Review: Dolphin Nautilus CC Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner – Excellent for cleaning the bottom of pools

Explore the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner’s features, trial, cleaning ability, and efficiency assessment... Read more

Specifications

Brand	Dolphin
Model Name	Nautilus 20 CC
Material	Plastic
Color	black
Item Dimensions LxWxH	20 x 20 x 20 inches

Introduction

Welcome to an extensive, firsthand review of the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner by Matronics. This particular review is focused on in-ground pools, which can pose unique cleaning challenges due to their size, shape, and features. Without any bias or promotional intent, I intend to take an in-depth look into this pool cleaner, exploring its advertised features and checking whether it delivers on its promises.

Unveiling the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner: A Must-Have for All In-Ground Pools?

The Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner is framed as a go-to solution for inground pools of any kind. With enticing features like the ability to effortlessly climb pool walls and the precision to reach challenging angles, it’s understandably intriguing. However, does it live up to its reputation? That’s what we’re here to find out.

Exploring the Perks: Scheduled Cleanings and Constant Power

Among its selling points, the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner boasts a wired attachment that promises scheduled cleanings and constant power. This feature piqued my interest, especially considering the potential convenience of not having to recharge the device constantly. But is this feature as beneficial as it sounds? Stay with us as we put it to the test in this review.

The Unboxing: One-on-One with the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner

• Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner offers robust design, doesn’t damage pool
• Features include scrubber, programmable timers, and app connectivity
• Set-up process is straightforward and uneventful

After eagerly anticipating its arrival, it was finally time to unbox the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner. The sense of excitement was tangible, would this be the ultimate solution to my in-ground pool’s cleaning woes?

First Impressions: The Rugged Beast for High-Duty Cleaning

Unboxing the package, I was immediately struck by the robust design of the pool cleaner. It’s hard not to be impressed. Fashioned from sturdy rubber tracks, the cleaner exudes a ruggedness that signals durability and resilience for heavy-duty work. Moreover, its mechanized structure is designed not to harm the lining of the pool , a thoughtful consideration for pool owners.

Exploring the Features: Scrubbers, Timers, and Connectivity

• Scrubber: It’s worth noting the inclusion of a scrubber on the front, replete with bristles. This seemed to promise not just suction cleaning but actual scrubbing of the pool surface too. The true effectiveness, of course, would only become apparent in action.
• Timers: The unit came with a box programmed for scheduling timers. With options for every day, every other day, or thrice weekly cleaning, this could undoubtedly prove handy for maintaining regular pool hygiene.
• Connectivity: Intriguingly, the pool cleaner proudly displayed symbols for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The possibility of app connectivity could potentially open up a host of conveniences regarding pool cleaning management.

Setting Up: Connecting and Getting Ready for the Clean-Up

Setting up the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner was intuitive and fuss-free, involving connecting the hose to a side port and connecting the system to a power outlet. Despite some initial trepidation, the process was smooth and uneventful , and soon, the cleaner was ready to be introduced to the pool.

To sum up, the unboxing and initial set-up of the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner were straightforward, leaving a strong first impression with promises of scrubbing ability, programmable timers, and potential app controls. But the true test, obviously, would be seeing how it could handle real-world pool cleaning. Only then could a fair assessment be made of whether this product lived up to its promises.

Trial by Water: Putting the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner to Test

• Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner starts immediately
• Struggles with wall-climbing and floor obstructions

Without further ado, it was high time to put the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner to the test – a true ‘trial by water’. Initial impressions aside, the real value of a product shines through its performance. So, let’s get cracking!

Starting the Clean-Up: Observations from the First Few Minutes

The cleaner hit the water running (figuratively of course!). Upon power-up, immediately it started its voyage around my pool. Unexpectedly, the cleaner sprung into action even before I hit any buttons – a delightful surprise that added to its appeal, regardless of the minor heart attack of almost seeing it dive into the pool on its own!

Wall-Climbing Ability: A Key Feature Put to the Test

Then came the promise of ‘wall-climbing ability’. Admittedly, I was skeptical considering the unique design of my in-ground pool. And true to my suspicion, the cleaner attempted to scale the wall, only to stop partway and slip back down. The walls posed a real challenge to the cleaner and I’m not entirely convinced that it can successfully tackle all pool designs, and straight walls in specific.

Overcoming Obstacles: Cleaner versus Pool Filter

Almost as if to test its limits, the cleaner took on an unexpected adversary in the course of cleaning – my pool filter. More than once, the cleaner got stuck on the filter. This could potentially hinder an otherwise smooth cleaning process, so this should be a consideration when it comes to pool structures with prominent floor features.

First Impressions: The Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner sets off with promising and immediate action. The ability to handle walls seems to be limited, and any obstructions on the pool floor could pose a problem. I decided to give it the benefit of the doubt and a bit more time to prove its worth.

Continuing the Clean-Up: Observations and Commentary

• Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner struggles with wall-cleaning
• Its lengthy cord limits movement and creates tripping hazard
• Despite flaws, cleaner effectively cleans the pool floor

I followed the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner’s course through my pool with interest, observing how it interacted with the unique structural elements and debris present. Here’s my unbiased take, unfiltered.

Seeing the Cleaner in Action

The Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner exhibited an impressive performance on the bottom of the pool. Interestingly, it maintained a firm grip on the floor, its scrubbing action was consistently smooth, and it covered an impressive amount of ground. However, a critical observation was that the cleaner showed a lack of expertise in ascending the pool walls. The device made a handful of attempts, but it did not climb to an acceptable standard and struggled to outdo itself.

Comparing the Cleaner with Alternative Options: Could There be Better Options out There?

While observing this device, I couldn’t help comparing it to a different pool cleaner I’ve tried a few days ago. The alternative pool cleaner demonstrated superb wall-climbing skills and offered cordless operation. Compared to the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner, which has so far not lived up to expectations, it could prove a superior choice for those looking for an effective pool cleaner.

The presence of a lengthy cord with the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner, honestly, felt like quite a hassle. The cord restricts movement and gets twisted often, requiring regular untangling operations to ensure the cleaner keeps running. Furthermore, this cord might be a tripping hazard around the pool area.

From what I have seen so far, the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner has room for improvement. Specifically, enhancing its wall-cleaning abilities would make a big difference. Despite this, the device shows potential and does a more than decent job cleaning the pool floor, showing that it is not entirely without merit.

Final Observations: Wrapping Up the Cleaning Session

• Nautilus Pool Cleaner excels at bottom cleaning
• Struggles with cleaning pool walls
• Possibly not suitable for comprehensive cleaning

After more than an hour of cleaning, it was time to wrap up the experiment and pull in the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner for closer inspection.

Assessing the Bottom Cleaning

On retrieving the Nautilus and looking at the pool, the bottom appeared relatively spotless except for a few floating tags that had come off something. It’s evident that the Nautilus did a commendable job cleaning the bottom of the pool. All the grime and dirt that was clearly visible before the cleaning session had vanished.

However, I can’t say the same for the pool walls. The Nautilus had repeatedly struggled to climb the walls. Its performance was inconsistent; sometimes it managed to reach the top, but most times, it fell short. Even when it did climb up, it seemed to shut off as soon as it hit the top, and gravity promptly took over, leading it to fall back to the pool floor.

Pulling Out the Cleaner: Checking out the Captured Mess

On removing the cleaner from the pool and inspecting its storage basket, it was fairly evident that the Nautilus had indeed done a good job. The basket was full of debris that was once making the pool floor its home, reinforcing that the Nautilus is pretty efficient when it comes to cleaning the bottom of a pool.

Conclusion: Should you be solely concerned with bottom pool cleaning, then the Nautilus Pool Cleaner could very well be a worthy investment given its relatively affordable pricing. However, if you are looking for a more comprehensive cleaning, comprising both pool floor and walls, it might be wise to consider your options.

Concluding Remarks: The Verdict

After a thorough testing and observation of the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner, it’s time to draw some conclusions about its performance, functionality, and overall value.

Weighing the Pros and Cons: Is the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner Really a Good Buy?

Looking at the pros, the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner excels when it comes to cleaning the bottom of the pool. It was able to pick up all sorts of debris effectively, leaving the floor spotless. Furthermore, this cleaner has some useful features such as the scheduling function and constant power supply.

However, there were also some noticeable downsides. The claim about climbing walls did not hold up during the test, especially for more vertical wall surfaces. It often struggled to reach the top, and if it did, it failed to sustain the cleaning operation. Furthermore, the device tended to get stuck on the pool filter, hindering its cleaning path.

Another point of contention is the connected wire. Although providing constant power to the cleaner, it may not be the most user-friendly feature. Dealing with a long cord in the pool can be tedious and may present tangling issues.

Exploring Other Options: A Look at the Apert Sigel Pro

An alternative to the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner is the Apert Sigel Pro. This model, despite having a similar price point, seems to surpass the Nautilus in terms of wall climbing and overall cleaning performance. It’s worth noting that this model is cordless, offering more convenience compared to the Nautilus.

In conclusion, despite its efficient bottom cleaning, the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner does come with a set of drawbacks. If your pool has vertical walls and a filter that could obstruct the device, or if dealing with a long cord seems too inconvenient, you might want to consider other options available in the market.

Should you buy the Dolphin Nautilus CC Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner?

Buy it if…

You want a reliable bottom cleaner

The Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner exhibited exceptional performance when cleaning the bottom of the pool, picking up everything on the pool floor effectively.

You prefer scheduled cleanings

The cleaner’s ability to schedule cleanings ahead of time can be an asset for those with busy schedules.

You don’t mind power cords

The product maintains a constant power source via its attached power cord, eliminating the need to recharge.

Don’t buy it if…

You have a wall-dominated pool

The pool cleaner did not perform well at scaling and cleaning straight walls, making it less effective for pools with high vertical surfaces.

You dislike dealing with power cords

The product has a long power cord that roams around the pool, which may be inconvenient and bothersome for some users.

You prioritize cleaning pool borders

The Nautilus tends to struggle with cleaning pool edges, where algae often gathers the most.

FAQ

Does the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner have scheduled cleaning features?

Yes, the pool cleaner comes with a feature that allows you to schedule cleanings. It is constantly powered, so there’s no need to recharge it.

Can the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner climb up the sides of the pool?

The product claims to do so, but during the review, it didn’t perform well in climbing and cleaning pool walls that are straight up and down.

Does the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner get stuck on the pool filter?

In the review process, it was found that the cleaner tended to get stuck when it encountered the pool filter.

Does the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner come with a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth feature?

No clear information is provided in the review on whether the cleaner could be controlled via an app using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

How efficient is the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner in cleaning the bottom of the pool?

The Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner was found to perform an amazing job cleaning the bottom of the pool, providing a noticeable difference.

Does the cleaner require frequent cleaning of the filter?

The review mentions the cleaner’s documentation recommends the filter should be cleared out periodically, depending on what’s in your pool.

Does the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner come with a cord or is it cordless?

The cleaner comes with a cord, which might be considered a disadvantage because it may get tangled or thrown all over your pool during operation.

Are there better options than the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner?

According to the reviewer, depending on the specific needs of a pool, cleaners like the Apert Sigel Pro might perform better, especially in climbing and cleaning pool walls.