What Makes the Dolphin Explorer E40 a Smart Investment for Hassle-Free Pool Cleaning

Pool maintenance has always been a time-consuming task—an ongoing cycle of skimming, scrubbing, vacuuming, and chemical balancing. But with the evolution of robotic cleaners, that narrative is shifting.

At the forefront of this change is the Dolphin Explorer E40, a model that has earned the trust of over 6,500 users and a 4.4-star average rating.

For homeowners with in-ground pools up to 50 feet, this device doesn’t just simplify upkeep—it fundamentally redefines it.

Robotic cleaners, according to recent data, can reduce maintenance time by up to 80%. The Explorer E40 leverages this potential with a combination of intelligent navigation, high-performance cleaning mechanisms, and user-centric features.

This review takes a deep dive into why the E40 might just be the upgrade your pool deserves.

Although modest in size at just over 24 pounds and roughly 17 inches wide, the Dolphin Explorer E40 delivers powerful cleaning performance.

It’s equipped with a 60-foot swivel cable that resists tangling, allowing uninterrupted movement even in larger pools.

Owners can choose between a 1.5-hour quick clean or a more thorough 2.5-hour cycle, making it adaptable to both light touch-ups and full-scale cleanings. Its coverage spans the pool floor, walls, and waterline, thanks to its versatile mobility system.

Unlike many cleaners, it doesn’t rely on your pool’s pump or filtration system, meaning it reduces energy use while also minimizing strain on other equipment. Backed by a generous 3-year warranty, the E40 is designed with both durability and ease-of-use in mind.

The Explorer E40’s standout feature is its triple-brush configuration. At the center is a brush that rotates at twice the speed of the side brushes, delivering aggressive scrubbing power where it counts most. This makes it especially effective at removing algae, biofilm, and ingrained grime from pool surfaces—areas where chemical treatments often struggle.

The brushes are engineered to work across a range of surfaces, including vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete, ensuring no damage while still performing a deep clean. Because it excels at removing organic debris before it decomposes, the E40 also helps reduce the chemical load on your pool, potentially lowering your use of chlorine and other treatments over time.

Controlling the E40 feels less like managing a pool cleaner and more like managing a smart home device. Through the MyDolphin Plus mobile app, users can schedule cleaning sessions remotely, monitor progress, and adjust cleaning patterns—all from a smartphone. Whether you're traveling or just too busy to remember regular maintenance, this remote connectivity ensures the pool stays guest-ready.

Real-time status updates eliminate guesswork, while custom cleaning modes allow users to target areas that collect more debris, such as under trees or around steps. Despite its tech-forward features, the E40 maintains a plug-and-play simplicity that even non-tech-savvy users can appreciate. Once the weekly program is set, the unit takes over from there, operating on autopilot while you focus on enjoying the pool.

Cleaning the cleaner is often where robotic models fall short, but the Explorer E40 solves that pain point. Its top-loading filter system is easy to access and avoids the messiness of bottom-load designs. The multi-layer filtration captures a wide range of debris, from twigs and leaves to fine dust and particles that cloud water clarity.

Each cartridge includes a visual indicator that signals when cleaning is needed, which prevents both premature maintenance and delayed action that can reduce performance.

Cleaning the filter itself takes less than five minutes in most cases, and no special tools are required for routine upkeep. Even during heavy debris seasons like spring or fall, users report smooth filter access and quick turnaround between cycles.

What really sets the E40 apart is how it handles complex environments. It climbs walls with ease, scrubbing along the waterline and vertical surfaces where biofilm often takes hold. Its onboard sensors allow it to navigate steps, ladders, and irregular shapes with intelligence, adjusting its approach based on the pool layout.

Instead of following a rigid cleaning path, the E40 adapts its movements depending on the type and location of debris. It performs tighter loops in zones with fine sediment and broader sweeps where leaves and larger debris are common.

Unlike suction-side cleaners that lose power as filters clog, the E40 maintains consistent suction throughout each cleaning cycle, delivering reliable results from start to finish. Its performance remains strong through typical seasonal fluctuations in water temperature and chemical balance, giving it a dependable year-round edge.

While the upfront cost of the Explorer E40 may be higher than basic cleaning tools, its long-term value is clear. It consumes less than five cents of electricity per hour, making it one of the more energy-efficient robotic options on the market. Its ability to reduce chemical demand, extend the life of pumps and filters, and slash weekly manual cleaning hours makes it a financially sound investment.

Many users report saving 50 to 150 hours per year in manual cleaning labor—time they now spend enjoying their pools instead. Key mechanical parts like the motor and drive systems are built for longevity, and replacement filters and brushes are reasonably priced and easy to find. For homeowners looking to protect both their time and their investment, the E40 delivers significant returns.

A consistent theme across thousands of user reviews is satisfaction with the E40’s real-world performance. Homeowners frequently mention how effective the triple-brush system is, especially on stairs and tight corners that other robotic cleaners tend to miss. App-based scheduling also gets high marks, particularly for busy families and vacation homeowners.

During high-debris periods, some users note the need for more frequent filter rinsing, but they also report the process is fast enough not to be a burden. In tougher environments—like pools with frequent sand, leaves, or pollen—the E40 may require a second pass, but the end results are consistently praised.

Many users also recommend the optional caddy accessory for convenient transport and storage, especially if you’re moving the unit between sheds or garages. And in before-and-after scenarios, users often describe dramatic improvements in water clarity within just a week or two of regular use.

The Dolphin Explorer E40 isn’t just a machine—it’s a redefinition of what it means to maintain a pool. It removes the manual drudgery, enhances water quality, and frees up hours of your time each month. With intelligent navigation, effective scrubbing, and app-based control, it offers an experience that feels less like maintenance and more like peace of mind.

For those looking to spend less time cleaning and more time swimming, the Explorer E40 is available on Amazon. Plug it in, drop it in, and let it show you what effortless pool care really looks like.