Head-to-Head Comparison
Dolphin Explorer E20 vs Clear S
Our pool experts compare features, filtration, specs, and value to help you pick the right robotic pool cleaner.
Clear S or Dolphin Explorer E20 — which wins?
Our pick: the Clear S
Diving into the Dolphin Explorer E20 vs Clear S, our pool experts weigh filtration, cleaning coverage, smart features, and value. For most pools, the Clear S is the robot we recommend — and right now you save $1000.
What Sets Them Apart
Key Differences
Explorer E20
- No Waterline Cleaning - Won't clean the dirtest part of your pool
- No Anti-Tangle Swivel
- No NanoFilters™ - Cannot clean smaller debris and algae
- Overshadowed by the newer Gen 2 models with more features - such as the ProLine and Max-Series
Clear S
- UltraBin with 4 UltraFilter Panels - 1μm / 180μm filter precision in a single oversized basket
- Quad Motor System - Twin drive motors + twin pump motors for traction and suction
- Built-in Water Temperature Display - Real-time pool temp in the app every cycle
- Floor, Walls & Waterline Coverage - Active scrubbing brush plus rear brush
- Wi-Fi + Bluetooth App - Six cleaning modes, weekly timer, and joystick remote control
- 3 Year Warranty - Industry-leading coverage that isn't prorated
Side by Side
Feature Comparison
The features that matter most when comparing the Dolphin Explorer E20 and Clear S.
| Feature | Explorer E20 | Clear SOur Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Filter | ||
| NanoFilters™ / UltraFilters™ | ||
| Wall Climbing | ||
| Waterline Cleaning | ||
| Programmable Weekly Timer | ||
| Gyroscope Navigation | ||
| Anti-Tangle Swivel | ||
| 3-Year Warranty |
Explained
Compare Features in Detail
NanoFilters™ & UltraFilters™
Often overlooked, a NanoFilter™ can be the most important part of a pool robot. Without it, microscopic particulate — fine dust, pollen, and algae — passes right through the standard filters found on most robots. These ultra-fine filters trap that debris for a noticeably cleaner, healthier pool. The Clear S uses UltraFilters™ — the UltraBin's ultra-fine filter panels — which are directly comparable to NanoFilters™, capturing the same fine dust, pollen, and algae for an equally clean pool. Learn more ›
Programmable Weekly Timer
An automatic pool cleaner should be automatic. A programmable weekly timer sets the robot to clean on a schedule — every day, every other day, or a few times a week — without you turning it on and off.
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. The Dolphin Explorer E20 is backed by a 2-year warranty, while the Clear S carries a 3-year 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
| Explorer E20 | Clear S | |
|---|---|---|
| Part Number | 99996148-XP | NEW-CLEAR-S |
| Waterline Cleaning | No | Yes |
| Multi-Media® | No | No |
| Filters Included | 1 | 2 |
| Filter Cleaning | Top Access | UltraBin filter basket with 4 UltraFilter panels (2 sets included; 1 pre-installed) |
| Cleaning Coverage | Floor and Walls | Floor, Walls, Waterline |
| Cleaning Cycle | 2 hours | 1, 2, 3 hours |
| Number of Brushes | 1 | 2 |
| Cable Length | 50 ft | 59 ft |
| Anti-Tangle Swivel | No | Yes |
| Pool Types | In Ground | In Ground |
| Maximum Pool Size | 33 ft | 50 ft |
| Pool Shape | Rectangle, Oval, or Freeform | Rectangle, Oval, or Freeform |
| Obstacles | Steps, Ladder, Drain Cover, Ledges, Pop-Ups | Steps, Ladder, Drain Cover, Ledges, Pop-Ups |
| Surface | Gunite, Fiberglass, Vinyl, Liner | Concrete, Plaster, Gunite, Pebble, Tile, Vinyl Liner, Fiberglass |
| Media-Alert® | No | No |
| Automated Weekly Timer | No | Yes |
| Remote Operation | No | Yes - Virtual Joystick in App |
| Restocking Fee | No | No |
| Warranty | 2 Years | 3 Years |
Go Deeper
Read Our Expert Reviews
Our in-depth reviews are written by pool experts to help you make an informed decision.
Dolphin Explorer E20
Read Dolphin Explorer E20 ReviewClear S
Read Clear S 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
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Videos
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Pool Volume Calculator
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Read more →Try It in Your Own Pool for 30 Days
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