In this article, I will compare the Dolphin Proteus DX3 vs Proteus DX4 vs Nautilus CC. Having a swimming pool in your backyard is a joy to have during the warm summer months. It is the perfect place for friends and family to gather around, making barbecues and chatting like there’s no tomorrow. But after a long day of fun, you are always left alone to clean your pool.
Unless you prefer shelling out cash each week for professional pool cleaning services, you will want to have an automated pool cleaner to do the job for you. Among your best options are the Dolphin Proteus DX3, Proteus DX4, and Nautilus CC.
Which is which? To save you time, here is what you can expect from each product.
- If you are looking for a simple yet effective automated pool cleaner, the Dolphin Proteus DX3 just might be the one you need. This robot is ready to pop in the pool upon first use. You won’t have to do anything more, so you are free to go about more important tasks. Likewise, you can program your robot to clean your pool daily, every two days, or with a three-day interval.
- The Proteus DX4 is one of the best robotic pool cleaners in the Dolphin showroom. This little gizmo is designed to clean every nook and cranny of your pool. What’s more, it comes equipped with two brushrolls to ensure frequent and efficient brushing along the waterline, which is the key to preventing mineral deposits and mold build-up.
- The Dolphin Nautilus CC looks chic and modern with its black and blue color scheme. But to be brutally honest, it is nothing different compared to the Dolphin Proteus DX4. If aesthetics is included in your criteria, you might like this one better.
Comparison Table
Main Differences
All three units boast amazing features that are hallmarks of the Dolphin brand, but here are the factors that make them different.
Dolphin Proteus DX3 vs DX4 vs Nautilus CC
Dolphin Proteus DX3
The Dolphin Proteus DX3 is an entry-level automated pool cleaner packed with features I never thought I would get at a bargain price point. To get rid of algae and mold, it comes equipped with a front-scrubbing brush that spins faster than the agile robot itself.
Combined with powerful suction, it draws every form of debris in its path and traps it in the large filter basket. Once the bin is full, you only need to discard the contents and hose the fine particles down. This model also has a quick water-release function.
Another impressive feature I did not expect is the CleverClean™ software, which allows the Proteus DX3 to scan your pool’s interior before it starts a cleaning cycle. This model also has a programmable timer to boot.
- 33 feet coverage within a 2-hour cleaning duration
- filters debris up to 90 microns and thoroughly scrubs floors and walls
- scans your pool to adapt to its particular shape and size
- equipped with a large, top-load filter basket
- quick water-release makes the robot light enough to pull out of the water
- scheduled cleaning
- does not climb up to the waterline
- does not have the 360-degree swivel cord
Dolphin Proteus DX4
Every time it gets windy, the pool becomes dirty. Unless you try the Dolphin Proteus DX4, you will never know what you had been swimming in!
This little dolphin leaves your pool immaculate by using two types of filters to remove various kinds of dirt and debris — pine tree needles, slimy algae, dead bugs — you name it. The baskets are extra-large, so you won’t have to empty them too often.
What I like most about the Proteus DX4 is that it has two brushrolls: one active, high-speed agitator brush at the front and a standard one at the back. More impressively, the PowerSteam Mobility generates powerful, multi-directional jets to give the Proteus DX4 constant grip. The best part is that the robot can go high up the waterline, so forget about your good ole scrub!
This particular model is certainly heavier than the DX3, and it also costs more. However, it comes with a few more advantages that you will not find in the Proteus DX3 and Nautilus CC.
- 50 feet coverage within a 2-hour cleaning duration
- scans your pool to adapt to its particular shape and size
- cleans the waterline in addition to the floor and walls
- moves freely around the pool and never gets stuck in a corner
- the power cord is 60 feet in length and it swivels 360 degrees to prevent tangling
- includes a standard filter for debris up to 90 microns in size and a fine filter for debris up to 50 microns in size
- each top-load filter basket has a lot of capacity for collecting debris
- scheduled cleaning
- still does not clean steps
Dolphin Nautilus CC
The Dolphin Nautilus CC carries a familiar price point as the Proteus DX3, which isn’t that surprising, given that these two models share similar features.
For one, this model works for pools up to 33 feet, depending on where you plug the power supply. Additionally, you can program the Nautilus CC to run daily or two to three times a week.
This plug-and-play model comes equipped with one active brush and it operates in a two-hour duration, as well. The Nautilus CC also has the same hyper grip tracks as the Proteus DX3.
Regardless of the many similarities, the Nautilus CC has more setbacks than the other.
While the robot seems to figure out where to go, it lingers in the deeper end of the pool longer than it needed to. I’m not expecting this model to climb up to the waterline, but its wall coverage is mediocre compared to the other.
The Nautilus line of robotic pool cleaners was all the rage a few years ago, but this dolphin has already sunk in the competition.
- 33 feet coverage within a 2-hour cleaning duration
- filters debris up to 90 microns and thoroughly scrubs floors and walls
- equipped with a large, top-load filter basket
- quick water-release makes the robot light enough to pull out of the water
- scheduled cleaning
- the robot lingers in certain areas longer than it should
- you are left to scrub the upper wall portions and the waterline
- misses large portions of the sides
Face to Face Comparison
Navigation
Dolphin Proteus DX3
The Dolphin Proteus DX3 uses its trademark CleverClean™ to ensure every inch of your pool floor and walls are speckless. To achieve this goal, this smart gizmo spends the first 20 minutes scanning and adapting to the particular shape and size of your pool. But because this model has no mapping capabilities, it will have to repeat the process each time.
Equipped with high-traction caterpillar tracks, the Dolphin Proteus DX3 holds fast onto the bottom and sides of a pool while cleaning. The robot also moves across the pool at a fairly quick pace, as the tracks allow it to change directions effortlessly underwater.
attentionUnfortunately, this model does not climb up to the waterline. No mechanism produces downward jets. That said, you will have to take a brush and scrub your pool’s waterline once in a while.
Dolphin Proteus DX4
To find the most efficient and fastest cleaning route, the Dolphin Proteus DX4 scans your pool within the first 20 minutes of each cleaning cycle. Thereby, it minimizes time spent cleaning and helps reduce your energy bill.
More impressively, this dolphin has the PowerStream Mobility System, which sends strong, multi-directional water jets. Combine this amazing feature with the high-traction treads, and the
Proteus DX4 will never lose its grip as it climbs its way up to the waterline.
This model also has a 60-feet-long anti-tangle power cord, another feature that you will not find in the DX3. By making complimentary twists and rotations, it provides the Dolphin Proteus DX4 a smooth and glitch-free movement.
Dolphin Nautilus CC
The “CC” in Dolphin Nautilus CC stands for “CleverClean,” a navigation software that uses sensors to develop a temporary digital layout of your pool’s lining. However, this tech is not unique to this model.
As a matter of fact, the Proteus DX3 and Proteus DX4 Dolphins have this technology, as well.
Moreover, the robot connects to the control module via a 50-feet-long cord that swivels 360 degrees. Since the cable rotates all the way around, it supports free movement without the risk of damaging the copper wires of the cable.
Cleaning Mechanisms and Performance
The Dolphin Proteus DX3 is built to clean in-ground swimming pools with a maximum area coverage of 33 square feet. Inside this gizmo is a powerful motor that circulates 3, 735 gallons of water per hour.
With a high-speed scrubbing brush and a large-capacity filtration system at work, it cleans a swampy pool within 120 minutes. Although this little guy may not reach the waterline, it cleans the bottom and walls of a pool with great speed.
Another limitation is around the steps; however, I have yet to find an automated pool cleaner that can do that. For now, you will just have to brush those areas.
verdictThe Dolphin Proteus DX3 does not have jaw-dropping features, but its simplicity is the main reason why it appeals to many pool owners, especially the old-timers.
The Dolphin Proteus DX4 is equipped with the same high-speed active brush. Only this time, it has an additional standard brush at the back to maximize frictional force. This model also has an energy-efficient motor with an incredible water flow rating of 3, 735 gallons of water per hour.
But unlike the DX3, it comes with not just one, but two extra-large filter baskets:
- a fine filter for large debris
- an ultra-fine filter for minute particles
Starting with the ultra-fine filter basket, the Proteus DX4 does a superb job of cleaning winter’s worth of algae. Thanks to the PowerStream Mobility System, it comes up to the waterline and scrubs away mold and mildew out of the tile grouts.
With the standard filter, the dolphin collects a smelly mess of big leaves, as though it was slurping hot, delicious noodles. The DX4 also picks up grit, bugs, twigs, and whatever trash the wind likes to bring along.
Unfortunately, the DX4 is not without fault. This hardworking robot may come to a stop if a clump of hair gets stuck up in its impeller motor. Also, this model doesn’t excel at cleaning rough surfaces, like pebble finishes.
On the bright side, this smart robot never gets stuck on pool drains. The best part is that you can leave the robot in your pool between cleaning cycles and take it out only when you need to wash the filter.
I was so pumped to witness the cleaning performance of the Dolphin Nautilus CC, but it turned out to be at the same level as the Proteus DX3. This should be expected as the two models have the same cleaning mechanisms.
For one, the Nautilus CC is equipped with the same oversized high-speed brushroll for agitating dirt and collecting debris. Everything in its way goes toward the suction inlet where the water is filtered and cleaned.
The Nautilus CC comes with a single top-loaded filter basket that traps debris up to 90 microns in size, resulting in near crystal clear pool water at the end of each cleaning cycle.
This model also has a Plus version. The dual scrubbers and extra-fine filter are worth the extra cost.
You’ll be impressed by how much stuff the Nautilus CC Plus picks up. When you have the pool clean and switch from the fine filter to ultra-fine, you’ll be amazed again at how much sand is down there.
User Experience and Maintenance
The Dolphin Proteus DX3 is the perfect choice if you aren’t too keen on intricate high-tech stuff.
The robot comes with a user-friendly control panel and scheduling system that even Gramps can configure in a jiffy. You can set the Proteus DX3 to clean daily, bi-weekly, or thrice a week.
A big part that makes the Proteus DX3 convenient is the absence of cumbersome hoses and energy-draining booster pumps. All the mechanisms required are within the device.
Furthermore, you can pull the robot effortlessly out of the pool, as it includes a quick-release function for draining water.
Cleaning the filter is likewise an easy feat. The debris basket has a big latch on the bottom, so you can dump the contents into the trash without getting your hands filthy. Hose the filter down and pop it back in.
verdictAll in all, the Proteus DX3 is a simple machine designed to be low-maintenance.
Comparing the Dolphin Proteus DX3 vs DX4 in this regard leaves you with a draw. Just like its predecessor, this dolphin runs straight out of the box. No assembly is required.
The control panel is also the same; it has one power button and three buttons for scheduling cleaning times. The Dolphin Proteus DX4 doesn’t work with a mobile app, so there’s no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity. Neither does the robot have a remote control.
The only major maintenance for the Proteus DX4 involves the filter baskets, both of which are highly accessible. What’s more, these baskets are extra-large, which means you won’t need to empty them after each cleaning cycle.
Dolphin Nautilus CCThe Nautilus CC has a scheduler, which makes the robot even more convenient than it already is. You can program your robot to clean daily, every two days, or every third day.
However, the programmable scheduler is all you have. The Nautilus CC is not compatible with the Dolphin smartphone app via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Furthermore, proper care will increase the robot’s longevity, and fortunately, it is an easy feat.
Our Expert Advice
A swimming pool requires proper maintenance, which consists of several procedures:
- Skimming leaves and debris from the water surface.
- Water circulation and filtration from dissolved fine particles.
- Scrubbing of floor, stairs, walls, and waterlines from sediments, algae, and other types of dirt.
- Addition of chemicals on a regular basis to sanitize the water and prevent bacteria and algae from growing in the pool water.
For all procedures, different types of pool equipment are used. Robotic pool cleaners help with steps 2 and 3, and partly one.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long is a Dolphin DX3 pool cleaner cycle?
2. Is Dolphin DX4 suitable for above-ground pools?
3. Which Dolphin pool cleaner is better at cleaning the waterline?
4. Do Dolphin DX4 and Dolphin Nautilus CC robotic pool cleaners require a booster pump?
Conclusion: Ditch It or Get It?
Swimming pools are notoriously difficult to maintain, but you don’t want to neglect your pool because it quickly becomes a health hazard. However, the weekend is brief. Won’t you rather soak up every minute of fun than spend hours cleaning a filthy pool?
This is where a Dolphin robotic cleaner comes handy. Dolphin Maytronics has been in the game for decades, so there is an element of mental peace if you choose one of their products.
If you owned a suction cleaner before and you are looking to get a Dolphin robotic pool cleaner at a familiar price, I recommend the Dolphin DX3. However, it lacked waterline cleaning, a back brush, and the anti-tangle cord.
Of all the three Dolphins in this review, it is safe to say that the Proteus DX4 is the best. While it also has its limitations, it has everything the other two have and more.
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.
Is waterline cleaning a compulsory function for robot?
Hi, Amelia! Thank you very much for your question! Waterline cleaning is an extremely useful function for every pool cleaner, but it is not a compulsory option. From our point of view, wall cleaning is a more desirable cleaning cycle that should be included in all robots. Still, if you own a large/deep pool, waterline cleaning will help you keep it fresh and neat much longer.
Hello! You mentioned robots clean bottom, walls and waterline. Can I somehow select which pool area I need to clean this time and which I need to skip?
Hi, James! Thank you very much for your question! Dolphin pool cleaners do not support individual zone cleaning and process all areas one by one. However, if you’re looking for options to make cleaning more spot-like and faster, please consider buying pool cleaners with the fast cleaning mode.
Marcus, thank you sooo much for the info! I am an old timer and Im leaning towards the Proteus DX3…but is there another manufacturer,with similar pricing that you think is better? we had a TigerSharkQC by Hayward and after 3or4yrs the motor is gone..$500 at least to replace motor, with no warranty..thanks for your help..you are awesome!
Mary Brooks
Hi, Mary! Thank so much for your kind words!) Our team really appreciates it. In fact, our experience proves that Dolphin offers the best balance between price, performance and innovations in its cleaners. If you’re looking for something intelligent, easy-to-control and fast but thorough, they are really ahead of the most other brands. By the way, Polaris and Hayward also have something to offer. If you’d like, you may read more about their leading products and find our comparisons with Dolphins in Polaris 9350 vs 9450 vs 9550 vs 9650iQ Comparison Review, Hayward Aquanaut 200 Cleaner Swimming Pools Review, Dolphin vs Polaris – Total Comparison of Best-Selling Brands. Hope you’ll find it helpful for yourself!
What is the best option for a 30×40 ft inground pool? Thank you!
Hi, Gala Rock! Thank you very much for your question! Nautilus CC is a very nice yet affordable option for medium-sized inground pools.
Thanks for the review! Do Dolphin robot cleaners inform users when the basket is full?
Thank you very much for your question! No, Dolphin robotic pool cleaners do not let their users know when the basket is full. We recommend you simply empty the basket and filters after every cleaning cycle. That will be quite enough.
Can the proteus DX3 be used on a vinyl liner pool? Will the brushes damage the vinyl?
The Dolphin Proteus DX3 is designed for use in various types of pools, including vinyl liner pools
What do the abbreviation DX3 and DX4 mean? Do you know?
Hello Cora! Thank you for the question. This abbreviation is used only to make a sequence of Proteus cleaners in series. It does not reflect any technical information.