For homeowners seeking a lightweight, cost-effective robotic pool cleaner for small to medium-sized above-ground pools, the Dolphin Active 10 vs Dolphin T15 are two highly regarded options. Both units are compact, energy-efficient, and capable of delivering impressive floor-only cleaning results.
Manufactured by Maytronics, these two models often spark comparison due to their similar specifications, target market, and physical design. However, beneath the surface, differences in branding, distribution channels, and performance details set them apart. In this full comparison, we examine how the Dolphin Active 10 stacks up against the Dolphin T15 to help you determine which model offers the better value, reliability, and long-term satisfaction.
Contents
- Differences Between Dolphin Active 10 vs Dolphin Dolphin T15
- Build Quality and Portability
- Cleaning Coverage and Pool Compatibility
- Navigation and Smart Movement
- Brush System and Floor Scrubbing Performance
- Filtration and Debris Handling
- Mobility and Floor Traction
- Cable Length and Tangle Management
- Cleaning Cycle and Operational Efficiency
- Control and User Interface
- Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Active 10
- Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Dolphin T15
- Conclusion
Differences Between Dolphin Active 10 vs Dolphin Dolphin T15
Build Quality and Portability
The Dolphin Active 10 and Dolphin T15 are virtually identical in design, sharing the same chassis dimensions, construction materials, and ergonomic handle placement. Both cleaners are made from high-quality thermoplastic material that resists UV degradation and pool chemicals. Each unit weighs just 13.8 lbs, making them extremely portable and manageable for users of all ages.
Their compact form factor allows for convenient storage, easy lifting in and out of the pool, and minimal footprint when not in use. The handle is sturdy and well-positioned to keep the unit balanced when removing it from the water.
Winner: Tie
Both units offer equal durability and portability, built for everyday above-ground pool maintenance.
Cleaning Coverage and Pool Compatibility
Each model is designed specifically for above-ground pools up to 30 feet in length, making them a perfect match for round, oval, or rectangular pools with flat or gently sloped floors. They do not climb walls or clean the waterline, which is typical in this product tier.
Their cleaning focus is purely on the pool floor, where most dirt, sand, leaves, and other debris settle. The lightweight body combined with their active brush system ensures that these cleaners can navigate the floor area efficiently without missing large sections.
Winner: Tie
Both models are suited for the same type of pool and offer equal floor-cleaning coverage.
The Dolphin Active 10 and Dolphin T15 are both equipped with CleverClean™ Technology, Maytronics’ intelligent navigation system designed to optimize floor coverage. The technology scans and maps the pool floor, guiding the robot to avoid redundant cleaning paths and maximize efficiency within a 1.5-hour cleaning cycle.
Their movement is smooth and purposeful, allowing them to clean the entire floor without getting stuck or repeating the same area excessively. Despite the absence of gyroscopic or camera-based mapping found in premium models, their smart scanning system delivers consistent, well-distributed coverage.
Winner: Tie
Each cleaner features the same navigation algorithm and movement system, delivering equal intelligence in cleaning pattern execution.
Brush System and Floor Scrubbing Performance
Both robotic cleaners use a single active front brush, which spins independently to aggressively scrub the pool floor. This brush rotates faster than the robot moves, allowing it to lift fine particles such as sand, silt, and algae. The brush is made of PVC bristles, designed for durability and compatibility with all standard pool surfaces, including vinyl and fiberglass.
In real-world use, this brush design helps keep pool floors clean without requiring manual brushing. It’s particularly effective after storms or in environments with organic debris buildup.
Winner: Tie
Scrubbing performance is equal between the Active 10 and T15 due to identical brush design and motor speed.
Filtration and Debris Handling
The Dolphin Active 10 and Dolphin T15 each include a top-load fine filter basket, which provides easy access from the top of the unit. These filters are simple to remove, rinse, and reinstall. The basket is large enough to capture most types of pool debris, including leaves, twigs, dirt, and insects.
Importantly, both models are compatible with ultra-fine filter cartridges, which are sold separately. These upgrades allow for significantly improved filtration of fine debris such as pollen, algae spores, and dust, making the water visibly clearer.
Winner: Tie
Both units offer equal filtration performance with the same upgrade path to ultra-fine filter compatibility.
Mobility and Floor Traction
The Active 10 and T15 are equipped with standard wheels that allow the robot to glide smoothly across flat surfaces. While not as grippy as rubber tracks used in high-end models, these wheels provide adequate traction for above-ground pools with smooth liners.
Neither model is designed to climb or traverse vertical surfaces, but on flat pool floors, the movement is stable and uninterrupted.
Winner: Tie
Floor traction is identical on both models, and mobility performance is equally reliable in their intended environments.
Cable Length and Tangle Management
Each cleaner includes a 40-foot floating cable, offering just the right amount of length to accommodate pools up to 30 feet. These cables are non-swivel, meaning they lack the rotating anti-tangle mechanism found in premium units. However, because the cleaning patterns are relatively uniform and the pool sizes are modest, tangling is infrequent in practice.
The light weight of the cable also contributes to smooth navigation and minimal resistance as the cleaner moves throughout the pool.
Winner: Tie
Both units offer the same cable design and length, with no swivel but minimal tangling in typical usage.
Cleaning Cycle and Operational Efficiency
Both models complete their cleaning tasks within a 1.5-hour cycle, making them among the fastest robots in the Dolphin lineup. They operate on low-voltage DC motors that consume far less energy than traditional suction-side or pressure-side cleaners.
The plug-and-play operation requires no integration with the pool’s filtration system. Simply place the robot in the pool, press the power button on the control unit, and let it work. It automatically shuts off at the end of the cycle.
Winner: Tie
Energy efficiency and cleaning duration are equal, with both units designed for quick and economical performance.
Control and User Interface
Neither the Dolphin Active 10 nor the Dolphin T15 offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or remote scheduling capabilities. All controls are manual, managed directly through the external power supply. This simplicity keeps the interface user-friendly and makes operation straightforward for users who prefer basic functionality.
There is no option for delayed starts, weekly scheduling, or mobile app integration—features reserved for more advanced models like the Dolphin S200 or S300.
Winner: Tie
Both models provide simple manual control, ideal for users who want no-hassle daily use without added tech complexity.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Active 10
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Dolphin T15
Conclusion
Choose Dolphin T15 if you want a straightforward robotic pool cleaner that offers fast, reliable floor cleaning, excellent filtration, and a trusted brand name through large online or retail outlets. It’s a great option for first-time users who want ease of use and effective performance in an above-ground pool environment.
Choose Dolphin Active 10 if you want identical performance with the added flexibility of purchasing through authorized pool dealers, possibly with enhanced support and upgraded service packages depending on the distributor.
Overall Winner: Tie
With identical specs, navigation, filtration, and cleaning results, the Dolphin Active 10 and Dolphin T15 are equal in technical capability. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in purchasing channel, support expectations, and aesthetic branding. Both models remain top-tier choices in the compact robotic pool cleaner category.