When comparing robotic pool cleaners designed for residential use, the Dolphin Cayman and Dolphin Quantum offer two distinct levels of performance, functionality, and efficiency. While both are designed by Maytronics, their differences in brush systems, navigation intelligence, cleaning coverage, and filtration capacity place them in different tiers.
The Cayman is tailored for homeowners looking for simplicity and strong cleaning power in compact pools, while the Quantum is engineered for full-featured cleaning, especially in complex or large pool environments. In this comprehensive breakdown, we analyze each model based on real-world metrics to determine which is the better choice for your pool.
Contents
Differences Between Dolphin Cayman vs Dolphin Quantum
Below is a summary of the specifications:
Design Comparison
The Dolphin Cayman features a minimalistic and lightweight body designed for above-ground and small in-ground pools. Weighing just 14 pounds, it is exceptionally easy to lift, store, and operate. Its top-mounted handle makes it practical for solo users and pool owners who want quick deployment without heavy lifting. The Cayman is built for pools up to 33 feet, making it a go-to option for standard backyard pool sizes.
The Dolphin Quantum, on the other hand, is purpose-built for more demanding scenarios. Weighing 22 pounds, it includes a reinforced frame, advanced navigation gyroscopes, and PowerJet 3D Mobility for superior traction and control. Its 60-foot swivel cable allows it to move freely in pools up to 50 feet in length, covering larger areas without tangling. Despite being heavier, the Quantum’s ergonomic design balances its mass, and its heavy-duty wheels support climbing and mobility on complex pool surfaces.
Winner: Dolphin Quantum
With larger pool size compatibility, more advanced chassis design, and longer swivel cable, the Quantum leads for users with large, in-ground pools or demanding layouts.
Cleaning Performance Comparison
The Dolphin Cayman is outfitted with a single high-speed HyperBrush™ that aggressively scrubs dirt and algae from the pool floor and walls. Its wall-climbing function allows partial vertical cleaning but does not extend fully to the waterline. With a 4,000 GPH suction rate and 2-hour cycle time, it performs exceptionally for light-to-medium debris loads and provides a deep clean for pools under 33 feet.
The Dolphin Quantum builds on that foundation and introduces a dual-brush HyperBrush™ system with PowerJet 3D mobility for enhanced surface contact and maneuverability. This allows the Quantum to clean not just floors and walls, but also the entire waterline—an area often missed by lower-tier models. Its 4,500 GPH suction rate ensures faster debris pickup, and the 2.5-hour runtime allows complete, uninterrupted coverage for larger pools.
Filtration is another major area of separation. The Cayman includes a single fine filter basket, sufficient for routine cleaning but may clog faster with heavy leaf loads. The Quantum offers fine and ultra-fine filtration cartridges, capturing both large debris and micro-particles like sand or pollen. Its top-load filter design makes it easy to access, rinse, and reuse.
Winner: Dolphin Quantum
With full waterline cleaning, stronger suction, and multi-stage filtration, the Quantum clearly surpasses the Cayman in total cleaning efficiency and pool-wide coverage.
Feature Comparison
Both the Cayman and the Quantum utilize Maytronics’ SmartNav navigation, but the implementation differs significantly in sophistication.
The Cayman uses SmartNav 2.0, a scanning algorithm that efficiently maps the pool and directs cleaning without redundancy. While effective for rectangular or oval pools, it lacks the nuanced adjustments necessary for deep ends, odd corners, or tight curves. The Cayman does not feature a gyroscope or additional sensors.
The Quantum enhances SmartNav with a built-in gyroscope, providing advanced orientation tracking, which improves movement in sloped or angled pools. This system works in tandem with its PowerJet 3D thrust—a vectored water-jet propulsion system that ensures smooth, calculated movement. As a result, the Quantum doesn’t just map the pool—it adapts dynamically to terrain shifts and maintains ideal traction across the floor, walls, and tile line.
In terms of smart features, neither model includes Wi-Fi or app control, focusing entirely on onboard intelligence. However, the Quantum supports multiple cleaning modes, while the Cayman remains limited to a standard cycle.
Winner: Dolphin Quantum
Its navigation sensors, gyroscope, propulsion system, and adaptable cleaning logic make it a smarter, more capable machine in varied environments.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Cayman
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Quantum
Conclusion
Choose the Dolphin Cayman if you want a reliable, lightweight pool robot tailored for smaller pools. It delivers exceptional cleaning on the floor and walls with fast cycle times, user-friendly filter access, and a highly portable frame. It’s best suited for above-ground or modest in-ground pools that require minimal complexity.
Choose the Dolphin Quantum if you need full-featured cleaning for a large in-ground pool. Its dual brushes, waterline scrubbing, multi-stage filtration, and advanced navigation make it the superior choice for homeowners with higher demands and complex pool geometries.
Overall Winner: Dolphin Quantum
With unmatched cleaning depth, full pool coverage, and intelligent movement systems, the Dolphin Quantum stands out as the more powerful, capable, and comprehensive pool cleaning solution. It’s the clear choice for users who want maximum performance with minimal intervention.