; Dolphin T3000 is rated up to 50 ft. Dolphin Proteus DX3 cleans floor and walls; Dolphin T3000 cleans floor, walls, and waterline. Dolphin Proteus DX3 lists 1 active brush. Dolphin T3000 lists 2 active brushes and CleverClean navigation.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Proteus DX3 includes Basket; Dolphin T3000 includes Basket and UltraFilter. Dolphin T3000 has the clearer documented edge for fine silt, pollen and sand.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin Proteus DX3 provides a weekly timer and power-supply controls; Dolphin T3000 provides a weekly timer and smartphone control. Dolphin Proteus DX3 uses a 50 ft corded cable, while Dolphin T3000 uses continuous corded power. Dolphin Proteus DX3 is listed at 14 lb versus 17.9 lb for Dolphin T3000; that 3.8999999999999986 lb difference matters when lifting the robot from the pool.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Proteus DX3 is listed at $699 and Dolphin T3000 at $1,449; Dolphin Proteus DX3 is $750 less. Dolphin Proteus DX3 lists a 2-year warranty compared with 3 years for Dolphin T3000. Dolphin Proteus DX3 and Dolphin T3000 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 Proteus DX3 | Dolphin T3000 |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | Yes | Yes |
| Scrubs the waterline | No | YesEdge |
| Fine-debris filter included | No | YesEdge |
| Large-debris filter | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Smartphone app | No | YesEdge |
| Anti-tangle swivel | Not listed | Yes |
| 3-year warranty | No | YesEdge |
| 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 Proteus DX3 stands out
Dolphin Proteus DX3 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $699 starting price.
- Is listed $750 lower
- Weighs 14 lb versus 17.9 lb
Where Dolphin T3000 stands out
Dolphin T3000 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
- Uses 2 active brushes instead of 1
- Adds smartphone control
Dolphin Proteus DX3 vs Dolphin T3000 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 Proteus DX3 | Dolphin T3000 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning. | Inground and above-ground pools up to 50 ft with steps or a sun ledge that need full-coverage cleaning with scheduling and modes. |
| Starting price | $699 | $1,449 |
| Pool type | Inground, Above-ground | Inground, Above-ground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 33 ft | Up to 50 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls | Floor, Walls, Waterline |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | Basket | Basket, UltraFilter |
| Scheduling | Weekly schedule | Weekly schedule + app |
| App and remote | Power-supply controls | App control |
| Cable | 50 ft | Not listed |
| Robot weight | 14 lb | 17.9 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Proteus DX3 and Dolphin T3000 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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