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2026 Head-to-Head Comparison

Dolphin ADVANTAGE ULTRA vs Dolphin Premier®

Compare price, filtration, pool coverage, features & warranty — and see why pool owners upgrade to the Dolphin Premier.

Dolphin ADVANTAGE ULTRA Robotic Pool Cleaner

Dolphin ADVANTAGE ULTRA

 

Sold through select retailers

VS
Best Overall
Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner Best Pool Robot - USA Today
Dolphin ProLine

Dolphin Premier®

#1 Selling Premium Robot

$1949$2499 Save $550
Explore Premier

The Verdict

Is the Dolphin ADVANTAGE ULTRA or the Dolphin Premier better?

Rated the Best Pool Robot of 2026 by USA Today, the Dolphin Premier is in a class of its own. Only the Premier includes Multi-Media™ filtration, NanoFilters™, and an oversized leaf bag. The Premier is also backed by a 3-year warranty — 50% longer than the Dolphin ADVANTAGE ULTRA's 2-year warranty.

Multi-Media Filtration - Multiple filter options for an optimal clean pool. The Premier comes standard with three filter options: bottom-load fine cartridge filters, ultra-fine cartridge filters, and an oversized fine filter bag. Plus an optional disposable debris bag.

By comparison, the Dolphin ADVANTAGE ULTRA: Waterline Scrubbing

See the full Dolphin Premier breakdown ›

Honest Breakdown

Pros & Cons

Dolphin ADVANTAGE ULTRA Highlights

  • 2 High Speed Scrubbing Brushes
  • Energy Efficient Motors
  • Schedule Cleanings - Run every 24, 48, or 72 hours
  • Anti-Tangle Swivel - Prevents Tangles
  • Waterline Cleaning

Where the ADVANTAGE ULTRA Falls Short

  • No Multi-Media™ filtration and no included oversized leaf bag.
  • No NanoFilters™ for capturing fine dust, algae and pollen.
  • No Media-Alert® full-filter indicator.
  • Shorter 2-year warranty vs Premier's 3 years.
  • Possible restocking fee and no 30-day in-pool trial.
  • Restocking Fee Up to 20%

Why Premier Wins

3 Reasons Pool Owners Choose the Premier

The Dolphin Premier is the only Maytronics robot built around Multi-Media™ filtration.

Dolphin NanoFilter vs Standard Filter

Multi-Media™ Filtration

Four media options in one robot: standard cartridges, ultra-fine NanoFilters™, an oversized leaf bag, and a disposable debris bag.

Learn about Multi-Media™ ›
Dolphin Premier Oversized Leaf Bag

The Only Dolphin With a Leaf Bag

If you fight leaves and heavy debris, the Premier's oversized leaf bag plus 4,500 GPH commercial-grade motors keep your pool clear all season.

See the Premier ›
Dolphin Premier Waterline Cleaning

Powerful Waterline Cleaning

Dual stabilizers hold the Premier steady against the wall to scrub the waterline and tile-line — where scum and oils build up most.

Read owner reviews ›

In-Depth Analysis

Dolphin ADVANTAGE ULTRA vs Premier: Full Review

Compare the Dolphin ADVANTAGE ULTRA to the Dolphin Premier

Both the Dolphin Premier and Dolphin ADVANTAGE ULTRA are designed to clean your pool's floor, walls, and waterline. Breaking down their filters, the Dolphin Premier® includes 3 filter options (with a 4th optional). The Dolphin ADVANTAGE ULTRA includes only one filter option, the Standard Cartridge Filter, but won't include the Oversized Leaf Bag or the NanoFilter Filter. The Dolphin Premier has a 50% longer warranty compared to the ADVANTAGE ULTRA. The Premier has a 3-year best-in-class warranty, while the Dolphin ADVANTAGE ULTRA has a 2 year warranty.

Dolphin Premier Waterline
Ultimate Pool Coverage of the pool floor, walls, and waterline

Filter Options

What’s even better than having 2 sets of filtration options? How about 3 or 4. There’s only one Dolphin pool cleaner with this feature. Multi-Media is a Dolphin Premier exclusive feature. Premier includes Fine, NanoFilters, and a Leaf Bag. In addition, you can get disposable filter bags so you can just toss ‘em in the trash when you’re done. You can even subscribe to a service to ship these monthly.

Dolphin Premier Multi-Media®
Premier's Multi-Media® Technology - 3 Filter Options Included

Robotic pool cleaners with multiple filter media let you customize your pool’s cleaning job based on its needs that day. Use an NanoFilter filter to capture smaller particles, use a standard cartridge for a regular clean, use the oversized leaf bag after a storm, and perhaps disposable for the really dirty jobs.

The ADVANTAGE ULTRA comes with one filter option, while the Premier® has Multi-Media®, which offers four different filter media options. This gives you the ability to customize your cleaning based on your pool's needs. If you need to pick up leaves, you can use the oversized leaf bag or disposable leaf bag. If you need to clean up regular debris, you can use the fine filter cartridge. Finally, if you need to pick up fine dust and other micro particles, you can use the NanoFilter cartridge.

The Dolphin Premier includes:

  • Oversized Leaf Bag
  • Standard Cartridge Filter Set
  • NanoFilter™ Cartridge Set
  • Optional Disposable Debris Bag (sold separately)

The Dolphin ADVANTAGE ULTRA includes:

  • Standard Cartridge Filter

Unlock Your Robot’s Full Potential

There are two types of filters available on modern robotic pool cleaners. The first generation robots will have a filter consisting of a large pore plastic mesh. The second generation type is the NanoFilter™ cartridge, which is a high-efficiency particulate filter. The large pore mesh filter is the more basic type and is found on many discount pool cleaners, while the Nanofilter is the more advanced option. Under a microscope, you can see the Nanofilter’s individual fibers intersecting to create a tight mesh. This webbed structure is able to sieve even the smallest of micron particles. Additionally, the filter’s deep pleats provide a larger surface area, meaning more waterborne particles can be trapped while having relatively low resistance to waterflow.

Dolphin Premier Multi-Media®
NanoFilter™ vs Standard Filter

The NanoFilter™ also has the benefit of being able to absorb oil, which is beneficial for keeping sunscreen and scum lines from forming on the pool’s surface. Overall, the pleated Nanofilter is more efficient than the plastic mesh filter at capturing all types of microscopic waterborne particles, including pollen, algae, bacteria, pet dander, and other debris. Not only does this improve the amount of contaminants that are removed from the water, but it also leads to a higher level of clarity and sparkle in the pool. The Nanofilter serves as an important booster to the pool’s main filter, and for this reason, it is the preferred choice for many pool owners.

The NanoFilters™ capture more dirt, sand, and even oil out of your pool than the standard filter cartridges, making a NanoFilter™ a must-have for any pool robot. Without it, these particles will be left inside of your pool and can lead to poor water chemistry.

Ease of Use

Both robots have a similar setup process and weigh about the same. To set up either one, simply plug the power supply into an outdoor outlet, plug the unit into the power supply, drop the unit into the water, and press start. Both robots have a weekly timer with options for daily, every other day, and every three-day cycles.

Dolphin Premier Oversized Leaf Bag
Oversized Leaf Bag, a Dolphin Premier Exclusive

Cleaning Performance

In terms of cleaning performance, the Dolphin Premier® is capable of cleaning pool floors, walls, and waterline (also called the scum line), which is the most vulnerable part of the pool to dirt, grime, and algae buildup. This is especially important for robotic pool cleaners because if the bot doesn't clean the scum line, you'll still need to manually brush the pool afterwards. The Dolphin ADVANTAGE ULTRA also covers your entire pool, including the pool floor, walls, and waterline.

Media-Alert®

The Premier® has an extra feature to improve user experience, a full filter bag indicator. This indicator will let you know when the filter bag is full and needs to be cleaned, as well as when it is partially blocked and needs to be cleared out. This indicator is not present on the ADVANTAGE ULTRA.

Anti-Tangle Swivel

Both models come with an anti-tangle swivel to minimize cord tangling. This helps both robots clean with power and precision in your swimming pool. The Patented Tangle Free Swivel from Maytronics allows the robot to rotate 360 degrees without your cord getting tangled.

Warranty

The Premier® offers a longer warranty: 36 months (3 years) compared to the ADVANTAGE ULTRA' 24 month warranty (2 years).

Which is the better pool robot?

Overall, the Dolphin Premier offers more customizable filter options, an Oversized Leaf Bag, and a 50% longer warranty when compared to the Dolphin ADVANTAGE ULTRA.

See It Clean

Dolphin Premier Video

Where to Buy

Buy the Dolphin Premier direct for live pricing, free 1-3 day FedEx shipping, a 30-day in-pool trial, and full factory warranty support.

Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner

BEST VALUE

Dolphin Premier®

$1949 $2499 Save $550

The only Dolphin with Multi-Media™ filtration, an oversized leaf bag, and class-leading waterline cleaning — the #1 selling premium pool robot.

Explore Premier

Also available at

Poolbots Logo

With thousands of Dolphin robots in stock, Poolbots carries the full Dolphin lineup.

Shop at Poolbots
PoolRobots Logo

Carrying all the top Dolphin lineups, PoolRobots paves the way in the pool industry.

Shop at PoolRobots
SpectraLight Logo

An Authorized Dolphin Dealer offering the Premier with full warranty support.

Shop at SpectraLight

Buy the Dolphin ADVANTAGE ULTRA

Amazon Logo

Find the Dolphin ADVANTAGE ULTRA available on Amazon.

Shop at Amazon
Certified Dolphin Open Box

Save hundreds with full warranty, all original parts & a 30-day trial.

Shop Open Box
Certified Dolphin Refurbished

Factory-restored Dolphins at the lowest price — fully warrantied.

Shop Refurbished

Tech Specs

Dolphin ADVANTAGE ULTRA vs Dolphin Premier Specifications

Dolphin ADVANTAGE ULTRA Dolphin Premier
PriceSee retailers$1949
Part Number99996201-ADU99996339-SPL
Waterline CleaningYesYes
Multi-Media™NoYes
Filters Included13
FiltrationTop AccessOversized Leaf Bag, Ultra-fine Cartridges, Standard Cartridges, & Optional Disposable Debris bag
Cleaning CoverageFloor, Walls and WaterlineFloor, Walls, Waterline
Cleaning Cycle2 hours3 hours
Scrubbing Brushes22
Cable Length60 ft60 ft
Anti-Tangle SwivelYesYes
Pool TypesIn GroundIn Ground
Max Pool Size40 ft50 ft
Surface TypesGunite, Fiberglass, Vinyl, LinerConcrete, Plaster, Gunite, Pebble, Tile, Vinyl Liner, Fiberglass
Media-Alert®NoYes
Weekly TimerYesYes
ProLine™ MotorsNoYes
Restocking FeeNoNo
Warranty2 Years3 Years

Find Your Perfect Match

Explore the Dolphin Max-Series™ & ProLine™

Every robot below ships free, includes a 30-day in-pool trial, and never charges a restocking fee. Compare the full premium lineup and pick the Dolphin that fits your pool.

Dolphin Max-Series

The Max-Series™

Max-Series Dolphin Quantum Robotic Pool Cleaner

Dolphin Quantum

Our largest filter ever, dual HyperBrushes, and full waterline cleaning.

$1499 $1799Save $300
Learn More
Max-Series Dolphin Cayman Robotic Pool Cleaner

Dolphin Cayman

Premium wall-climbing performance and MaxBin™ filtration at an unbeatable value.

$1049 $1299Save $250
Learn More
Max-Series Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner

Dolphin Escape

The best robotic pool cleaner for above-ground pools.

$659 $899Save $240
Learn More
Dolphin ProLine

The ProLine™

ProLine Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner

Dolphin Premier

The only Dolphin with Multi-Media™ filtration and an oversized leaf bag.

$1949 $2499Save $550
Learn More
ProLine Dolphin Sigma Robotic Pool Cleaner

Dolphin Sigma

The most advanced Dolphin ever — gyroscope navigation, Wi-Fi, and quad brushes.

$2349 $2999Save $650
Learn More
ProLine Dolphin Quantum Robotic Pool Cleaner

Dolphin Quantum

Commercial-grade motors with the largest top-loading NanoFilter™ MaxBin™.

$1499 $1799Save $300
Learn More
Dolphin Premier®$1949 · 30-day trial

NEXT STEPS

Try Premier in Your Pool for 30 days

Every pool deserves an intelligent robot.
Take Premier home and try in your own pool for 30 days.

Ultimate Pool Robot Guide