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Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Review

In-Depth Review and Testing

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Dolphin CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner Review

As a mid-tier contender in Maytronics' acclaimed Nautilus series, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus robotic pool cleaner aims to deliver the brand's signature performance without the premium price tag. Notably a bestseller on Amazon, the Nautilus CC Plus undercuts its upscale siblings by a few hundred dollars but introduces a twist in the tale—a 20% restocking fee that's a rarity in Dolphin's lineup, effectively deterring returns at the expense of the consumer.

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus

Our hands-on experience with the CC Plus painted the picture of a robust workhorse with a penchant for cost-cutting, which manifests in a pared-down feature set. It's a departure from its upstream counterparts, lacking the finesse of waterline cleaning, the meticulous capture of fine debris via NanoFiltration, and the convenience of the expansive easy-to-clean MaxBin filtration system that adorns the newer generation of Dolphin robots.

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is a reliable and solid cleaner, but better options are avaliable when compared to newer 2024 models like the Dolphin Max-Series and Dolphin ProLine.

At a glance, the Nautilus CC Plus doesn't skimp on the essentials—it's backed by the reliable Dolphin brand, offers dual top-loading filter cartridges, and sports an anti-tangle swivel cable alongside a two-hour cycle for cleaning floors and walls, albeit not the top of the walls. With dual scrubbing brushes under the hood, it promises a thorough scrub, all under the safety net of a 2.5-year warranty.

Skimming the Surface of Potential

Yet, there's no denying what's absent. The CC Plus doesn't climb all the way to the waterline, nor does it house the larger MaxBin filters or the added oomph of a third motor found in the likes of the Dolphin Sigma. Its filtration is single-faceted, lacking the versatility of Multi-Media options, and it operates without the balance and agility afforded by a gyroscope—a feature found on the Dolphin Sigma. The warranty is trimmed by half a year compared to the industry's leading warranties, and the imposition of a 20% restocking fee suggests a commitment that's more transactional than user-centric.

In the balance of price and performance, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus carves out its niche, but for the discerning consumer, the trade-offs might just tip the scales toward exploring other avenues within Maytronics' robust range.

The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus robotic pool cleaner epitomizes the plug-and-play ethos: you won't find yourself fumbling with assembly instructions or wrestling with wires. Straight out of the box, it's all set to go, assuming you're equipped with the ubiquitous 115V outlet to power it up. The device comes cocooned in packaging that promises security during transit and reveals a machine that's ready to hit the water in no time.

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Plug and Play
Plug and Play

However, there's a slight hitch: the power supply unit is as intuitive as a cryptic crossword. The included instructions are sparse, nudging you towards a bit of trial and error to master its multi-function capabilities. Nevertheless, perseverance pays off, allowing you to tailor the cleaner's schedule to your lifestyle, whether that's a daily dip or a trice-weekly trawl.

Launching the Nautilus CC Plus into our test pool—a generous 19 by 36-foot expanse—felt like setting a high-tech ship to sea. And with the aftermath of a recent storm, the pool offered a real-world challenge, with leaves and detritus aplenty for our mechanical mariner.

In action, the CC Plus's CleverClean technology promises intelligent navigation, theoretically ensuring no nook or cranny goes untouched. Yet, while it doesn't exactly chart a path worthy of a naval commander, it manages to avoid the aimless drifting that often plagues its peers. The result? A solid 90% coverage that might leave completists slightly miffed but will satisfy most.

More Than Just a Pretty Brush. Less Than a Waterline Warrior.

When it comes to the grunt work, the CC Plus delivers a large bang for the buck. The device made its way across the pool floor with the gusto of a determined gardener, leaving behind a trail of cleanliness. Its suction prowess tackled the motley mess without prejudice, capturing everything from leafy flotsam to canine fur with ease. And those dual brushes? They're not mere window dressing but essential tools that, despite their efficacy, fall short of scaling the pool's waterline—a feat reserved for Dolphin's more upscale models found in the Dolphin ProLine.

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Wall Climbing
No waterline cleaning, only partial wall coverage

Taming the Tiny Troublemakers

In the filtration department, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus sticks to the old-school script with a duo of top-loading cartridges that are a snap—literally—to remove and clean. These relics from first generation designs are straightforward: they catch an impressive array of the larger pool contaminants, yet the term “fine filter” might be a misnomer here. The CC Plus's screens, with their larger-than-preferred pores, let through the micro-muck that can cloud your aquatic oasis. Enter the world of NanoFiltration—except, not here. The CC Plus doesn't indulge in the pleasures of these ultra-fine, pleated filters that are the darlings of the Dolphin ProLine. These high-tech sieves, with their microscopic meshwork, are like the bouncers of the pool cleaning world, only letting the purest of water through while trapping even the most diminutive of particles.

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Filter
Nautilus CC Plus' Gen-1 Filter Cartridges

Pleated filters have another trick up their sleeve: they dramatically increase the surface area for filtration without putting the brakes on water flow. And when it comes to oils—sunscreen, body oils, the usual aquatic accomplices—NanoFilters™ have the situation under control. They imprison these slick culprits in a filmy embrace, leaving your pool's surface as pristine as a mountain lake.

Gen-2 NanoFiltration is something you may need.

However, the Nautilus CC Plus demands a bit more from its handlers when it's time for a clean. It doesn't boast the massive, easy-to-maintain MaxBin filtration of its newer cousins. Reassembling the filters is akin to a minor mechanical ballet—you'll need a few practice runs before you can perform it with your eyes closed.

Weighing Your Options, Literally

And while we're weighing our options—literally—the CC Plus tips the scales at a not-inconsiderable 19 pounds. It's not the Goliath of pool cleaners, but it's no lightweight contender either. The MaxSeries line, with its featherweight champions, might tempt those for whom the heft of the CC Plus feels like a workout rather than a convenience. So, if you're not looking to mix a strength training regime with your pool maintenance, the next step up to the Dolphin Max-Series family might be worth a dive.

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus out of the pool
Pulling the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus out of the pool

Post-cleanup, the CC Plus's exit strategy does require a bit of brawn; hauling it out of the water is a task not to be underestimated, thanks to its heft and the leisurely egress of water. Compared to the more svelte MaxSeries, this machine asks for a commitment to strength training that some may not be prepared to make.

Why the Nautilus CC Plus Could Be Your Next Pool-Cleaning Crush

User-Friendliness

A breeze to operate, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus presents a no-fuss operation mode that could easily become the highlight of your pool maintenance routine. All it demands is a quick clean-up of its filters post-use. A low-maintenance relationship with your pool cleaner? That’s a resounding yes.

Eco-Friendly

Sips energy and saves dollars is the name of the game with the Dolphin CC Plus. Like most every Dolphin pool cleaner, CC Plus operates on a lean energy diet of 180 watts, thanks to its dual DC motors. It’s a low cost eco-warrior in the world of pool cleaners, ensuring your energy bills stay as lightweight as your workload.

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Lifestyle
Easy to Use

Wallet-Friendly

If your wallet could talk, it would thank you for choosing the CC Plus. Priced as one of the most budget-friendly options in Dolphin's lineup, it brings automatic pool cleaning tech into your backyard without breaking the bank—just watch out for that 20% restocking fee if you're prone to buyer's remorse.

Warranty

The promise of endurance with a 2.5-year warranty covering the essentials, manufacturer stands behind its durable design. It’s a solid timeframe for a robot pool cleaner, offering peace of mind with every pool party planned. However, the more premium offerings from Dolphin get a 20% longer warranty.

The Nautilus CC Plus: Where It Falls Short of Making a Splash

Waterline Cleaning

The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus might be acing sales charts on Amazon, but it's not without its shortcomings. It's billed as a wall-climbing bot, yet its vertical ventures are limited. Unlike the more adept Dolphin Premier or the Gen 2 Dolphin ProLine, the CC Plus can’t tackle the waterline, potentially leaving a tell-tale tidemark where algae and biofilm love to lounge. For those expecting the CC Plus to scale new heights, the reality may not be so lofty.

The Waterline, an area that the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus won't clean

Filtering Out the Finest - A Step Behind the Latest Tech

Equipped with a set of basic filters, the Dolphin CC Plus can tackle the debris that meets the eye. However, it misses a beat with the microscopic mischief-makers in your pool. The absence of finer NanoFiltration—a feature now standard in many of Dolphin's own line-up, including the more wallet-friendly Dolphin Cayman —might leave water purists a bit perturbed. After all, clarity is king in the kingdom of pool care.

Clean-Up Conundrum

When it's time for a clean-out, the CC Plus's filter system reveals a slight aging. Its network of clips and latches requires a knack not everyone possesses from the get-go. However, it’s not a deal breaker. After a bit of a learning curve, you’ll be versed in the delicate art of filter maintenance. Just don’t expect a quick snap-and-go situation, especially when compared to the MaxBin filters from Dolphin's newer models, which practically clean themselves.

Take Your Mark. Or Leave It.

Lastly, we’ve heard reports of the black color body of the Dolphin CC Plus leaving black marks on some swimming pool surfaces. It doesn’t happen in every pool and we’re not sure why some are more affected. If your pool surface is a lighter color, you might want to think twice about a black robot and consider any color but black. We have never heard of this happening with grey, blue or white robotic pool cleaners. Sure, color might seem like a trivial concern, but when it comes to leaving behind unsightly scuff marks, that’s a risk that many pool owners would rather avoid. The expert consensus is to choose any color but black. Luckily, Dolphin offers a wide array of colors and black isn’t common.

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Black Marks
Black Streaks left by Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus

The Dolphin CC Plus: A Balancing Act in the Robotic Pool Cleaner Arena

In the world of robotic pool cleaners, the Dolphin CC Plus stands at a crossroads of functionality and frugality. It's the machine that doesn't promise the moon but delivers more than a mere glimmer of satisfaction, especially for those whose pool-cleaning aspirations are grounded in simplicity and reliability.

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Cleaning Filters
Cleaning the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus

For the pragmatic pool owner, the CC Plus is a steadfast ally. It navigates the waters with a steady hand (or brush), offering a performance that’s as consistent as its price point. Without the bells and whistles of its pricier peers, it appeals to the minimalist, to the one who seeks a cleaner that just cleans—no theatrics, no needless complexity.

Yet, in the fast-evolving pool bot market, the Dolphin CC Plus risks being relegated to a bygone chapter, a vestige of simpler times now overshadowed by the flashier features and slicker performances of the newer models. It’s a solid performer, yes, but in the face of Maytronics’ own innovative fleet—like the feature-rich Dolphin ProLine or the svelte Dolphin Max-Series — the CC Plus could be seen as swimming in the shallow end of the tech pool.

The Verdict

So, the verdict? If your pool is modest and your demands for technology are equally so, the CC Plus is a worthy contender. But for those looking to dive into the deep end of pool-cleaning tech, with maximum performance to match their big expectations, setting sights on the more advanced offerings from Dolphin might just be the next wave to catch.

Alternatives to the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus

Dolphin Cayman

The Dolphin Cayman, apart of the Max-Series, is a cheaper, but better performing alternative if looking at the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus. Equipped with a MaxBin™ and optional NanoFiltration™, the Cayman filters and vacuums more ultrafine debris that the Nautilus CC Plus may miss.

Dolphin Cayman Wall Cleaning
Dolphin Cayman's Wall Cleaning

With the Cayman, you're not settling for less. With the same great programmable weekly timer and wall climbing, it is a nearly identical unit with a Gen-2 filtration system. With the MaxBin™, cleaning the robot takes just seconds. Being 50% larger, it is not only easier to clean but also holds more debris.

Dolphin Cayman's MaxBin™ is 50% Larger than the Nautilus CC Plus

The Dolphin Cayman also scrubs twice the speed of the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus. Thanks to Cayman's active HyperBrush, the increased performance makes a big difference. The Cayman actively cleans your pool. At a lower price tag, the Dolphin Cayman provides a better performance at a lower price.

Dolphin Premier

There is no doubt the Dolphin Premier is one of the best alternatives to the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus. With a longer warranty, Multi-Media, NanoFiltration, a Leaf Bag, Waterline Cleaning, and more, the Premier is the ultimate cleaning machine.

Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Vacuum
Unmatched Cleaning Performance

The upgraded ProLine commercial-grade motors provide more power and vacuuming power to clean your pool with more power and precision. Our experts rated Dolphin Premier the Best Dolphin Pool Cleaner for Leaves.

"Dolphin Premier robotic pool cleaner is the best robotic pool cleaner you can buy"

USA Today Logo

And we aren't the only ones that agree, USA Today even awarded Premier as the Best Robotic Pool Cleaner. It's no doubt that Premier should be at the top of your list when looking for a robotic pool cleaner. While there are cheaper options, such as the Cayman or Quantum, none come close to the performance of the Premier.

Dolphin Quantum

A great option if you want both NanoFiltration™ and the MaxBin™ is the Dolphin Quantum. This robot is apart of the ProLne and Max-Series. Equipped with all of the essential features of each, the Quantum has everything the Nautilus CC Plus is missing.

Dolphin Quantum Automatic Pool Vacuum
The Max-Series' Dolphin Quantum

The waterline cleaning performance of the Quantum is powered by PowerJet 3D Mobility. These little jets on the side of the Quantum propel the unit horizontally across the waterline - something very few pool robots do. This allows Quantum to be an excellent waterline cleaner, without the dual stabilizers found on the Premier and Sigma. At a lower price tag than the other ProLine models, the Quantum is an excellent choice for those that want some of the best performance you can find in a robotic pool cleaner without settling.

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