Downgraded in 2024, the Dolphin Nautilus CC no longer includes the weekly timer funtionality which made it so great. Maytronics removed this feature in several top units, such as the Nautilus CC and Dolphin Explorer E20, and kept it in the more premium Max-Series model - Dolphin Cayman. So should you still buy the Dolphin Nautilus CC in 2024?
No, we don't think so. Here's why:
With the removal of the programmable timer, no waterline cleaning, and no NanoFiltration offer, there is nothing special about the Nautilus CC anymore. The upgraded weekly timer and optional NanoFilters in the Dolphin Cayman perform like a pro without breaking the bank.
The Dolphin Nautilus CC is the cheaper version of the Dolphin CC Plus, and almost rivals it in its popularity. The Pool Pad team has been receiving requests to review this robot for some time now, and here it finally is. I will be rating the CC on a scale of 1-5 in the categories of pool coverage, filtration ability, and feature set and warranty. So, let's dive in.
Starting off, let's look at the pool coverage of the Nautilus CC. It is designed for smaller in-ground and above-ground pools up to 33 feet. This means that if you have a medium or large pool, you are better off looking at other robots. If your pool is under 33 feet, then it can and will clean the floors and walls of your pool, but not the waterline. While it may rarely reach the top, it does not stick there and scrub like waterline cleaning robots do.
The Dolphin Nautilus CC utilizes a 50ft cord that helps the CC navigate pools up to 33ft in length - which is pretty standard for these cleaners. It works perfect in both above-ground and inground pools.
By utilizing tracks instead of wheels, the grip on the cleaner helps maintain a powerful vacuum. With the ability to capture large debris in your pool, the Nautilus CC did a good job covering the whole pool during the cleaning cycle.
I would have liked to see waterline cleaning on this unit, and I would definitely prefer a waterline capable robot such as the Dolphin Quantum since it won't miss the waterline. It makes a huge difference in cleaning ability.
At its price point and with its smaller pool design, I will only dock a few points, giving it a 3.5/5 in pool coverage. It cannot reach the waterline, which as an in-ground pool owner is a feature you really need, but like all other Dolphin models, what it can reach, it cleans well.
Next, let's dive into its filtration ability. The Nautilus CC comes with a standard fine filter basket, just like all other Dolphin models. As usual, this will do a good job filtering your water and collecting debris, but it is just the standard fine filter you can find on any other Dolphin unit.
Without another filter option, such as the NanoFilters, which can be found on the Dolphin Quantum, the Nautilus CC cannot clear up your cloudy water with small particles. You can also find the NanoFiltration as an optional accessory for the Dolphin Cayman And if leaves and larger debris are common in your pool, I would hop on over to check out the Dolphin Premier with Multimedia. It has an oversized leaf bag and three other filter types, which can collect any and all debris in your pool.
That being said, the standard filter is still better than the bags found on pressure cleaners, so I will have to give it a 3/5 in filtration ability.
Finally, let's look at the feature set and warranty of the Nautilus CC. The Dolphin Nautilus CC's biggest feature used to be is its programmable timer, however in 2024, the Nautilus CC Plus no longer includes a timer. In our video, we covered how great this feature is which is as it lets you schedule cleanings every day, every other day, or every three days. But by removing this essential feature with the downgraded simple timer, the Nautilus CC is a big disappointment. It'll automatically run for 2 hours and stop, but won't automatically turn on every day like units with a timer.
The CC comes with a 2-year warranty as well, which is standard for units in its price range, but it is still great to have a warranty backed by Maytronics. If you want a longer warranty of 3 years, we recommend the Dolphin Premier or Dolphin Sigma. The extra warranty is a lifesaver in the event of a motor or power supply failure. In fact, one use of the warranty will more than pay for the difference. Combine that with more features, waterline cleaning, better filtration, and more power, it is an easy choice to upgrade if you have an in-ground pool.
I have had to get a robot repaired in the past, and Maytronics was super easy to work with, which made the whole process super easy. Since it includes a programmable power supply and a two-year warranty, I have to give the CC a 2.5/5 in the feature set and warranty category.
Once all those numbers are totaled up, the Nautilus CC scores a 6.3/10, making it a decent but far from perfect cleaner. Simply put, it lacks a lot of features you will want if you are an in-ground pool owner. If you have a little extra money to spend, buy the Dolphin Cayman. With the included timer, it's an upgraded Nautilus CC. And make sure to add the optional NanoFilters!
Want more of an upgrade? I would recommend checking out the ProLine's Dolphin Quantum as it can climb all the way to your waterline and includes an NanoFilter, which means it has all of your pool cleaning covered.
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!
It's disappointing when comparing the value of cleaners with weekly timers, such as the Dolphin Cayman, but still cleans well.
