After you have bought the pool, the next wish is to find an automatic tool to clean it without additional effort and maintain it with transparent water and proper hygienic characteristics. It is much better to spend time nearby drinking cocktails than cleaning the pool.
Among pool cleaners, there are several options: manual, automatic, and robotic. Manual cleaner obviously requires man supervision of cleaning pole; automatic can work per preinstalled program. Still, robotics can do everything with the next comfort level only with connection to the power.
There are many robotic cleaners available for different types of pools. This article will compare two bestsellers’ models from Dolphin from the Maytronics brand, which has 35 years of successful work in pool maintenance.
Dolphin Proteus DX4 vs. Triton PS – Comparison Table
To understand better the main features of these pool cleaners, please see below a comparison table:
Main Difference Between the Models
These two robotic cleaners have a lot in common as the application for up to 50 ft swimming pools or location of the filter basket on the top.
They have some difference-making reasonable choice any of them:
- Firstly, Dolphin Triton PS has a larger filter basket that allows for cleaning pools with a lot of debris. That is extremely important if you have a large tree or bush nearby.
- Secondly, Dolphin Triton PS has an ergonomic design and is significantly lighter and smaller, making it easy operation even for ladies. It is much easier to put it in the water and take it out.
- Thirdly, Dolphin Triton PS as Dolphin Proteus DX4 has two rubber brushes in front and back, but Triton PS in the front turns with double speed ensures better scrubbing.
- The last difference for Dolphin Triton PS as Dolphin Proteus DX4 is a different design – the first one is black and orange, and the other one is mainly white and blue. But both have a convenient handle on the top.
Detailed Product Reviews
DOLPHIN Proteus DX4 Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
Dolphin DX4 is four times more powerful than any other automatic suction or pressure-side pool cleaner. The ergonomics of this cleaner make it easy to operate and install. This cleaner is easy to put in and out from the pool with a special handle on the top, and it’s lightweight at 28 lbs.
The cleaner has a big entrance on the bottom for large debris, where all garbage is entering the filtration system. The filtration system consists of the filter basket, which is easy to take out from the top and has a unique single lock at the bottom. This lock allows quickly throwing out all collected garbage.
In the standard package of the cleaner, two sets of fine and ultra-fine filters are included. While one is drying after use, you can use the other one. The plastic frame and the filter have a matching number for quick assembling the basket.
The cleaner has three programs for cleaning (every day, every second, or third day). The cleaner can start and finish the program by itself if you leave it in the pool. The cleaner has an advanced navigation system and scanning software system that makes the map of your pool for the best coverage. This system allows going smoothly around obstacles. Each cleaning program starts with 20 minutes of perfect mapping creation. The Blue LED indicator shows that the cleaner is in operation.
The cleaner has new Power Steam Technology that allows having several jets in different directions for perfect clean walls on the waterline, steps, and floor. In addition, a rubber brush in front and back ensures good scrubbing of the pool’s surface.
The control is executed from a Power Supply panel that should be installed near the long side of the pool not further than 12′ and should be in the shade. No cable extensions are allowed to use for robotic cleaners. The cable is equipped with a swivel to avoid cable tangling and interruption of pool cleaning. The cable from the power control station should be disconnected at least once per week and be straightened out. The power supply panel has several buttons to turn on the cleaner and choose the program. No additional hoses or cables are required; everything is included in the package.
The cleaner after the cleaning procedure should be stored in the shade, better not touching the ground. Better storage is ensured on a unique caddy.
- Two brushes at the front and bottom
- Fine filter and ultra-fine goes in the package
- Top-loaded basket
- Swivel to avoid cable tangling
- 3 programs
- Noiseless operation
- Very well cleaning walls, floor, and waterline
- 24-month warranty
- No Bluetooth control
- Short cycle selection
- Delayed start
- Does not clean steps well
- Caddy for better storage does not go in the package
verdictDOLPHIN Proteus DX4 is a good choice, but there are some improved features that Triton PS poses almost at the same money.
DOLPHIN Triton PS Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
This cleaner has a lightweight (16,5 lbs.) ergonomic design that is easy to handle and put out from the swimming pool. The handle is also located on the top for easier taking out and taking in a cleaner. So, its operation and installation are even more accessible than Proteus DX4.
This cleaner’s main difference is that it has two spinning brushes in the front and the back, and the brush in the front turns twice faster than the one on the back for extra scrubbing.
It also collects all garbage in the big entrance at the bottom of the cleaner, which goes to the filtration system with the same filter-basket as Proteus DX4.
The robot is ideal for in-ground pools with a top-load filter basket. It has an extra-large basket easy to open on the bottom to remove collected dirt, debris, and leaves. The standard package of robotic cleaners also includes a basket with changeable fine and very fine filters. As filters are easy to remove from the plastic frame, they are easy to clean. After each cleaning procedure, the robotic cleaner should be taken out from the pool, and the filter basket should be cleaned.
The cleaner is easy to install; the cable cord should be connected to the Control Power Supply Panel (base panel) in the port, which should be connected to the traditional 120 V socket. The standard power panel for all Dolphin models has buttons to start the cleaner’s work with the program timing button. This separate control power supply panel provides three programmable options for maintenance (every day, every second, or third day); they save time and energy costs.
After the robot sinks in the water at the start of each program, the robotic cleaner makes a diagnostic of the pool with eight sensors. The cleaner is going straight, only changing the direction in case of obstacles or curly walls. The turn is performed by water jets located on different sides of the cleaner.
The robotic cleaner performs filter circulation; clean water goes from the top. This is the same Power Steam Technology with multiple water jets as Proteus DX4. This solution allows the cleaner to climb the walls and stairs back and forth. The cleaner can easily clean the waterline and climb the steps, but unfortunately, does not clean them well. The Green LED indicator shows that the cleaner is in operation.
As with all robotic cleaners, this one is independent of pool pumps or filtration systems.
- Very light (16,5 lbs.)
- Two brushes at the front and bottom, the front one turns twice faster for extra scrubbing
- Two types of filters (fine and ultra-fine)
- Top-loaded extra-large basket
- Swivel to avoid cable tangling
- 3 programs
- Noiseless operation
- Very well cleaning walls, floor, and waterline
- 24-month warranty
- No Bluetooth control
- Short cycle selection
- Delayed start
- Does not clean steps well
- Caddy for better storage does not go in the package
Buyer’s Guide
These pool cleaners are very similar, making it essential to check into detail the main parameters and find differences, if there are any.
General pros and cons of robotic cleaners:
Cons
- Expensive
- More expensive moving parts
- Some do not have protection from cable tangling
Design and Dimensions
It is crucial to have an ergonomic and comfortable design for robotic cleaners. But, both cleaners, in general, are fast for water release thanks to handling on the top. In addition, both have Swivel 60 ft. cable preventing tangling.
DOLPHIN Proteus DX4 Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
- 22.5 x 17.5 x 13 inches dimensions;
- 28 lbs weight
- Multicolor
DOLPHIN Triton PS Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
- 16.38 x 16.77 x 8.97 inches dimensions;
- 16.5 lbs weight
- Black and orange
verdictThe Dolphin Triton PS is lighter and has a different design. The other characteristic is similar. But as transportation characteristics are essential, Triton PS has preference here.
Number of tires and type of wheels
It is recommended to have four-wheel drive and rubber tires. Both presented cleaner models have tank-like rubber wheels that are the best choice for climbing the walls.
The wheels can move separately, preventing stopping at any obstacle, and rubber tires ensure the smooth moving of both cleaners around any pool.
verdictThe Dolphin Triton PS and Proteus DX4 have similar tires and are equally suitable for this parameter.
Swivel cord
Swivel cord prevents tangling the cable from the outlet up to the cleaner in a significant cable mess. Both cleaners are equipped with it. So, both cleaners will not stick in the middle of the pool out of the 60 ft. cable.
Additionally, both robotic cleaners are working under low voltage, plus they are connected to a GFCI outlet. So, if the voltage is unstable, the power system will turn the robotic cleaner off, and you will not be heart. But in case of any doubt, it is still not recommended to swim during the work of robotic cleaners. So, electrical safety is on the top as well for both models.
verdictThe Dolphin Triton PS and Proteus DX4 have the same swivel cord and both are tangle-free cables.
Different controlling programs
Both cleaners have the same programs for cleaning; the choice is enough to clean the pool in any circumstances, even inside the forest. All Maytronics robotic cleaners already proved equally perfect performance in cleaning. The program will start the cleaning at a specific time and shut it after two hours without your interference. The programs are installed on the Power Supply Panel.
DOLPHIN Proteus DX4
3 programmable options (every day, every second, or third day). The duration of each program is 2 hours.
DOLPHIN Triton PS
3 programmable options (every day, every second, or third day). The duration of each program is 2 hours.
verdictThe Dolphin Triton PS and Proteus DX4 have the same good choice of programs.
High quality brushes
Rubber brushes ensure the complete removal of all sizes of debris, but DOLPHIN Triton PS is equipped with a more efficient one. That makes the scrubbing more perfect as it has twice a higher speed in front than the normal one at the back.
DOLPHIN Proteus DX4
- One rubber brusher is in the front of the cleaner; another rubber one is at the back.
DOLPHIN Triton PS
- One rubber brusher with the double speed in the front of the cleaner, another rubber one is at the back.
verdictThe Dolphin Triton PS and Proteus DX4 are equipped with rubber brushers of the same number and quality. But the front one in the Triton model moves twice faster, making this model efficient for dirty pools.
Navigation
The advanced technology ensures perfect navigation around any pool shape with entire walls, floor, and stairs coverage. Each program will start from the mapping of the pool. Rubber tires, brushes, and water jets (Power Steam Technology) make it easier for both cleaners to maintain the full scope of cleaning, including walls, waterline, and stairs, not only floor as simple cleaners do.
DOLPHIN Proteus DX4
- Clean walls, stairs, floor, waterline
- Advanced navigation technology to avoid hitting obstacles
DOLPHIN Triton PS
- Clean walls, stairs, floor, waterline
- Advanced navigation technology to avoid hitting obstacles
verdictThe Dolphin Triton PS and Proteus DX4 have the same navigation technology and ability to climb stairs and walls.
Energy efficient
You can check the manual where both cleaners are energy efficient to save your bill.
verdictThe Dolphin Triton PS and Proteus DX4 are similar in energy consumption.
Filtration
Both models have similar types of filtration systems consisting of a filter basket. Each set includes fine and ultra-fine filters that can be quickly removed from plastic frames and cleaned by a water jet. The DOLPHIN Triton PS model has a more spacious basket, but still, it should be cleaned after each cleaning program.
Both baskets are inserted in the cleaner from the top, which is convenient. The basket is catching large debris such as leaves; filter cartridges catch the small ones like dirt and sand. Such a system is straightforward instead of old types of cartridges and bags.
DOLPHIN Proteus DX4
Large filter basket with fine and ultra-fine filters
DOLPHIN Triton PS
Extra-large filter basket with fine and ultra-fine filters
verdictThe Dolphin Triton PS and Proteus DX4 have the same filtration system but a filtration basket in Triton PS to collect more debris at the one cleaning procedure.
How to choose the Best Robotic Cleaner?
Considering the number of available pool cleaners on the market, the owner can quickly lose their characteristics. And he does not know which one is better to buy. All pool cleaners should be able to clean the pool from surrounding nature.
The best thing about all robotic cleaners is that they do not need to be attached to your filtration system. The filter system does not need to work to let the robotic cleaner do the job. They are independent. All other types of cleaners – manual and automatic – are running only from the pump of your filtration system. So, choosing the best robotic cleaner, you do not need to check the parameters of your filtration system.
Even though the two described robots are a good choice, let’s see in more detail what are the essential parameters that determine which one to choose.
- Pool Size and its type (inground of the above-ground).
- The weight of the pool cleaner and location of handles for easy grabbing it from the pool and putting it down in the pool.
- The ability to climb walls and stairs.
- The ability to clean the waterline.
- The easiness of filter change and further cleaning
- Availability of warranty
- Availability of drain cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can the cleaner be left in the pool?
To prolong the life of each robotic cleaner, it is recommended to take it out every time after the cleaning, clean the filter and the cleaner’s body itself with fresh water out from the pool’s chemicals. It should be stored in a dry, warm place in the shade. This is necessary for all rubber parts of these cleaners, especially tires and brushes. If you scheduled your Dolphin cleaner for a week of operation, you could keep it there, but with the filter cleaning after each cleaning procedure.Can the cleaners work with 220 Voltage?
How to start work with the cleaner?
Why can a robotic cleaner stop work?
How often is it better to clean the pool with a robotic cleaner?
How can I understand that the cleaner stopped working?
Conclusions
If you have a luxury type of rest in your backyard – a swimming pool, you want to spend more time in the pool than cleaning it. For this purpose, a proper robotic cleaner is a perfect solution.
The face-to-face comparison shows how perfectly DOLPHIN Proteus DX4 and DOLPHIN Triton PS are perfect for inground swimming pools up to 50 ft. Both of them ensure fast, high-quality cleaning without any effort from the owner. Nevertheless, the robotic cleaners are expensive; this investment is in time and energy bills. As they are energy efficient, there is no need to turn on a filtration system during the work of robots.
Both cleaners have a control panel with the same features; DOLPHIN Triton PS has a more efficient scrubbing and large filtration basket. As a result, the models can climb walls and stairs. Additionally, DOLPHIN Triton PS is lighter, making it easier to maintain. The price is almost the same for both models, so the choice mainly depends on ergonomics and the amount of debris in your swimming pool.
Hi! I’m Markus Robertson, and water is my passion.
Five years ago, I graduated from the University of California-Los Angeles and was going to become a professional marine biologist. However, my fate had other plans for me, and due to family problems, I had to find a more stable and well-paid job. I had only one wish for my job to be connected with water.
During this period of my life, I worked as a sales manager at Olympic Pool & Spa Supplies. The job helped me learn everything about swimming pools and related pool equipment, as well as how to choose the best option and what to pay attention to.
Having worked there for three years, I decided to start my own blog about pools, where I can tell people about the best new pool equipment models and share my knowledge and experience.
A marine biologist by education, I became a pool blogger by trade. Now I’m glad I can help the guests of my store and the visitors of my blog know a lot of exciting things about pools, their types, best pumps and filters, necessary equipment maintenance, and so on.
I welcome all people who want to choose a proper basin and the stuff to my blog! Hope you’ll find this information interesting and useful!
