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Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Dolphin Wave 120 vs Dolphin Wave 90i

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

Dolphin Wave 120 Dolphin Wave 90i
Better alternative

A stronger Pool Express option

Dolphin Wave 120 and Dolphin Wave 90i are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Wave 100. Commercial pools up to 88 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.

A better alternative

What we recommend instead

Buying guidance

Dolphin Wave 120 or Dolphin Wave 90i: our take

Dolphin Wave 120 and Dolphin Wave 90i 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 120 is rated for pools up to 121 ft; Dolphin Wave 90i is rated up to 65 ft. Each cleans floor, walls, and waterline, so coverage alone does not separate them. Dolphin Wave 120's documented cleaning system includes Commercial-grade motors.

Filtration and debris

The available manufacturer records do not fully identify the filter media supplied with either robot, so filtration should be confirmed before ordering.

Controls and day-to-day ownership

Dolphin Wave 120 provides no fully published timer, app or remote specification; Dolphin Wave 90i provides smartphone control. Both use continuous corded power.

Price, warranty and the decision

Dolphin Wave 120 is listed at $7,899 and Dolphin Wave 90i at $2,399; Dolphin Wave 90i is $5,500 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Dolphin Wave 120 and Dolphin Wave 90i each have a specific fit, but neither is the Pool Express pick for this job. Our better alternative 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 Wave 120 Dolphin Wave 90i
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 Yes
Anti-tangle swivel Not listed 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 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
  • For pools up to 121 ft

Where Dolphin Wave 90i stands out

Dolphin Wave 90i is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $2,399 starting price.

  • Has documented smartphone control
  • Is listed $5,500 lower

Dolphin Wave 120 vs Dolphin Wave 90i 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 Wave 120 Dolphin Wave 90i
Best fit Commercial pools up to 121 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning. Commercial pools up to 65 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.
Starting price $7,899 $2,399
Pool type Commercial Commercial
Maximum pool length Up to 121 ft Up to 65 ft
Cleaning coverage Floor, Walls, Waterline Floor, Walls, Waterline
Power Corded Corded
Filtration Not listed Not listed
Scheduling Not listed Not listed
App and remote Not listed App control
Cable Not listed Not listed
Robot weight Not listed Not listed
Warranty 2 years 2 years
Final call

Consider the stronger Pool Express option

Dolphin Wave 120 and Dolphin Wave 90i are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Wave 100. Commercial pools up to 88 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.

Buy Dolphin Wave 100

Keep comparing without rebuilding the same specification table yourself.