Head-to-Head Comparison

Polaris PCX 868 iQ Smart vs Dolphin Cayman

Our pool experts compare features, filtration, specs, and value to help you pick the right robotic pool cleaner.

Polaris PCX 868 iQ Smart

Explore Polaris Robotic Pool Cleaners →

$1695

View PCX 868 iQ smart

Our Top Pick

Dolphin Cayman

Explore Dolphin Max-Series™ →

★★★★☆ 4.4 (103)

$1079$1299

Save $220

Open Box $1059 Refurbished $999

View Cayman

Dolphin Cayman or Polaris PCX 868 iQ Smart — which wins?

Our pick: the Dolphin Cayman

Diving into the Polaris PCX 868 iQ Smart vs Dolphin Cayman, our pool experts weigh filtration, cleaning coverage, smart features, and value. For most pools, the Dolphin Cayman is the robot we recommend — and right now you save $220.

More ways to save on the Cayman

Certified & warranty-backed

Save $20

Certified Open Box · $1059

Save $80

Certified Refurbished · $999

What Sets Them Apart

Key Differences

PCX 868 iQ smart

Cayman

Best Pool Robot Under $1,500 with NanoFilter™ capability, Weekly Timer, HyperBrush, and Wall Climbing.
MaxBin™ is larger and easier to clean than filter cartridges
Wall Climbing - Complete floor and wall coverage
FREE NanoFilters with purchase using code at checkout: DEEPCLEAN23
Weekly Timer - Schedule the robot to automatically clean
HyperBrush - Scrubs 2X the speed of standard Dolphin robots

Side by Side

Feature Comparison

The features that matter most when comparing the Polaris PCX 868 iQ Smart and Dolphin Cayman.

Feature	PCX 868 iQ smart	CaymanOur Pick
Standard Filter
NanoFilters™		Optional
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

NanoFilters™

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. On some models NanoFilters are included; on others (like the Escape and Cayman) they're an inexpensive optional add-on. Learn more ›

Polaris PCX 868 iQ Smart does not

Optional Dolphin Cayman optional upgrade

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.

Polaris PCX 868 iQ Smart does not

Dolphin Cayman includes this

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 ›

Polaris PCX 868 iQ Smart warranty varies

Dolphin Cayman 2-year warranty

Watch

Videos

See the Polaris PCX 868 iQ Smart and Dolphin Cayman in action.

The Details

Specifications

	PCX 868 iQ smart	Cayman
Part Number	—	99996135-SPL
Waterline Cleaning	—	No
Multi-Media®	No	No
Filters Included	—	1
Filter Cleaning	—	MaxBin
Cleaning Coverage	—	Floor, Walls
Cleaning Cycle	—	1.5 hours
Number of Brushes	—	1
Cable Length	—	50 ft
Anti-Tangle Swivel	—	No
Pool Types	In Ground	In Ground & Above Ground
Maximum Pool Size	—	33 ft
Pool Shape	—	Rectangle, Oval, or Freeform
Obstacles	—	Steps, Ladder, Drain Cover, Ledges, Pop-Ups
Surface	—	Concrete, Plaster, Gunite, Pebble, Tile, Vinyl Liner, Fiberglass
Media-Alert®	—	No
Hands-Off Weekly Timer	No	Yes
Daily Recharging Required	No	No
Smartphone App	No	No
Remote Operation	—	No
Restocking Fee	—	No
Warranty	—	2 Years