When it comes to effortless and efficient pool maintenance, Maytronics Dolphin robotic cleaners consistently lead the industry in technology, durability, and performance. Two standout models from the Active Series—the Dolphin Active 30 vs Dolphin Active 40—have quickly become top choices for in-ground pool owners looking for intelligent, reliable, and hands-free cleaning solutions. While they share a common design philosophy and many premium features, there are distinct differences that set them apart in functionality, automation, and user experience.
This in-depth comparison breaks down the Dolphin Active 30 vs Dolphin Active 40 across all critical categories—from navigation and cleaning performance to filtration design and smart capabilities—so you can confidently choose the model that best matches your pool care needs.
Contents
- Differences Between Dolphin Active 30 vs Dolphin Active 40
- Design, Portability, and Construction Quality
- Pool Size Compatibility and Surface Coverage
- Navigation Intelligence and Pathing
- Scrubbing Power and Cleaning Efficiency
- Filtration Design and Debris Management
- Mobility and Wall Climbing Traction
- Cable Length and Tangle Resistance
- Scheduling, Automation, and User Interface
- Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Active 30
- Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Active 40
- Conclusion
Differences Between Dolphin Active 30 vs Dolphin Active 40
Design, Portability, and Construction Quality
Both the Dolphin Active 30 and Active 40 boast a clean, compact design built for long-term durability. Each model features a top-mounted ergonomic handle, allowing users to easily lift and transport the unit. Their lightweight builds—16.5 lbs for the Active 30 and 17 lbs for the Active 40—ensure they are easy to deploy and remove, even when wet.
Constructed from reinforced, UV-resistant thermoplastic, both models are capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to sun, chlorine, and heavy use. Their chassis sits low to the ground, improving balance during scrubbing and reducing the risk of tipping.
Winner: Tie
Both models are nearly identical in build, offering excellent design and portability with long-lasting durability.
Pool Size Compatibility and Surface Coverage
The Active 30 and Active 40 are both designed for in-ground pools up to 50 feet. These models are capable of cleaning the floor, walls, and waterline, making them highly versatile and suitable for virtually any residential pool design.
Their superior wall-climbing performance ensures that grime, algae, and mineral buildup along vertical surfaces and the waterline are eliminated without requiring manual brushing. These cleaners are particularly effective in freeform and deep-end pools with variable depths.
Winner: Tie
Both models deliver identical cleaning coverage, making them suitable for full-service pool maintenance.
Both the Active 30 and Active 40 are powered by CleverClean™ Technology, a Maytronics proprietary navigation system that uses scanning algorithms to chart the most efficient cleaning route. These robots systematically cover every area of the pool, avoiding unnecessary overlapping and reducing overall cleaning time.
The scanners in both models work well in rectangular, oval, and irregularly shaped pools, maintaining consistent pathing and obstacle avoidance.
Winner: Tie
CleverClean™ offers the same smart navigation system in both models, ensuring efficient pool-wide coverage every cycle.
Scrubbing Power and Cleaning Efficiency
Equipped with dual active brushes, both the Dolphin Active 30 and Active 40 provide strong scrubbing action to eliminate tough dirt, grime, and algae. These brushes spin at a higher rate than the unit’s forward movement, enabling deep agitation of debris from tile, plaster, vinyl, or gunite surfaces.
The ability to scrub and suction simultaneously ensures cleaner water and less reliance on the pool’s filtration system. Both units excel at dislodging and capturing fine particulates that lesser models often leave behind.
Winner: Tie
Identical brush systems result in equally powerful scrubbing and effective deep-cleaning performance.
Filtration Design and Debris Management
The filtration systems in both models use a top-loading multi-layer basket, combining fine and ultra-fine mesh to capture all sizes of debris in a single pass. This dual-layer system removes the need to switch between filter types based on pool conditions.
The large internal basket is easy to remove and clean, with top-access design that minimizes mess. Whether collecting large leaves or fine sediment, the filtration on both models performs efficiently and requires minimal maintenance between sessions.
Winner: Tie
Equal filter design and basket capacity provide excellent debris handling with minimal effort.
Mobility and Wall Climbing Traction
Both the Active 30 and Active 40 use a four-wheel drive system with standard rubberized wheels. These allow the cleaner to scale pool walls, navigate floor contours, and maintain traction during waterline scrubbing.
Although neither model uses continuous rubber tracks, the wheel configuration provides sufficient grip and stability for typical residential pools. On very slick tile surfaces, occasional slippage may occur, but it is minimal and does not hinder overall cleaning results.
Winner: Tie
Traction and wall climbing are identical in both units, offering solid movement and consistent performance.
Cable Length and Tangle Resistance
Each unit is equipped with a 60-foot swivel cable, designed to prevent tangling during extended cleaning sessions. This tangle-free design is especially beneficial in larger or irregularly shaped pools, where the robot must make multiple turns and directional changes.
The swivel mechanism reduces downtime and keeps the unit running smoothly throughout its full cleaning cycle, reducing the need for cable intervention.
Winner: Tie
Both units benefit from the same swivel cable design, ensuring seamless movement and cable longevity.
Scheduling, Automation, and User Interface
Both the Active 30 and Active 40 offer a weekly scheduler feature, allowing users to pre-program cleanings on a daily, every-other-day, or every-third-day basis. This enables set-it-and-forget-it operation for busy homeowners.
Where the two models differ significantly is in smart control. The Active 40 includes Bluetooth connectivity via the MyDolphin Plus App, allowing users to remotely start and stop cleanings, schedule sessions, and monitor robot status from a mobile device.
The Active 30 does not include Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity and must be operated using the control panel on the power supply.
Winner: Dolphin Active 40
The addition of app-based Bluetooth control gives the Active 40 more flexibility and convenience for modern users.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Active 30
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Active 40
Conclusion
Choose Dolphin Active 30 if you want a reliable, high-performance robotic cleaner that handles floor-to-waterline cleaning with excellent filtration, scheduling, and cleaning power. It’s ideal for users who prefer a straightforward, manually operated unit with minimal setup and outstanding results.
Choose Dolphin Active 40 if you value smartphone control, app scheduling, and remote operation, in addition to the same exceptional cleaning performance and waterline scrubbing. For tech-savvy users or those who want more convenience, the Active 40 brings modern pool maintenance into the palm of your hand.
Overall Winner: Dolphin Active 40
With its enhanced control via app, equal cleaning power, and complete automation capabilities, the Dolphin Active 40 offers greater versatility and user convenience. It stands out as the more future-ready robotic pool cleaner for those who want powerful cleaning with smart technology integration.