by Robert Knight
Dolphin Active 30 vs Dolphin Wave 80
Head-to-Head Review and Comparison
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Videos
Specs
Reviews
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Extras
Highs & Lows
Compare the pros and cons of each robot
Highs
- Store-Only Deal
- Reliable Power
- Optimized for Above-Ground Pools
- Two-Year Warranty
- Anti-Tangle Swivel - Prevents Tangles
- Waterline Cleaning
- Energy Efficient Motors
- 3 High Speed Scrubbing Brushes
Lows
- Manual Activation
- No Advanced Filtration
- No Weekly Timer - Can't schedule Cleanings
- Lacks multiple filter options - Similar units come with 2+
- Shorter Warranty Than Premium Robots
- No Smartphone App
- Restocking Fee Up to 20%
Waterline / Tileline Cleaning
Clean where other robots can't90% of the bacteria in your pool is on the waterline. Don't get confused with robots that are "Wall Climbing". There is a big difference. Waterline cleaning means the robot actively scrubs and sticks to the waterline scrubbing away this problem area in the pool. It is a feature you don't want to miss.
Wall Climbing
Provides floor and wall coverageWall climbing allows the robot to clean and climb the walls of your pool. However, don't get this confused with waterline cleaning. A robot without waterline cleaning will only clean the walls of your pool. It will miss the dirtiest part of your pool, the waterline, where 90% of all algae and bacteria is in your pool.
SmartPhone App
Control your robot from anywhereWith its SmartPhone App, you can schedule cleanings, manually control, and fine tune your pool robot. The app makes managing your pool cleaning effortless and convenient.
Anti-Tangle Swivel
No more tangled cordsWith an Anti-tangle Swivel, the robot can fully explore and clean your pool without ever getting stuck. The innovative design allows the robot to move freely 360 degrees around your pool, without ever knotting the cord.
Ultra Efficient
Save Hundreds of Dollars Cleaning Your Pool a YearA robotic pool cleaner saves hundreds of dollars a year in energy when compared to pressure-side or suction-side cleaners. Powered by energy efficient DC motors, a robotic pool cleaner can be 90% more efficient than its counterparts.
Plug and Play
Simply plug in and start cleaningSet up has never been easier. No installation needed. Your robot is ready to go right out of the box. No extra pumps, plumbing, or anything else needed. Simply plug it in and start cleaning!
Precise Navigation
Navigate Any ObstacleThis technology ensures that the most efficient route is used to clean your pool floor. So smart, the system automatically navigates around obstacles and quickly returns to its route. You'll want to look for SmartNav, as we found it performed best in our testing.
Videos
Watch reviews and tutorials
| Robot | Dolphin Active 30
|
Dolphin Wave 80
|
|---|
| Pool Types | In Ground | In Ground |
|---|---|---|
| Pool Size | 50 ft | 68 ft |
| Pool Shape | Rectangle, Oval, or Freeform | Rectangular, Free Shape, Hopper, Kidney, Zero (beach) entry |
| Obstacles | Steps, Ladder, Drain Cover, Ledges, Pop-Ups | Steps, Ladder, Drain Cover, Ledges, Pop-Ups |
| Surface | Gunite, Fiberglass, Vinyl, Liner | Gunite, Fiberglass, Vinyl, Liner |
| Waterline Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Filters Included | Ultra-Fine Filter Kit | 1 |
| Filter Cleaning | Top Access | Top Access |
| Cleaning Coverage | Floor, Walls and Waterline | Floor, Walls and Waterline |
| Cleaning Cycle(s) | 2 hrs | 1.5, 2.5 hrs |
| Number of Brushes | 2 | 3 |
| Remote operation | No | Yes |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi / Bluetooth | WiFi: Yes Bluetooth: Yes |
WiFi: No Bluetooth: No |
| Smartphone App | Yes | No |
| Automated Weekly Timer | Yes | No |
| Full Bag Indicator | No | Yes |
|---|---|---|
| Cable Length | 60 ft | 80 ft |
| Anti-Tangling Swivel | Yes | Yes |
| Restocking Fee | No No Restocking Fee Ever. |
No No Restocking Fee Ever. |
| Warranty | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| Caddy Included | Optional Caddies Available | Optional Caddies Available |
| Official Website | ||
| Part Number | 99996231-USWI | 99991080-US |
| ASIN | B08YRZ9MP6 |
Customer Reviews
Active 30
Wave 80
| Seller | Buy From | Robot | Shop Online |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Active 30 | Shop At Poolbots | |
 |
Wave 80 | Shop At Amazon | |
|
$2399 | Wave 80 | Shop At Poolbots | In-Store Exclusive | $1499 | Active 30 | Similar Robots |
Recommended Accessories
Essential add-ons for your pool robot
Terra Caddy
Best SellerWeather and UV-resistant storage solution. Premium resin coating protects against scratches, weathering, and UV damage. The ultimate protection for your investment.
Dolphin Universal Caddy
Budget FriendlyA robotic pool cleaner is an investment, so make sure to protect it. The Dolphin Universal Caddy is a solid option for easy storage and transport.
Replacement Parts
MaintenanceNeed extra filters, replacement power supply, or new climbing rings? Shop all replacement parts for Dolphin and Dolphin models.
