The Aiper Seagull SE and the Dolphin Nautilus CC are two robotic pool cleaners we've put through rigorous testing. We purchased both units to see how they stack up against other models and each other. Although they both exhibit some strengths, their weaknesses largely influence our overall impression.
We first tried the Aiper Seagull SE, which is marketed as a cordless, entry-level pool robot. While the design caught our attention, the resulting performance was underwhelming. The Seagull SE's limited cleaning coverage, lack of wall climbing, and daily recharging needs left us questioning its practicality for pool owners.
The Dolphin Nautilus CC, on the other hand, used to be a popular choice for budget-conscious pool owners. However, recent downgrades, including the removal of a programmable timer and no waterline cleaning, make it less appealing in today's market. While it has a decent cleaning capability, it falls short in several crucial aspects.
In both devices, we encountered significant flaws that affect their overall usability and efficiency. Be it the Seagull SE's inability to deliver a comprehensive clean or the Nautilus CC's lack of advanced features, neither robot meets the standard set by some of the newer, more sophisticated pool robots.
For a detailed comparison and review of these two models, we encourage you to read our full reviews. The in-depth analysis will provide more insights into their strengths and weaknesses, helping you make an informed decision. If you're looking for more reliable alternatives, we also suggest checking out our reviews on the Dolphin Premier or Dolphin Sigma, which have proven to be superior in various aspects.
We test each robotic pool cleaner for three months to ensure we capture a realistic picture of its performance, durability, and efficiency. Our goal is to thoroughly evaluate the pool coverage, filtration ability, and feature set and warranty of each robot.
The Aiper Seagull SE was first put to the test in terms of pool coverage. Unfortunately, it could only manage to clean the floor, leaving the walls and waterline untouched. This limitation is particularly detrimental for inground pools, which often collect significant debris and algae at these higher levels.
We found the Seagull SE's capabilities were further hampered by its inadequacy to handle even slight inclines, resulting in incomplete cleaning. Its lack of an onboard navigation system meant it wandered aimlessly, often missing spots entirely.
On the other hand, the Dolphin Nautilus CC promises better pool coverage with its capacity to climb walls. However, it still cannot reach the waterline, which is a significant shortcoming for many pool owners. During our three-month testing phase, it did produce a consistent clean on the floors and walls but failed where it mattered most at the waterline.
When assessing filtration ability, the Aiper Seagull SE's flat filter fell short, unable to capture fine particles or adequately filter large debris. This resulted in repeated cleaning sessions without achieving a visible improvement in pool cleanliness.
In contrast, the Nautilus CC features a standard fine filter, similar to many Dolphin models. While adequate for most debris, it lacks the superior filtering provided by NanoFilters, which are crucial for clearing cloudy water. This shortfall left us reaching for extra chemicals and running the pool pump more than usual during the testing period.
Evaluating the feature set and warranty, the Seagull SE showed slight improvements over previous models by reducing the charging time and slightly extending battery life. However, it still spends more time charging than cleaning, defeating the purpose of automation. With only a one-year warranty, it falls behind competitors like the Dolphin Escape and Cayman, both of which feature two-year warranties.
In terms of overall reliability, the Dolphin Nautilus CC’s main drawback is its lack of a programmable timer, which was a feature previously offered. This omission makes it less convenient compared to models like the Dolphin Cayman. It does still come with a standard two-year warranty from Maytronics, but this seemed insufficient considering other models offer much more.
In conclusion, both the Aiper Seagull SE and Dolphin Nautilus CC showed substantial limitations in our tests. When seeking more advanced, reliable options, we highly recommend exploring the Dolphin Premier, Dolphin Sigma, or Dolphin Quantum robots. These alternatives offer better cleaning coverage, superior filtration, and excellent feature sets, ensuring a more comprehensive pool cleaning experience.
When comparing the coverage capabilities of the Aiper Seagull SE and the Dolphin Nautilus CC, there are several noteworthy differences. The Seagull SE's coverage is limited to the pool floor, making it ill-suited for pools with significant wall or waterline debris. It scores a modest 3 in terms of coverage.
The Seagull SE lacks the capability to handle any incline or slope, causing it to miss large areas in pools with varying depths. The robot's absence of an onboard navigation system means it often moves aimlessly and inefficiently.
In contrast, the Dolphin Nautilus CC fares better with its ability to clean both the floors and walls of the pool, although it fails at waterline cleaning. It scores a 7 in pool coverage, which is higher than the Seagull SE. The Dolphin Nautilus CC can efficiently navigate pools up to 33 feet, and its tracks provide better adhesion for climbing pool walls.
The Nautilus CC's ability to clean walls is a significant improvement over the Seagull SE, but it still lacks waterline cleaning capability. This omission is a letdown for many pool owners who seek a comprehensive clean.
In summary, while neither model achieves optimal performance, the Dolphin Nautilus CC is clearly superior in pool coverage, outperforming the Seagull SE with its ability to clean the walls effectively. The Seagull SE falls short, particularly when it comes to handling inclines and ensuring thorough cleaning of the pool.
For those seeking more reliable options with advanced capabilities, considering alternatives like the Dolphin Premier or Dolphin Quantum might be a prudent choice. These models promise better coverage, including waterline cleaning, and are designed to tackle both debris and pool cleaning challenges effectively.
The filter systems of the Aiper Seagull SE and the Dolphin Nautilus CC highlight substantial differences in their filtration capabilities. Starting with the Aiper Seagull SE, it uses a flat filter that fails to capture fine particles or hold significant debris effectively. This filter setup has limitations in delivering a thorough clean, often necessitating multiple sessions to achieve satisfactory results.
On the other hand, the Dolphin Nautilus CC features a standard fine filter basket, which, while typical among Dolphin models, performs better than the flat filter employed by the Seagull SE. The Nautilus CC's filter is more capable of capturing a range of debris sizes, from fine particles to larger objects, making it more versatile for everyday use.
Comparing the effectiveness of each system, the flat filters found in the Seagull SE are markedly less efficient than the standard fine filters in the Nautilus CC. It's important to note that neither model offers advanced filtration options like NanoFilters, which could significantly improve cleaning performance. The absence of such filtration features particularly impacts the Seagull SE more, given its already limited capabilities.
In terms of practical use, I prefer the grid structure of the Dolphin Nautilus CC filter, as it simplifies the cleaning process while maintaining a balanced filtration performance. On multiple occasions, the Seagull SE's flat filter proved cumbersome, necessitating complete disassembly to clean properly—an inconvenience for regular pool maintenance.
Considering debris capture, the Seagull SE struggles with fine particles and larger debris alike, often resulting in inconsistent pool cleanliness. In contrast, the Nautilus CC's standard fine filter has proven itself capable of handling routine debris effectively, reducing the need for additional cleaning sessions or chemical interventions.
Ultimately, the filtration scores for these models illustrate the efficacy gap: the Aiper Seagull SE scores a low 2, while the Dolphin Nautilus CC scores better with a 7. The clear winner in this category is the Dolphin Nautilus CC, providing more reliable and user-friendly filtration.
When comparing the Aiper Seagull SE and the Dolphin Nautilus CC, it's essential to examine their feature sets closely. Each model has its strengths and weaknesses, impacting usability and overall performance. The Aiper Seagull SE has made some improvements over its predecessors, but it still falls short in several critical areas.
One notable feature of the Aiper Seagull SE is its reduced charging time, now clocking in at just 2.5 hours. Despite this, the robot still requires more time charging than cleaning. Its 90-minute battery life is an improvement but doesn’t cover the gap. Another drawback is the proverbial "cordless design", which might seem like a significant advantage, but in reality, it falls short due to limited cleaning power.
In contrast, the Dolphin Nautilus CC has features that better serve pool owners aiming for efficiency. The Nautilus CC used to have a programmable timer, which allowed users to set cleaning schedules daily, every other day, or every three days. Unfortunately, the removal of this function in recent models diminishes its usability considerably.
Maytronics offers a 2-year warranty with the Dolphin Nautilus CC, which, although standard, demonstrates the brand’s confidence in its product. However, the lack of a programmable timer echoes through the convenience factor, making us favor products like the Dolphin Cayman that retain this crucial feature.
Examining other aspects like the warranty, the Dolphin Nautilus CC offers a standard 2-year warranty, which is reliable but doesn't stand out compared to models like the Dolphin Premier with a 3-year warranty. The Aiper Seagull SE, on the other hand, features a much shorter 1-year warranty, raising questions about its durability and long-term reliability.
In terms of unique functionalities, neither model offers the advanced filtration options present in higher-end models. The Dolphin Nautilus CC relies on standard fine filters, which, though adequate, don’t compare to the superior filtration systems of products like the Dolphin Quantum. The Aiper Seagull SE features a flat filter, which is less effective in trapping fine particles, causing frequent cleanings.
In conclusion, the feature sets of these two robotic pool cleaners leave much to be desired. The Aiper Seagull SE scores a low 3 in features, primarily due to its daily recharging needs and limited warranty. The Dolphin Nautilus CC fares slightly better with a score of 5, but the recent downgrades, including the removal of the programmable timer, make it less exceptional than it once was.
For a more robust and user-friendly option, considering alternatives such as the Dolphin Premier or Dolphin Cayman ensures a better investment with more comprehensive feature sets and enhanced cleaning capabilities.
In conclusion, comparing the Aiper Seagull SE and the Dolphin Nautilus CC reveals clear gaps in their performance and reliability. The Aiper Seagull SE, with an overall score of 2.6, falls short primarily due to its limited coverage, inefficient filtration, and a feature set that fails to impress. On the other hand, the Dolphin Nautilus CC, scoring 6.3, offers better wall-cleaning capabilities but misses key features like a programmable timer and advanced filtration.
When looking at both head-to-head, the Dolphin Nautilus CC wins due to its superior cleaning coverage, including wall climbing. However, it is still hampered by its lack of a programmable timer and subpar filtration options. The Aiper Seagull SE is more of a toy than an effective pool cleaner, making it a less appealing choice.
For pool owners seeking better performance and reliability, consider looking into alternatives like the Dolphin Premier, Dolphin Sigma, or Dolphin Quantum. These models offer comprehensive cleaning coverage, advanced filtration systems, and improved feature sets, providing excellent value for your investment.
Ultimately, both the Aiper Seagull SE and Dolphin Nautilus CC fail to meet the standards set by modern robotic pool cleaners. With their limitations in cleaning efficiency, filtration ability, and features, it’s worth investing in more capable options that ensure a clean and well-maintained pool with minimal effort.
For those who prioritize ease of use, robust performance, and advanced capabilities, models like the Dolphin Cayman or Dolphin Escape provide a more satisfactory experience. These alternatives make pool maintenance a breeze and deliver results that justify their price.
Overall, when making a choice, aim for reliability, advanced features, and comprehensive cleaning capabilities. The best pool robots on the market today will provide a better cleaning experience and long-term satisfaction, ensuring your pool remains pristine and enjoyable throughout the season.
If you're considering other options beyond the Aiper Seagull SE and Dolphin Nautilus CC, several highly-rated models are worth examining. One standout is the Dolphin Escape. This pool robot is specifically designed for above-ground and smaller inground pools, offering excellent coverage and effective cleaning capabilities. The Escape features a powerful scrubbing brush and Smart Nav 2.0 software, enabling it to clean your pool floor efficiently.
The Dolphin Escape comes with a large filter basket capable of picking up both small and large debris. Its inclusion of optional NanoFilters also enhances its filtration capabilities, making it a versatile and reliable choice for maintaining clean pool water. Compared to the Aiper Seagull SE and the Dolphin Nautilus CC, the Escape provides a more automated cleaning process and requires less frequent intervention from the pool owner.
Another excellent option is the Dolphin Cayman, a mid-priced cleaner that delivers comprehensive cleaning with features typically found in higher-end models. It offers wall-climbing capability, a HyperBrush for efficient scrubbing, and a programmable weekly timer. These features collectively contribute to a more automated and effective cleaning process, making pool maintenance far easier.
The Dolphin Cayman also features the MaxBin, providing ample space for capturing debris. This upgrade ensures less frequent filter cleaning and enhances the robot’s overall performance. It's ideal for both inground and above-ground pools, offering flexibility and robust cleaning power that outperforms both the Aiper Seagull SE and the Dolphin Nautilus CC.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly yet effective option, the Aquabot REVA is a compelling choice. It offers excellent pool coverage, including waterline cleaning, enabled by a gyroscope and a planetary gear system. Unlike the flat filters found in the Aiper Seagull SE, the REVA features a dual-layer filtration system designed to handle a variety of debris effectively.
The REVA comes with an app for easy control, allowing users to schedule cleanings, delay starts, and even manually control the robot for spot cleaning. Its combination of affordability and advanced features make it a standout choice against the Aiper Seagull SE and the Dolphin Nautilus CC. The REVA also includes a two-year warranty, adding further value to its already impressive feature set.
In summary, while the Aiper Seagull SE and Dolphin Nautilus CC have their appeals, other highly-rated robots like the Dolphin Escape, Dolphin Cayman, and Aquabot REVA offer superior performance and more advanced features, making them better investments for a clean and well-maintained pool.
