The Dolphin E10 and the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus are both entry-level robotic pool cleaners, but each brings a different set of strengths and weaknesses to the table. We decided to purchase and put both of these models to the test to see how they compare in real-world conditions. If you're interested in the full review, check out the Dolphin E10 Review and the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Review.
We tested the Dolphin E10 to gauge its performance, especially considering its affordability and promise as an entry-level model. While we appreciated its price and filter basket, we noted its limitations, including its inability to clean walls, lack of a weekly timer, and absence of NanoFilters. Overall, the E10 delivers a solid clean for smaller pools but left us wanting more features for true automation.
In parallel, we put the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus through similar tests to determine its efficacy. This model is often praised online, but our experience revealed some gaps, particularly in filtration and waterline cleaning. While it does a commendable job on floors and walls, the lack of NanoFilters and waterline cleaning was a significant drawback at its price point. It did come with a programmable timer, which is a feature we always appreciate in a pool robot.
Through our rigorous testing of these two robots, we aimed to provide you with an in-depth comparison to help inform your purchase decision. We scrutinized both models for pool coverage, filtration ability, and feature sets, ensuring you're equipped with comprehensive insights.
Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the specifics of how these models perform in each category, and which one might be the best fit for your pool cleaning needs.
Testing robotic pool cleaners demands a rigorous and dedicated approach. For the Dolphin E10 and Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus, we undertook a comprehensive review cycle that spanned three months. During this period, these robots were evaluated under various conditions to gauge their performance across different pool types and debris levels.
For the Dolphin E10, we focused particularly on its capability to handle smaller, above-ground pools. Each test commenced with a thorough cleaning cycle, examining how well the robot adhered to the floor and maneuvered without an active navigation system. We observed its pathways, tracked its efficiency in picking up debris, and noted any shortcomings in its coverage.
We then turned our focus to the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus, aiming to see if its reputation matched its performance. This robot underwent similar trials; however, its ability to handle wall and floor cleaning was of particular interest. We looked at how well it could navigate the pool, cling to walls, and clean effectively down to the waterline — an area where competing models like the Dolphin Quantum excel.
During the testing, we scrutinized both models for their filtration efficiency. The Dolphin E10’s filter basket was put through its paces, seeing how well it could handle everyday debris like leaves and smaller particles. Its performance was solid for what it offered, but its limitations were evident without multiple filtration options.
In contrast, the Nautilus CC Plus was tested for its filtration capabilities against the Dolphin Quantum. The lack of NanoFilters in the Nautilus CC Plus made it harder to justify its price. On the other hand, using an array of filters in competing models like the Dolphin Quantum showcased why having multiple filtration options is crucial for maintaining clear pool water.
Our feature assessment took an in-depth look into the user-friendliness of each model. We found the Dolphin E10's simplicity somewhat of a double-edged sword. Its on-and-off switch is straightforward but limits automation. This often made routine pool cleaning a manual activity compared to models with a built-in timer like the Dolphin Cayman.
In parallel, we evaluated the Nautilus CC Plus for its programmable timer, which did provide a degree of automation. However, the absence of premium features like waterline cleaning and superior filtration found in models like the Dolphin Quantum limited its overall efficacy. The 2.5-year warranty was a positive aspect, though, giving users reassurance of its durability.
Ultimately, our three-month period revealed both models provided reliable cleaning, each with its strengths. The Dolphin E10 is a budget-friendly option that performs adequately for small pools but lacks the automation and advanced features found in pricier models. Meanwhile, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus offered better wall coverage but fell short with its single filtration option and inability to clean the waterline.
For those seeking a blend of performance and value, we recommend considering models like the Dolphin Cayman or Dolphin Quantum. These offer comprehensive cleaning capabilities, better filtration, and convenient automation features, making them superior choices for a truly hands-off pool cleaning experience. Check out the best pool robots article to see where these devices stack up among the competition.
The Dolphin E10 aims to deliver a robust cleaning experience for above-ground and small in-ground pools. However, it focuses exclusively on floor cleaning, missing out on walls and waterline areas. This model uses a 40ft cord, giving it decent reach but limiting its capabilities to pools up to approximately 33ft. The path it takes is thorough but limited to horizontal surfaces. Unfortunately, it doesn't clean the walls, a significant drawback for pool owners needing a more comprehensive cleaning solution.
On the other hand, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus extends its cleaning reach to both floor and walls. Unlike the E10, the CC Plus comes equipped with tracks and dual scrubbing brushes, making it more capable of covering different pool surfaces. However, like the E10, it also misses out on waterline cleaning, a critical aspect for keeping your pool fully clean. After thorough testing, we found that while the CC Plus performs well, it falls short in cleaning the crucial waterline area.
What's noteworthy is how each robot manages to clean the terrains they are designed to handle. The E10 manages floor surfaces efficiently, simplifying daily maintenance for smaller pools. Its cleaning path is systematic, and the active brush helps dislodge stubborn debris. However, its inability to handle walls and the exclusion of a wearable mechanism like a floating swivel means it sometimes struggles with navigation, making it less efficient in bigger pools.
Conversely, the Nautilus CC Plus's ability to climb and clean walls gives it an edge in terms of coverage. This robot navigates well across vertical surfaces and tackles both the walls and the floor effectively. However, without waterline cleaning, some maintenance will still fall on the pool owner. Furthermore, its lack of advanced cleaning features compared to models like the Dolphin Quantum or Dolphin Premier limits its comprehensive coverage capabilities.
In evaluating both models, it's clear that each has its strengths and weaknesses when it comes to pool coverage. The E10 excels in floor cleaning but lacks the ability to scale walls. The Nautilus CC Plus performs better with wall cleaning capabilities but still falls short of tackling the waterline. Each robot received a pool coverage score of 7, highlighting their balanced but limited capabilities.
Overall, when choosing between these two entry-level pool robots, priority should be given based on your specific cleaning needs. If wall cleaning is crucial, the Nautilus CC Plus offers more comprehensive coverage. However, for budget-conscious buyers focusing on floor cleaning, especially for smaller, above-ground pools, the Dolphin E10 remains a solid choice. To find a model that combines the best of both worlds, options like the Dolphin Cayman and Dolphin Quantum may offer enhanced performance with more features.
Both the Dolphin E10 and the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus come equipped with different filtration systems, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. The Dolphin E10 features a standard fine filter basket. This basket is sufficient for capturing everyday debris such as leaves and small particles. It may occasionally need cleaning, but it gets the job done effectively for an entry-level pool cleaner. However, the lack of multiple filtration options is a significant drawback when compared to more advanced models.
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus also employs a standard fine filter. Unlike the Dolphin E10, it suffers more noticeably from its inability to filter out smaller particles that often cause cloudy water. This is particularly disappointing at the CC Plus's higher price point. In contrast to advanced models like the Dolphin Quantum, the Nautilus CC Plus does not offer NanoFilters, which can filter out microscopic particles effectively and reduce cloudiness in your pool water.
It's important to highlight the lack of NanoFilters in both models. NanoFilters are the game-changers that can filter out microscopic particles and keep your water crystal clear. These are available in more advanced models like the Dolphin Premier and Dolphin Quantum, showcasing how premium filtration systems make a substantial difference. The standard fine filters in both the E10 and the Nautilus CC Plus fail to provide this high level of filtration, which is a considerable limitation.
In our cleaning tests, the Dolphin E10 handled everyday debris like leaves and small particles adequately. The ease of cleaning the basket was a plus, and it suited above-ground and small in-ground pools well. However, its performance drops when handling finer particles or larger leaf loads. On the other hand, the Nautilus CC Plus also managed regular pool debris but significantly fell short in delivering the deep-cleaning performance expected at its higher price point. Without additional filtration options, both models require frequent manual cleaning for optimal performance.
In terms of filtration scores, the Dolphin E10 earns a 6 while the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus scores even lower with a 4. The E10's rating reflects its adequate performance in handling everyday debris but is limited by its lack of filtration options. Conversely, the Nautilus CC Plus's lower score highlights its failure to meet expectations at a higher price point due to its basic filter system.
Ultimately, neither the Dolphin E10 nor the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus excels in filtration. However, between the two, the Dolphin E10 performs slightly better relative to its cost and targeted use for smaller pools. If you demand superior filtration, consider investing in advanced models like the Dolphin Quantum or the Dolphin Premier, which include multiple filtration options to tackle various debris sizes and cloudy water.
When evaluating the feature sets of the Dolphin E10 and the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus, it's clear that both models are tailored to specific user needs but fall short in various areas. The Dolphin E10, designed for smaller, above-ground pools, offers a straightforward operation with its on-and-off switch. However, this simplicity results in a lack of automation, requiring users to manually start the unit each time, which can be a hassle.
Conversely, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus stands out with a programmable timer, allowing for scheduled cleanings. This addition provides a level of automation the E10 simply lacks, making the CC Plus more convenient for regular maintenance. However, it's worth mentioning that neither model includes advanced features like waterline cleaning, found in more premium models such as the Dolphin Quantum.
In terms of usability, the E10 offers a one-button operation that aligns well with its entry-level design, but it forces users to engage more frequently in starting the robot. The Nautilus CC Plus, while slightly more complicated, brings added convenience through its programmable capabilities. This feature significantly enhances the user experience, making scheduled cleanings a breeze.
Exploring further into their unique functionalities, both models lack NanoFilters, a feature critical for fine particulate filtration. This omission is more pronounced in the CC Plus given its higher price point. Comparatively, the Dolphin Quantum offers these additional filters, making it a superior choice for users seeking cleaner water.
The feature scores for both models reflect these distinctions. The Dolphin E10 received a feature score of 6, primarily due to its basic functions and lack of automation. On the other hand, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus scored a 7. Its programmable timer sets it apart, yet the absence of advanced filtration and waterline cleaning features limits its potential.
Ultimately, if you need a simple, cost-effective solution for small, above-ground pools, the Dolphin E10 is a reasonable option. However, for those who value added convenience and the ability to schedule cleanings, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is a better bet. That said, it still falls short compared to more advanced models like the Dolphin Quantum, which offer comprehensive features and better overall performance.
When concluding the comparison between the Dolphin E10 and the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus, it's clear that both robots have distinct strengths and weaknesses. Each of these robots was put through rigorous tests to determine their effectiveness, but the scores they achieved highlight some crucial differences and limitations.
The Dolphin E10 scored a 6.3 out of 10. Its strengths lie in its budget-friendly price, ease of use, and reliable floor coverage for small pools. However, it suffers from a lack of advanced features such as wall cleaning, multiple filtration options, and an automatic cleaning schedule. These limitations make it less suitable for larger pools or those needing more comprehensive cleaning.
On the other hand, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus scored a 6 out of 10. It offers better overall coverage with its ability to clean both floors and walls, and it includes a programmable timer, making it more suitable for users looking for automated cleaning solutions. Unfortunately, like the E10, it lacks NanoFilters and waterline cleaning capabilities, diminishing its value compared to newer models.
In a head-to-head comparison, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus slightly edges out the Dolphin E10 due to its programmable timer and wall-cleaning ability. However, neither model excels in comprehensive pool cleaning or offers superior filtration options, making them average choices in their price range.
For those seeking better performance and value, we recommend considering alternatives like the Dolphin Cayman, the Dolphin Quantum, or the Dolphin Premier. These models provide more advanced features, including NanoFilters, waterline cleaning, and enhanced automation. For more insights on top choices, visit our comprehensive guide on the best pool robots.
In summary, while the Dolphin E10 and Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus offer solid entry-level performance, considering more feature-rich models may provide a more satisfying and effective pool cleaning experience. Investing in a higher-end robotic pool cleaner will ensure comprehensive coverage, superior filtration, and a truly automated experience, transforming pool maintenance into a hassle-free activity.
Check back soon with the Pool Pad team, as we will be constantly letting you in on the best products and methods to keep your pool clean and healthy!
Beyond the Dolphin E10 and Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus, we explored a few other top-tier robotic pool cleaners that aim to provide a comprehensive automated cleaning experience. One such model is the Dolphin Quantum. Known for its advanced features like NanoFilters and waterline cleaning capability, the Quantum offers superior performance over both the E10 and Nautilus CC Plus. This is the model to consider for those needing a high level of filtration and thorough cleaning.
Another highly regarded model is the Dolphin Premier. This cleaner sets itself apart with its unique Multi-Media filtration system, offering multiple filter options including an oversized leaf bag. The Premier also boasts dual stabilizers for enhanced waterline cleaning, making it a strong contender for those seeking top-of-the-line performance. It's equipped to handle a variety of debris types and ensures your pool stays crystal clear with minimal effort on your part.
The Aquabot REVA is another excellent option, especially for those on a budget. Despite its lower price point, the REVA incorporates many high-end features like a gyroscope for improved navigation and a smartphone app for easy control. It also provides effective waterline cleaning, matching features typically found in more expensive models. The REVA represents great value without compromising on essential features.
Each of these models — the Dolphin Quantum, Dolphin Premier, and Aquabot REVA — offer unique features that enhance their appeal for different pool cleaning needs. Be sure to consider what specific functions are most important to you and your pool environment. For more detailed insights, check out our guide to the best pool robots available.
