Is it worth it?
Maintaining a clean, inviting pool can feel like a weekly sacrifice of your free time, especially if you’re juggling work, family and other commitments. The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi steps in to automate that chore, targeting busy homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts who demand crystal-clear water without the manual scrub. In this in-depth review, I’ll share my firsthand experience, detailed performance metrics and practical tips to help you decide if this robotic pool vacuum is the set-and-forget solution your backyard deserves.
We tested the Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi across multiple pool shapes and surfaces, timing cycles, inspecting debris capture and even wrangling its cable. Spoiler alert: if you value remote scheduling, powerful suction and low-effort filter maintenance, this unit delivers. If, however, you own a very small pool or rarely run weekly clean cycles, its advanced app features may be overkill.
Specifications
| Brand | Dolphin |
| Model | Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi |
| Pool length | Up to 50 ft |
| Cleaning cycle | 2 hours |
| Suction rate | 4500 GPH |
| Cable length | 60 ft |
| Coverage | Floor and walls |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
| User Score | 4.1 ⭐ (17435 reviews) |
| Price | approx. 800$ Check 🛒 |
Key Features
Wi-Fi Scheduling
The Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi connects to your home network via the MyDolphin Plus app, allowing you to program cleaning cycles from anywhere. You can set up to seven weekly routines or start a manual cycle at a moment’s notice from your smartphone.
Cyclonic Suction Technology
Dolphin’s cyclonic system maintains powerful, constant suction throughout the cycle. Unlike traditional vacuums that weaken as the filter clogs, this unit separates debris at the intake, keeping water flowing freely.
Top-Load Dual-Filter Basket
The dual-stage filter collects large and fine particles separately, maximizing capacity before you need to clean it. Access is from the top of the unit, so there’s no flipping awkwardly or submerging your hands underwater.
Anti-Tangle Swivel Cable
A 60-ft cable with a 360° swivel joint prevents kinks and snags as the robot navigates the pool. The floating design keeps it off corners and ladders, reducing manual intervention.
Firsthand Experience
Unboxing the Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi felt premium from the start: a sturdy carrying case, well-padded foam inserts and a clear Quick-Start guide. At 22 lbs it’s solid but still manageable when lifting from the box. The power supply and cable arrived neatly coiled, and I appreciated the warning to keep the control box at least 10 ft from the pool edge to prevent moisture damage.
First setup took under 10 minutes: plug the power unit into a dedicated GFI outlet, attach the floating cable swivel and pair with the MyDolphin Plus app. The Wi-Fi sync was instantaneous on a 2.4 GHz network; within seconds I scheduled my first automated clean. The interface is intuitive, with weekly programming and manual cycle overrides.
On day one I loaded the filter basket with a mix of leaves, sand and pollen. After a two-hour cycle, the water clarity improved dramatically—floating debris was gone and fine sediment had dropped to the bottom where a second pass picked it up. I measured a 90% reduction in visible particles just by eyeballing the waterline.
After a week of thrice-weekly cycles, filter cleaning became a breeze: top-load access means you lift, rinse with a garden hose and snap back in under 30 seconds. The unit hummed at a comfortable 60 dB, barely louder than a dishwasher. Even under direct afternoon sun, motor performance stayed consistent with no overheating.
I did encounter a few cable tangles around the skimmer basket on awkward pool shapes. A quick manual untangle mid-cycle reset it in under a minute—far less hassle than hand-vacuuming the entire floor. Overall reliability remained strong after a month of use, with zero clogs or erratic behavior.
Pros and Cons
Customer Reviews
Feedback on Amazon averages 4.1 stars, with users praising the strong suction, straightforward filter cleaning and reliable wall climbing. Complaints center on occasional cable tangles, lack of true waterline scrubbing and warranty limitations outside the US, giving a balanced picture of real-world performance.
I was amazed by its powerful suction and the crystal-clear results
Scheduling cleanings through the app has saved me hours of manual work
It climbs walls with ease and handles intricate pool shapes without getting stuck
The cable tangled a few times and it struggled to reach the waterline
Warranty issues left me with an unusable unit outside the US.
Comparison
Compared to the Polaris 955, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi offers superior filter capacity and modern app control, while Polaris relies on remote steering that can be cumbersome. Both handle debris well, but Dolphin’s cyclonic suction maintains stronger flow as filters fill.
Against the non-Wi-Fi Nautilus CC Plus, the Wi-Fi version adds convenient scheduling and real-time cycle monitoring. If you’re okay with manual start and simpler controls, the standard CC Plus saves a bit on cost.
The Triton PS Plus boasts faster one-hour cycles and remote-direction control, but it sacrifices the Nautilus’s larger filter baskets and ease of top-load access. For most homeowners, the CC Plus Wi-Fi hits the sweet spot between performance, maintenance and price.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often should I clean the filter basket?
- After every one to two cleaning cycles to maintain optimal flow and suction.
- Does it climb the waterline?
- It climbs vertical walls but typically stops just below the waterline to protect the motor.
- Can I use it in saltwater pools?
- Yes, it is designed for both freshwater and saltwater applications.
Conclusion
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi delivers reliable, hands-off cleaning for inground pools up to 50 ft, with powerful suction, easy-clean filters and smart scheduling that saves you significant time and effort. Its performance in removing sand, leaves and fine debris makes it a strong choice for busy pool owners seeking set-and-forget convenience.
That said, if your pool is under 20 ft, you rarely automate cleaning or are on a tight budget, a simpler or non-Wi-Fi model may serve you just as well. For medium to large pools, however, the CC Plus Wi-Fi justifies its mid-to-high price tier by combining robust cleaning, low maintenance and app-driven control—check current links for occasional discounts to maximize your value.
