When selecting a robotic pool cleaner for residential in-ground pools, few options are as competitive and feature-rich as the Dolphin S200 vs Dolphin T35. Manufactured by Maytronics, both models deliver excellent performance, combining modern cleaning technologies with user-friendly operation. At first glance, they appear nearly identical—sharing core features such as CleverClean navigation, top-load filtration, and wall-climbing capability. However, closer inspection reveals key differences that can affect long-term satisfaction and pool maintenance efficiency.
This comprehensive comparison explores every aspect of the Dolphin S200 and T35, from filtration systems and navigation algorithms to portability, scrubbing power, and scheduling, helping pool owners decide which cleaner best suits their needs.
Contents
Differences Between Dolphin S200 vs Dolphin Dolphin T35
Cleaning Coverage and Pool Compatibility
The Dolphin S200 is designed to handle in-ground pools up to 50 feet, offering full surface cleaning that includes floor, walls, and waterline. This makes it an ideal solution for medium to large residential pools, especially those with tiled waterlines or heavy use throughout the week.
By contrast, the Dolphin T35 supports pools up to 40 feet in length and provides cleaning for the floor and walls only, with no waterline cleaning. While it handles standard shapes and smaller installations well, it leaves the upper pool edge unaddressed—an area prone to scum and oil buildup.
Winner: Dolphin S200
With broader pool compatibility and full waterline coverage, the S200 ensures more comprehensive cleaning for demanding pool environments.
Both models utilize CleverClean™ Technology, which maps the pool environment to develop efficient cleaning paths. This system minimizes missed spots and avoids redundant passes, resulting in faster and smarter navigation across the pool.
However, the S200 includes PowerStream™ mobility, which introduces multi-directional water jets that stabilize the robot during vertical climbs and enhance its ability to navigate tight corners and pool features. This means superior wall coverage and more reliable grip on various surface types.
The T35, lacking PowerStream, relies solely on its wheels and directional motor adjustments. While still functional for climbing walls, it may occasionally slip or miss curved areas—particularly on slick tiles or fiberglass.
Winner: Dolphin S200
With the added benefit of PowerStream™ technology, the S200 provides more stable and precise navigation on all pool surfaces.
Scrubbing Performance and Brush System
The Dolphin S200 features a dual-brush system with an active front brush and a passive rear brush, which collectively deliver enhanced contact and cleaning strength. This configuration scrubs away algae, bacteria, and debris with maximum efficiency, particularly in hard-to-reach corners and along the waterline.
The T35 is equipped with a single active front brush, which spins at a high speed to scrub the pool surface. While effective for most daily cleaning tasks, it does not match the dual-brush contact of the S200, especially when it comes to deep cleaning after storms, heavy pool usage, or seasonal transitions.
Winner: Dolphin S200
With dual-brush coverage, the S200 scrubs more aggressively and consistently, especially in challenging pool environments.
Filtration System and Debris Management
A major distinction between these two models lies in their filtration capabilities.
The Dolphin S200 uses a multi-layer top-load basket with fine and ultra-fine filter options, capable of capturing large leaves, sand, silt, and microscopic particles like pollen. The generous basket size allows for extended cleaning sessions without frequent emptying, and the top-load design simplifies maintenance.
In contrast, the Dolphin T35 includes a fine filter cartridge, which effectively collects medium to large debris but may miss ultra-fine contaminants such as dust or cloudy residue. While the top-loading design makes for convenient cleaning, it lacks the advanced multi-layer setup found in the S200.
Winner: Dolphin S200
The S200’s multi-layer filtration traps a broader range of debris types, providing cleaner water with fewer manual cleanings.
Cable Design and Tangle-Free Operation
The S200 is equipped with a 60-foot anti-tangle swivel cable, which allows the robot to clean large pools freely without cord interference. The swivel mechanism prevents looping or twisting as the cleaner maneuvers around drains, ladders, and sharp turns.
The T35 comes with a 50-foot non-swivel cable, suitable for smaller pools but prone to tangling during longer or complex cleaning cycles. Over time, this may require manual untangling or repositioning mid-cycle.
Winner: Dolphin S200
A longer, swivel-equipped cable provides better reach and maintenance-free cleaning across a wider pool area.
Weekly Scheduling and Automation
Both the S200 and T35 offer a weekly scheduler, allowing users to set automatic cleaning sessions on a daily, every other day, or every third day basis. This built-in automation ensures consistent pool cleanliness without manual starts.
However, neither model features app-based control, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth connectivity. Users must program the weekly schedule directly through the power supply unit.
Winner: Tie
In terms of automation, both models deliver equal performance with easy-to-use scheduling for hands-off operation.
Weight and Portability
Both the Dolphin S200 and T35 weigh approximately 16.5 lbs, making them highly portable. Each includes an ergonomic handle and balanced design that allows for easy lifting out of the pool. The top-load filter design further streamlines post-cleaning maintenance, reducing mess and handling time.
There is no significant difference between the two in terms of size, shape, or storage requirements.
Winner: Tie
Equal in weight and design, both cleaners are easy to move, store, and maintain.
Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs
Both the S200 and T35 are designed to operate with low voltage and high efficiency, consuming roughly 5 cents per hour of electricity. Compared to pressure-side and suction-side cleaners that require additional pumps or plumbing, these robotic units provide significant long-term savings.
No booster pump or external hose connection is needed—just plug and clean.
Winner: Tie
With identical energy efficiency and low operating costs, both models are budget-friendly over time.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin S200
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Dolphin T35
Conclusion
Choose Dolphin T35 if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, lightweight robotic pool cleaner that handles floor and wall cleaning in smaller in-ground pools up to 40 feet. Its simple design, strong basic scrubbing, and automatic scheduling make it a dependable choice for entry-level buyers.
Choose Dolphin S200 if you want more powerful and complete cleaning coverage, including waterline scrubbing, enhanced filtration, and superior wall grip through PowerStream™ mobility. Its multi-layer debris basket, longer anti-tangle cable, and stronger cleaning mechanics make it the better option for medium to large pools with more demanding cleaning needs.
Overall Winner: Dolphin S200
With smarter mobility, better filtration, waterline coverage, and superior scrubbing ability, the Dolphin S200 is the more complete, efficient, and versatile robotic pool cleaner for homeowners seeking long-term pool care performance.