Dolphin Explorer E40
#1 in CordedFull review
A full-coverage Wi-Fi robot for large in-ground pools, with a three-year warranty and extra scrubbing.
Amazon $1,299 Maytronics $1,499 Walmart $1,449 ePoolSupply $1,449$1,299
The Dolphin Explorer E40 is the better robotic pool cleaner overall, rated 4.0 to 3.0. The Dolphin Explorer E40 leads on warranty and value. The Dolphin Explorer E40 costs $300 less ($1,299 vs $1,599).
Hayward SharkVac XL
#32 in CordedFull review
A full-coverage Hayward for in-ground pools up to 20 x 40 ft, including beach-entry pools.
Leslie's $1,599 Walmart $1,599$1,599
Prices were last checked October 21, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Dolphin Explorer E40 for warranty (3-year warranty vs 1-year warranty) and value ($1,299 vs $1,599).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every corded robotic pool cleaner; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Dolphin Explorer E40 | Hayward SharkVac XL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.0/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Value 25% | 28 $1,299 | 19 $1,599 |
| Cleaning 25% | 85 Floor, walls and waterline | 85 Floor, walls and waterline |
| Navigation 15% | 50 navigation not published (neutral score used) | 50 Smart steering |
| Warranty 15% | 100 3-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
| Pool size 10% | 100 pools up to 50 ft long (about 1,250 sq ft) | 56 pools up to 40 ft long (about 800 sq ft) |
| Features 10% | 100 3 of 3 | 50 too few features published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Dolphin Explorer E40 | Hayward SharkVac XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Pool | ||
| Pool size (rated) | Up to 50 ft long | Up to 40 ft long |
| Pool types | In-ground | In-ground |
| Surfaces | - | Gunite, vinyl, fiberglass, pebble, tile |
| Cleaning | ||
| Cleans | Floor, walls and waterline | Floor, walls and waterline |
| Surface skimming | No | No |
| Filter | Fine Filter Kit, top access | Top-access filter with two fine-porosity elements |
| Water flow | 4,500 gal/h | - |
| Power | ||
| Power | Corded | Corded, 55 ft cable |
| Run time | Longest cycle 2 h 30 min | Longest cycle 3 h |
| Swivel cable | Yes | - |
| Navigation & app | ||
| Navigation | - | Smart steering |
| App | Yes | No |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi | - |
| Scheduling | Yes | - |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 24.6 lb (11.2 kg) | 21.5 lb (9.8 kg) |
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year |