Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Proteus DX5i and Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300 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.
Polaris
Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300
Pools that need floor cleaning.
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 Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300: our take
Dolphin Proteus DX5i 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 DX5i has a published maximum pool length of 50 ft; the other model does not have a verified length in our source material. Dolphin Proteus DX5i cleans floor, walls, and waterline; Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300 cleans floor. Dolphin Proteus DX5i's documented cleaning system includes 1 active brush.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Proteus DX5i has documented included filtration—Basket—while the other model's included media is not fully published. Dolphin Proteus DX5i also has the better documented path for bulky leaves and larger debris.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin Proteus DX5i provides smartphone control; Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300 provides daily scheduling. Dolphin Proteus DX5i uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel, while Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300 uses a 60 ft corded cable.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Proteus DX5i is listed at $1,299 and Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300 at $1,393.60; Dolphin Proteus DX5i is $94.60 less. Dolphin Proteus DX5i 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 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 | Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | YesEdge | No |
| Scrubs the waterline | YesEdge | No |
| Fine-debris filter included | No | No |
| Large-debris filter | YesEdge | No |
| Automatic scheduling | Not listed | Yes |
| Smartphone app | Yes | Not listed |
| Anti-tangle swivel | Yes | 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 DX5i stands out
Dolphin Proteus DX5i is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,299 starting price.
- Cleans the floor, walls and waterline instead of stopping below the tile line
- Includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves
- Has documented smartphone control
- Is listed $94.60 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 DX5i 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 DX5i | Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning. | Pools that need floor cleaning. |
| Starting price | $1,299 | $1,393.60 |
| Pool type | Inground | Not listed |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 50 ft | Not listed |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls, Waterline | Floor |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | Basket | Not listed |
| Scheduling | Not listed | Daily schedule |
| App and remote | App control | Not listed |
| Cable | 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel | 60 ft |
| Robot weight | Not listed | 18 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | Not listed |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Proteus DX5i and Polaris 9300 Sport Pool Cleaner F9300 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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