Help me choose
Our pick: Dolphin Sigma
Dolphin Sigma is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Sigma includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris. Dolphin Sigma carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years.
ProLine
Dolphin Sigma
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
Explorer
Dolphin Explorer E30
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.
Why Dolphin Sigma is our pick
Dolphin Sigma
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
$2,399
Buy Dolphin SigmaDolphin Sigma or Dolphin Explorer E30: our take
Dolphin Sigma and Dolphin Explorer E30 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 Sigma's documented cleaning system includes 2 active brushes, SmartNav 3.0 with gyroscope navigation, and Triple commercial-grade DC motors.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Sigma includes Standard filter and NanoFilters; Dolphin Explorer E30 includes Basket. That gives Dolphin Sigma the clearer documented edge for fine silt, pollen and sand. Dolphin Explorer E30 has the better documented path for bulky leaves and larger debris.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin Sigma provides a weekly timer, smartphone control, and included remote control; Dolphin Explorer E30 provides a weekly timer and smartphone control. Dolphin Sigma uses a 55 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel, while Dolphin Explorer E30 uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Sigma is listed at $2,399 and Dolphin Explorer E30 at $1,099; Dolphin Explorer E30 is $1,300 less. Dolphin Sigma lists a 3-year warranty compared with 2 years for Dolphin Explorer E30. Pool Express pick: Dolphin Sigma. Dolphin Sigma includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris. Dolphin Sigma carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years. Choose Dolphin Explorer E30 when it is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,099 starting price.
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 Sigma | Dolphin Explorer E30 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | YesEdge |
| Automatic scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Smartphone app | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-tangle swivel | Yes | Yes |
| 3-year warranty | YesEdge | 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 Sigma stands out
Dolphin Sigma is the better fit for inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
- Includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris
- Carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years
Where Dolphin Explorer E30 stands out
Dolphin Explorer E30 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,099 starting price.
- Includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves
- Is listed $1,300 lower
Dolphin Sigma vs Dolphin Explorer E30 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 Sigma | Dolphin Explorer E30 |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Starting price | $2,399 | $1,099 |
| 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 | Standard filter, NanoFilters | Basket |
| Scheduling | Weekly schedule + app | Weekly schedule + app |
| App and remote | App + included remote | App control |
| Cable | 55 ft with anti-tangle swivel | 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel |
| Robot weight | 24.6 lb | Not listed |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |
Choose Dolphin Sigma
Dolphin Sigma is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Sigma includes filtration for sand, pollen and other fine debris. Dolphin Sigma carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years.
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