If you're looking for a pool cleaner, you're in the right place. Today we are covering one of the more popular pool robots: the Dolphin Explorer E30. With newly added Wi-Fi, a top-load basket, and waterline cleaning, let's see how it stacks up to the competition.
The Dolphin E30 robotic pool cleaner is the second most popular robot in Maytronics' Explorer line, and it can be used in both above ground and in-ground pools. How does the E30 stack up to other great cleaners in this highly competitive category? I will be scoring the E30 out of 5 in three categories: pool coverage, filtration ability, and feature set and warranty. Let's dive in!
First, let's look at the Dolphin E30's pool coverage. The E30 comes equipped with two brushes, an onboard navigation system, and waterline cleaning ability. This is a much more powerful unit than the Dolphin E10 that I reviewed, and once it was in my pool, I watched as it cleaned in a calculated path over every surface of my pool. I was especially surprised at the jets on the E30.
Without a dual stabilizer, like the one you would find on units such as the Dolphin Premier and Dolphin Sigma, I wasn't sure it was going to be able to stay at and clean the waterline. The E30's jets activate once it gets to the waterline, so it can stay there and clean. But the waterline cleaning performance isn't as great as the Premier and Sigma.
This is partially due to its lack of climbing rings, or these small foam pieces. While they may seem pointless, they are actually a key piece of great climbing ability. Another culprit of the E30's okay waterline cleaning is that it only has a flow rate of 4000 GPH, while the commercial motors of the Premier and Sigma produce an incredible 4500 GPH.
With complete floor to waterline coverage, the Dolphin E30 has solid coverage, and my only complaint with it is that it doesn't quite match up the superior waterline stability and cleaning of the Dolphin Premier and Dolphin Sigma, which I would consider worth the upgrade, and you'll see why shortly. Overall, I have to give the Dolphin E30 a 4/5 in pool coverage. It is just not quite top tier, but it's almost there.
Next, let's look at the Dolphin Explorer E30's filtration ability. This is where I find the E30 disappointing when compared to similarly priced Dolphin units like the Quantum, Premier, and Sigma. The E30 only comes with one filter type, the standard fine filter. This is an OK filter for most routine jobs but leaves a lot to be desired if your pool struggles with twigs, leaves, or cloudy water.
And out in the real world, almost every pool struggles with these things often. Without multiple filter options, the E30 simply won't be able to optimally clean all of the problems your pool may face, which means you will need to spend more time trying to clear up cloudy water or fish out larger debris.
If I am paying premium prices though, I do not expect to clean up after my robot. This is why I much prefer units like the Dolphin Quantum and Sigma, as they come with an Ultrafine filter as well. This filter works wonders and has cleared up my cloudy pool water many times in the past.
If your pool struggles with a wider variety of debris though, I recommend checking out the Dolphin Premier, as it has four filter media options: standard, ultrafine, an oversized leaf bag, and a disposable debris bag. No matter what your pool needs cleaned, the Premier can handle it. Couple this selection of filter options with better waterline cleaning, and the Premier is worth every extra penny. Since the E30 only includes a single filter type though, I have to give it a 3/5 in filtration ability. It does an okay job, but not nearly enough at this price.
Finally, let's jump into the Dolphin Explorer E30's feature set and warranty. The E30 comes with a programmable timer, which means you only need to set its schedule once a week, and it will start up automatically. The timer has options for daily cleaning, every other day, or every three days, so you don't waste any time or energy. A programmable timer is always a welcome addition, even if I expect to see it at this price point.
The 60ft cord with anti-tangle swivel is a great addition. Allowing it to freely move throughout our 40ft gunite pool in our testing. This is a welcome addition over the Dolphin Explorer E20 which did not include this swivel.
As for its warranty, the E30 comes with a 2-year warranty, which is pretty standard for most robotic pool cleaners, but disappointing. Since it is so close in price to premium models with more features and a longer warranty, like the Dolphin Premier and Sigma, it is hard not to want a three-year warranty, like these units have.
That extra year can end up saving you hundreds of dollars should anything go wrong. Of course, this warranty is backed by Maytronics as well, which means it is super easy to redeem. With a decent warranty and a programmable timer, I'll give the E30 a 4/5 in feature set and warranty.
Overall, the Dolphin E30 comes out with a score of 7.7, making it a decent choice for most pools, but not the best value or power-wise. There are simply better value options out there. If your pool struggles with leaves, cloudy water, or an especially dirty waterline, I recommend you check out the Dolphin Quantum, Dolphin Premier, or Dolphin Sigma, each of which I have already reviewed, so go check out those reviews for more details.
Check back soon with the Pool Pad team, as we will be constantly letting you in on the best products and methods to keep your pool clean and healthy!
The Dolphin Explorer E30 is a great price and cleans every area of the pool, but lacks when it comes to filtration options, which is one of the most important factors.
