For above-ground and small in-ground pool owners seeking reliable, efficient cleaning solutions, the Dolphin Active 10 vs Dolphin S50 have emerged as two leading choices in the entry-level robotic pool cleaner segment. Both models are manufactured by Maytronics and are engineered with ease of use, energy efficiency, and powerful debris removal in mind.
While they appear nearly identical in design, subtle distinctions in navigation, cleaning dynamics, and internal configurations may sway potential buyers depending on their specific needs. In this comprehensive breakdown, we examine every aspect of these two compact robotic cleaners to determine which one offers the most value and superior performance.
Contents
- Differences Between Dolphin Active 10 vs Dolphin Dolphin S50
- Design and Portability
- Pool Compatibility and Cleaning Coverage
- Navigation and Cleaning Efficiency
- Brush System and Floor Scrubbing Performance
- Filtration System and Debris Handling
- Mobility System and Pool Surface Traction
- Cycle Time and Power Efficiency
- Cable Design and Tangle Resistance
- Smart Features and Scheduling Capability
- Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Active 10
- Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Dolphin S50
- Conclusion
Differences Between Dolphin Active 10 vs Dolphin Dolphin S50
Design and Portability
Both the Dolphin Active 10 and Dolphin S50 share a lightweight, ergonomic design. Each weighs approximately 13.8 lbs, making them among the lightest robotic pool cleaners on the market. Their compact structure allows for easy handling, fast deployment, and straightforward storage. The top-mounted handle on each unit provides a firm grip for lifting in and out of the pool, while the minimalistic exterior offers both visual appeal and practicality.
Build quality for both units is solid, with UV- and chemical-resistant plastic housing designed to endure routine exposure to chlorinated water and sun. While both models look similar, the Active 10 may be offered through specialized pool stores under a slightly different branding scheme compared to the S50, which is often available through broader retail outlets.
Winner: Tie
In terms of design, portability, and durability, both robots offer the same standard of lightweight build quality and convenience.
Pool Compatibility and Cleaning Coverage
Both the Active 10 and S50 are optimized for above-ground pools up to 30 feet in length, with cleaning coverage limited to the floor. This makes them ideal for round, oval, or rectangular pools with flat bottoms where wall or waterline cleaning isn’t necessary.
Their compact size and maneuverability also make them suitable for small in-ground pools without steep inclines. However, they will not clean pool walls or climb to the waterline, which is a limitation shared by both models.
Winner: Tie
With identical cleaning coverage and pool compatibility, both units are evenly matched in this category.
The Dolphin Active 10 comes equipped with CleverClean™ Technology, a smart navigation system that scans the pool floor and charts a semi-optimized cleaning path. It improves efficiency by avoiding excessive overlap and helps the cleaner cover the entire floor within its 1.5-hour cleaning cycle.
The Dolphin S50, in contrast, features a basic smart scanning system that follows a more randomized cleaning pattern. While it still completes a full cycle within the same duration, it may not be as consistent or efficient in evenly covering the floor, especially in irregularly shaped pools.
Winner: Dolphin Active 10
With its enhanced CleverClean navigation system, the Active 10 is more intelligent in its pathing and better optimized for thorough floor coverage.
Brush System and Floor Scrubbing Performance
Both the Active 10 and S50 include a single active front brush, which rotates faster than the robot’s movement speed to agitate and lift debris from the pool floor. The brush is composed of durable PVC bristles, effective on vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete surfaces.
Performance in scrubbing fine dirt, sand, algae, and minor biofilm buildup is excellent on both models. While they don’t scrub vertical walls, their aggressive brush action ensures that the floor remains free from debris and buildup after every cleaning session.
Winner: Tie
With identical active brush configurations, both models offer equal scrubbing strength and performance on pool floors.
Filtration System and Debris Handling
The Dolphin Active 10 features a top-load fine filter basket, which is easy to access and clean. It captures common debris such as leaves, dirt, and insects. Importantly, the filter is upgradeable to an ultra-fine cartridge, which allows it to trap finer particles like sand, dust, and pollen for clearer pool water.
The Dolphin S50 also includes a top-load fine filter basket, though the material and mesh design are slightly different in rigidity and appearance. The ultra-fine cartridge is compatible with both models, but some users report that the S50’s standard filter may clog faster when exposed to heavy debris loads.
Winner: Dolphin Active 10
With a slightly larger and more efficient filtration system that better handles debris volume, the Active 10 pulls ahead in filtration performance.
Mobility System and Pool Surface Traction
Both robots operate on standard non-slip wheels, designed to offer reliable traction on flat pool floors. These wheels provide smooth movement and allow the cleaner to adjust to minor floor imperfections, seams, or transitions.
Neither model includes a track-based mobility system, which is found in higher-end Dolphin units. On slick surfaces with algae buildup, wheel slippage can occasionally occur, although it rarely affects overall cleaning performance in a dry, maintained pool.
Winner: Tie
Mobility and traction are equal on both units, making them functionally equivalent for flat floor cleaning.
Cycle Time and Power Efficiency
Each unit runs on a 1.5-hour cleaning cycle, optimized to balance thoroughness with energy savings. The internal motor systems are low-voltage and energy-efficient, allowing the cleaners to consume minimal electricity while providing strong suction power.
Neither model requires a booster pump or integration into the pool’s existing filtration system. They are completely independent, plug-and-play machines that connect to a standard power outlet through the included control unit.
Winner: Tie
Identical energy usage and cleaning cycle durations ensure equal performance in energy savings and operational simplicity.
Cable Design and Tangle Resistance
The Active 10 and S50 both come with a 40-foot floating cable, sufficient for their intended pool size. However, neither includes a swivel cable, which can occasionally result in minor tangling during repeated directional changes or prolonged use.
Due to the Active 10’s more calculated pathing, it tends to create fewer cable twists over time, while the S50’s randomized navigation may cause slightly more cable stress in the long run.
Winner: Dolphin Active 10
With more efficient route mapping, the Active 10 reduces the likelihood of cable tangles during standard operation.
Smart Features and Scheduling Capability
Neither the Dolphin Active 10 nor the Dolphin S50 includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity, or automated scheduling features. Users must initiate the cleaning cycle manually using the external power supply.
This minimalist design suits users looking for simple functionality without the need for app-based control or complex programming. However, those wanting smart home integration or scheduled cleaning cycles will need to consider more advanced models like the Dolphin S200 or S300.
Winner: Tie
Both models are equally simple in control and lack automation, catering to budget-conscious users who prefer straightforward operation.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Active 10
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Dolphin S50
Conclusion
Choose Dolphin S50 if you need a cost-effective, reliable robotic pool cleaner that handles floor cleaning in a basic above-ground pool. It’s a great choice for first-time buyers or those with tight budgets who want simple, efficient pool maintenance without additional frills.
Choose Dolphin Active 10 if you want a more optimized cleaning experience, with better navigation, superior filtration flexibility, and slightly reduced cable tangling. It delivers more consistent results and is ideal for pool owners who want slightly more performance and future-ready compatibility with upgraded filter options.
Overall Winner: Dolphin Active 10
With smarter navigation, enhanced debris handling, and better long-term performance under frequent use, the Dolphin Active 10 proves to be the more capable and refined robotic pool cleaner in this head-to-head comparison.