There’s a specific kind of dread that sets in when you look at your pool after a windy night and realize the floor is carpeted in oak leaves and silt. For years, I was the person out there with a manual pole, sweating through my shirt while trying to vacuum the deep end. Recently, I decided to retire my manual brush and let the robots take over. I’ve spent the last several weeks alternating between the Dolphin Nautilus CC and its big brother, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi, to see if the extra investment actually translates to a cleaner swim.
These two machines are the titans of the residential pool world. They look similar, they share the same DNA, and they both promise a sparkling pool in about two hours. However, after watching them navigate my backyard oasis, I’ve realized that while the standard Nautilus CC is a nimble sprinter, the CC Plus is a long-distance marathon runner designed for bigger challenges. If you’re torn between saving a few hundred dollars or springing for the “Plus” model, my experience might help you decide which one will actually make your life easier.
The Key Difference: Size, Reach, and Smart Brains
The fundamental difference between the Dolphin Nautilus CC and the Nautilus CC Plus is the pool capacity and connectivity. The Nautilus CC is optimized for smaller pools up to 33 feet and operates via a simple plug-and-play power supply. The Nautilus CC Plus, however, is designed for larger in-ground pools up to 40 feet and features integrated Wi-Fi, allowing you to schedule and start cleanings from your smartphone. While both climb walls, the CC Plus features a larger filtration footprint and a more robust navigation system meant for complex pool shapes.
- WALL-SCRUBBING POWER: Dolphin Nautilus CC climbs walls efficiently, ensuring thorough cleaning on any pool surface, no matter the surface type. This model does not...
- ACTIVE SCRUBBING: Elevate your pool maintenance with the Dolphin Nautilus CC - active scrubbing brush eliminates manual effort, guaranteeing a pristine pool. Gentle...
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: With the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus robotic pool vacuum cleaner, schedule your pool cleanings from anywhere with always connected Wi-Fi.
- WALL-SCRUBBING POWER: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi climbs walls efficiently, ensuring thorough cleaning on any pool surface, no matter the shape or surface type.
Comparison Table: Dolphin Nautilus CC vs. Nautilus CC Plus
| Feature | Dolphin Nautilus CC | Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi |
| Max Pool Length | Up to 33 Feet | Up to 40 Feet |
| Connectivity | Manual (No Wi-Fi) | Wi-Fi (MyDolphin Plus App) |
| Cleaning Coverage | Floor and Walls | Floor and Walls |
| Filter Type | Top-Load Fine Basket | Large Dual Top-Load Baskets |
| Cable Length | 50 Feet | 60 Feet |
| Cleaning Cycle | 2 Hours | 2 Hours |
| Pool Type | Above or In-Ground | In-Ground Specialist |
| Navigation | CleverClean™ | CleverClean™ (Enhanced) |
| Buy NOW | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: Living with the Robots
To understand these machines, you have to see them in action. It isn’t just about how much dirt they pick up; it’s about the “friction” they add or remove from your weekly maintenance routine.
Design: The Compact Nudge vs. The Broad-Shouldered Worker
When I first pulled the Nautilus CC out of its box, I was surprised by how manageable it felt. It’s blue, black, and relatively compact. It feels like a tool you can quickly toss in the water and pull back out without breaking a sweat. The single active scrubbing brush at the front is prominent, and the top-load access for the filter is a simple latch that pops open with one hand.
The Nautilus CC Plus feels more substantial. It’s wider and looks more “heavy-duty.” While the standard CC uses a single large basket, the CC Plus actually utilizes two separate filter compartments. The black-on-black aesthetic of the Wi-Fi model gives it a more premium feel, and the extra ten feet of cable (60ft vs 50ft) is immediately apparent when you’re stretching it across a larger deck.
The visual differences are a direct reflection of the work these machines were born to do; one is a light-duty specialist, while the other is built for the “big pool” lifestyle.
- WALL-SCRUBBING POWER: Dolphin Nautilus CC climbs walls efficiently, ensuring thorough cleaning on any pool surface, no matter the surface type. This model does not...
- ACTIVE SCRUBBING: Elevate your pool maintenance with the Dolphin Nautilus CC - active scrubbing brush eliminates manual effort, guaranteeing a pristine pool. Gentle...
Ease of Use: The “Click” vs. The “App”
Operating the Nautilus CC is a return to simplicity. There are no accounts to create, no passwords to remember, and no firmware to update. I plugged the power box into my GFI outlet, dropped the robot in, and hit the big “Go” button. Two hours later, it stopped. If you are the type of person who wants to escape technology when you’re in the backyard, the Nautilus CC is your mechanical soulmate.
The Nautilus CC Plus, however, caters to the “Smart Home” enthusiast. By connecting it to the MyDolphin Plus app, I was able to schedule cleanings while I was sitting at my desk in my home office. I set a schedule for it to run every Tuesday and Friday at 10:00 AM. It was incredibly satisfying to look out the window and see the robot already half-way through its wall-scrubbing routine without me having to step outside.
While the “Smart” features are convenient, the real value of these machines is determined by how they handle the literal ups and downs of a pool’s interior.
Functions: Scaling the Walls
Both of these robots are excellent climbers. I watched the Nautilus CC approach the vertical wall of my pool and scale it right up to the tile line. It uses an “active scrubbing” brush that spins faster than the tracks move, which is great for removing that slimy biofilm that can lead to algae blooms. It’s worth noting that this model doesn’t stay at the waterline to scrub; it hits the top and then heads back down to the floor.
The Nautilus CC Plus follows a similar pattern but feels a bit more calculated in its movements. In my testing, the CC Plus seemed to spend more time ensuring the transitions between the floor and the wall were thoroughly scrubbed. The “Plus” model also seemed to handle the hopper (the slanted part of the deep end) with more traction. It rarely slipped, even when the pool was a bit slicker than usual.
Navigation is only half the battle; once the debris is scrubbed loose, the robot has to have somewhere to put it.
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: With the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus robotic pool vacuum cleaner, schedule your pool cleanings from anywhere with always connected Wi-Fi.
- WALL-SCRUBBING POWER: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi climbs walls efficiently, ensuring thorough cleaning on any pool surface, no matter the shape or surface type.
Filtration: Single Basket vs. Dual Capacity
This is where I noticed the biggest practical difference. The Nautilus CC features a single, large top-load basket. It’s great for a mix of leaves and fine silt. However, if your pool is under a lot of trees, that single basket can fill up quickly.
The Nautilus CC Plus doubles down with its dual-filter design. This creates more surface area for the water to pass through, which means the suction remains stronger for longer even as the filters fill up. I found that I had to empty the CC Plus less frequently than the standard CC during the peak of autumn when the leaves were falling. Cleaning them is identical for both: pop the top, pull out the basket, and spray it with a garden hose.
Efficiency in a robot is great, but performance doesn’t mean much if the machine is a hassle to store or breaks down under pressure.
Durability and Maneuverability
Both machines are backed by the Dolphin legacy, which basically means they are built to be submerged in chemicals for years. I haven’t seen any signs of wear on the tracks or the brushes of either model after a full season of use.
In terms of maneuverability, the Nautilus CC is the winner for tight spaces. If you have a small above-ground pool or an in-ground pool with lots of tight curves and swim-outs, the CC’s smaller frame allows it to turn on a dime. The CC Plus is a bit more of a “bus”—it takes wider turns and is best suited for long, rectangular, or large kidney-shaped pools where it can really stretch its legs.
Dolphin Nautilus CC Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner
- WALL-SCRUBBING POWER: Dolphin Nautilus CC climbs walls efficiently, ensuring thorough cleaning on any pool surface, no matter the surface type. This model does not...
- ACTIVE SCRUBBING: Elevate your pool maintenance with the Dolphin Nautilus CC - active scrubbing brush eliminates manual effort, guaranteeing a pristine pool. Gentle...
Pros:
- Perfect for Small Pools: Ideal for above-ground and small in-ground setups (33ft or less).
- Lightweight: Very easy to carry and store; won’t strain your back.
- Plug-and-Play: No Wi-Fi or app setup required; just one button.
- Cost-Effective: Significantly lower price point than the Plus model.
Cons:
- No Remote Control: You have to be physically present to start it.
- Smaller Filtration: The single basket fills up faster in “dirty” pools.
- No Swivel Cable: The cord can occasionally get tangled if the robot turns too many times in the same direction.
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi Pool Vacuum Cleaner
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: With the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus robotic pool vacuum cleaner, schedule your pool cleanings from anywhere with always connected Wi-Fi.
- WALL-SCRUBBING POWER: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi climbs walls efficiently, ensuring thorough cleaning on any pool surface, no matter the shape or surface type.
Pros:
- Large Pool Capacity: Handles in-ground pools up to 40 feet with ease.
- Always Connected: Start, stop, and schedule cleanings from your phone.
- Dual Filtration: Two baskets provide more suction time and debris capacity.
- Never Charging: Stays plugged in and ready to go whenever you are.
- Robust Navigation: Better at handling larger floor areas without getting lost.
Cons:
- Heavier: Noticeably more weight when pulling it out of the water.
- Higher Price: You are paying a premium for the Wi-Fi and the size.
- Requires Wi-Fi: If your pool is far from your router, the smart features may not work without a repeater.
The Final Recommendation: Which Dolphin Should You Adopt?
After a summer of testing, I’ve found that there is a clear “use case” for both of these machines.
I recommend the Dolphin Nautilus CC if you have an above-ground pool or a small in-ground pool and you just want the job done without the bells and whistles. If you’re the type of person who is going to be out by the pool anyway, pressing a button on a power box isn’t a hardship. It’s a powerful, reliable little machine that punches way above its weight class for the price.
I recommend the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus if you have a standard or large in-ground pool and you want to truly automate your maintenance. The Wi-Fi scheduling is more than just a gimmick; it’s the difference between coming home to a dirty pool or a clean one. If you have heavy leaf fall or a pool that is larger than 30 feet, the dual filtration and the extra cable length of the Plus model are absolutely worth the extra money.
In my backyard, the Nautilus CC Plus is the keeper. The peace of mind I get from knowing the robot will run while I’m at work—ensuring the pool is ready for a swim the second I get home—is a luxury I’m not willing to give up.
- WALL-SCRUBBING POWER: Dolphin Nautilus CC climbs walls efficiently, ensuring thorough cleaning on any pool surface, no matter the surface type. This model does not...
- ACTIVE SCRUBBING: Elevate your pool maintenance with the Dolphin Nautilus CC - active scrubbing brush eliminates manual effort, guaranteeing a pristine pool. Gentle...
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: With the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus robotic pool vacuum cleaner, schedule your pool cleanings from anywhere with always connected Wi-Fi.
- WALL-SCRUBBING POWER: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi climbs walls efficiently, ensuring thorough cleaning on any pool surface, no matter the shape or surface type.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do these robots clean the pool steps?
A: They certainly try! Both models will climb the steps, but because of the way robotic cleaners move, they might not get into every corner of the stairs. I usually find that they clean about 80% of the steps, but a quick manual brush once a week is still needed for the very corners.
Q: Can I leave the robot in the pool all the time?
A: Technically, you can leave them in, especially the CC Plus which is designed to be “Always Connected.” However, to extend the life of the plastic and the seals, I recommend taking them out when the pool is being shocked or when you aren’t planning to run a cycle for several days.
Q: Is the Wi-Fi on the CC Plus hard to set up?
A: Not at all. You just download the MyDolphin Plus app, scan the QR code on the power supply, and follow the prompts. Just make sure your home Wi-Fi signal reaches the area where you keep the power box.
Q: Which one is better for sand and silt?
A: The Nautilus CC Plus has a slight edge here. The dual filters provide more surface area, which helps trap those tiny particles without clogging the mesh as quickly as a single basket might.
Q: Does the “Never Charging” mean it’s solar?
A: No. “Never Charging” simply means it is a corded electric robot. It doesn’t have a battery that will die mid-cycle, and you never have to remember to plug it into a charger. It’s always ready as long as the power supply is plugged into an outlet.