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Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Dolphin S2000 vs Dolphin Wave 120

A side-by-side comparison of pool fit, cleaning coverage, filtration, controls and the better Pool Express option.

Dolphin S2000 Dolphin Wave 120
Choose by pool type

Residential and commercial pools need different robots

Dolphin S2000 and Dolphin Wave 120 serve different kinds of pools, so there is no honest one-size-fits-all winner. Choose Dolphin Quantum for residential use. Choose Dolphin Wave 100 for commercial use.

Right robot for each job

Choose residential and commercial cleaners separately

Buying guidance

Dolphin S2000 or Dolphin Wave 120: our take

Dolphin S2000 and Dolphin Wave 120 can be compared on specifications, but they are designed for different jobs. Start with residential versus commercial use, then use the details below to understand the tradeoffs.

Pool fit and cleaning reach

Dolphin S2000 is intended for inground and above-ground pools, while Dolphin Wave 120 is intended for commercial pools. Dolphin S2000 is rated for pools up to 40 ft; Dolphin Wave 120 is rated up to 121 ft. Each cleans floor, walls, and waterline, so coverage alone does not separate them. Dolphin S2000 lists 2 active brushes and CleverClean navigation. Dolphin Wave 120 lists Commercial-grade motors.

Filtration and debris

Dolphin S2000 has documented included filtration—Basket and UltraFilter—while the other model's included media is not fully published. That gives Dolphin S2000 the clearer documented edge for fine silt, pollen and sand. Dolphin S2000 also has the better documented path for bulky leaves and larger debris.

Controls and day-to-day ownership

Dolphin S2000 provides a weekly timer and smartphone control; Dolphin Wave 120 provides no fully published timer, app or remote specification. Both use continuous corded power.

Price, warranty and the decision

Dolphin S2000 is listed at $1,199 and Dolphin Wave 120 at $7,899; Dolphin S2000 is $6,700 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. These robots are built for different jobs, so pool type and facility capacity decide the comparison before individual features do. For a residential pool, the Pool Express pick is Dolphin Quantum. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris. For a commercial facility, the Pool Express pick is Dolphin Wave 100. Commercial pools up to 88 ft that need floor, wall and waterline 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 S2000 Dolphin Wave 120
Cleans the pool floor Yes Yes
Climbs and cleans walls Yes Yes
Scrubs the waterline Yes Yes
Fine-debris filter included YesEdge No
Large-debris filter YesEdge No
Automatic scheduling Yes Not listed
Smartphone app Yes Not listed
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 S2000 stands out

Dolphin S2000 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,199 starting price.

  • Includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris
  • Includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves
  • Has documented smartphone control
  • Is listed $6,700 lower

Where Dolphin Wave 120 stands out

Dolphin Wave 120 is the better fit for pools up to 121 ft.

  • Is rated for pools up to 121 ft
  • Cleans floor, walls and waterline

Dolphin S2000 vs Dolphin Wave 120 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 S2000 Dolphin Wave 120
Best fit Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft with steps or a sun ledge that need full-coverage cleaning on a schedule. Commercial pools up to 121 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.
Starting price $1,199 $7,899
Pool type Inground, Above-ground Commercial
Maximum pool length Up to 40 ft Up to 121 ft
Cleaning coverage Floor, Walls, Waterline Floor, Walls, Waterline
Power Corded Corded
Filtration Basket, UltraFilter Not listed
Scheduling Weekly schedule + app Not listed
App and remote App control Not listed
Cable Not listed Not listed
Robot weight 17.9 lb Not listed
Warranty 2 years 2 years
Final call

Choose for the pool you operate

Dolphin S2000 and Dolphin Wave 120 serve different kinds of pools, so there is no honest one-size-fits-all winner. Choose Dolphin Quantum for residential use. Choose Dolphin Wave 100 for commercial use.

Keep comparing without rebuilding the same specification table yourself.