Head-to-Head Comparison
Dolphin Premium 30 vs Dolphin Explorer E20
Our pool experts compare features, filtration, specs, and value to help you pick the right robotic pool cleaner.
Dolphin Explorer E20 or Dolphin Premium 30 — which wins?
Our Recommendations
Neither the Dolphin Premium 30 nor the Dolphin Explorer E20 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 Escape
- Free NanoFilter Panels with Purchase
- Active Brush - Scrubs 2X Faster
- 2 Year Warranty
- Built for Above Ground and Inground Pools Up to 33ft
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
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
More ways to save on the Escape
Certified & warranty-backedMore ways to save on the Cayman
Certified & warranty-backedMore ways to save on the Quantum
Certified & warranty-backedWhat Sets Them Apart
Key Differences
Premium 30
- In-Store Exclusive - Sold through pool stores only, so no online price, free shipping or 30-day trial
- No Smartphone App - No control or scheduling from your phone
- 2-Year Warranty - The Dolphin Premier and Sigma carry 3 years
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
Side by Side
Feature Comparison
The features that matter most when comparing the Dolphin Premium 30 and Dolphin Explorer E20.
| Feature | Premium 30 | Explorer E20 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
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
| Premium 30 | Explorer E20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Part Number | 99996240-PR3 | 99996148-XP |
| Waterline Cleaning | Yes | No |
| Multi-Media® | No | No |
| Filters Included | Ultra-Fine Filter Kit | 1 |
| Filter Cleaning | Top Access | Top Access |
| Cleaning Coverage | Floor, Walls and Waterline | Floor and Walls |
| Cleaning Cycle | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Number of Brushes | 2 | 1 |
| Cable Length | — | 50 ft |
| Anti-Tangle Swivel | Yes | No |
| Pool Types | In-Ground & Above Ground | In Ground |
| Maximum Pool Size | 50 ft | 33 ft |
| Pool Shape | Rectangle, Round, Freeform, or Kidney | Rectangle, Oval, or Freeform |
| Obstacles | — | Steps, Ladder, Drain Cover, Ledges, Pop-Ups |
| Surface | — | Gunite, Fiberglass, Vinyl, Liner |
| Media-Alert® | No | No |
| Hands-Off Weekly Timer | Yes | No |
| Daily Recharging Required | No | No |
| Smartphone App | No | No |
| Remote Operation | No | No |
| 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 Premium 30
Read Dolphin Premium 30 ReviewDolphin Explorer E20
Read Dolphin Explorer E20 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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