Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Review

The best-selling Dolphin pool robot. But after so many years and newer models coming out from Maytronics, is it still worth it? Or are you better off with another pool robot? Let's find out.

Introduction to the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus

Hey there, and welcome back to the Pool Nerd. I’m Justin, your resident pool aficionado. Today, I’m talking about Maytronics’ Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus.

There is a lot to love about the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus. It cleans very well, it has been reliable in over a year of ownership, and haven't had many issues with it, which is what I've come to expect after testing all the top Dolphin pool cleaners. However, it lacks in a few critical areas that may make you want to upgrade. It's missing 3 key features I've come to prefer in other cleaners.

1. NanoFilters: This is a big one. These new Gen-2 Filters are a game-changer. Allowing you to clean deeper than ever before with a robotic pool cleaner, it captures particles that the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus missed in my testing.

2. No Waterline Cleaning: The Waterline is the dirtiest part of the pool, so why would you buy a pool cleaner that doesn't clean it? In other top models, such as the Dolphin ProLine, they move horizontally alongside this area scrubbing away as they ensure full pool cleaning coverage.

3. Hidden Restocking Fees: Lastly, a lot of sellers online charge restocking fees up to 20%+ if you purchase this robot from them. You're better off going with some other Dolphin line ups that guarantee no restocking fees. So make sure you look at the fine print, especially on Amazon, before you buy.

   

However, it doesn’t have all the features found on other Dolphin Wi-Fi models. The app only allows you to schedule the cleaner, as you cannot manually control it or choose different cycle lengths.

Limitations of the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus

But, just adding WiFi doesn’t make up for its lack of cleaning ability, filter options, and features that are included in similarly priced units. So let’s look at all the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus WiFi has to offer.

Cleaning Ability: A Major Concern

Starting with the cleaning ability, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus with WiFi is the exact same as the previous model Nautilus CC Plus that I have also tested. It can clean from the floor to the walls of your pool with its dual scrubbing brushes but still cannot clean the waterline.

At this price point, waterline cleaning is something that I not only expect to see but is a necessity. Especially since the waterline is the dirtiest part of your pool. Why include a feature like WiFi to ease your maintenance load if you will still have to go behind the unit to clean the waterline?

Navigation and Scrubbing Power

I will say that the CC Plus WiFi still has the great navigation and strong scrubbing power we’ve come to expect from Maytronics, but it simply cannot clean your whole pool as it is missing the waterline cleaning ability you find in other models.

However, the track design system works really well. Especially when compared to other brands like Aiper that opt for a lot of wheeled cleaners, these tracks seem to help keep the robot pushed to the floor and increase the suction power of the robot.

Alternative Robots to Consider

Dolphin ProLine Robots: Bigger and Better

For my money, I would be looking at upgrading to the new Dolphin ProLine. This includes the Dolphin Quantum, Sigma, or Premier. Each of these units can clean from the floor to the waterline of your pool with dual scrubbing brushes. The Premier and Sigma are even more powerful, with amazing waterline cleaning and scrubbing power.

They all include the new NanoFilters, which is far superior to the standard mesh filters included in the Dolphin Nautilus CC. With upgraded commercial-grade motors, NanoFilters, Waterline Cleaning, and even a longer warranty, the ProLine would be my personal pick.

Dolphin Cayman: A Budget-Friendly Alternative

If those are a little out of your budget, I would highly recommend the Dolphin Cayman. It is over a hundred dollars cheaper and has all the features of the Nautilus CC Plus. It also uses the MaxBin that even can be upgraded with NanoFiltration, which I prefer to the cartridges. With wall cleaning, a programmable smart timer, and a filter basket, switching to the Cayman can save you a ton of money.

Filter Options: Another Disappointment

The other key piece of any unit’s cleaning ability is its filter options. Just like its pool coverage, I expect more out of the Nautilus CC Plus. It only comes with one standard fine filter set.

Without NanoFilters, the Nautilus CC Plus cannot clear up cloudy pool water like the Dolphin Quantum or Premier can. Both units include NanoFilters, and the Premier even includes an oversized leaf bag and disposable debris bag. Just like the original CC Plus, I expect more at this price, especially since it cannot clean your waterline either.

App Connectivity: A Step Forward or a Missed Opportunity?

What’s New with the App?

Now onto the biggest improvement with the CC Plus with WiFi—its app connectivity. The power supply is now just a simple on button. There is no way to schedule any cleanings from anywhere else on the power supply, and you have to use the app. I do appreciate app connectivity, but it lacks app features you find on upper-level Maytronics cleaners, such as the ability to manually control the unit. I’m unsure why it doesn’t have all of the app features, but it is largely disappointing.

Should You Upgrade for the App?

At its price point, though, I would spend the few extra dollars and upgrade to the Sigma if an app is important to you. It is more powerful, has a gyroscope for advanced navigation, has more features in the app, and includes NanoFilters and standard filter, so you can fine-tune every clean.

If you have or had an older version of the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus, you may have had one with the older style weekly timer. Which to be honest, we personally loved.

Warranty Considerations: Is It Enough?

Finally, there is the warranty. The CC Plus comes with the standard 2-and-a-half-year warranty that I expect from Dolphin, which is nice to see but is average for this price range. It’s around 20% shorter than warranties found on the Premier and Sigma, so that is something to keep in mind. Not to mention it has a restocking fee, which means that you will be out several hundred dollars if you return the unit for any reason. Even if you don’t open the box, you will still have to pay for a portion of the unit.

Final Verdict: Buy with Caution

So what’s my final verdict on the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus? Buy with caution.

Is the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Worth it? Not necessarily. There are dozens of Dolphin pool cleaners out there with more features, better filtration, and even longer warranties.

I can recommend this unit over the original CC Plus thanks to its WiFi connectivity and the ease that comes with it. However, its lack of waterline scrubbing and multiple filter options are both major drawbacks. Without waterline cleaning, you will have to clean it yourself, which at its price tag, is not something I expect to do. The same thing goes for its lack of NanoFilters.

Instead, I would look at the Dolphin Quantum, Dolphin Premier, or if app connectivity is important to you, the Dolphin Sigma. Each of these units has NanoFilters, can clean your waterline, and they have extra features as well. I have reviews and comparisons on each of these robots, so check them out if you want to learn more.

Stay Tuned for More Pool Nerd Reviews

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Your resident pool aficionado.

For over 4+ years, The Pool Nerd has been a leading source in the swimming pool industry. With years of experince owning a swimming pool, our hope here is to guide and help making owning a swimming pool easier.