Dolphin E20 vs. Nautilus CC, which is the best Dolphin robotic pool cleaner and why? Well, it’s hard to call a winner, but ultimately, the Nautilus CC is the best because it works with all pools. But still, the Dolphin E20 is a worthy bargain.
Dolphin Explorer E20 and Dolphin Nautilus CC are two popular models from Maytronics, one of the best pool cleaner brands. The two share quite a lot, but there are clear-cut differences.
importantWhile they are all robotic pool cleaners, the Dolphin Explorer E20 is designed for inground pools only, while the Nautilus CC can work with inground and aboveground pools. This is the main difference between the two, but of course, there are some other nitty-gritty differences that we’ll be discussing in this comparison review.
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Dolphin Explorer E20 Pros
- Plug-n-Play design, so no assembly is required
- Cleans floors and walls effectively
- Highly energy efficient
- Offers easy maintenance courtesy of the washable top access filter
- It comes with a Weekly Timer and Automation Mode
Dolphin Explorer E20 Cons
- Designed for inground pools only
- Doesn’t clean up to the waterline
- No enhanced cleaning cycles
Dolphin Nautilus CC Pros
- Features a no-assembly Plug-n-Play design
- Excellent pool floor and wall cleaning
- Suitable for both inground and above-ground pools
- Highly energy efficient
- Easy maintenance courtesy of the top access load washable filter
- It comes with a Weekly Timer and Automation Mode
Dolphin Nautilus CC Cons
- Doesn’t clean the waterline
- No enhanced cleaning cycles
- No Delay Feature, app operation, or remote steering
Dolphin E20 vs. Nautilus CC Face-to-Face Comparison
Now, to the main segment of this Dolphin Explorer E20 vs. Nautilus CC comparison review, how do the two robotic pool cleaners compare? Is there a better model than the other? To help you make the right decision, we will compare them based on the crucial factors considered when buying pool cleaners. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
1. Design, Dimensions, and Aesthetics
Unlike suction and pressure side cleaners, robotic pool cleaners are heavier and have to be pulled out of the pool when not cleaning the pool. That said, you have to think about the portability of the cleaner on your wishlist. The dimensions also matter, especially when thinking about storage.
Obviously, you want a lightweight pool cleaner with a small footprint for easy storage. You should also consider the aesthetics. So, how do the two compare?
The Dolphin Explorer E20 is a compact, lightweight, and sleek robotic pool cleaner finished in black and white while the cord is blue. The dimensions are 22.165×17.559×12.795 inches, while the weight is 14.597 lbs.
From the dimensions and weight, you can tell it’s indeed a compact robotic pool cleaner that is easily portable, so taking it to the pool and getting it out after cleaning shouldn’t be a problem.
Dolphin Nautilus CC is also a compact and lightweight pool cleaner with a sleek design that complements the sparkling blue waters. The major difference between it and the E20 is the finish.
While the E20 is black white and blue, the Nautilus CC is blue and black. The dimensions are 22.244×17.598×12.795 inches, while the weight is 14.796 lbs.
2. Assembly and Usability
The other important aspect to consider is the assembly and usability. Does the pool cleaner you want to buy require assembly? If yes, how easy is assembling the unit out of the box? The best model is one with minimal assembly requirements, preferably a Plug-n-Play design. You should also assess the robot cleaner’s usability. Obviously, you want a user-friendly cleaner. So, which model wins this round?
The Dolphin Explorer E20 comes in a Plug-n-Play design, requiring no assembly. Just connect the power cord, position the power supply, and that’s it.
As for usability, all the controls are on the power supply box. Unfortunately, there is no remote operation.
The Nautilus CC is also a user-friendly robotic pool cleaner as it also features a Plug-n-Play design. Connect the power cord, position the power supply, and you are good to go.
All controls are on the power supply, just like the Explorer E20.
3. Cleaning Orientation
The cleaning orientation is perhaps the most important consideration when selecting the best robotic pool cleaner. Here, several questions need to be addressed. First, which type of pools can the cleaner handle? As you may be aware, we have pool cleaners exclusively designed for inground pools or above-ground pools only, alongside models that can handle both. The next focus should be the pool’s shape and size. Keep in mind that some cleaners are for small pools, while others can manage large pools. We also have pools with different surfaces and shapes. So, how does the Explorer E20 compare to the Nautilus CC?
Dolphin Explorer E20 is exclusively designed for inground pools of up to 33ft, courtesy of the 50ft power cable. However, this cable lacks any form of antitangle technology.
When it comes to pool shapes and surfaces, the E20 works in pools of any shape. There are also no surface or pool material limitations, so be it fiberglass, concrete, or vinyl, you are good to go.
One of the differences between the Dolphin E20 vs. Nautilus CC is the cleaning orientation. While the E20 is for inground pools only, the Nautilus CC can handle inground and above-ground pools of up to 33ft. This is courtesy of a 50ft power cord. However, the cord lacks any antitangle technology.
As for pool shape and surface, the Nautilus is an all-rounder that works in pools of any shape. Pool material doesn’t matter, so be it fiberglass, resin, concrete, or vinyl, it has got you covered.
4. Cleaning Performance
Another crucial aspect that this comparison review focuses on is the cleaning performance, and here again, there are a few things to assess. First is where the Dophin can clean. There are pool cleaners that handle floors only, floors and walls, or floors, walls, and the waterline. Make sure the cleaner you want to buy is up to the task.
Another consideration is the cleaning components, and here, the suction rate, the brush system, and how long the pool cleaner takes to get the job done are the main points of discussion. So, which of the two Dolphins excels here?
Dolphin E20 is a reliable pool cleaner designed to clean the pool floor and walls effectively, leaving them sparkling clean and free from all algae and stains. For the record, it can’t clean up to the waterline like its successor, the Dolphin E30.
Under the hood, it packs excellent suction, 4000GPH, to be precise. The suction and the powerful active scrubbing ensure that no dirt is left behind, including those tough stains and algae.
The E20 is efficient enough to clean an average pool in 2 hours. Unfortunately, there are no enhanced cleaning cycles like the advanced models. The good thing, the Explorer is energy efficient. The average running cost is 5 cents per kWh.
The Nautilus CC is also reliable when it comes to cleaning the pool floor and walls. However, just like the E20, it is not designed to clean the waterline. But it effectively eliminates those stubborn stains and algae courtesy of the high suction and active scrubbing. It can move 4000GPH and offers active brushing.
While it may seem a better model than the E20, it also has a standard cleaning cycle of 2 hours. There is no way to adjust cleaning time as with high-end Dolphin pool cleaners like the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme.
In terms of energy efficiency, we are glad that it also averages 5 cents per kWh.
5. Filtration
Next, we will analyze the filtration systems of the two pool cleaners. The filtration system decides whether the robotic pool cleaner can catch small debris only, such as sand and silt, or even large debris, including twigs, acorns, and leaves. A good cleaner should have a large filter cartridge that captures all debris sizes. Now that the filter cartridge will have to be emptied and washed when full, you will also have to consider the size of the filter cartridge basket, how easy it is to remove and put it back, and if there is a mechanism to notify you when the bin is full. Having said that, which model wins this round?
The Dolphin E20 has a fine filter kit inside a large basket cartridge. It can capture all kinds of debris, from small sand pebbles and silt to large leaves, twigs, and acorns. Maintenance is easier than the competition now that the filter is washable.
Interestingly, it can be easily accessed from the top, so you won’t have to lift the unit, as is the case with bottom-load robotic pool cleaners. But there is no full bin indicator.
The Dolphin Nautilus CC has the same filtration system as the Explorer E20. This fine filter kit captures small, medium, and large debris. Also worth mentioning is the large basket cartridge that holds quite a lot.
Regarding maintenance, the Nautilus CC filter is washable and can be accessed from the top courtesy of the top access load filter design. But here again, there is no full bin indicator.
6. Navigation
Robotic pool cleaners work autonomously like other automatic pool cleaners, talk of suction-side and pressure-side pool cleaners. This is one of their advantages. Dolphins rely on a sophisticated navigation and mapping system that enables the robot to move around your pool and, importantly, cover every inch of your pool for comprehensive cleaning. However, navigation systems vary from one model to another. If you have a large irregular pool, you should go for models with the latest navigation and mapping systems if you don’t want the cleaner to miss some spots. So, what do the Explorer E20 and Nautilus CC have in stock here?
Unlike your average robotic pool cleaner, the Dolphin E20 is a smart cleaner that relies on high-tech CleverClean Smart Technology to navigate your pool, avoiding obstacles such as ladders. Besides navigation, CleverClean is responsible for scanning and mapping your pool. It then creates hyper-accurate maps and paths to follow for entire pool coverage. With this cleaner, you can be sure no spot will be missed.
The Nautilus CC is also a smart cleaner that navigates intelligently, avoiding obstacles as the cleaner also leverages the power of CleverClean Smart Technology. Like the E20, Nautilus scans and maps your pool, creating hyper-accurate maps and devising efficient cleaning paths. You can be sure that no spot will be missed.
7. Maneuverability
When it comes to maneuverability, the aspects to consider are the components that enable the robot to maneuver its way around your pool without getting obstructed by dirt and other fittings, such as pool ladders and drains. Robotic pool cleaners may have wheels or tracks. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, as we will discuss when assessing the two models in this comparison review. So, how does Dolphin E20’s maneuvering system compare to that of the Nautilus CC?
The Explorer E20 is a real explorer courtesy of wheels and tracks. The rear wheels are large, while the front wheels are smaller. But these wheels are not for maneuvering but for holding the tracks. The tracks give the robot the traction to move around your pool and the agility required to climb walls. In our tests, the robot overcame large obstacles, including twigs, leaves, and acorns, without a problem. On the walls, where algae and other stains cause wheels to slide, the E20 was invincible.
There is not much difference between the Explorer E20 and Nautilus CC regarding maneuverability. The Nautilus CC is also equipped with tracks for traction and agility when climbing those sliding algae-infested walls. Just like the E20, it also has two large wheels on the rear and two small wheels on the front. The wheels are for holding the tracks in place.
8. Convenience Features
Robotic pool cleaners have plenty of convenience features that give them an edge over the other automatic pool cleaners, i.e., the suction and pressure side. We have features such as a weekly scheduler, automation mode, and delay feature, which gives you better control of your cleaning schedule. The advanced models even have advanced features such as app control. So, what convenience features do the two Dolphin pool cleaners tag along with?
The Dolphin Nautilus CC is similar to the E20 as it also has just basic convenience features. First is the Weekly Timer, so you can still program it to clean at specific times. Like the E20, you can schedule it to clean the pool every day of the week, once every two days, or once every three days.
The robot also comes with Automation Mode, which allows you to connect the robotic cleaner to your existing home automation system.
Unfortunately, the Nautilus CC lacks mobile app operation, remote operation, and Delay Feature. If you want the convenience of app operation, consider getting a higher model, such as the Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi.
9. What’s in the Box?
Before committing to any robotic pool cleaner, finding out what to expect in the box is worthwhile. You don’t want to order a pool cleaner only to realize you need another equipment or accessory. In the same token, some come with extra accessories that can save you a few bucks when worn out, such as the brush. In this section, check out what to expect in the package of the two pool cleaners.
DOLPHIN Explorer E20 Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner
The Dolphin Explorer E20 comes with the following item:
- Dolphin Explorer E20 Cleaner
- 50-Foot Power Cord
- Power Supply Box
- Fine Filter Canister
- User Manuals
- Warranty Documentation
DOLPHIN Nautilus CC Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
The Dolphin Nautilus CC is equally packed. It comes with the following:
- Dolphin Nautilus CC Cleaner
- 50-Foot Power Cord
- Power Supply Box
- Fine Filter Canister
- User Manuals
- Warranty Documentation
10. Warranty and Aftersales
In this last round of this Dolphin Explorer E20 vs. Nautilus CC comparison review, find out about the warranty of the two Dolphins. Definitely, you want a model with a long warranty. Besides warranty, we have assessed how accessible support and replacement parts and suppliers are. So, how do the two compare in terms of warranty and aftersales?
The Dolphin Nautilus CC is also a durable robotic pool cleaner backed up by the same 2-year warranty that the E20 tags along with. If it malfunctions, you are also eligible for free repair or replacement as long as the warranty is valid and has not been voided. Regarding support, the Nautilus CC and Explorer E20, being from the same brand, have the same support. You can contact the team at Maytronics via the toll-free line or check out for solutions at the help center on the company’s official website. Replacement parts and supplies for the Nautilus CC are also available at fair prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Dolphin Nautilus CC pick up leaves?
Yes. Despite not having a leaf bag, the Nautilus CC can pick up leaves and other debris, such as acorns and small twigs.2. Can a Dolphin E20 be used in an above-ground pool?
3. How many years does a Dolphin Nautilus CC pool cleaner last?
4. What is the difference between Dolphin E20 and E30?
5. How long does Dolphin Nautilus CC run for?
Wrapping Up
That’s it, folks, a Dolphin E20 vs. Nautilus CC comparison review. As you have seen, both vacuums share quite a lot. They are both robotic pool cleaners with the same features. The main difference is the fact that the Explorer E20 is for inground pools only, while the Nautilus CC can handle both inground and above-ground pools. So, if you want versatility, go for the Nautilus CC. But if you have no ambition of operating an above-ground pool, the Nautilus CC is a worthy purchase.
Professional engineer with 7 years of experience in trading and service of swimming pools covers all tricky cases and the most detailed reviews of pool equipment. Helps in challenging cases with a cup of coffee!
