Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Review

You've probably heard of the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus, one of the most popular models in the well-known Nautilus line. But does it still deserve its spot among the top robotic pool cleaners, or has it been left behind by more advanced models? We put the Nautilus CC Plus to the test to see if it's worth the price tag—and your consideration.

Unboxing the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus: What's Included?

Heavyweight Build Without a Caddy

The unit itself is hefty. At 19 pounds, it feels incredibly heavy, and a caddy would certainly make things easier—but it's not included and costs extra. The power supply is straightforward, with a single cleaning cycle option that runs for 2 hours. You can program it to run automatically every day, every 2 days, or every 3 days.

Anti-Tangle Swivel for Easy Maneuverability

One feature we’re glad to see is the anti-tangle swivel on the 60-foot cable, which prevents the cord from getting knotted up during cleaning jobs. To get the CC Plus in the water, simply plug it into the power supply, connect the power supply to an outdoor outlet, and press start. The plug-and-play design is simple and straightforward.

Performance Evaluation: Does the CC Plus Deliver?

Lackluster Pool Coverage

We watched the CC Plus in our test pool, and the coverage was not impressive. Despite Dolphin's claim that it uses CleverClean technology for efficient cleaning routes, the CC Plus seemed to wander aimlessly. It spent most of its time on the pool floor and climbed walls on only about half of the cleaning passes.

Poor Wall Climbing Capabilities

Waterline cleaning isn’t a feature of the CC Plus, but we expected better wall coverage at least. The grips on the tracks are supposed to cling to pool surfaces and help the unit power up vertical surfaces, but the unit's weight and limited two-motor configuration seem to hinder its wall-climbing ability.

Cleaning Precision and Performance

Limited Precision Without Advanced Technology

The CC Plus lacks the precision of more premium models, such as the Dolphin Sigma, which uses an onboard gyroscope for precise and calculated movements. Without this technology, the CC Plus struggled to navigate tight spots and climb out of the deep end of the pool.

Inconsistent Cleaning Results

The CC Plus did an average job in terms of cleaning performance. It left behind strips of clean pool flooring after sucking up settled dirt and sand but struggled with larger debris like twigs and leaves. The dual spinning brushes help scrub away debris, but the unit could benefit from split spinning brushes like those found on the Dolphin Sigma, which would enhance its ability to maneuver underwater.

Filtration System: A Letdown?

Difficult to Access and Clean Filters

The CC Plus has dual filter cartridges, but they are not easy to access or clean. You have to remove each one from the unit and disassemble them to clean, which is almost as tedious as dealing with a filter bag.

Small Capacity Filters

The filter cartridges are also small, which likely contributed to the CC Plus leaving behind larger debris like twigs and leaves. Unlike the Dolphin Premier, which offers multi-media filtration for different types of debris, the CC Plus lacks customizable filtration options, making it less versatile.

User Experience: What Pool Owners Need to Know

Hefty Weight and Limited Functionality

Operating the CC Plus on a regular basis presents some challenges. Its 19-pound weight is significant, and dragging it to and from the pool can be cumbersome. Dolphin claims the CC Plus has a quick-water release function to dump excess water as you lift it from the pool, but even with this feature, the unit feels heavy.

Single Cleaning Cycle Limitation

While you can program the CC Plus to run throughout the week, it's limited to one cleaning cycle. If your pool needs more than a basic clean, you'll need to manually start additional cycles, particularly if the cleaner misses areas during its initial run.

Warranty and Maintenance Concerns

Short Warranty Coverage

The CC Plus comes with a 24-month warranty when purchased from a certified dealer. However, if something goes wrong after this period, you're on your own, and replacement parts and service charges can be costly. You risk being left with a 19-pound paperweight.

Is the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Worth It?

A Step Up from Traditional Cleaners, but Not Quite Premium

While the Nautilus CC Plus is a step up from old-school suction and pressure side cleaners, it doesn't perform like the premium robotic pool cleaner Dolphin wants it to be. For nearly $800, you'd expect features like waterline cleaning, customizable filtration, and more precise coverage. As it stands, the Nautilus CC Plus falls short and leaves a lot of cleaning up for you to do.

Better Alternatives for Your Budget

For a few hundred dollars more, you could invest in a truly robotic pool cleaner that greatly improves on the appealing features of the CC Plus. Models like the Dolphin Sigma and Dolphin Premier offer superior precision, multi-media filtration, more power, waterline cleaning, additional cleaning cycle options, and better warranties.

As always, you can read real reviews and learn more about the Nautilus CC Plus and dozens of other robotic pool cleaners at Poolbots.com. Visit our website to find the best deals, tips, and tricks for pool ownership, and special buys that’ll help you enjoy your pool to its full potential.