For pool owners seeking effective, entry-level robotic pool cleaning without complex setup or smart connectivity, the Dolphin E10 vs Dolphin S50 represent two of the most capable and easy-to-use models from Maytronics. Both are designed for small above-ground pools and deliver efficient floor cleaning through active brushes, clever navigation systems, and reliable filtration. However, despite their similarities in appearance and target use case, key differences in cable length, design form, and availability across regions may determine which one is better suited for your specific pool.
Contents
Differences Between Dolphin E10 vs Dolphin S50
Design Comparison
The Dolphin E10 is engineered specifically for above-ground pools up to 30 feet in length. Its compact body and lightweight 13.8-pound construction make it easy to carry, deploy, and store between uses. The 40-foot floating cable offers enough reach for small round or oval above-ground pools, though it lacks a swivel to prevent tangling during cycles.
The Dolphin S50 features an identical weight and similarly compact form. It also supports above-ground pools up to 30 feet and is designed for floor-only cleaning. It too uses a 40-foot non-swivel cable, which limits the robot’s ability to self-untangle during operation. From a structural perspective, the S50 shares the same low profile and ergonomic top handle, making both units virtually identical in portability.
While the external design differences are minimal, the Dolphin E10 is the more widely available model in North America. The Dolphin S50 is primarily sold through select dealers or as part of bundled retail partnerships under region-specific branding.
Winner: Tie
Both models are equally lightweight, designed for the same pool size, and offer comparable cable reach. The only notable difference is market availability, which varies by region.
Cleaning Performance Comparison
The Dolphin E10 performs floor-only cleaning using a single active brush that spins independently to scrub and lift debris from the pool surface. Combined with a 4,000 GPH suction rate, it efficiently removes dirt, sand, algae, and leaves from the pool bottom and deposits them into a top-load fine cartridge filter. The 1.5-hour cleaning cycle ensures quick, efficient results—ideal for daily or every-other-day use.
The Dolphin S50 mirrors this setup, also offering floor-only coverage with a single active brush and the same suction capability. However, the S50 uses a fine mesh filter basket instead of a cartridge. This basket-style filter is easier to rinse and reinsert, especially when handling larger leaves or coarse debris. While the S50’s cleaning efficiency is identical to the E10’s, its filter design may offer slightly more convenience in areas where debris is larger and coarser.
Neither model supports wall cleaning or waterline scrubbing. Both units maintain high performance on flat, above-ground pool floors but are not designed for in-ground pools or steep inclines.
Winner: Dolphin S50
Though cleaning power is nearly identical, the S50’s fine mesh basket provides easier post-cleaning maintenance, giving it a narrow win in debris handling convenience.
Feature Comparison
The Dolphin E10 includes CleverClean™ navigation, a smart scanning algorithm that ensures efficient pathing and prevents missed zones or repeated passes. It’s not app-connected or programmable, but its logic-based movement makes it more effective than many randomly navigating robotic cleaners.
The Dolphin S50 also uses CleverClean™ technology, and functionally, its route planning and scanning behavior is virtually identical to that of the E10. Both models return similar results in circular, rectangular, or oval-shaped above-ground pools. Their plug-and-play operation means users simply plug in the unit, press the power button, and let it complete its cycle with no setup or configuration required.
Neither model features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, remote control, or weekly scheduling. They are purely mechanical in function and require manual power-up before each cleaning cycle.
Winner: Tie
Both units share identical smart navigation and basic plug-and-play functionality, with no distinguishable difference in feature set.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin E10
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin S50
Conclusion
Choose the Dolphin E10 if you want a reliable, well-known robotic cleaner for your above-ground pool that delivers strong floor cleaning, fast cycles, and wide market availability. It’s a proven model that handles daily debris and sediment with ease, making it perfect for small backyard pool owners who want no-fuss operation and dependable results.
Choose the Dolphin S50 if you prefer a nearly identical model with a more convenient mesh basket filter that is easier to rinse and reinsert. It performs identically in terms of cleaning but may be better suited for users who encounter larger leaves or coarser debris more frequently.
Overall Winner: Dolphin S50
While both robots perform equally well in terms of cleaning power and navigation, the Dolphin S50 offers easier filter maintenance and a more user-friendly debris basket, making it the slightly more convenient option for above-ground pool owners seeking efficient, low-maintenance cleaning.