There is a particular kind of satisfaction that comes with owning a 50-foot pool, usually followed by a particular kind of exhaustion when it comes time to clean it. After years of wrestling with suction-side cleaners that got stuck on every drain cover, I finally moved into the world of high-end robotics. For the past few months, I’ve been putting the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme and its accessorized sibling, the Supreme Plus, through their paces.
If you’ve been looking at these two, you’ve likely noticed something confusing: the “Plus” version isn’t actually a different robot. It’s the same “Supreme” machine, but it comes bundled with a specific set of gear designed to solve the two biggest headaches of robotic pool ownership: storage and transportation. Having hauled a 24-pound robot across a wet pool deck more times than I care to count, I have some very strong feelings about whether those “extras” are actually essentials.
The Key Difference: The Robot vs. The Ecosystem
The core difference between the Dolphin Nautilus Supreme and the Supreme Plus is the inclusion of the Universal Caddy and Classic Cover. Both models utilize the exact same Nautilus 60 CC Supreme robot, which features Triple Scrubbing Brushes, Dual Drive motors, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
While the standard Supreme is sold as a standalone unit (just the robot and power supply), the Supreme Plus (Model: NAUT-SUP-CADCOV) is a comprehensive storage solution bundle. If you choose the Plus, you’re paying for the ability to transport the heavy unit on a wheeled caddy and protect the sensitive electronics from UV damage with a custom-fitted cover.
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: With the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme robotic pool vacuum cleaner, schedule your pool cleanings from anywhere with always connected Wi-Fi.
- WATERLINE SCRUBBING: Dolphin's powerful technology ensures a spotless waterline. As your robot constantly grips the pool walls, it guarantees a thorough cleaning.
- SAFEGUARD YOUR INVESTMENT: This Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Wi-Fi includes the Universal Caddy and Classic Caddy Cover to protect, easily transport, and store your...
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: With the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme robotic pool vacuum cleaner, schedule your pool cleanings from anywhere with always connected Wi-Fi.
Comparison Table: Dolphin Nautilus Supreme vs. Supreme Plus
| Feature | Dolphin Nautilus Supreme | Dolphin Nautilus Supreme Plus |
| Robot Model | Nautilus 60 CC Supreme | Nautilus 60 CC Supreme |
| Max Pool Size | 50 Feet (In-Ground) | 50 Feet (In-Ground) |
| Cleaning Coverage | Floor, Walls, & Waterline | Floor, Walls, & Waterline |
| Included Caddy | No (Sold Separately) | Yes (Universal Caddy) |
| Caddy Cover | No | Yes (Classic Cover) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (MyDolphin Plus App) | Wi-Fi (MyDolphin Plus App) |
| Motors | Dual-Drive (Enhanced Precision) | Dual-Drive (Enhanced Precision) |
| Brushes | 3 (Triple Active Scrubbing) | 3 (Triple Active Scrubbing) |
| Warranty | 3-Year Limited | 3-Year Limited |
| Buy NOW | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Experience on the Deck
To give you the “real world” take, I’ve broken this down into how the machine actually cleans and how the “Plus” accessories changed my daily maintenance routine.
Design: A Heavyweight Powerhouse
The Nautilus CC Supreme is a tank. It’s significantly larger and heavier than the entry-level Nautilus models, but that’s because it’s packed with three scrubbing brushes and a dual-drive system. The black-and-silver aesthetic is sleek, but the weight is something you have to respect.
This is where the Supreme Plus design really shines. The robot itself is identical, but the Universal Caddy that comes with the Plus model transforms the experience. Instead of awkwardly lugging a dripping, 25-pound machine by its handle to the garage, I just wheel it. The caddy also provides a dedicated spot for the power supply, keeping it off the hot, wet concrete.
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: With the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme robotic pool vacuum cleaner, schedule your pool cleanings from anywhere with always connected Wi-Fi.
- WATERLINE SCRUBBING: Dolphin's powerful technology ensures a spotless waterline. As your robot constantly grips the pool walls, it guarantees a thorough cleaning.
Ease of Use: The “Caddy Factor”
In terms of software, both models are a breeze. I connected both to the MyDolphin Plus app in under five minutes. The Wi-Fi is surprisingly stable, and being able to choose between a “Quick Clean” (1.5 hours) or an “Enhanced Clean” (3.5 hours) from my phone while I’m at work is a luxury I didn’t know I needed.
However, “Ease of Use” takes a hit with the standard Supreme when it comes to storage. Without the caddy, you’re left with a 60-foot cable that you have to manually coil—and if you don’t do it perfectly, it develops “memory” and starts tangling. The caddy included with the Supreme Plus has a built-in cable organizer that keeps the cord neat and ready for the next run. After three weeks, the cable on my Plus model was straight as an arrow, while the standalone Supreme cable was starting to look like a bowl of spaghetti.
Functions: Waterline and Dual-Drive Mastery
Since the robot is the same in both packages, the performance is top-tier. I watched the Supreme approach my tile line, lock into place, and move horizontally. It’s one of the few robots I’ve tested that doesn’t just “bump” the waterline and fall back down; it actually scrubs it.
The Dual-Drive motors are the secret sauce here. In my pool, which has several tight “swim-out” corners and a set of wide wedding-cake steps, the Supreme was able to pivot on a dime. Most robots use a single motor and rely on water jets to turn, which can be imprecise. The Supreme moves more like a bulldozer—it’s deliberate, powerful, and rarely gets stuck on the main drain.
- SAFEGUARD YOUR INVESTMENT: This Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Wi-Fi includes the Universal Caddy and Classic Caddy Cover to protect, easily transport, and store your...
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: With the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme robotic pool vacuum cleaner, schedule your pool cleanings from anywhere with always connected Wi-Fi.
Maintenance: Protecting the Investment
Cleaning the filter is identical for both: you pop the top-load latch, pull out the twin baskets, and hose them down. They are large enough to hold a massive amount of leaves, which is a must for 50-foot pools.
The Supreme Plus has a massive advantage in long-term maintenance thanks to the Classic Cover. Most people leave their robot sitting on the deck in the sun. Over time, UV rays degrade the plastic and the rubber brushes. The Plus cover is heavy-duty and fits like a glove, keeping the sun and rain off the unit. If you’re spending over a thousand dollars on a pool robot, having it look brand new three years later because of a $50 cover is a smart play.
Dolphin Nautilus Supreme (Standalone) Pool Vacuum Cleaner
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: With the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme robotic pool vacuum cleaner, schedule your pool cleanings from anywhere with always connected Wi-Fi.
- WATERLINE SCRUBBING: Dolphin's powerful technology ensures a spotless waterline. As your robot constantly grips the pool walls, it guarantees a thorough cleaning.
Pros:
- Elite Performance: Same industry-leading cleaning as the Plus model.
- Lower Upfront Cost: You aren’t paying for accessories you might not have room for.
- Triple Scrubbing: Unbeatable for algae-prone pools.
- Full App Control: Includes all the Wi-Fi bells and whistles.
Cons:
- Harder to Move: No wheels; you have to carry it.
- Storage Issues: No dedicated spot for the power supply or cable.
- UV Exposure: Sitting on the deck unprotected will age the machine faster.
Dolphin Nautilus Supreme Plus (Bundle) Pool Vacuum Cleaner
- SAFEGUARD YOUR INVESTMENT: This Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Wi-Fi includes the Universal Caddy and Classic Caddy Cover to protect, easily transport, and store your...
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: With the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme robotic pool vacuum cleaner, schedule your pool cleanings from anywhere with always connected Wi-Fi.
Pros:
- Ultimate Convenience: The caddy makes transport effortless for any age or strength level.
- Cable Management: Built-in organizer prevents the dreaded “cable coil” memory.
- Protection: The included cover shields your investment from the elements.
- Organized Deck: Keeps the power supply and cables neat and off the ground.
Cons:
- Higher Price Point: You pay more for the bundled accessories.
- Storage Footprint: The caddy requires a bit more dedicated floor space in your garage or shed.
The Final Recommendation: Which Supreme Should You Buy?
This decision isn’t about the pool; it’s about the person behind the pool.
I recommend the Dolphin Nautilus Supreme Plus if you plan on taking the robot out of the pool after every cycle (which you should!). The caddy is not a luxury; for a machine this heavy, it’s a necessity. If you have any back issues, or if your storage area is more than 10 feet away from the pool, the Supreme Plus bundle will save you a world of frustration. It is the “complete” experience.
I recommend the Dolphin Nautilus Supreme (Standalone) if you already own a Dolphin Universal Caddy from a previous model, or if you have a custom storage solution in your pool house. If you are strictly looking for the best possible cleaning performance at the lowest possible price and don’t mind the “heavy lifting,” you can save some money here and get the exact same scrubbing power.
In my backyard, the Supreme Plus is the only way to go. The first time you wheel that machine away effortlessly instead of lugging it across a hot patio, the extra cost pays for itself in sheer convenience.
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: With the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme robotic pool vacuum cleaner, schedule your pool cleanings from anywhere with always connected Wi-Fi.
- WATERLINE SCRUBBING: Dolphin's powerful technology ensures a spotless waterline. As your robot constantly grips the pool walls, it guarantees a thorough cleaning.
- SAFEGUARD YOUR INVESTMENT: This Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Wi-Fi includes the Universal Caddy and Classic Caddy Cover to protect, easily transport, and store your...
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: With the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme robotic pool vacuum cleaner, schedule your pool cleanings from anywhere with always connected Wi-Fi.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the robot in the Supreme Plus actually a different model?
A: No. If you look at the serial numbers, both are the Dolphin Nautilus 60 CC Supreme. The “Plus” designation refers strictly to the accessory bundle (Caddy + Cover).
Q: Does the Wi-Fi require a subscription?
A: No, the MyDolphin Plus app is free to download and use. It allows you to remote-start the robot, set weekly schedules, and even “drive” the robot manually using a virtual joystick on your screen.
Q: My pool is only 30 feet. Is the Supreme overkill?
A: Probably. The Supreme is designed for large, high-debris pools. If your pool is under 33 feet, you’d be better served by the Nautilus CC or Nautilus CC Plus, which are lighter and more affordable.
Q: Can the Supreme Plus handle fine sand?
A: Yes! It comes with a “twin-filter” system that includes ultra-fine filters. These are specifically designed to trap sand, silt, and even some types of algae that standard mesh filters miss.
Q: Does the caddy come assembled?
A: Usually, the caddy requires about 10 minutes of “snap-together” assembly. No heavy tools are required, and the instructions are very straightforward.
