Review: Dolphin Nautilus CC Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner – Excellently cleans pool bottom with ease

Reviewing the performance and features of the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner by Matronics... Read more

Specifications

Brand	Dolphin
Model Name	Nautilus 20 CC
Material	Plastic
Color	black
Product Dimensions	16.38″L x 16.77″W x 8.97″H

Introduction: Testing the Matronics Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner

As an eager homeowner with a love for swimming and a desire for a pristine pool, taking the Matronics Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner for a spin seemed like a no-brainer. Designed to take on any type of in-ground pool with its specialized functionalities, this machine promised an easy solution to the tiresome task of keeping the pool clean. The appeal of scheduled cleanings and continuous power supply, thanks to its tether, seemed pretty hard to resist. Is it as promising as it appears on the box, or are there any unspoken caveats that future users need to be aware of? Let’s find out.

Scope of the Review

This review is based on first-hand experience of using the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner in a real-life setting. All aspects of the cleaner, from its functionality, build, ease of use, to actual cleaning capacity, will be critically evaluated, while also comparing it to other similar devices.

Approach to Testing

During the test, the cleaner was subjected to quite a challenging environment – a pool with varied angles and walls that could potentially trip up less competent machines. The performance of the cleaner, especially on the walls and around the in-built pool features, was of special interest, considering those are the spots that a manual cleaning routine might particularly struggle with. Particular attention was also given to how well the tether system works and if it does indeed offer the much-promised advantage of constant power supply and convenience.

The aim is to give an unbiased, honest review that is derived straight from my experience, and help you make an informed decision.

In-Depth Look at The Matronics Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner

• Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner, sturdy and durable
• Efficiently navigates across varying pool terrains
• Set-up and use require learning and adjustments

First Impressions: Aesthetics and Build Quality

Upon unboxing, first impressions are crucial. The Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner presents itself as a beastly apparatus, sturdy and ready to tackle any pool cleaning job. With its robust hard-rubber tracks, it hints at durability without damaging the lining of your pool.

Functionality: The Real Test in the Pool

As the anticipation rises, the moment of truth arrives: trying the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner in the pool. The first plunge triggers excitement, as you see it begin its work instantly. The cleaner moves around confidently, hinting at its potential to efficiently navigate across varying pool terrains and surfaces.

Set-Up: Simplicity or Complexity?

Although with convenience anticipated, setting up the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner is not instantly intuitive. The hose connection and power supply set up might require a bit of trial and error, showcasing slight complexity. A word of caution, though, the cleaner begins to move the moment it’s powered up, adding to the excitement and potential mishaps alike.

Ease of Use: Understanding the Controls

The control box, with its timer and scheduling options, offers great promise. However, it also leaves an air of ambiguity with several unlabelled buttons leaving a certain sense of mystery. With the sheer number of options, the device makes it clear that it might need more than just a quick glance through the manual. Features such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, though a welcome addition, further adds to the learning curve.

Overall Assessment:

Despite some functional challenges and unresolved mysteries, the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner makes a good first impression. It’s clear from the get-go that the device promises potential and complexity in equal measure. Straight out of the box, it may require some learning to use effectively. However, its robust build and intriguing controls promise to turn pool cleaning from a burden into a technologically advanced experience.

Performance: How the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner Fares in a Real Pool

• Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner struggles with angled surfaces
• Provides constant power, no need for recharge
• Scheduling capability allows flexibility in cleaning

One of the most important aspects to consider when reviewing a product is its performance and functionality. With the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner, this is no different. It’s time to see how this baby performs in a real-world setting.

Dealing with the Angles: Climbing the Sides

To be honest, the Nautilus CC had a bit of difficulty climbing the sides. Despite the product’s promise to tackle any in-ground pool with ease, this pool cleaner seemed to struggle with the more angled aspects of my pool’s design. It certainly attempted to make its way up the sides, but would usually only make it part of the way before descending back down again. So, if you’re looking for a pool cleaner efficient at climbing vertical walls, this might not be the best option for you.

Keeping Power Constant: No Need for Recharge

The wired design of the Nautilus CC, although slightly inconvenient with the risk of tangling, did provide a constant source of power. This means there’s no need to worry about recharging a battery and you can schedule cleanings without concern for whether the cleaner has the power to complete the job. This is a big plus – a particularly great feature if you’re seeking seamless, continuous operation.

Scheduling Cleanings: Making Automation Work

The scheduling capability is a prime feature of the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner. It allows a great deal of flexibility in chore planning, and simplifies pool cleaning. I found it straightforward to set, and the cleaner performed as expected based on the time programmed on the schedule. But do keep in mind – you might need to manually intervene occasionally if the cleaner gets stuck on an obstacle.

Impediments and Obstacles: Dealing with Pool’s In-built Features

However, the pool cleaner encountered some difficulty navigating my pool’s built-in features, such as the filtering spots. It frequently got caught, failing to free itself despite multiple attempts. Potential customers need to bear this in mind – if your pool has a complex and intricate design, the cleaner might repeatedly get stuck; an issue that could interrupt the cleaning cycle.

Note: It’s always advisable to check and clear any major visible obstacles prior to running the pool cleaner.

Assessing the Cleaning Capability

• Matronics Nautilus CC performs thorough surface cleaning
• Features decent-sized basket for long cleaning runs
• Struggles with cleaning vertical walls

Now we get to the critical part – how well does the Matronics Nautilus CC actually clean? When purchasing a pool cleaner, it’s not just about the stylish design, it’s how it tackles dirt and grime that really matters. In an honest assessment, I tried to separate the hype from the reality by observing the Nautilus CC in action.

Surface Cleaning: Testing the Scrubbing Action

What sets the Nautilus CC apart from its competitors is the incorporation of a scrubber in addition to the standard suction feature. The small bristles work in unison to agitate the most stubborn of dirt particles. I was impressed with the results as it managed not just to suck up debris, but to give the pool floor a thorough cleaning. However, the cleaner’s performance did falter when it came to wall climbing, which we’ll delve into later.

Capacity and Endurance: Assessing the Basket Size and Run-time

The Nautilus CC boasts a decent-sized basket, which allows a longer cleaning run before you can empty it. In my tests, I found this to be a considerable benefit, allowing the cleaner to keep running without frequent human intervention. However, as per the user manual, it is advisable to empty the basket periodically for optimum performance.

Cleaning Vertical Walls: A Lesson in Expectation Management

This part gave me mixed feelings. The Nautilus CC is advertised with the ability to climb walls and clean at any angle, which was one of the selling points for me. However, in practice, it struggled to ascend vertical walls and often stopped midway. Though it managed to clean some parts of the wall, I would recommend a little caution here, as your expectations may not completely align with the reality.

Connectivity and Control

• Matronics Nautilus’ controls can be unclear, affecting ease of use
• Offers three different timer options for scheduling cleanings
• Presence of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi controls not well explained

In this section, I’d like to talk more about how the Matronics Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner performs in terms of connectivity and control. This aspect is crucial as it directly impacts the ease of use and overall user experience.

Deciphering the Options: Using the Control Box

The first thing I noticed was the power supply box. This came loaded with several controls, some of them a little ambiguous. This uncertainty regarding the functionality of each control can undermine the ease of use.

There are three different timer options to explore, letting you schedule cleanings daily, every other day, or even three times a week. The control box, however, does not provide clear instructions for all of its buttons and controls, leaving the user with some trial-and-error scenarios. From a user’s perspective, this isn’t a smooth experience and it would be greatly beneficial if Matronics worked towards making it more intuitive.

New-Age Controls: Exploring Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Signals

What piqued my interest more was the potential offering of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi options. Seeing these symbols appear on the control box certainly raised my expectations. The possibility of controlling the pool cleaner via a smartphone app by leveraging these wireless standards seemed plausible. However, I was left in confusion as the provided documentation didn’t clarify.

Final Thoughts: The power of connectivity and control can greatly enrich a user’s experience if well-implemented. In the case of Matronics Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner, there is some room for improvement. Streamlining the control box’s instructions and making the most out of cutting-edge Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology could potentially translate into a user experience that is seamless and enjoyable.

Final Verdict: My Critical Assessment

• Matronics Nautilus cleans pool bottoms effectively
• Struggles with wall cleaning and wired connectivity
• Aiper Sigel Pro offers better wall cleaning and cordlessness

After spending time testing and optimizing the Matronics Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner, I’ve come to a set of significant conclusions about its utility, performance, and cost-effectiveness.

Cleaning Power: Giving Credit Where It’s Due

Cleaning capability: As far as the bottom of the pool goes, this machine stands its ground quite impressively. It effortlessly cleared out debris , resulting in a cleaner and visibly more attractive pool bottom. The scrubbing action and suction did an exceptional job in picking up dirt and debris, demonstrating its high cleaning power.

Addressing the Shortcomings: Wall Cleaning and Wire Issues

• Wall cleaning: The promise to climb pool walls didn’t pan out as expected. It struggled to scale vertical walls, making its utilities limited for those with in-ground, straight-side pools.
• Wire issue: The wired connectivity can be a deterrent for some users. The constant need to make sure that the wire doesn’t tangle up or become an obstacle isn’t entirely convenient.

Comparison with Other Pool Cleaners: The Aiper Sigel Pro

To give a clear perspective, I compared it with a similarly priced pool cleaner – the Aiper Sigel Pro. The Nautilus CC pool cleanser handled the pool bottom efficiently, much like the Sigel Pro. However, the latter demonstrated its supremacy in wall cleaning and also provided the benefit of being cordless. Thus, it offers better stability and performance, and comes without wire-related hassles.

Is It a Worthy Investment?: Final Thoughts and Recommendations

If your main concern is cleaning the bottom of your pool, the Matronics Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner may be a worthwhile investment. It is efficient and gives value for money in that specific regard. However, if wall cleaning and wire troubles are a deal-breaker for you, then you might want to explore other options like the Aiper Sigel Pro.

In conclusion, the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner can be a great tool when used in the right circumstances, offering impressive cleaning power at a more affordable price range. However, it’s crucial to assess your pool’s specific needs to see if its limitations are deal-breakers for you.

Conclusion: Ending On a Reflective Note

So, where does this entire deep dive into the Matronics Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner leave us? Let’s break down my unbiased and critical experience with this product.

Functional Efficiency

The Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner truly stands out when it comes to cleaning the floor of the pool. It picks up debris from the pool floor effectively and its sizable basket ensures consistent cleaning for a long duration. This functionality could make it an ideal choice for pool owners primarily concerned with maintaining a clean pool floor.

Shortcomings

However, its ability to effectively climb and clean the walls of the pool is a serious area of concern. Now, while it does advertise wall-climbing, the experience suggests a different reality. Especially for pools with straight vertical walls, the Nautilus CC Pool cleaner tends to fall short. Moreover, the lingering wire does raise some concerns about a potential tripping hazard or tangling issues.

Value for Money

In terms of value for money, the product’s cost-effectiveness can be debated. It surely is more affordable than many other options in the market, but the lack of efficient wall cleaning and wire inconvenience might outweigh its cost advantage for some users.

Final Words

In summary, if you’re primarily seeking a device for robust pool floor cleaning and are willing to overlook the wall-cleaning and cable issues, the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner could be a good option. However, if wall cleaning and wireless control are your priorities, you might want to explore other options.

The journey of product testing is never about finding a flawless product, but choosing one that aligns best with your specific needs and preferences, and I hope this comprehensive review helps you make an informed decision.

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

Buy it if…

You want a cleaner that tackles flat surfaces

The Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner has shown excellent performance when it comes to cleaning the bottom surface of the pool. No debris goes unnoticed by this powerful device.

You seek automation in pool cleaning

The scheduling feature in the device allows it to automatically clean your pool at your chosen regular intervals—a perfect set-and-forget system!

You are fine with wired usage

The product operates with a power cable, which means there’s no need to worry about recharging. Ideal for those who don’t mind managing the cord during the cleaning process.

Don’t buy it if…

Your pool has many vertical walls

The cleaner struggles with climbing and cleaning vertical walls. It’s not the best pick if you want a wall scrubbing action.

You dislike tangling wires

The cleaner’s wire can become a hassle as it could get twisted and cover up space around your pool. If you want a tidier solution, this may not be for you.

You’re keen on features worth your penny

Some features indicated on the control box may not be functional. If you appreciate full value for your investment, consider this before purchase.

FAQ

Is the Matronics Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner good for cleaning pool walls?

Based on the review, the cleaner struggles with cleaning vertical walls, although it might manage angled walls better.

Do I need to charge the Matronics Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner?

No, it comes with a wire for constant power, so you don’t need to recharge it.

Can the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner schedule cleanings on its own?

Yes, the cleaner allows for scheduled cleanings, which can be managed through its control box.

Does the Matronics Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner lead to damage or wear in your pool lining?

No, the cleaner’s tracks are made out of a hard rubber, which is designed not to damage or wear the pool lining.

Can I control the Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner via an app?

The cleaner displays Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals, which could suggest app control availability. You would need to confirm details with the manufacturer.

How does the cleaner’s performance compare with other pool cleaners?

The reviewer mentioned the cleaner faced challenges with vertical walls and preferred another cleaner, the Aiper Sigel Pro, for that reason.

Does the Matronics Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner cable pose a problem?

Based on the reviewer’s experience, the cable might be cumbersome around the pool and dealing with it could be inconvenient.