Proteus might be the mythological “old man of the sea”, but the Dolphin Proteus DX3 could be the new robotic pool cleaner in your inground swimming pool. According to Greek mythology, Proteus was a sea god with the power to change shape at will, similar to waves on the sea or ripples in a pool. The Dolphin Proteus DX3 does not have the ability to change its shape, but it does have the power to clean inground swimming pools up to 33 feet in size.
The Dolphin Proteus DX3 robotic pool cleaner is one of the internet-only models created by the Maytronics company. This model is not available in retail stores, and can only be purchased online from certain e-commerce shops.
My review of the Dolphin Proteus DX3 also looks at the other models in the Proteus series, namely the DX4 and DX5i.
In addition, I have also added my previous review of the DX3, DX4 and DX6 residential robotic pool cleaners. These are in-store models with dual scrubbing brushes that are designed for better cleaning performance in swimming pools of all sizes.
Dolphin Proteus DX3 Robotic Pool Cleaner
The Dolphin Proteus DX3 is made for inground pools that are not larger than 33 feet. This automatic pool robot has a high speed scrubber in the front and a powerful suction motor inside. It cleans both the floor and the walls, but neither the waterline nor pool steps. The large top-loading filter basket captures dirty debris, but it is easy to clean.
The Dolphin Proteus DX3 is a plug-and-play robotic pool cleaner: no hoses and no booster pumps are required. It only needs a suitable and safe outdoor power outlet near the swimming pool where you can plug in the power supply.
The power supply has a power button and weekly scheduler with three settings. You can choose to let the robotic pool cleaner run every day, every second day, or every third day. The standard automatic cleaning cycle is two hours long.
To summarize, the Dolphin Proteus DX3 is another internet-only pool robot from Maytronics. It has all the basic features, but lacks advanced and premium functions such as dual brushes, a tangle-free cable, waterline scrubbing and smartphone app. Nevertheless, it is an easy-to-use robotic pool cleaner that performs good in the pool (buy on Amazon).
Comparison To The Proteus DX4
The next pool robot in the series is the Proteus DX4. How does it compare to the DX3 model?
To begin with, the Proteus DX4 can clean a larger inground pool size, up to 50 feet. The 60-foot power cable also has a tangle-free swivel for reducing all those annoying kinks in the floating power cable.
Next, the Proteus DX4 cleans the waterline of the swimming pool, in addition to the floor and walls. Furthermore, it has a scrubbing brush in the back in addition to the high speed front scrubber. Its filter basket is also larger when compared to the filter basket of the DX3 model.
To sum up, the Proteus DX4 has an extra large filter basket, an extra scrubbing brush and a longer floating power cord with an anti-tangle cable (check price on Amazon).
Proteus DX5i Comparison
The Proteus DX5i is similar to the DX4 because it can clean a 50-foot pool size, has an anti-tangle cable, waterline cleaning, extra large basket, dual brushes and weekly scheduler. However, it differs in two significant ways.
First, the DX5i has two cleaning cycles available: choose either a quick one hour or a standard two-hour cleaning cycle.
Secondly, the Proteus DX5i has Wi-Fi connectivity. You can use the MyDolphin™ Plus App to control the unit remotely, check its operational status, set up a cleaning program, and more.
This pool robot reminds me of another Dolphin robotic pool cleaner with Wi-Fi connectivity and the MyDolphin™ Plus App: the Triton PS Plus.
Finally, there is a price to pay for features such as the Wi-Fi and smartphone capabilities. The Proteus DX5i has the best specifications, but it also has the biggest price tag.
Dolphin Proteus: Verdict
It seems like the Proteus DX4 and DX5i models are slightly more popular than the DX3 model. Why?
It might have something to do with the anti-tangle floating power cable. The extra scrubbing brush at the back of the pool robot might also contribute to people’s preference of the other models over the Proteus DX3.
In particular, the waterline cleaning ability of the DX4 and DX5i appears to be a desirable function for pool owners.
A few buyers also prefer robotic pool cleaners that have Wi-Fi connectivity and smartphone apps: for this reason, the Proteus DX5i appeals to smart homeowners.
In the final analysis, the Proteus series robotic pool cleaners might shape up to be superb at cleaning inground swimming pools.
Dolphin DX3 Robotic Pool Cleaner
It is only possible to confuse the Dolphin Proteus DX3 with the Dolphin DX3 until you have seen both models, then you will realize how different they look.
The Dolphin DX3 is an advanced class robotic pool cleaner for cleaning the floor and walls of residential inground swimming pools up to 50 feet in size.
I have spent time researching and collecting comments about the Dolphin DX3. I will try to provide a short overview of its salient features and functions.
Does the Dolphin DX3 connect to the pool system?
This robotic pool cleaner operates independently of the pool pump and filter system. The pool cleaner has its own power supply, power cable, internal motor and inner filter bag. It requires a 120V outlet (with GFCI) for the power supply.
The power cable is 60 feet long. It has an anti-tangle swivel device that reduces the chance of the cable twisting and tangling.
How long does it clean the pool?
The Dolphin DX3 has a 3-hour pool cleaning cycle. Three hours is probably long enough to clean a swimming pool that is not too dirty. Do not expect it to clean a very dirty pool in just one cycle. The power supply also has a weekly timer function with other preset cycles for a whole week.
What type of filter does the DX3 have?
The DX3 has a bottom-load filter bag which collects dirt, debris and dust. Access to the filter bag is gained through the bottom of the pool cleaner.
You should remove the bag regularly and rinse it with a garden hose. It can also be washed in a washing machine or rinsed with a water and bleach solution to kill the algae spores.
The DX3 does not have a special indicator that warns you when the filter bag is full. Cleaning the filter bag is the most important maintenance task.
Does the Dolphin DX3 have remote control abilities?
The DX3 has neither remote control nor Wi-Fi connectivity. You will have to use your finger to press the buttons.
Is a caddy included with the Dolphin DX3?
The DX3 does not ship with a caddy cart. Nevertheless, you might be able to buy a caddy that fits the DX3 model. The caddy is not an essential accessory, but it does make storage and transport a little easier.
What pool surfaces can the DX3 clean?
The specifications say that it cleans the walls and floor. Various owners have slightly different experiences. It definitely cleans the pool floor.
Its performance might differ when it comes to cleaning the walls. Most owners are satisfied by the amount of wall it can climb, while a minority feel disappointed due to poor wall climbing results.
Most people agree that the DX3 does not keep the pool steps clean. Still, I have yet to hear of an automatic pool cleaner that actually cleans the pool steps effectively. Just use a pool brush to brush the steps because it really is the ultimate obstacle for an automatic pool cleaner.
Can the DX3 clean a vinyl-lined inground pool?
The answer is yes. Owners of inground vinyl-lined pools have commented that the DX3 is safe to use on vinyl liners. It works well in such pools.
Does it work for above-ground pools?
The answer is no. The Dolphin DX3 is not recommended for above-ground pools. It is made for cleaning inground swimming pools.
Dolphin DX3: Verdict
The DX3 cleans the floor and walls as well as most other inground pool cleaners. Still, I think that the DX3 robotic pool cleaner is not really better than the much more popular Dolphin Nautilus, even though it is more expensive than the Nautilus robotic pool cleaners.
Dolphin DX4 And DX6 Robotic Pool Cleaners
The DX4 has a bottom-load filter bag with a full filter bag indicator. It cleans the floor, walls and waterline of an inground swimming pool. The DX4 has both a standard 3-hour and a quick 1-hour cleaning cycle. It can also be remotely controlled, although the remote control might be an optional purchase.
The DX6 looks very similar to the Dolphin Triton. Nevertheless, the colors are different, and it has some features that are not found on the Triton. The DX6 has the anti-tangle swivel cable, bottom-load filter bag, full bag indicator, weekly timer, cycle selector and delayed start. The remote control, with cycle options and manual navigation, seems to be included with the DX6 robotic pool cleaner. A caddy is also included.
Conclusion
To conclude, the Dolphin Proteus DX3, DX4 and DX5i are easy to use, and it works well in most inground pools. Of course, not everyone is satisfied by its performance in the pool, yet the majority of owners give it a high rating. It might not be a divine pool robot, but it is highly recommended.