Swimming Pool Tips and Reviews: Dolphin Proteus DX4 Robotic Pool Cleaner Overview

The Dolphin Proteus-DX4 Robotic Pool Cleaner with PowerStream Technology and CleverClean is a top cleaner in the high Mid-Range category. The price point comes in around $900 and you get a solid and reliable cleaner that has enough bells and whistles to satisfy anyone. It is made by a solid company, Maytronics that has very good reviews across all of the cleaners that they manufacture.

Here is what Dolphin says about the Proteus DX4:

“The Dolphin Proteus DX4 is a basic and ultra-lightweight robotic pool cleaner that provides deep cleaning results. It starts by precisely spending the first twenty minutes scanning your pool to create the most efficient route, which helps to ensure that no spots are missed. The Proteus DX4 thoroughly cleans the pool floor, wall, and waterline.

This Dolphin Pool Cleaner also equipped with an integrated filtration system to remove dirt and debris. Simply choose from one of two filtration options: Fine filter for Spring cleaning and large debris or Ultra-fine Filter for small particles as tiny as 50 microns for a daily or weekly cleaning.”

The Proteus DX4 is basically the same cleaner as the DX5i except for the fact that it does not connect to the My Dolphin app since it lacks the Bluetooth connectivity. It also does not have the ability to go into “Quick Clean Mode” which is a 1-hour floors only mode that the DX5i is capable of. So if you don’t need those features saving $100 and going with the DX4 is probably not a bad idea.

Like he DX5i the DX4 has an interesting cleaning pattern thanks to the CleverClean technology. This is a mapping software inside the cleaner that allows it to pick the best cleaning pattern for your pool. It will stop and lift off the ground and turn. Sometimes in smaller degrees, sometimes in larger degrees. It will also move backward and then forward at different intervals. Then every couple of minutes it will climb the wall to the waterline and then the PowerStream Technology pushes it along the waterline. All of this while the front and back scrubbing brushes clean the pool surface. It is a fascinating bit of technology and one that makes the cleaner highly efficient. The cleaning cycle is 2 hours and, at that time, the DX4 thoroughly cleans the entire pool.

The filter basket is very large, taking up the entire center of the cleaner. The fact that it a top loading cleaner is a plus and you have two filter choices. The fine filters and also the Ultra Fine filter inserts. The debris opening on the bottom is very large, one of the largest in its class of robotic cleaners. This cleaner is great not only for dirt but if your pool has large leaf debris the DX4 will pick it up with ease. The low profile of the cleaner allows it to hug the pool surface allowing it to clean the pool quickly without scattering debris and dirt everywhere.

The Power Unit has a programmable weekly schedule and it is very basic and easy to use the feature. You can set the cleaner to come on once per week, 4 times per week or 3 times per week. The cleaner needs to be in the pool at the time and this is a very convenient option making it on par with a suction side cleaner that stays in your pool all week. Dolphin does suggest cleaning the debris basket in between cleanings.

The 18 meters of cord or 60ft makes this cleaner perfect for a large, medium and small pool. It is also safe for all pool surface types. There is also a swivel on the cord to prevent cord tangling as the cleaner is moving around the pool. With the CleverClean technology, I don’t think the swivel is really needed, but it is good to have. I like the thin cord on the Dolphin cleaners and the cord is easy to loop up when you take the cleaner out to store it. A Caddy Cart is optional but really not needed with such a lightweight cleaner in my opinion.

There is so much to like about the DX4 and it features just about everything the more expensive DX5i features making it a top choice in the high Mid-Range category. If you're looking for a premium robotic cleaner I would suggest seriously considering this cleaner. Of course, compare it to the DX5i and consider that cleaner also if you like the two added features of app control and the Quick Clean Mode.

Cleaning Area Floor, Walls, and Waterline

Cleaning Cycle 2 hours

Cord/Hose Length 60 ft

GPH 3735 GPH

Installation Type Residential

Manufacturer Dolphin

Pool Cleaner Type Robotic

Pool Size Up to 50’

Pool Surface All Surfaces

Pool Type In-Ground

Product Type Pool Cleaner

Warranty 2-Year