In the growing market of residential robotic pool cleaners, Maytronics continues to deliver compact, powerful, and accessible models through its Dolphin lineup. Two of its most popular entry-level units—the Dolphin S50 vs Dolphin S100—are frequently compared by homeowners looking for cost-effective solutions that don’t sacrifice cleaning performance.
Both are designed for smaller in-ground and above-ground pools, and while they share similarities in size and functionality, there are key differences in cleaning power, filtration efficiency, cable design, and user experience. In this detailed guide, we compare the Dolphin S50 and Dolphin S100 across every relevant feature to determine which model provides better overall value and performance.
Contents
Differences Between Dolphin S50 vs Dolphin S100
Pool Type and Cleaning Coverage
The Dolphin S50 is specifically designed for above-ground pools up to 30 feet in length, providing reliable cleaning for round, oval, and rectangular shapes. It focuses solely on the pool floor, ensuring that dirt, debris, and algae are effectively scrubbed and filtered from flat-bottom pools.
The Dolphin S100, while still compact, is engineered for in-ground pools up to 33 feet. It also offers floor-only cleaning, making it functionally similar to the S50 in terms of surface coverage. However, the S100 is more robust in build and better suited to handle the durability demands of concrete or tiled pool floors.
Winner: Dolphin S100
While both units clean the floor, the S100’s in-ground compatibility and sturdier design make it more versatile across various pool surface types.
Cleaning Cycle and Time Efficiency
The Dolphin S50 completes its cleaning cycle in 1.5 hours, delivering a quick and efficient clean for smaller pool sizes. This shorter cycle is ideal for users who want a fast turnaround between cleaning and swimming.
The Dolphin S100 has a slightly longer 2-hour cleaning cycle, which is more thorough and better suited for pools with a heavier debris load or larger surface area. Although the extra 30 minutes may not seem significant, it can result in a cleaner finish for in-ground pools that experience higher usage or environmental debris.
Winner: Dolphin S50
For faster cleaning, the S50 takes the lead. However, S100 delivers better overall cleaning thoroughness in larger or dirtier pools.
Both models are equipped with CleverClean™ navigation, an intelligent scanning algorithm that maps out the pool floor and creates an optimized cleaning path. This allows the robot to move efficiently across the pool without wasting time or energy on redundant paths.
Because the systems are identical, both the S50 and S100 offer comparable cleaning logic and can maneuver around drains, ladders, or slight floor inclines without issue.
Winner: Tie
Both units feature the same navigation technology, resulting in similarly effective coverage across the pool floor.
Scrubbing System and Brush Design
The Dolphin S50 comes with a single active front brush, designed to rotate independently and scrub away algae, dirt, and biofilm buildup. This brush is effective for typical household use, especially in vinyl-lined or smooth-bottom pools.
The Dolphin S100 also features a single active front brush, offering equivalent scrubbing performance. While the brush mechanism is nearly identical, the S100 benefits slightly from improved motor torque and a sturdier frame, giving it an edge when removing stubborn floor debris in tougher environments.
Winner: Dolphin S100
With slightly enhanced build and torque, the S100’s scrubbing system provides marginally better debris agitation, particularly on more abrasive surfaces.
Filtration System and Debris Capture
One of the most significant differences between the two models lies in their filtration system.
The Dolphin S50 uses a bottom-load fine filter, which captures standard pool debris like dirt and leaves. While effective, bottom-load filters are less convenient to access and clean, as users must invert the unit to remove the filter tray.
In contrast, the Dolphin S100 features a top-load fine filter cartridge, which greatly simplifies cleaning. Users can access and rinse the filter without flipping the robot, saving time and reducing the chance of spills or recontamination.
Winner: Dolphin S100
Its top-access filter design makes it far more user-friendly and efficient for routine maintenance.
Cable Design and Range
Both the S50 and S100 include a 40-foot non-swivel floating cable, sufficient for the maximum pool lengths each model is designed to serve. However, since neither includes a swivel, cable tangling can occur, especially during longer cycles or frequent use.
While the length and design are identical, the S100 has a marginally stronger power supply unit that provides more stable performance over the full cable distance.
Winner: Tie
Equal in length and layout, both cables perform adequately within their design scope but lack swivel technology for tangle prevention.
Weight, Handling, and Portability
The Dolphin S50 weighs 13.8 lbs, making it very easy to lift, transport, and remove from the pool. Its compact frame is ideal for users who prioritize lightweight equipment and simple operation.
The S100 weighs slightly more at 14.6 lbs, but it includes an ergonomic handle and more durable construction. Though the difference is small, the added structural integrity gives the S100 better long-term resilience.
Winner: Tie
The S50 is marginally lighter, but the S100 provides added durability. Both are equally manageable for most users.
Automation and Control Features
Neither the S50 nor the S100 supports weekly scheduling or smartphone control. These features are typically reserved for higher-end models like the Dolphin S200 and S300. Users must start each cleaning cycle manually using the plug-in power supply.
While some may view this as a drawback, it does help keep the price down for users who prefer simplicity and don’t need automation.
Winner: Tie
Both lack automation features, focusing on basic, manual operation that appeals to budget-conscious buyers.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin S50
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin S100
Conclusion
Choose Dolphin S50 if you own a small above-ground pool and need a lightweight, efficient robotic cleaner that can complete a cleaning cycle in under two hours. It’s a great choice for first-time buyers who want to keep things simple and budget-friendly.
Choose Dolphin S100 if you need a more robust and versatile pool cleaner that’s built to handle in-ground pools, offers top-access filtration, and performs better on rougher surfaces. Its durable build and convenient filter access make it a better long-term investment for most pool owners.
Overall Winner: Dolphin S100
With greater durability, improved filtration design, and in-ground compatibility, the Dolphin S100 provides better overall value and cleaning performance, making it the preferred option for users who want a dependable entry-level cleaner with added convenience.