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Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Dolphin W20 vs Dolphin Wave 100

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

Dolphin W20 Dolphin Wave 100
Pool Express pick

Our pick: Dolphin Wave 100

Dolphin Wave 100 is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Wave 100 includes a 100 ft cable. Dolphin Wave 100's documented advantages include standard filters.

Pool Express pick

Why Dolphin Wave 100 is our pick

Buying guidance

Dolphin W20 or Dolphin Wave 100: our take

Dolphin W20 and Dolphin Wave 100 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 commercial pools. Dolphin Wave 100 has a published maximum pool length of 88 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 W20 lists Commercial-grade motors. Dolphin Wave 100 lists Gyroscope navigation and Commercial-grade motors.

Filtration and debris

Dolphin Wave 100 has documented included filtration—Standard filter—while the other model's included media is not fully published.

Controls and day-to-day ownership

Both models provide no fully published timer, app or remote specification. Dolphin W20 uses continuous corded power, while Dolphin Wave 100 uses a 100 ft corded cable.

Price, warranty and the decision

Dolphin W20 is listed at $1,999 and Dolphin Wave 100 at $4,699; Dolphin W20 is $2,700 less. Dolphin W20 lists a 3-year warranty compared with 2 years for Dolphin Wave 100. Pool Express pick: Dolphin Wave 100. Dolphin Wave 100 includes a 100 ft cable. Dolphin Wave 100's documented advantages include standard filters. Choose Dolphin W20 when it is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,999 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 W20 Dolphin Wave 100
Cleans the pool floor Yes Yes
Climbs and cleans walls Yes Yes
Scrubs the waterline Yes Yes
Fine-debris filter included No No
Large-debris filter No No
Automatic scheduling Not listed Not listed
Smartphone app Not listed Not listed
Anti-tangle swivel Not listed Not listed
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 W20 stands out

Dolphin W20 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,999 starting price.

  • Carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years
  • Is listed $2,700 lower

Where Dolphin Wave 100 stands out

Dolphin Wave 100 is the better fit for commercial pools up to 88 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.

  • 100 ft cable
  • Standard filters

Dolphin W20 vs Dolphin Wave 100 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 W20 Dolphin Wave 100
Best fit Commercial pools that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning. Commercial pools up to 88 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.
Starting price $1,999 $4,699
Pool type Commercial Commercial
Maximum pool length Not listed Up to 88 ft
Cleaning coverage Floor, Walls, Waterline Floor, Walls, Waterline
Power Corded Corded
Filtration Not listed Standard filter
Scheduling Not listed Not listed
App and remote Not listed Not listed
Cable Not listed 100 ft
Robot weight Not listed Not listed
Warranty 3 years 2 years
Final call

Choose Dolphin Wave 100

Dolphin Wave 100 is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Wave 100 includes a 100 ft cable. Dolphin Wave 100's documented advantages include standard filters.

Buy Dolphin Wave 100

Keep comparing without rebuilding the same specification table yourself.