Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Proteus DX5i and Dolphin S100 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 DX5i
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.
S-Line
Dolphin S100
Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall 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 DX5i or Dolphin S100: our take
Dolphin Proteus DX5i and Dolphin S100 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 DX5i is intended for inground pools, while Dolphin S100 is intended for inground and above-ground pools. Dolphin Proteus DX5i is rated for pools up to 50 ft; Dolphin S100 is rated up to 33 ft. Dolphin Proteus DX5i cleans floor, walls, and waterline; Dolphin S100 cleans floor and walls. Dolphin Proteus DX5i's documented cleaning system includes 1 active brush.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Proteus DX5i includes Basket; Dolphin S100 includes Basket and UltraFilter. Dolphin S100 has the clearer documented edge for fine silt, pollen and sand.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin Proteus DX5i provides smartphone control; Dolphin S100 provides a weekly timer and power-supply controls. Dolphin Proteus DX5i uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel, while Dolphin S100 uses a 50 ft corded cable.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Proteus DX5i is listed at $1,299 and Dolphin S100 at $849; Dolphin S100 is $450 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Dolphin Proteus DX5i and Dolphin S100 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 DX5i | Dolphin S100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | Yes | Yes |
| Scrubs the waterline | YesEdge | No |
| Fine-debris filter included | No | YesEdge |
| Large-debris filter | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic scheduling | Not listed | Yes |
| Smartphone app | YesEdge | No |
| Anti-tangle swivel | Yes | 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 Proteus DX5i stands out
Dolphin Proteus DX5i is the better fit for pools up to 50 ft.
- Cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line
- Adds smartphone control
- Is rated for pools up to 50 ft
Where Dolphin S100 stands out
Dolphin S100 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $849 starting price.
- Includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris
- Is listed $450 lower
Dolphin Proteus DX5i vs Dolphin S100 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 DX5i | Dolphin S100 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning. | Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning, with fine debris. |
| Starting price | $1,299 | $849 |
| Pool type | Inground | Inground, Above-ground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 50 ft | Up to 33 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls, Waterline | Floor, Walls |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | Basket | Basket, UltraFilter |
| Scheduling | Not listed | Weekly schedule |
| App and remote | App control | Power-supply controls |
| Cable | 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel | 50 ft |
| Robot weight | Not listed | 14 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Proteus DX5i and Dolphin S100 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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