Dolphin Premier versus Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus

Head-to-Head Review and Comparison

Dolphin Premier

Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner

Best Price
$1297
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner

Best Price
$899
Pool Type In Ground
Waterline Cleaning Excellent  
NanoFiltration Excellent  
Multi-Media Excellent  
Coverage Excellent  
User Experience Excellent  
Warranty Excellent  
Pool Type In Ground
Waterline Cleaning Bad  
NanoFiltration Bad  
Multi-Media Bad  
Coverage Very Good  
User Experience Very Good  
Warranty Very Good  
Check mark Highs

Only Dolphin with a Leaf Bag - includes Multi-Media

Waterline Cleaning Beast

New, High Performing Dolphin ProLine Model

NanoFiltration - Premier's NanoFilters allow it to clean deeper than standard Dolphin pool robots

3 Year Warranty

X icon Lows

Pricey, but Fantastic Value

Check mark Highs

Cleans walls, but no waterline

Energy Efficient Motors

Schedule Cleanings - Run every 24, 48, or 72 hours

X icon Lows

No Waterline Cleaning

Does not have NanoFilters

Restocking Fee Up to 20%

Shorter warranty than premium robots such as the Dolphin ProLine

Cartridges are smaller and harder to clean than the MaxBin on other robots

Head To Head Review & Anyalysis

Which is the better robot for your pool?

The Dolphin Premier and Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus are two of Dolphin's top robotic pool cleaners. While the CC Plus is a good cleaner, the new 2023 Dolphin ProLine's Dolphin Premier outshines the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus in virtually every aspect:

  • Pool Coverage / Waterline Cleaning
  • Filter Options
  • Full Filter Indicator
  • Warranty

We'll break down all of this and more in our comparison and review of them.

Pool Coverage / Waterline Cleaning

Both units do a great job of covering your pool floors. But there is a major difference between the two's coverage, the waterline. The Nautilus CC Plus can cover the walls of your pool, but will not actively scrub the waterline. This is an area in your pool where algae and bacteria can build up - even being referred to as the scum line.

The Dolphin Premier will climb and cling to the waterline, scrubbing away at stuck on algae and debris, ensuring full pool coverage. This is largely thanks to its Dual Stabilizer, which helps the Dolphin Premier stick to the waterline and move laterally to clean stuck-on contaminants.

The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus on the other hand leaves you to clean this problematic area by yourself. The overall coverage of the CC Plus is great, but this lack of waterline cleaning leaves one of the most important areas of your pool untouched.

Filter Options

First, let's break down the filter options.

The Premier has Multi-Media, which allows the Dolphin Premier to swap between the 3 filter media options it includes in seconds. The Dolphin Premier's Multi-Media includes:

  • Oversized Leaf Bag
  • NanoFilters
  • Standard Cartridge Filters
  • Even a 4th optional (not included), disposable debris bag

The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus only includes:

  • Standard Cartridge Filter

The Premier's Leaf Bag is not only something we loved, but is almost a necessity if you have a ton of leaves in your swimming pool. It allows the Premier to pickup leaves like no other pool robot.

NanoFilters

But what if your swimming pool struggles with cloudy pool water? The Premier also includes the NanoFilters. This can be found in several other cleaners as well, such as the Dolphin Quantum Ultra-Fine Filter Basket or Dolphin Sigma's NanoFilter Cartridges. Yet, Maytronics does not include it with the Nautilus CC Plus. It allows the pool robot to effectively vacuum and clear up cloudy pool water, capture microscopic particles, and more which the standard fine filter simply can't do.

Standard vs NanoFilters

The difference is night and day between the Nautilus CC Plus and the Dolphin Premier's filters. The standard filters simply cannot stand up to the cleaning performance of the NanoFilters. Side by side, you can see the difference between the two. The standard filter is just plastic mesh, while the NanoFilter is a highly pleated filters. After testing the NanoFilters, we would never recommend a pool robot without one again.

Which is better for leaves?

Easily the Dolphin Premier, it's Dolphin's only cleaner with a leaf bag. Plus the addition of the NanoFilters and the standard filters makes the Premier a no-brainer.

Which is better for algae, sand, and cloudy pool water?

Since the Dolphin Premier includes the ultra-fine filter, but the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus doesn't, the Premier is the clear cut choice for a pool that struggles with algae, cloudy water, or any sand / small debris.

Media-Alert - Full Filter Indicator

The Premier's full filter indicator isn't to be found on the Nautilus CC Plus. While it isn't an essential feature, it is something to note as otherwise you'll have to constantly check the CC Plus to know whether it is time to clean. While on the flip side, the Dolphin Premier let's you know when it is time to clear out its filter.

Warranty

The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Warranty is 20% shorter than the Dolphin Premier. The Dolphin Premier's 3 year warranty is the longest you can get from Maytronics. When compared to the Nautilus CC Plus' warranty of 2.5 years, you could be left an entire pool season without coverage if something were to go wrong. While these cleaners are very reliable, it is something that helps have peace of mind when investing in a robotic pool cleaner.

Price

The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is cheaper, coming in at about $899. You can find the Dolphin Premier for as low as $1297. The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is the more affordable option, but the Dolphin Premier's extra filters, warranty, and pool coverage make up for it and more.

The Dolphin Premier can be found cheaper if you want to go the Certified Open Box or Certified Refurbished route. These units come fully tested and with a full 3 year warranty from Maytronics.

Is the Dolphin Premier or Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus better?

The Dolphin Premier is the superior unit to the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus. With NanoFilters, Waterline Cleaning, Multi-Media, and longer 3 year warranty, the Dolphin Premier not only performs better, but is the better value.


Robot Features:

Features


Dolphin Premier Leaf Bag

Oversized Leaf Bag

Highest Cleaning Capacity - Clean more than any other robot

Alongside Multi-Media™, the Oversized Leaf Bag sets the Dolphin Premier apart. Combine top-notch filtration ability, waterline cleaning, and the leaf bag, you can't get a much better clean than the Dolphin Premier.

Premier

Checkmark icon

Nautilus CC Plus

X icon

Media Alert™

Let's you know when is ready to be cleaned.

When is ready to be cleaned, it will let you know.

Premier

Checkmark icon

Nautilus CC Plus

X icon

Dolphin Premier Multi-Media

Multi-Media™

4 Filter Options. 1 Robot.

Briliantly, Dolphin gave the Premier what they call: Multi-Media™ Technology, which gives you the ability to swap between, not one, not two, but four different media types. This gives the ability to fine tune each clean. If you have a lot of leaves, use the Oversized Leaf Bag - Note: This is the only Maytronics unit with the Lead Bag! Struggle with cloudy water, use the NanoFilters.

Premier

Checkmark icon

Nautilus CC Plus

X icon

NanoFilters

Next Gen Filtration Captures More.

Introduced as a part of the Dolphin ProLine, high-tech, plated filters are able to capture microscopic algae, debris, sand, and more in your pool water - all while increasing water clarity. To use, just simply snap them in and your robot is ready. NanoFilters are a must have for any pool robot.

Premier

Checkmark icon

Nautilus CC Plus

X icon

Waterline / Tileline Cleaning

Clean where other robots can't.

90% of the bacteria in your pool is on the waterline. Don't get confused with robots that are "Wall Climbing". There is a big difference. Waterline cleaning means the actively scrubs and sticks to the waterline scrubbing away this problem area in the pool. It is a feature you don't want to miss.

Premier

Checkmark icon

Nautilus CC Plus

X icon

Dolphin Wall Climbing

Wall Climbing

Provides floor and wall coverage

Wall climbing allows the robot to clean and climb the walls of your pool. However, don't get this confused with waterline cleaning. A robot without waterline cleaning will only clean the walls of your pool. It will miss the dirtest part of your pool, the waterline, where 90% of all algae and bacteria is in your pool. Make sure to check out waterline cleaning units here waterline cleaning robots

Premier

Checkmark icon

Nautilus CC Plus

Checkmark icon

Anti-Tangle Swivel

Anti-Tangle Swivel

No more tangled cords.

With an Anti-tangle Swivel, the can fully explore and clean your pool without ever getting stuck. The innovative design allows the robot to move freely 360 degrees around your pool, without ever knotting the cord.

Premier

Checkmark icon

Nautilus CC Plus

Checkmark icon

Energy Saver

Ultra Efficient

Save Hundreds of Dollars Cleaning Your Pool a Year!

A robotic pool cleaner saves hundreds of dollars a year in energy when compared to pressure-side or suction-side cleaners. Powered by energy efficient DC motors, a robotic pool cleaner can be 90% more efficient than its pressure-side and suction-side counterparts.

Premier

Checkmark icon

Nautilus CC Plus

Checkmark icon

Plug and Play

Plug and Play

Simply Plug in and start cleaning!

Set up has never been easier. No installation needed. is ready to go right out of the box. No extra pumps, plumbing, or anything else needed. Simply plug and start cleaning!

Premier

Checkmark icon

Nautilus CC Plus

Checkmark icon

Smart Navigation

Precise Navigation

Navigate Any Obstacle

This technology ensures that the most effecient route is used to clean your pool floor. So smart, the system automatically navigates around obstacles and quickly returns to its route. You'll want to look for the SmartNav, as we found it performed best in our testing.

Premier

SmartNav 2.0

Nautilus CC Plus

CleverClean


Pool Attributes

Specifications

Robot Dolphin Premier Dolphin Premier Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
Pool Types In Ground In Ground
Pool Size 50 ft 40 ft
Pool Shape Rectangle, Oval, or Freeform Rectangle, Oval, or Freeform
Obstacles Steps, Ladder, Drain Cover, Ledges, Pop-Ups Steps, Ladder, Drain Cover, Ledges, Pop-Ups
Surface Concrete, Plaster, Gunite, Pebble, Tile, Vinyl Liner, Fiberglass Gunite, Fiberglass, Vinyl, Liner
Cleaning
Waterline Cleaning Yes No
Number of Filters Included 3 1
Filter Cleaning Oversized Leaf Bag, Ultra-fine Cartridges, Standard Cartridges, & Optional Disposable Debris bag Top Access
Cleaning Coverage Floor, Walls, Waterline Floor and Walls
Cleaning Cycle(s) 3 hrs 2 hrs
Number of Brushes 2 2
Connectivity & Automation
Remote operation Yes - Optional Physical Remote No
WiFi / Bluetooth WiFi: No
Bluetooth: No
WiFi: No
Bluetooth: No
Smartphone App No No
Automated Weekly Timer Yes Yes
Other
Full Bag Indicator Yes No
Cable Length 60 ft 60 ft
Anti-Tangling Swivel Yes Yes
Restocking Fee No
No Restocking Fee Ever.
Yes
Up to 20% Restocking Fee
Warranty 3 Years 2.5 Years
Caddy Included Optional Caddies Available Optional Caddies Available
Official Website Premier Official Site
Official Dolphin Premier Comparison Page Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus vs Dolphin Premier
Part Number 99996339-SPL 99996403-PCF
ASIN B01BP8PLMM B00Q8M0NWE

Customer Reviews

Premier Robotic Icon
5 stars 4.9 Based on 2163 Reviews
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Stars
How would you rate Dolphin Premier?*
Write Your Review on Dolphin Premier
Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Icon
3 and half stars 3.8 Based on 11201 Reviews
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Stars
How would you rate Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus?*
Write Your Review on Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
Pool & Shop

Where To Buy

Seller Buy From Robot Shop Online
Buy on Amazon.com $1297 Premier Shop At Amazon
Poolbots Logo $1297 Premier Shop At Poolbots
PoolRobots Logo $1297 Premier Shop At PoolRobots
Buy on Amazon.com $899 Nautilus CC Plus Shop At Amazon
Poolbots Logo Nautilus CC Plus Shop At Poolbots

Robot Accessories:

Accessories

Terra Caddy for Dolphin Pool Robots

Terra Caddy

The Must-Have Accessory

Weather and UV-Resistant. Terra Caddy is the go-to Dolphin Caddy. Sealed and protected, the Terra Caddy is covered in a protect resin that cures to an extremely hard layer, making it resistant to scratches and weathering. The resin cures very hard, making it solvent-resistant and scratch-resistant. This level of protection makes the Terra Caddy stand up to rain, sunshine, termites, and more.


Dolphin Universal Caddy

Dolphin Caddy

Easy Transport and Cheap

A robotic pool cleaner is an investment, so make sure to protect it. The Dolphin Universal Caddy is a solid caddy that gets the job done. Easily store and transport your robotic pool cleaner to keep it lasting for years to come.


Dolphin Replacement Parts

Replacement Parts

Need extra filters, replacement power supply, or new climbing rings?

Looking for replacement parts? Well, you've come to the right place. Shop all replacement parts for the and all other models.


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