Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Proteus DX3 and Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300 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.
Proteus
Dolphin Proteus DX3
Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
Polaris
Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300
Pools that need floor 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 Proteus DX3 or Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300: our take
Dolphin Proteus DX3 and Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300 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 has a published maximum pool length of 33 ft; the other model does not have a verified length in our source material. Dolphin Proteus DX3 cleans floor and walls; Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300 cleans floor. Dolphin Proteus DX3's documented cleaning system includes 1 active brush.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Proteus DX3 has documented included filtration—Basket—while the other model's included media is not fully published. Dolphin Proteus DX3 also has the better documented path for bulky leaves and larger debris.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin Proteus DX3 provides a weekly timer and power-supply controls; Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300 provides daily scheduling. Dolphin Proteus DX3 uses a 50 ft corded cable, while Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300 uses a 60 ft corded cable. Dolphin Proteus DX3 is listed at 14 lb versus 18 lb for Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300; that 4 lb difference matters when lifting the robot from the pool.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Proteus DX3 is listed at $699 and Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300 at $1,393.60; Dolphin Proteus DX3 is $694.60 less. Dolphin Proteus DX3 and Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300 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 Proteus DX3 | Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | YesEdge | No |
| Scrubs the waterline | No | No |
| Fine-debris filter included | No | No |
| Large-debris filter | YesEdge | No |
| Automatic scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Smartphone app | No | Not listed |
| Anti-tangle swivel | Not listed | Not listed |
| 3-year warranty | No | Not listed |
| 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.
- Adds wall climbing and scrubbing
- Includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves
- Can start on a weekly schedule without a manual launch before every cycle
- Is listed $694.60 lower
Where Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300 stands out
Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300 is the better fit for pools that need floor cleaning.
- Cleans the pool floor
- 60 ft cable
Dolphin Proteus DX3 vs Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300 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 | Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning. | Pools that need floor cleaning. |
| Starting price | $699 | $1,393.60 |
| Pool type | Inground, Above-ground | Not listed |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 33 ft | Not listed |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls | Floor |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | Basket | Not listed |
| Scheduling | Weekly schedule | Daily schedule |
| App and remote | Power-supply controls | Not listed |
| Cable | 50 ft | 60 ft |
| Robot weight | 14 lb | 18 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | Not listed |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Proteus DX3 and Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300 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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