Head-to-Head Comparison
Dolphin Active 2000 vs Dolphin Wave 80
Our pool experts compare features, filtration, specs, and value to help you pick the right robotic pool cleaner.
Dolphin Wave 80 or Dolphin Active 2000 — which wins?
Our Recommendations
Neither the Dolphin Active 2000 nor the Dolphin Wave 80 is one of the cleaners our pool experts promote. Consider a proven ProLine, Max-Series, or Clear model instead — each is backed by its full manufacturer warranty and our 30-day in-pool trial.
Dolphin Quantum
Open Box $1529Refurbished $1419
- myDolphin Plus App with Weekly Timer
- XXL MaxBin™ with NanoFilters
- 2 Year Warranty
- Built for Inground & Above Ground Pools up to 50ft
Dolphin Premier
Open Box $1949Refurbished $1499
- ProLine™ Commercial-Grade Motors
- Leaf Bag, NanoFilters, & More Included
- 3 Year Warranty
- Built for Inground & Above Ground pools up to 50ft
Dolphin Cayman
Open Box $1059Refurbished $999
- Free NanoFilter Panels with Purchase
- Active Brush - Scrubs 2X Faster
- 2 Year Warranty
- Built for Above Ground and Inground Pools Up to 33ft
More ways to save on the Quantum
Certified & warranty-backedMore ways to save on the Premier
Certified & warranty-backedMore ways to save on the Cayman
Certified & warranty-backedWhat Sets Them Apart
Key Differences
Active 2000
- In-Store Exclusive - Sold through pool stores only, so no online price, free shipping or 30-day trial
- 2-Year Warranty - The Dolphin Premier and Sigma carry 3 years
Wave 80
Side by Side
Feature Comparison
The features that matter most when comparing the Dolphin Active 2000 and Dolphin Wave 80.
| Feature | Active 2000 | Wave 80 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Filter | ||
| NanoFilters™ | ||
| Multi-Media™ | ||
| Oversized Leaf Bag | ||
| Wall Climbing | ||
| Waterline Cleaning | ||
| Hands-Off Weekly Timer | ||
| Hands-Off Daily Cleaning | ✓ No manual recharge | ✓ No manual recharge |
| Smartphone App Control | ||
| Full Filter Indicator | ||
| Gyroscope Navigation | ||
| Dual Stabilizer | ||
| Anti-Tangle Swivel | ||
| 3-Year Warranty |
Explained
Compare Features in Detail
Hands-Off Weekly Timer
An automatic pool cleaner should be automatic. A true weekly timer runs a complete pool-cleaning cycle on schedule — every day, every other day, or a few times a week — without you retrieving or recharging the robot between cycles.
Smartphone App Control
App connectivity can put scheduling, cycle selection and cleaner status on your phone, although the exact controls vary by model.
Full Filter Indicator
Know exactly when it's time to clean. The power supply alerts you directly when the filter is full — no need to pull out the unit to check.
Dual Stabilizer
Essential for waterline cleaning, dual stabilizers let the unit cling to the walls for a more precise, deeper clean at the waterline — with increased agility and an easy pickup handle.
Anti-Tangle Cable Swivel
Say goodbye to tangled cords. An anti-tangle swivel lets the robot move 360° around your pool without the cord getting tangled, so you can sit back while it cleans. Learn more ›
Warranty Coverage
A robot is only as good as its warranty. Buying through an Authorized Dealer like Poolbots gets you the full manufacturer warranty — never pro-rated or limited by cleaning cycles — plus a 30-day in-pool trial with no restocking fees. Learn more ›
The Details
Specifications
| Active 2000 | Wave 80 | |
|---|---|---|
| Part Number | 99996291-A20 | 99991080-US |
| Waterline Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Media® | No | No |
| Filters Included | Ultra-Fine Filter Kit | 1 |
| Filter Cleaning | Top Access | Top Access |
| Cleaning Coverage | Floor, Walls and Waterline, Steps, Sun Ledge | Floor, Walls and Waterline |
| Cleaning Cycle | 2, 2.5, 3 hours | 1.5, 2.5 hours |
| Number of Brushes | 2 | 3 |
| Cable Length | — | 80 ft |
| Anti-Tangle Swivel | Yes | Yes |
| Pool Types | In-Ground & Above Ground | In Ground |
| Maximum Pool Size | 40 ft | 68 ft |
| Pool Shape | Rectangle, Round, Freeform, or Kidney | Rectangular, Free Shape, Hopper, Kidney, Zero (beach) entry |
| Obstacles | — | Steps, Ladder, Drain Cover, Ledges, Pop-Ups |
| Surface | — | Gunite, Fiberglass, Vinyl, Liner |
| Media-Alert® | No | Yes |
| Hands-Off Weekly Timer | Yes | No |
| Daily Recharging Required | No | No |
| Smartphone App | Yes | No |
| Remote Operation | No | Yes |
| Restocking Fee | — | No |
| Warranty | 2 Years | 2 Years |
Go Deeper
Read Our Expert Reviews
Our in-depth reviews are written by pool experts to help you make an informed decision.
Dolphin Active 2000
Read Dolphin Active 2000 ReviewDolphin Wave 80
Read Dolphin Wave 80 ReviewKeep Comparing
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What’s Next?
Still narrowing it down? These expert guides and tools make it easy to find the right pool robot for your pool — most ship free, same day.
Pool Robot Buying Guide
Everything to know before you buy your first robot.
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Robot Selector
Answer a few quick questions and get a recommendation.
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Videos
Watch reviews, comparisons, and expert how-tos.
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Pool Volume Calculator
Calculate your exact pool volume to find the right robot.
Read more →Try It in Your Own Pool for 30 Days
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