Robotic pool cleaners have already helped millions of commercial and residential pool owners reduce pool maintenance time and spend time in more interesting ways. Every pool requires regular maintenance, including cleaning of water surfaces, collection of all floating debris, and water treatment to kill all harmful bacteria. Warm pool water is a perfect medium for growing algae and creating substances harmful to the human body, which is why the manual of each pool includes multi-stage maintenance. Pool cleaners can’t take all tasks, but they can take off the most time-consuming – floor, wall, and waterline cleaning.
Unfortunately, if you are not a professional in this area, it isn’t very easy to purchase the right pool cleaner model. There are thousands of cleaners on the market, differing by Manufacturer, size, technical characteristics, and capabilities. In our articles, we describe the most popular models which, for years, approved their quality and performance. The compared Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus vs. Supreme are Maytronics best performance models; we will review their technical parameters and define which model is better and why.
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus vs. Supreme – Comparison table
Main differences between models
Even though Nautilus CC Plus and Supreme are from one product line and have similar appearances, these models have many differences, not only the price. The main ones are below:
- Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is designed for pools up to 40 ft, while Nautilus CC Supreme is designed for larger pools up to 50 ft.
- Dolphin CC Supreme can clean the waterline in addition to walls and floors. Dolphin CC Plus can clean only floors and walls.
- Dolphin Nautilus Supreme has many smart features that CC Plus doesn’t have – mobile application, enhanced cleaning cycles, delay feature, and weekly timer.
- Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus comes with top-access filter fine cartridges, while CC Supreme has, in addition, the ultra-fine filter kit.
- Dolphin CC Supreme promises better scrubbing ability using three brushes (standard and combined brushes), while CC Plus has only two combined brushes.
- Dolphin CC Supreme has four cleaning modes with different times, while Nautilus CC Plus has only one default mode.
To better understand the differences and find similarities between Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus and Supreme, please read further detailed descriptions of these models and face-to-face comparison.
Detailed product review
The product reviews contain descriptions of these models, their pros and cons, and main tips for their operation and maintenance.
1. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner
Dolphin Nautilus Plus CC is a lightweight (only 19 pounds) corded robotic pool cleaner. It has an ergonomic design with a black body and blue plastic handle for easy lifting and handling. The blue floating cable connects the robot cleaner to the power supply unit, which is connected by the black electrical cable to the main GFCI socket. For operation, you need to put it into the water and on the power unit choose the cleaning program. The power supply unit allows you to set a weekly schedule to save your time and energy. To reduce cable tangling, the cable is equipped with a swivel. But before use, you need to unwind the minimal required cable length for cleaning the entire pool along the poolside. The power unit should be located 12 ft from the water edge.
The Nautilus Plus CC is designed for in-ground swimming pools with sizes up to 40 ft. The robot has the CleverClean Technology to scan the swimming pool to ensure total coverage within the cleaning cycle. It only takes a cleaning cycle (2 hours) to clean the walls and floor. The cleaner comes with two PVC brushes in the front and back, designed for concrete, PVC, fiberglass, and liner swimming pools of all shapes. If required, you may purchase combined brushes (for rough ceramic surfaces or mosaic tiles) or wonder brushes (for smooth ceramics). The brushes scrub the pool surfaces of dirt and algae, while all debris goes into two suction ports and is captured by large panels of fine filter cartridges.
There are two sets of filter frames with two cartridges each. To clean them, you need to open the lid from two sides of the impeller, take them out, unlock the frame, and extract the cartridge one by one. For cleaning, you need to use only a garden hose. If required, you can purchase the extra-fine filters separately. You can keep the robot for a week if you have a schedule for cleaning, but after that, you need to clean the cartridges to ensure the best robot performance.
If you need smartphone control, you need to purchase a Dolphin Nautilus Plus CC with Wi-Fi, as this model does support this feature.
- Four large fine cartridges with top-access
- Simple control with one button
- Weekly timer
- Floor and wall cleaning
- Smart navigation for the optimized cleaning cycle
- Strong suction to collect all debris and fine dust
- Anti-tangled cable with swivel
- Two PVC brushes
- Consumes only 5 cents per kWh of operation
- Power supply unit is only splash proof
- No smartphone control
- Only one cleaning cycle
- No delay feature
- No waterline cleaning
Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Wi-Fi Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner
Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme is another robot from the Nautilus series with a similar design. It has a black body with blue accents. To climb the wall and clean the waterline, it has a large handle with a gyroscope that can also be used for lifting and handling the robot. The handle should be adjusted and locked diagonally for the best cleaner performance; by adjusting the angle, you may change the cleaner speed along the waterline. This robot is ideal for pools up to 50 ft. As the previous model, it also goes with the power supply unit, but the renovated model has only one push button and 2 LED indicators for control and Wi-Fi status. All detailed control and choice of the cleaning cycles are performed through the smartphone app, as this model has access to Wi-Fi.
Dolphin Supreme has a possibility for manual drive through the app, choosing from four cleaning modes with different durations – 1.5 hours, 2.5 hours, and 3.5 hours. Also, you can set a weekly schedule or a delayed start, but you need to clean the water before that. The patented CleverClean Technology ensures pool scanning and cleaning during every cycle.
During cleaning, Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme collects fine and rough debris into four extra-large filter cartridges. Top-accessed filter cartridges have the same construction and cleaning requirements as Dolphin Nautilus Plus CC. This model also has two frames with two extra-large cartridges for dual-level large-capacity filtration. In the package, fine and ultra-fine cartridges are included, which require regular cleaning with a garden hose. When you extract the filters from two compartments, you can remove the handle on the back.
This model has dual-drive dynamic motors to ensure 360-degree turning mobility to prevent getting stuck on drains and to ensure full pool coverage. The robot is equipped with two combined brushes in front and the back; these brushes move in opposite directions during turns, and one center active brush. Combined brushes are designed for all surfaces; if required, you may also purchase a wonder brush for smooth ceramics. Such robot construction also ensures drain cleaning and removal of all algae and bacteria from walls, floors, and waterlines.
- Patented swivel cable preventing tangling
- Low energy consumption (only 5 cents per kwh)
- 3 cleaning cycles
- Floor, walls, and waterline cleaning
- Smartphone control
- Full filter indicator
- Delay feature
- Weekly timer
- Possibility of manual control
- Three brushes
- Expensive
- Heavy (24 pounds)
- Cartridges have a low capacity for large debris (leaves)
- Only two sizes of filter cartridges are included in the package
Buyer’s Guide
Our Dolphin robots review has already shown the benefits of robotic pool cleaners. But we have to admit there are other types of pool cleaners – manual, pressure-side, and suction-side cleaners (all considered automatic pool cleaners). Manual robotic and suction-side cleaners are normally connected to the skimmer box, while pressure-side cleaners are connected to the booster pump. In this part of the article, we want to compare pool robotic cleaners with other cleaners to create the full picture of mechanical devices for regular pool cleaning.
Automatic
Pros
- Pressure-side cleaners have own filter bag
- Works without supervision
- Effective in operation
- Easy and not expensive in repair
- Additional load on existing pool equipment
- Pressure-side cleaners require an additional booster pump
- Some models are difficult to install
Our table has shown more pros for robotic pool cleaners than other types of cleaners. That is another reason why we recommend Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus and Supreme. Let’s have a close look at their differences in the face-to-face comparison of Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus vs. Supreme per main parameters – cleaning modes, control functions, design, cleaning capabilities, filtration, and brushes.
Design
In this first round of this Nautilus CC Plus vs. Supreme comparison review, find out the design of the two pool cleaners, dimensions, weight, and aesthetics. You definitely want a pool cleaner with a small footprint and lightweight design for easy portability. Besides, the aesthetics matter too.
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is a compact (22.3 x 17.6 x 12.9 inches) ergonomic robot cleaner with a black body, blue handle, and two grey rubber brushes in front and back. It has two compartments for filters that are opened from the top; at the bottom, there are two inlets for sucked debris.
For better contact with the surface, it has two truck rubber wheels. On the top in the middle is located the blue outlet for air from the impeller. To take it out from the water, you need to pull the cable gently to push the robot to the wall and lift it; on the water surface, you need to use a handle. The robot has a quick water release feature and, without water, weighs only 21 pounds.
Dolphin CC Supreme is an advanced model from the Nautilus product line. It has a black body with two blue stripes on the back. The large handle can be set at different angles to change the speed and to ensure better robot orientation during vertical cleaning. From the top, you can access cartridge filters, two filters from each side.
The robot is equipped with three brushes, two grey rubbers in the front and back, and one transparent in the middle for active cleaning. Each brush is divided into two parts, which give the opportunity to turn in the opposite directions for fast turning. For retrieval from water, you need to use the cable first and the handle at the surface. Unfortunately, the robot is quite heavy, 25 lbs, and is big (23.1 x 19.1 x 13.8 inches).
verdictDimensions and weight of Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus and CC Supreme do not differ drastically, as well as the location of the filter. But the large handle and more brushes give the Supreme model more capabilities. So, Dolphin CC Supreme is the winner in this part.
Cleaning modes
Dolphin CC Supreme has four cleaning modes to choose from, as it is able to clean walls, waterlines, and floors. It has a default cleaning mode for the floor, walls, and waterline for 2.5 hours. Also, owners are available on the floor only, ultra clean (with extra care) for the floor, walls, and waterline and waterline and walls modes.
For all cycles, you can choose the duration – 1.5 hours, 2.5 hours, and 3.5 hours. The smart navigation system optimizes all cleaning modes.
verdictObviously, Dolphin Supreme is more versatile. It has four cleaning modes and the possibility to choose the time for cleaning, while CC Plus has only one default cycle. In this part of the comparison of Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus vs. Supreme, the Supreme cleaner is again the winner.
Control functions
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus offers owners only one button to control the power unit. You need to press it and wait for 2.5 hours till the end. You can extract the cleaner earlier from the water, and it will automatically stop working.
There are no notifications, alerts, or other ways to see the problem with the robot visually. On the power unit, you can also set a weekly timer with several pushes of the power button. This model does not support a remote control or smartphone app.
Dolphin CC Supreme is an advanced model with two control options – via the power unit or smartphone app. The only push button on the power unit starts the chosen in the app cleaning mode and cycle. If you don’t make a choice, it will start the default cycle.
In the smartphone app, you can set timers, delays, modes, cycles, or control manually. There are two ways of alerting the pool owner of some problems – via smartphone app or change of color of LED light around the power button (red/blue and green lights). For example, when the filter is full, the color is orange.
verdictDolphin Nautilus CC Supreme is the winner as it has more control capabilities – the power unit and smartphone app. It also is equipped with more smart features compared to Nautilus CC Plus.
Filtration
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus filtration system includes the large fine cartridge panels combined into one frame per two, with clips on the top to hold them together. The cartridges capture fine particles. The large debris is captured in internal volume between the cartridges.
Dolphin CC Supreme filtration system consists of four extra-large panels that are installed in the frame for two in each. The package includes panels with fine and ultra-fine meshes. The cartridges capture small dust, while large debris is captured between them.
verdictEven though the filtration system of the two robots is designed the same way, The Supreme robot cleaner has large cartridges and a choice of mesh size – fine or ultra-fine. Not surprisingly, Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme is the winner.
How to choose the best pool robotic cleaner?
The pool owner should rely not only on a robot design but also on other essential features when deciding on which cleaner to purchase. All pool cleaners differ in functionality, design, filtration system, control, and more. To prevent getting lost in all features and to understand which should be considered first, we created a small questionnaire for the future owners of a pool robotic cleaner.
- What pool size, shape, and surface do you have? (determines cable length or battery size, type of brushes, and cleaning capabilities)
- What surfaces should be cleaned? (choice between only floor and floor/walls/waterline cleaning capabilities).
- What typical debris do I have? (determines the size of your filter basket/cartridge and mesh).
- How would I like to control the robot? (choice between control from a button or smartphone app).
- How many cleaning modes should I have? (necessity of quick modes, extra-long circles, or floor only).
- Do I need smart features? (delay, schedule, manual control, full filter indicator, etc.).
- How long is the warranty? (A long warranty is preferred, but the cleaner should be purchased at the official retailers).
- What is my budget? (determines points 3-6).
After you have responded to these questions, you will receive the list of minimal requirements that will help you choose the best robotic pool cleaner for your swimming pool. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus and Supreme are robots from different price categories and suit most of their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the indicators of a full filter for Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus?
It is always better to check to extract the robot and check the filter visually for clogs and excess debris. But if you have a lot of dirt and debris and your robot, during the cleaning cycle, behaves strangely, that is a sign of cleaning. Its cable can twist, and the robot moves in circles or flips on its side.What are the water requirements for Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus and Supreme?
Can I abruptly end the cleaning cycle of Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus?
Can I use my Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme during swimming?
I have a storable inflatable pool on the deck. Can I use Nautilus CC Supreme for cleaning?
Conclusion
Our comparison of Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus vs. Supreme has shown that the Supreme model is more functional; it has a cleaner floor, walls, and waterline. It can be controlled via smartphone and has many smart features. All these features increased the price significantly compared to Nautilus CC Plus. Moreover, Supreme has more brushes for better scrubbing the pool surfaces. But if you need regular cleaning for a pool with a medium quantity of fine particles and are short of budget, Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is a good option. It cleans perfectly walls and floor and has the same filtration system (only with fine cartridges) as Supreme. You can even schedule the Nautilus Plus for a default 2-hour cleaning cycle.
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.
