Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Proteus DX3 and Dolphin T45 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 T45
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
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 T45: our take
Dolphin Proteus DX3 and Dolphin T45 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 Proteus DX3 is intended for inground and above-ground pools, while Dolphin T45 is intended for inground pools. Dolphin Proteus DX3 is rated for pools up to 33 ft; Dolphin T45 is rated up to 50 ft. Dolphin Proteus DX3 cleans floor and walls; Dolphin T45 cleans floor, walls, and waterline. Dolphin Proteus DX3 lists 1 active brush. Dolphin T45 lists CleverClean navigation.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Proteus DX3 includes Basket; Dolphin T45 includes Basket and UltraFilter. Dolphin T45 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 T45 provides a weekly timer and smartphone control. Dolphin Proteus DX3 uses a 50 ft corded cable, while Dolphin T45 uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Proteus DX3 is listed at $699 and Dolphin T45 at $1,499; Dolphin Proteus DX3 is $800 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Dolphin Proteus DX3 and Dolphin T45 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 T45 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 Proteus DX3 stands out
Dolphin Proteus DX3 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $699 starting price.
- Is listed $800 lower
- Cleans floor and walls
Where Dolphin T45 stands out
Dolphin T45 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
- Adds smartphone control
- Is rated for pools up to 50 ft
Dolphin Proteus DX3 vs Dolphin T45 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 T45 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning. | Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris. |
| Starting price | $699 | $1,499 |
| Pool type | Inground, Above-ground | Inground |
| 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 | 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel |
| Robot weight | 14 lb | Not listed |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Proteus DX3 and Dolphin T45 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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