Head-to-Head Comparison
Polaris 9550 Sport 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 Polaris 9550 Sport — which wins?
Our Recommendations
Neither the Polaris 9550 Sport nor the Dolphin Explorer E20 is a cleaner we carry. Here are the robots our pool experts recommend instead — proven Dolphin ProLine and Max-Series models, each backed by the full manufacturer warranty and our 30-day in-pool trial.
Dolphin Cayman
- Free NanoFilter Panels with Purchase
- Active Brush - Scrubs 2X Faster
- 2 Year Warranty
- Built for Above Ground and Inground Pools Up to 33ft
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 Quantum
- myDolphin Plus App with Weekly Timer
- XXL MaxBin™ with NanoFilters
- 2 Year Warranty
- Built for Inground & Above Ground Pools up to 50ft
What Sets Them Apart
Key Differences
9550 Sport
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 Polaris 9550 Sport and Dolphin Explorer E20.
| Feature | 9550 Sport | Explorer E20 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Filter |
Explained
Compare Features in Detail
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
| 9550 Sport | Explorer E20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Part Number | — | 99996148-XP |
| Waterline Cleaning | — | No |
| Multi-Media® | No | No |
| Filters Included | — | 1 |
| Filter Cleaning | — | Top Access |
| Cleaning Coverage | — | Floor and Walls |
| Cleaning Cycle | — | 2 hours |
| Number of Brushes | — | 1 |
| Cable Length | — | 50 ft |
| Anti-Tangle Swivel | — | No |
| Pool Types | In Ground | In Ground |
| Maximum Pool Size | — | 33 ft |
| Pool Shape | — | Rectangle, Oval, or Freeform |
| Obstacles | — | Steps, Ladder, Drain Cover, Ledges, Pop-Ups |
| Surface | — | Gunite, Fiberglass, Vinyl, Liner |
| Media-Alert® | — | No |
| Automated Weekly Timer | — | No |
| Remote Operation | — | No |
| Restocking Fee | — | No |
| Warranty | — | 2 Years |
Go Deeper
Read Our Expert Reviews
Our in-depth reviews are written by pool experts to help you make an informed decision.
Polaris 9550 Sport
Read Polaris 9550 Sport 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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