Dolphin Premier
#9 in CordedFull review
For leafy in-ground pools up to 50 ft where filter capacity matters more than app control.
Pool Express $1,999$1,999
The Dolphin Premier is the better robotic pool cleaner overall, rated 3.7 to 3.6. The Dolphin Premier leads on warranty. The Hayward R130 wins on value. The Hayward R130 costs $747.05 less ($1,251.95 vs $1,999).
Hayward R130
#13 in CordedFull review
Hayward’s newer, lighter robot for in-ground or above-ground pools up to 50 ft, with a weekly timer.
ePoolSupply $1,251.95$1,251.95
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 Premier for warranty (3-year warranty vs 2-year warranty).
- Choose the Hayward R130 for value ($1,252 vs $1,999).
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 Premier | Hayward R130 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Value 25% | 10 $1,999 | 30 $1,252 |
| Cleaning 25% | 85 Floor, walls and waterline | 85 Floor, walls and waterline |
| Navigation 15% | 50 Smart scanning | 50 Smart navigation |
| Warranty 15% | 100 3-year warranty | 50 2-year warranty |
| Pool size 10% | 100 pools up to 50 ft long (about 1,250 sq ft) | 100 pools up to 50 ft long (about 1,250 sq ft) |
| Features 10% | 67 2 of 3; no app control | 50 2 of 4; no app control, caddy |
Specifications
| Dolphin Premier | Hayward R130 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pool | ||
| Pool size (rated) | Up to 50 ft long | Up to 50 ft long |
| Pool types | In-ground | In-ground and above-ground |
| Surfaces | - | Any pool surface |
| Cleaning | ||
| Cleans | Floor, walls and waterline | Floor, walls and waterline |
| Surface skimming | No | No |
| Filter | Multi-layer bottom-access cartridges, plus fine cartridges and an oversized leaf bag in the box | Extra-large top-load basket with fine and ultra-fine panels |
| Water flow | 4,500 gal/h | - |
| Power | ||
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Run time | Longest cycle 3 h | - |
| Swivel cable | Yes | Yes |
| Navigation & app | ||
| Navigation | Smart scanning | Smart navigation |
| App | No | No |
| Scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Caddy included | - | No |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 20.3 lb (9.2 kg) | 16.5 lb (7.5 kg) |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |