Nowadays, more and more customers abandon manual pool cleaning and even side pressure and suction pool cleaners in favor of the most innovative robotic devices. Indeed, no one will argue their efficiency, while price difference decreases annually.
You can easily find a reliable and affordable model. Among the best, users highlight Hayward and Maytronics Dolphin brands. Today, we’d like to discuss their middle-range pool cleaners and conduct a detailed Hayward TigerShark vs Dolphin comparison.
We took three products – one Tiger Shark and two Dolphins:
Comparison Table
Our Expert Advice
It is forbidden to use extension power cords for your robotic cleaner. When you choose the robot, please pay attention to its cable size. The cable length should be enough to reach the furthest point of your pool from the power supply; the power supply should locate at least 10 feet away from the water for safety reasons. Do not forget about pool depth. I recommend having at least 10 feet extra cable length to the pool length.
Main Differences Between the Models
Below, we’re going to discuss all models and their advantages/disadvantages in detail. However, if you’d like to clear out the key features right now without reading a whole review, here is the list of the most important differences between the TigerShark and Dolphin pool cleaners that may influence your final choice:
- Hayward TigerShark works in large inground pools only, while its Maytronics rivals are equally suitable for inground and above ground constructions.
- Each model supports its own pool size. The Quick Clean is optimal for pools up to 40 ft. The Nautilus CC Plus cleans even larger 50 ft pools. And its Nautilus CC brother will cope with 33 ft.
- While Dolphin robots process a pool for 2 hours, the Hayward device will need 3 hours. But it also features the Quick Clean mode to perform cleaning twice faster.
- Only TigerShark pool cleaner can climb the waterline.
- Two out of three of our products use one scrubber as a cleaning tool. Only Nautilus CC Plus can boast two scrubbers for dual surface processing.
- Dolphin Nautilus series bots come with a convenient touch screen. The TigerShark has no remote control.
- Also, if you’d like to program cleaning sessions for several days in advance, you should pick up Dolphins as only they support scheduling.
- All models come with filters. However, the Quick Clean and the Nautilus CC Plus features cartridge filters, while the Nautilus CC has a large filter basket.
- Finally, we notice different cable lengths in each model, and only Dolphin Plus has a swivel and anti-tangle cord.
1. Hayward W3RC9990CUB Quick Clean TigerShark Robotic Pool Cleaner
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Thus, the robot processes all pool surfaces, including walls and waterline. Altogether, cleaning takes 3 hours. But as you can guess from the name, this product also comes with a Quick Clean cycle, in which it halves the operation time and cleans your pool within 90 minutes.
While the scrubbing roller removes dirt, a built-in cartridge filter deals with the smallest particles. We love its ultra-fine filtration but have to say that the cartridge is not as capacious for large debris as we wish.
Hayward TigerShark Quick Clean works 100% independently of all pool systems and doesn’t require even a pump since it has one on board.
When it comes to controlling, we have to say this model offers no remote controls or app support. It means you won’t be able to set a cleaning schedule or start/stop the process remotely.
So, who should buy Hayward TigerShark Quick Clean? We highly recommend it for owners of all-sized pools who need thorough scrubbing, wall climbing, and water filtration without super-innovative control features. Also, pick it up if you have no time for time-consuming cleaning cycles.
Currently, Hayward TigerShark Quick Clean is quite expensive for most customers. We believe it to be slightly overpriced, considering no remotes and weak navigation. However, let us say its efficiency is decent. Besides, this model is one of the most affordable TigerShark products.
- suits inground pools of all sizes
- works independently of main pool systems
- has a built-in pump for high suction
- process all pool zones, including walls and waterline
- removes large and fine debris by scrubbing surfaces
- offers a fine cartridge filter
- has special Quick Clean cycle
- light body
- long hose
- expensive
- weak navigation that causes long cleaning
- no remote control and app support
- not the best option for large debris cleaning
- cord may tangle
attentionAttention! Hayward TigerShark series includes several more robotic pool cleaners. Apart from this TigerShark W3RC9990CUB Quick Clean model, there are four other products for your choice:
- Plus (RC9955CUB)
- Quick Clean (RC9990CUB)
- Standard (RC9950CUB)
- Standard (W3RC9950CUB)
As we already know, the Quick Clean robots feature a special quick mode to process the pool within 90 minutes.
The Plus model is the only one that comes with a remote control to run your cleaner from a distance. So, if you like the TigerShark device but worry about the convenience of control, choose this excellent and extended modification.
The Standard line offers a standard set of functions with no fast cleaning or remotes.
By the way, the only difference between two Standard and two Quick Clean robots is that the models with the W letter in the name are sold on the Web only.
Here is a table of all Hayward TigerShark robot pool cleaners with their main differences.
2. Dolphin Nautilus CC Robotic Pool Cleaner
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Why do customers like it? Navigation is the main strong side of the CC in Hayward TigerShark vs Dolphin Nautilus comparison. The series comes with a CleverClean route planning system to avoid obstacles and hitting.
Thanks to routes and an efficient scrubber, the bot takes no more than 2 hours for cleaning. We don’t really need any quick clean modes, but there is a special Energy Saving mode for more reasonable electricity consumption.
Most of all, we appreciate a remote touch screen with as many as three schedule settings for every day, every other day, or every third day cleaning.
Also, let us mention a capacious top load filter basket, a quick water release system, and a super-lightweight body for 14 pounds only.
In general, we can say that it is a much smarter robot pool cleaner despite the lack of waterline cleaning. Yes, it won’t work in huge reservoirs, but it will remember the cleaning schedule, get your commands remotely, and easily deal with large debris.
- works both in medium-sized above ground and inground pools
- climbs walls and steps
- features CleverClean navigation
- has a remote control for users’ convenience
- supports three schedule settings
- saves energy due to a motor and special mode
- holds lots of dirt and empties quickly, thanks to a top load filter basket
- stays lightweight even after usage with a water release system
- no waterline cleaning
- though deals with large debris, it may miss fine particles
- no tangle-free cord
- no app control
- expensive
3. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner
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Unfortunately, it seems that in TigerShark vs Dolphin pool cleaners battle, only Tigers can clean waterlines. The CC Plus also lacks waterline cleaning but deals with walls and slippery areas pretty well.
However, only this model boasts two scrubbers and dual top load cartridges for fine and ultra-fine water filtration.
Also, we finally got a tangle-free swivel cord.
Otherwise, the Nautilus CC Plus coincides with its predecessor. All the basic features were saved. The model uses CleverClean navigation, supports scheduling and remote control through a touch screen. Cleaning takes the same 2 hours.
However, there are also a couple of losses here. For some reason, engineers removed such a useful quick water release system and slightly increased weight.
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus will be an excellent alternative to the CC model for owners of bigger pools. We cannot overestimate the usefulness of dual scrubbers and non-tangle cord. We’d also recommend this product for fans of ultra-fine water filtration.
- suitable for above ground and inground pools
- cleans the largest pools up to 50 ft and never get tangled due to a swivel cord
- processes walls and steps
- has two scrubbers
- builds routes with CleverClean navigation
- has a touch screen with three schedule settings
- performs the most thorough filtration
- pretty light body
- expensive
- cannot clean waterline
- requires more frequent emptying
- lacks quick water release system
- no app control
We’ve briefly highlighted the most important cleaners’ characteristics. However, to get a clearer picture, customers are better to mind all features in detail. So, let us consider each function available in Dolphin and TigerShark pool cleaners.
Design and Dimensions
In this section, we’ll discuss several constructional moments that may influence your comfort of cleaner use and aesthetics.
Can TigerShark and Dolphins offer us such ultimate dimensions? Here is the answer.
Hayward TigerShark W3RC9990CUB Quick Clean measures:
- 19.7″ x 19.7″ x 21″
- 21.5 pounds
Dolphin Nautilus CC can boast smaller and much lighter body:
- 16.38″ x 16.77″ x 8.97″
- 14 pounds
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus almost didn’t change in size but became slightly heavier:
- 16″ x 10″ x 16″
- 19 pounds
Engineers solved the problem by adding the so-called quick water release system. Side slots allow extra water to flow out.
This is a quite useful tip, but only one robot pool cleaner is equipped with it in our review – Dolphin Nautilus CC.
Luckily, all our models are designed for large reservoirs and come with long cables.
- The TigerShark features a simple 55 ft cord for 40 ft pools. Alas, no anti-tangle, floating, and swivel elements are provided.
- Dolphin Nautilus CC has a similar 50 ft cable. It’s more than enough for 30-33 ft pools, though too long design sometimes causes tangling.
- Its Nautilus CC Plus brother boasts both the longest 60 ft cable (for 50 ft pools) and such a necessary swivel non-tangle system.
Here, the brands decided to follow the path of classic and simplicity. The models are made in plain grey, black, and blue colors that look neat yet stylish. Besides, all devices will fit any pool design.
verdictVerdict: All three pool cleaner models offer compact dimensions and nice weights, which is quite predictable considering their price niche.
Dolphin Nautilus CC is our winner in terms of weight as it is the lightest and also boasts water release system.
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus has the best swivel cord. But the TigerShark Quick Clean features an ultimately convenient handle.
Cleaning Performance
Since cleaning performance determines how clean your pool will be, it should be your number one concern when choosing a robotic pool cleaner. This factor includes three main moments: what tools are used, what areas are processed, and how long it takes. So, let’s consider each point separately.
Cleaning Cycle
- Dolphin Nautilus cleaners use one standard cleaning cycle. Regardless of your pool size, the process takes 2 hours. We can’t say it’s quite quick, but usually people have nothing against waiting a couple of hours.
- Hayward TigerShark will need a whole hour more to clean a pool. Standard cycle takes 3 hours. However, an additional Quick Clean mode allows us to perform cleaning twice faster within 90 minutes.
In fact, the difference between Dolphins’ standard cycle and TigerShark’s Quick mode is not that great, but sometimes 30 minutes can matter.
Scrubbers
All three cleaners use soft silicone scrubbing rollers with numerous bristles. Thus, they sweep large debris and eliminates invisible sediments and algae.
TigerShark Quick Clean and Dolphin Nautilus CC are equipped with one front scrubber. The Nautilus CC Plus model has dual rotating scrubbers in the front and in the back.
Pool Surfaces
Undoubtedly, Hayward product is the winner here since it processes absolutely all pool areas. It will clean floors, steps, walls, and waterline.
The Dolphin models can do the same tasks except for the waterline climbing. So, they lose slightly for those who need ultimate cleanliness.
verdictWhen it comes to cleaning duration, we consider both brands equally quick. Dolphins have fast standard cycle, and the TigerShark scores due to the Quick cleaning. The choice is yours here.
We would definitely recommend it for cleaning in the most hard-to-reach areas. But it’s Maytronics Nautilus CC Plus that wins the battle for the most thorough cleaning thanks to dual scrubbers.
Filtration
verdictNautilus CC will be a nice choice for pools subject to large debris like leaves and sticks. But it may lose in fine filtration, especially compared to super-thorough Nautilus CC Plus and TigerShark Quick Clean. They will face no difficulties in the retention of the finest dirt.
Navigation
Accurate navigation and smart control are those things that make robotic pool cleaners true robots and differ them from non-robotic devices. What do we have in these three pool vacs?
- Dolphin Nautilus series cleaners are equipped with Maytronics brand CleverClean navigation. You can quickly check whether your model features this technology by looking at its name – the CC letters stand there exactly for CleverClean.
The system allows robots to plan smart cleaning routes with covering every inch of your pool. Thus, they reject old random moving and go in neat rows. We don’t have super-innovative lasers or gyroscopes here, but with such routing, chances to miss spots are minimal.
- When it comes to the TigerShark device, we have to say that the manufacturer doesn’t provide us with official information on navigation systems used. All we know so far is that the Quick Clean W3RC9990CUB model definitely features some non-random movement plan.
verdictWe’ll give our preference to Dolphins here as this brand openly discusses technologies it uses. Customers see what they buy and what to expect later. Hayward seems to equip its robot with similar system but doesn’t explain the exact algorithms.
Control
Despite high prices and innovative functions, none of our competitors support WiFi, Bluetooth, and app control. That means we cannot run cleaners from our smartphones. What alternatives do they offer then?
- Dolphin Nautilus products come with compact, lightweight, and extremely convenient touch screens. Thanks to them, there is no need to sit near the pool and pull the cleaner out to program it. Each panel has several buttons to start/stop the bot as well as to set a schedule.
The latter function allows us to preplan cleaning for several days in advance. There are three options for everyday cleaning, every second day, or every third day cleaning.
- Hayward TigerShark Quick Clean device offers manual control only. The unit has buttons on its case, so you’ll need to press them to start/pause/stop cleaning or to change the cycle. Unfortunately, this modification features no remote controllers and cannot work according to a preset schedule.
However, let us remind you one more time that you can get the TigerShark Plus cleaner with a remote control included if you need some.
verdictControl characteristics of the TigerShark can be considered as a drawback. We get no remote controls and schedules. Still, many customers wouldn’t find manual control a problem. Naturally, touch screens and schedule make Dolphins clear winners here.
Motor and Energy Consumption
Though Dolphin and TigerShark pool cleaners are equipped with different motors, there is no great difference in energy requirements.
- Mytronics cleaners have a powerful suction motor.
- Hayward installs its devices with an efficient 24-volt motor with improved energy-saving features. Improvement concerns previous pool cleaner generations. In general, the motor is pretty similar to the Dolphins’ ones.
importantThe three models require standard 110-120V.
Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Best Robotic Pool Cleaner?
When looking for a robot pool cleaner (like any other product), many customers mostly base their choice on the price. However, we’re afraid it’s not the best way out. The most expensive device may be unsuitable for your needs, just like the cheapest model may turn out to be literally disposable.
That’s why we decided to mention several important factors, the observance to which will help you choose the most suitable product.
Also, please mind your pool size. A cleaner you’ll choose should provide a proper cord length, power, navigation.
We do recommend choosing models with floor+walls modes. But the improved waterline climbing feature will cost higher, so here, the choice is yours, depending on whether you really need it.
On the one hand, the faster your bot cleans, the sooner you’ll be able to use your pool. But on the other hand, quick cleaning sometimes means not thorough results and missed dirt.
We’d recommend choosing models that offer both standard and additional quick cleaning modes. Thus, we’ll have a choice whether to conduct comprehensive cleaning today or save your time and perform a fast cycle.
- The first filter type will eliminate the smallest dirt particle from your pool but will require frequent cleaning. Besides, it may not suit large debris because of its small capacity.
- Filter tanks and baskets hold a tremendous amount of dirt, and you can empty them only after every second/third cleaning. However, they will miss fine pollutants.
If you have a large pool of complex design, it’s better to look for several navigation systems. Smaller and simper pools will enjoy one technology only. Anyway, the main thing is to make sure your model will avoid obstacles and move accurately to pick up all debris.
Thus, you’ll be able to run your model remotely, get notifications, and even get access to additional settings like the schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Hayward TigerShark vs Dolphin Nautilus: what is the best robotic pool cleaner for inground pools?
2. Hayward TigerShark vs Dolphin Nautilus: what is the best robotic pool cleaner for above ground pools?
3. How to set a cleaning schedule for my Dolphin Nautilus pool cleaner?
5.How long do TigerShark and Dolphin robot pool cleaners last?
Users state TigerSharks last for about five years with proper maintenance. Dolphins will serve you for approximately the same period.
Conclusion
That’s it. We’ve considered each of the three models and compared their functions. So, what is your perfect option?
- TigerShark W3RC9990CUB Quick Clean is the leader in terms of comprehensive cleaning due to the waterline mode. We consider it the best product for those who need thorough cleaning for a short time as it’s the only model with quick clean mode, too. But still, we cannot call it the winner of this review. TigerShark lacks a remote control and extremely useful scheduling, which is very unfair for such a high price.
- Dolphin Nautilus CC offers the best price for high-quality performance. If you’re on a budget, you won’t find a better robot for your pool. Also, this is our favorite for energy-saving, all above ground pools and medium inground pools. Finally, if your pool is near trees or other sources of large debris, pick up this model with a lovely filter basket.
- Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is our choice in this review. Though it’s as expensive as the TigerShark, you pay for scheduling, a remote control, dual scrubbers, and fine filtration. The unit is perfect for the largest inground pools and will cause you no inconveniences with a tangling cord.
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.
Having worked there for three years, I decided to start my own blog about pools, where I can tell people about the best new pool equipment models and share my knowledge and experience.
A marine biologist by education, I became a pool blogger by trade. Now I’m glad I can help the guests of my store and the visitors of my blog know a lot of exciting things about pools, their types, best pumps and filters, necessary equipment maintenance, and so on.
I welcome all people who want to choose a proper basin and the stuff to my blog! Hope you’ll find this information interesting and useful!
Do you have to put Dolphins manually on the wall for this area cleaning?
Hi, Russel! Thank you very much for your question! No, you don’t have to do anything manually here. Dolphin pool cleaners with wall and waterline cleaning function climb vertical surfaces easily without any help. Just start the cleaning and enjoy result.
I’ve been using TigerShark for about one and a half year. The model is very sweet, collects all bottom debris thoroughly, doesn’t miss spots, avoids our stairs. Now many look for app control – here you’ll get none but I didn’t find it inconvenient or disturbing. I just press the button and that’s it (but the price is much more pleasant than of those with app support). By the way, love the fast cleaning mode (90 minutes).
Cons: it’s heavy, so I try not to remove it from water unless I really need. And, maybe it’s just my thing, but it’s a bit noisy for me. Otherwise, the cleaner is really nice.
Hi, Lynd! Thank you very much for sharing your experiece with us! You comment will really help our readers make the more balanced choice. And we hope your cleaner will become a great assistant for you.
I don’t really think you need a remote control. The use is convenient without it while the price of a “non-smart” cleaner is significantly lower that the price of its app/remote control brother. I guess)
Hi, Anasty! Thank you very much for your comment! Indeed, cleaners with simpler control are more affordable which is a huge plus. But in some cases remote control is blessing (for very busy owners or people with health problems who cannot lean or remove their robots for scheduling, etc.). Choose according to your needs)
I see that TigerShark cleaner has a big handle. Can I use the handle of TigerShark to pull it out of the water?
Hello Lorie! Thank you for your question. The TigerShark, after the cleaning cycle in sleep mode or standby mode, can be easily removed using the handle on the cleaner. You need to put the cleaner on the pool deck for 30 seconds to allow all water to drain out.