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Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Dolphin S400 vs Dolphin T45

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

Dolphin S400 Dolphin T45
Better alternative

A stronger Pool Express option

Dolphin S400 and Dolphin T45 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.

A better alternative

What we recommend instead

Buying guidance

Dolphin S400 or Dolphin T45: our take

Dolphin S400 and Dolphin T45 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. Both are rated for pools up to 50 ft. Each cleans floor, walls, and waterline, so coverage alone does not separate them. Dolphin S400 lists 2 active brushes and CleverClean navigation. Dolphin T45 lists CleverClean navigation.

Filtration and debris

Both models include Basket and UltraFilter. Both have documented fine-debris media, so basket capacity and ease of cleaning matter more than fine-particle capability.

Controls and day-to-day ownership

Both models provide a weekly timer and smartphone control. Both use a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel.

Price, warranty and the decision

Dolphin S400 is listed at $1,799 and Dolphin T45 at $1,499; Dolphin T45 is $300 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Dolphin S400 and Dolphin T45 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 S400 Dolphin T45
Cleans the pool floor Yes Yes
Climbs and cleans walls Yes Yes
Scrubs the waterline Yes Yes
Fine-debris filter included Yes Yes
Large-debris filter Yes Yes
Automatic scheduling Yes 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 S400 stands out

Dolphin S400 is the better fit for inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.

Where Dolphin T45 stands out

Dolphin T45 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,499 starting price.

  • Is listed $300 lower

Dolphin S400 vs Dolphin T45 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 S400 Dolphin T45
Best fit Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
Starting price $1,799 $1,499
Pool type Inground Inground
Maximum pool length Up to 50 ft Up to 50 ft
Cleaning coverage Floor, Walls, Waterline Floor, Walls, Waterline
Power Corded Corded
Filtration Basket, UltraFilter Basket, UltraFilter
Scheduling Weekly schedule + app 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
Final call

Consider the stronger Pool Express option

Dolphin S400 and Dolphin T45 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.

Buy Dolphin Quantum

Keep comparing without rebuilding the same specification table yourself.