Dolphin Nautilus CC Review

The Dolphin Nautilus CC might have been a popular choice a few years ago, but with newer, high-performance robots dominating the market, has the Nautilus CC been left behind? Without the coveted weekly timer, the Dolphin Nautilus CC can no longer automate pool cleanings.

We put this Dolphin Nautilus robot to the test to help you decide if it’s still a good buy for your pool when compared to the Dolphin Max-Series or Dolphin ProLine.

What's Included with the Dolphin Nautilus CC?

Lightweight but Lacking Key Features

The Nautilus CC is relatively lightweight compared to many robotic pool cleaners, weighing in at just 14 pounds. It comes with a 50-foot rubber cable, but it doesn’t have an anti-tangle swivel, which is a notable omission for a modern pool cleaner. Dolphin claims it works for pools up to 33 feet, but this cable length may be short depending on where your power supply is plugged in.

No Weekly Timer

The biggest downgrade is that since 2023, the Dolphin Nautilus CC does not include a weekly timer anymore. What does that mean though? You have to manually turn it on daily. Which isn't ideal at all.

Compare to the Max-Series' Dolphin Cayman, which includes a Weekly Timer and even optional NanoFiltration, the Nautilus CC disappoints.

Performance Overview: What to Expect from the Nautilus CC

Floor and Lower Wall Cleaning Only

The Nautilus CC is designed to clean pool floors and the lower part of the walls but won’t clean the full wall or reach the waterline. This is a significant drawback, as the waterline, also known as the scum line, is often the dirtiest part of the pool. Without waterline cleaning capabilities, you’ll need to clean up manually after this robotic pool cleaner.

HyperGrip Tracks for Improved Traction

While it can't clean the upper walls, the Nautilus CC will effectively clean the lower walls thanks to its HyperGrip tracks. These tracks provide better traction than slippery wheels, clinging to surfaces and maintaining stability. However, it's a shame the Nautilus CC doesn’t use these tracks to clean the entire wall.

CleverClean Technology: Does It Work?

Limited Pool Scanning Capabilities

The Nautilus CC features CleverClean technology, a scanning software that helps the unit avoid obstacles like drains and determines the most efficient cleaning route for your pool. However, after watching the Nautilus CC work, the CleverClean felt like an afterthought. The robot’s cleaning route wasn’t especially intuitive, and it lingered in the deep end longer than necessary.

Mixed Cleaning Coverage

While floor coverage was decent, the wall coverage was mediocre. The Nautilus CC misses large portions of the wall, leaving more manual scrubbing for the pool owner. This isn't a defect but rather a limitation of a unit not sold as a full wall or waterline cleaner.

Filtration System: What You Need to Know

Single Filter Media Option

The Nautilus CC has a top-loading fine basket that is spacious and great at catching twigs, leaves, and grass clippings. However, with just one filter media choice, you’re limited in your cleaning options. Dolphin does sell an ultra-fine filter basket separately, which can provide a deeper clean and capture fine particles like sand and algae, but the extra cost is disappointing.

Basic Cleaning Cycle Limitations

There’s only one cleaning cycle option—a standard 2-hour cycle—which is probably long enough for most pools up to 33 feet. Still, you don't have the option for more customizable pool cleaning.

Operating the Dolphin Nautilus CC: Pros and Cons

Energy Efficiency vs. Lack of Features

Operating the Nautilus CC is a mixed bag. On the one hand, it’s energy-efficient and won't cost as much to operate as a pressure or suction side cleaner. On the other hand, it lacks essential features you’d expect from a Dolphin cleaner, such as a cable swivel and multiple cleaning options.

No Anti-Tangle Swivel and Short Warranty

The 50-foot cord has no anti-tangle swivel. While Dolphin claims that CleverClean technology prevents tangles, our testing found it wasn’t nearly as effective as their patented swivel, which allows for 360-degree rotation. You’ll have to keep an eye on the cord and stretch it out straight before it gets too tangled.

The Nautilus CC also comes with just a one-year warranty—the shortest we've seen on a $600 cleaner. You’ll want to consider the cost of potential repairs, which can easily reach $200-$300 per year outside of warranty.

Is the Dolphin Nautilus CC a Good Buy?

A Decent Choice for Basic Needs

The Nautilus CC is a decent cleaner for the price if you’re not interested in full wall cleaning and don't mind the risk of a short 1-year warranty. However, the cost to maintain a robot out of warranty can easily reach $200 per year on average. For this amount, you could get full wall cleaning, tile line cleaning, a swivel, and better filtration.

Better Alternatives for Your Budget

If you have $600 to spend on making pool maintenance easier, consider what the 1-year warranty will cost you over two years. If your budget is flexible, upgrading for a few hundred dollars more to the Dolphin Quantum or Dolphin Premier is worth it. These models offer multi-media filtration, dual brushes, an anti-tangle swivel, full pool coverage, and waterline scrubbing.

As always, you can read real reviews and learn more about the Dolphin Nautilus CC 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.