There is no problem without significant time spending to have shining clean water in your swimming pool. A robotic cleaner is a perfect choice for all problems such as dirty walls, stairs, a waterline, algae, and garbage.
Robotic cleaners have many advantages compared to other types, such as autonomous work without connecting to the pool’s pumps and internal filters that can partly replace the filtration system. And all of that in addition to the work without manual guidance and perfect results at the end.
The choice of pool cleaners is wide for indoor or outdoor pools, above or inground, for all sizes and shapes. The thoughtful choice should be based on the main technical characteristics, the model’s price, and the maintenance price. A good solution in the middle-price sector is a pool cleaner from Dolphin Brand and its two bestsellers, Dolphin Advantage vs. Dolphin Nautilus CC. From the detailed comparison below, you can see why they are so good.
Comparison Table
Main Difference Between the Models
As you can see from the technical table above, these two cleaners are actually identical, despite the color. But Dolphin Nautilus is longer on the market a little bit and was included in some discount programs and rated as a bestseller on many marketplaces. Therefore, Maytronics considers Dolphin Nautilus a pool cleaner with the best value.
The choice between two models Dolphin Advantage vs. Dolphin Nautilus can be based on:
- the number of reviews,
- color more suitable for your pool,
- the handle on the top of the cleaners used for carrying and taking in and out the robots is slightly different.
All other parameters proved efficiency and best performance for inground pools with different surfaces.
Each robot has its series of cleaners with more advantages and additional details in the package. For example, Dolphin Advantage is the simplest among Advantage Pro and Advantage Ultra; Dolphin Nautilus is the simplest among Nautilus CC Plus, Nautilus CC Supreme, Nautilus CC Plus w/ Wi-Fi. So, if you can invest more in your pool cleaner, check these models based on bestsellers.
Detailed Product Reviews
DOLPHIN Advantage Robotic Pool Cleaner
This cleaner, produced by Maytronics Company, is an ideal ergonomic and light robot for swimming pools up to 33 ft with a minimum depth of 1.33 ft and a maximum – of 16.4 ft. It is easy to operate just from one button you turn on the power and with another one control the weekly timer – choosing cleaning on every, second or third day.
importantUnfortunately, it is not equipped with a delay feature
The cleaner can suck fine and rough debris in the bottom suction door and scrub the floor and walls with an active front rubber brush, eliminating dirt and organics. A robot can easily climb the walls and clean not high drains.
A robot cleaner has a patented navigation system to prevent missing any spot on your pool’s surfaces. It uses the same path based on advanced algorithms for cleaning; to go a different way, you may start from the other side of the pool.
To start a robot for the first time, you need to unpack it, then place a power supply unit (with the start button) at least 3.5 m from the swimming pool; better in the shade as it is not waterproof, only splashproof. A power unit should be connected to the electricity network using a black cable, preferably without extensions; the other side of the cable is already inserted in the unit. A blue cable from the package is a power supply to the cleaner itself and goes from the unit. Even though the unit has several buttons, only the start button and weekly scheduler are working; the rest are for other models. So, you need only to press the start button for the first cleaning procedure.
A robot can be quickly put on or out by pulling the cable to the pool’s wall and then using an ergonomic handle on the top of the cleaner. The sucked water is quickly released from the robot cleaner. After each cleaning procedure, you need to clean the filtration basket that has easy access with one click from the top. First, you need to open the bottom of the basket, throw away all debris, and with water from a garden hose, clean cartridges created the basket. It is recommended to leave the cleaner outside the pool, but you can put it back in the water if you set a schedule on a power supply unit.
This model has an energy-saving function and, for operation, will cost only 5 cents per kWh. This is much more effective than old-fashioned suction and pressure cleaners. A pool cleaner also reduces your swimming pool’s overall water and chemical consumption through frequent and practical cleaning; algae have no time for creation.
- Active PVC brush with rubber bristles
- Easy access to the filter basket
- Wall cleaning
- Stair’s cleaning
- Easy start with one button
- Lightweight
- Energy efficient
- Tangle-free navigation system
- No delay features
- No indicator of a full filter basket
- Cannot clean waterline
- No anti-tangling swivel cable
- No remote control as it does not have WI-FI or Bluetooth
- Only fine filter available
DOLPHIN Nautilus CC Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
This superior robot is produced by Maytronics as well. It has a lightweight and ergonomic handle that is very convenient for moving from one place to another or putting it in or out of the swimming pool, even for ladies. It is designed for inground pools with a size up to 33 ft.
The overall power supply and control function are similar to the DOLPHIN Advantage model. The same power unit panel has a function to turn it on with a big round button and a choice button to choose the cleaning schedule for the week ahead – every day, every second, or the third day. Other buttons are inactive. The power unit should be connected to the electricity with a black cable and a blue cable with a robot pool cleaner. All scrubbing and filtration activities performed by the cleaner are enough to forget about pool cleaning; you only need to go through the waterline manually. Unfortunately, the waterline or scum line is the dirtiest part of the pool.
Active brushing of pool’s surfaces from algae, bacteria, and dirt executed with rubber front brush. It can collect fine, rough debris through the bottom suction window into the large filtration bag. The brush is twice effective as the previous model Nautilus.
importantNevertheless, the cleaner cannot collect ultra-small dirt, about 0.2 microns, and many leaves.
The navigation technology ensures all walls and floor coverage without missing any spots. It also helps to avoid obstacles and clean drains. In addition, the Nautilus can work for all shapes of swimming pools.
Cleaning is straightforward and quick after you pull out the cleaner and release the water from it. The top access filtration bag requires one click to take out and one click to open. The general cleaning of the cleaner’s body and a filter is effortlessly executed with a water jet from a hose. You can set the filter back in the cleaner and set a new cycle of cleaning right now.
All procedures for starting the pool cleaner are the same as for DOLPHIN Advantage. The storage is also recommended on the caddy, in the shade, and closed spaces, especially during winter storage. Caddy helps to keep the bottom of a cleaner dry and clean; the cable also is properly stored without kinks. The storage should be closed with a temperature of 41°-113°F / 5°-45°C.
A general recommendation for owners is to remember not to swim while your robot cleaner is working in the pool. Use a pool cleaner only in water with a neutral pH of 7.0 -7.8 with an ambient temperature of 43oF – 95oF (6oC – 35oC).
- 90% more effective than old pressure and suction cleaners.
- Wall and stairs climbing
- Start with one button
- Weekly scheduler
- Large top filter basket
- Not heavy
- No waterline cleaning
- No delay feature
- No full bag indicator
- No anti-tangling swivel cable
- Only fine filter available
- No remote control or smartphone application
Buyer’s Guide
A pool cleaner is a lovely best friend that can simplify your swimming pool maintenance. Depending on your budget, you can choose a manual, automatic or robotic cleaner. Automatic and robotic have a significant advantage in autonomous work. The other pros and cons are listed below to understand how lucky the owner is of a robotic cleaner.
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than a brush and a net
- You still need to clean a robot and a filter after a cleaner cycle
- Some models, such as Dolphin Advantage vs. Dolphin Nautilus, do not clean waterline
- You cannot navigate the cleaners remotely; you need at least once come and push the button on the power unit
- Caddies and additional accessories usually are not included in the package
Let’s get closer to the face-to-face comparison of the main features of Advantage and Nautilus CC.
These cleaners belong to the same class, and their cost is the same. The Nautilus was designed in 2017 when Advantage was designed in 2018. Nevertheless, both were upgraded with the latest Maytronics achievements after that time.
Dolphin Advantage vs. Dolphin Nautilus CC have:
- All technical characteristics such as dimensions, motor, weight, filtration system, cable, navigation system, and suction rate are the same.
- Both cleaners are designed for inground pools, but some owners successfully use them for the above.
- Unfortunately, the cable length does not have an anti-tangling swivel and is enough only to cover a 33 ft. pool.
- The rubber truck tires for both models ensure safe climbing for walls, and the active scrubbing brush in front successfully performs the duty.
- Both models have the same power supply unit with a start button and three scheduling programs.
attentionThe only difference is in design and color.
Design and Dimensions
Dolphin Advantage
- 22.2×17.6×12.8 inch
- 14.8 lb
- White, grey, aquamarine, and black
Dolphin Nautilus CC
- 22.2×17.6×12.8 inch
- 14.8 lb
- Black, blue, and grey
verdictTwo cleaners are equal in weight in dimensions. The only difference is the color and shape of the handle on the top. So, if you are choosing the cleaner depending on your swimming pool color, this is the perfect match – two identical models in different colors.
How to choose the Best Pool Robotic Cleaner?
The right choice of a robotic pool cleaner seems not an easy choice. But if you do the checklist according to the main points below, this process will be much easier.
Most of the cleaners are designed for inground pools, as they cannot clean walls in above ground pools. However, the floor can be cleaned by all robots.
Most of the robots are designed for all types of surfaces, but not all vinyl pools can stand a robot cleaner; please check recommendations for a cleaner in advance.
Additional features increase the price of a pool cleaner, but they are not as important as the previous ones. The nice to have features are:
- Anti-tangle swivel
Not all robots are equipped with this feature; some have navigation systems to avoid tangling. But it does not help in 100% of cases, which may lead to the stoppage of a cleaner during a cleaning cycle. - Remote control
If you leave a robot inside a pool ready for work, starting it from a remote place may be very convenient. So, a connection to Wi-Fi or at least Bluetooth is a nice feature. But the water chemicals are not for a cleaner, and you reduce the service life of your robot.After checking all these required features, do not forget to compare prices for different models, as in general robotic cleaners are expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which robotic cleaner, Dolphin Advantage vs. Dolphin Nautilus, is suitable for kidney-shaped pools?
Both robot cleaners are equally suitable for round/oval/kidney-shaped pools up to 33 ft. The cable 50 ft. long is enough to reach all pool’s edges.Can I remotely control the work of Dolphin Advantage or Dolphin Nautilus?
Do I need a booster pump for Dolphin Advantage to work?
Can I buy an ultra-fine filter for Dolphin Nautilus?
What are the removable parts of the cleaners?
Is the power supply unit for Dolphin Advantage and Dolphin Nautilus water-resistant?
Conclusions
Whether you choose Dolphin Advantage or Dolphin Nautilus, both are equally good for inground pools up to 33 ft. Both are powerful with 4000 GPH suction and an active rubber brush for cleaning all types of floors and walls. They are accessible in installation only with a connection to the electricity and simple maintenance.
Top-loaded filter basket with fine cartridges collects all debris and can be washed only with a water jet. A navigation system will not miss the spot in your pool and prevents the tangling of electric cable. So, the only difference between these models is color; in other respects, both are perfect solutions for their value.
Hi! I’m Markus Robertson, and water is my passion.
Five years ago, I graduated from the University of California-Los Angeles and was going to become a professional marine biologist. However, my fate had other plans for me, and due to family problems, I had to find a more stable and well-paid job. I had only one wish for my job to be connected with water.
During this period of my life, I worked as a sales manager at Olympic Pool & Spa Supplies. The job helped me learn everything about swimming pools and related pool equipment, as well as how to choose the best option and what to pay attention to.
