I bought this a month ago after researching a set of options (including the Dolphin Sigma and various other sub-$1000 robots). I wanted to give it a few weeks before I wrote a review and try it out, and I have to say I'm glad that I bought this (even at the higher price).
Getting going was pretty easy. Could this have used a better user manual? Sure, but I had it up and running in about 30 mins. I wasn't sure how to "diagonalize" the float handle out of the box (see below) but just tried it at max diag. The controls (on the app) for setting a cycle, monitoring progress, etc. are fairly simple to use, and complete enough for everything I need to do. It is true that the "drive by app" feature isn't great -- it has a 2 second lag between command and actuation, but once you know that, you can get it to the place you want to go if you have a tough spot you want to hit manually. And you can start it from anywhere using your phone once it is tied into your WiFi, I start mine from the grocery store or wherever.
In terms of cleaning, this thing is really pretty excellent, honestly my pool has never looked so good with so little effort, and this in the dead of winter when my pool is typically full of leaves, twigs, dirt, and other assorted muck. This robot has probably saved me about 2-3 hours per week (if not more) of sweeping and vacuuming my pool, which is a 25K gallon in-ground rectangle with some curve-y sides. the 2.5 hour cycle I have been running once every other day or once per day when I think about it and that seems to cover the entire thing.
The robot climbs walls pretty effectively and does wall cleaning. There are adjustments for the "float handle" for putting that in place to make the robot either "stay high" on the walls for extended time or not. I have put it on the highest setting, and it seems to "crawl" along the water line (cleaning as it goes) for about 2-6 feet on this setting. But most of the time it spends on the floor of the pool with forays up walls. I think that makes sense.
A couple of points on cleaning (pros):
* Both sets of filters seem to pick up fine dirt/sand (which I have a lot of) and I can't tell much of a difference.
* Leaves-twigs-etc -- gets all of that stuff no prob
* Cleaning the filters -- really simple, easy, takes 3-5 mins every few days. Way way easier than I used to do (pole-mounted vacuum, cleaning the sock filter a pain). I could probably clean these filters once a week or two, but I get a lot of stuff in my pool so I've been playing it safe
* Goes over raised drain covers no problem. I was considering the cheaper Dolphin Sigma model but there were some comments that that model would get stuck on top of the covers. I wasn't sure if this model would have the same problem, but it doesn't -- goes right over them.
* It also climbs curved concave and convex walls. This surprised me, I thought the laws of physics would preclude a concave wall climb, but somehow it has enough traction/suction to do just that. Nifty.
Balanced issues (cons):
* The robot will climb up steps (especially the deeper ones that are more "table-like") and clean those. But not very often and not consistently every cycle. I find I have to sweep some fine grit off the steps about once every week or two
* Does the robot get "stuck" sometimes? Yes, I have one particular notch area in my pool where it will get itself jammed (lightly) in that notch and not be able to back out on its own. I'd say this happens once every 4 or 5 cycles, and I just gently pull it by the cable back away from that area and it goes back to cleaning the rest of the pool.
Unknowns:
* Can you really leave it in the pool for extended periods of time? I have left mine in so far for about a week at a time, but I'm not sure still if this will cause any long term harm. I try to take it out of the water for a "rest" a couple of days at a time once a week. Not sure if that is a good idea or a waste of time.
I just hope this thing lasts. If I can get at least 18-24 months about of it, will be a huge win.
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner up to 50 FT - Wall Climbing Scrubber Brush
4.4 | 16,110 ratings
Price: 799
Last update: 06-13-2024
About this item
WALL-SCRUBBING POWER: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus climbs walls efficiently, ensuring thorough cleaning on any pool surface, no matter the shape or surface type.
ACTIVE SCRUBBING: Elevate your pool maintenance with the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus - active scrubbing brush eliminates manual effort, guaranteeing a pristine pool. Gentle on surfaces, tough on debris.
EASY FILTER CARE: Effortlessly maintain a clear pool with our user-friendly top-load filter basket. Easily remove debris for crystal-clear water, enhancing your swimming experience.
PLUG-AND-PLAY EFFICIENCY: Make pool cleaning a breeze with our simple plug-and-play system. Just plug in, drop into the pool, and power on for a spotless pool in 2 hours.
THE DOLPHIN LEGACY: Over 40 years of effortless cleaning with unmatched performance, durability, and cost savings. Enjoy your pool, hassle-free!
ACTIVE SCRUBBING: Elevate your pool maintenance with the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus - active scrubbing brush eliminates manual effort, guaranteeing a pristine pool. Gentle on surfaces, tough on debris.
EASY FILTER CARE: Effortlessly maintain a clear pool with our user-friendly top-load filter basket. Easily remove debris for crystal-clear water, enhancing your swimming experience.
PLUG-AND-PLAY EFFICIENCY: Make pool cleaning a breeze with our simple plug-and-play system. Just plug in, drop into the pool, and power on for a spotless pool in 2 hours.
THE DOLPHIN LEGACY: Over 40 years of effortless cleaning with unmatched performance, durability, and cost savings. Enjoy your pool, hassle-free!
Product information
| Item Weight | 19 Pounds |
|---|---|
| Special Feature | Self Propelled |
| Assembly Required | No |
| UPC | 718117198717 850015249372 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00718117198717 |
| Product Dimensions | 16 x 10 x 16 inches |
| Item Weight | 19 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Maytronics - Pool |
| ASIN | B00Q8M0NWE |
| Item model number | Nautilus CC Plus |
| Customer Reviews |
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars
16,110 ratings
4.4 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #365 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden) #5 in Robotic Pool Cleaners |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Top reviews from the United States
Tom
Exceeding my expectations
Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2021Andy Carr
2 Years of Ownership- Incredible Product and Incredible Support!
Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2020
Andy Carr
Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2020
Our full pool maintenance consists of running the Dolphin a couple hours a day, cleaning and emptying the traps, and skimming the top of the pool prior to swimming. The Dolphin saves so much time and relieves the strain of so much of what it captures going into your pools filtration system, because it has its own filter.
All of this being said, I do think that our particular unit happened to be a “lemon”, but no matter- please read on.
The unit comes with a 2 year warranty. About one year in, my power supply stopped working. I wasn’t sure of the cause, but because it had been exposed to some rain I did not file a warranty claim or try to get Maytronics to replace it. I am reasonably sure that it was not the rain that caused my issue as the unit was flashing and acting strangely in the weeks prior. This was all about one year in. I bought a replacement power supply for $150 and moved on with life.
Fast forward to two years and two months in (only a couple of weeks ago), the unit started to stall and power off after about 5 minutes. The power station would not allow me to set the timer. I could tell something was wrong with the unit, but I was two months out of warranty. I researched and found a local pool store that was an authorized repair facility and took the unit in to them. They had it a day and informed me that the unit needed a new central computer and that the cost to have it repaired was $500.
For that price, I decided I would just invest in a new machine. I started to research. I decided the next morning to call Maytronics and see if they would offer a voucher or any assistance or discounts towards a new unit because of the experience I had with this unit just two months out of warranty. I expected nothing, but I had also decided that if Maytronics wasn’t willing to do something to retain me as a customer that I would try another brand like Hayward or Polaris on the next go around.
Much to my surprise my call was answered promptly by a real person. I explained my situation in full and after a brief hold the support person gave me instructions to ship the unit to a repair facility here in Illinois. I shipped the unit on Saturday morning and it was returned to me in complete working order the following Wednesday working like brand new.
I am so happy! I think if you can get 4 or 5 seasons out of one of these units, thats reasonable. Only two would be unacceptable to me. These things are in the water a lot bumping around in your pool and it’s only natural that they are going to wear out, but I can tell you that if I get a couple more years out of mine after this repair I will be back to Maytronics on my next unit. After talking to my local shop I didn’t think getting mine repaired was going to be an option. Their company did the right thing by taking care of me and I will be a good customer now who refers others.
It is rare that I feel strongly enough about a product to write a review at all- good or bad. This has been a great experience.
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