Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Proteus DX5i and Dolphin T35 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.
T-Line
Dolphin T35
Inground pools 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 DX5i or Dolphin T35: our take
Dolphin Proteus DX5i and Dolphin T35 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 pools. Dolphin Proteus DX5i 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 Proteus DX5i lists 1 active brush. Dolphin T35 lists 2 active brushes and CleverClean navigation.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Proteus DX5i includes Basket; Dolphin T35 includes Basket and UltraFilter. Dolphin T35 has the clearer documented edge for fine silt, pollen and sand.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin Proteus DX5i provides smartphone control; Dolphin T35 provides a weekly timer and smartphone control. Both use a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Proteus DX5i is listed at $1,299 and Dolphin T35 at $1,199; Dolphin T35 is $100 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Dolphin Proteus DX5i and Dolphin T35 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 T35 |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | Yes | Yes |
| Scrubs the waterline | Yes | Yes |
| Fine-debris filter included | No | YesEdge |
| Large-debris filter | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic scheduling | Not listed | Yes |
| Smartphone app | Yes | Yes |
| 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 Proteus DX5i stands out
Dolphin Proteus DX5i is the better fit for inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.
- Top-load filter basket
- Smartphone app control
Where Dolphin T35 stands out
Dolphin T35 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,199 starting price.
- Includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris
- Uses 2 active brushes instead of 1
- Is listed $100 lower
Dolphin Proteus DX5i vs Dolphin T35 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 T35 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning. | Inground pools that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris. |
| Starting price | $1,299 | $1,199 |
| Pool type | Inground | Inground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 50 ft | Not listed |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls, Waterline | Floor, Walls, Waterline |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | Basket | Basket, UltraFilter |
| Scheduling | Not listed | Weekly schedule + app |
| App and remote | App control | App control |
| Cable | 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel | 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel |
| Robot weight | Not listed | Not listed |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Proteus DX5i and Dolphin T35 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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