The more I used this robot, the more it felt like something was missing — because it is.
After testing the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus alongside a bunch of other robots — including Dolphin’s newer ProLine models — I gathered all the data I could. From manometer testing which gives the PSI at the intakes to show how well it vacuums debris to measuring the suction ports, I’ve gathered all the data.
And what did I find? It is a solid, reliable cleaner. And, it works well. But once you use it alongside Maytronics’ new ProLine models, which includes the Premier, Sigma, and Quantum, you start to realize upgrading to one of those 3 models may be worth it.
In my manometer testing, the Nautilus CC Plus pulled only 1.5 PSI – which is only around 66% of the suction power of their own ProLine robots. And honestly, that difference showed up immediately in my testing.
In addition to the PSI number I tested, there are a few other things that are just missing with the CC Plus:
- You don’t get NanoFilters.
- You don’t get waterline cleaning.
- You don’t get a full filter indicator.
- You don’t get manual steering in the app.
You get the Dolphin name… without all the Dolphin features I’ve come to love. It feels like a entry-level model – well, because it is.
Hey guys, welcome back to ActuallyUsed — I’m Ryan. I ran the CC Plus through the same manometer setup, the same debris tests, and the same cycles that I use for every robot.
For someone upgrading from manual vacuuming or a basic suction-side cleaner, yes — this will feel like a massive upgrade. But this is Dolphin’s entry-level model, and the compromises are impossible to ignore once you’ve used anything from the Max-Series or the ProLine.
Stick with me, because I’ll walk you through everything you’re missing, how it performed in our testing, and a couple of alternatives that I’d recommend over the CC Plus.
The Filtration Situation
Let’s start with filters because this is the part you’ll feel first.
The CC Plus comes with standard mesh filters. They’re decent at the big stuff — leaves, bugs, twigs — but your pool collects way more than what your eyes can see. Fine dust, pollen, sunscreen oils, microscopic algae… the mesh filters wave goodbye to all of that as it can slip right through.
Every time I pulled the CC Plus out after a full cycle, the pool looked clean from far away. But up close? It seemed to leave some stuff behind.
This is where NanoFilters change everything.
The ProLine robots — Quantum, Sigma, Premier — all includ NanoFilters. And the Dolphin Cayman, which sits right above the CC Plus, also has a NanoFilter option — and right now they even come free with purchase.
I’m not sure why they don’t include them for the Nautilus CC Plus – but I wish they did.
NanoFilters are pleated like real cartridge filters and grab particles down to the micron level. You can see up close all the debris and dirt they capture. Just look at what it can pull out. And they don’t just help pickup the small stuff, NanoFilters can still grab leaves, acorns, and other debris – all at the same time.
The Cayman + NanoFilters combo is honestly one of the biggest upgrades over the CC Plus. With the Cayman, you’re not stuck with mesh filters. You can drop in NanoFilters and instantly level up your water clarity — something the CC Plus doesn’t have the option for.
When I ran side-by-side tests, the pool cleaned with NanoFilters looked dramatically better. Dust? Gone. Pollen? Gone. Cloudiness? Cleared.
Suction Power Test
Let’s talk numbers.
I hooked up my manometer to measure suction pressure at the intake. The CC Plus pulled about 1.5 PSI in my testing. Which isn’t bad at all, especially compared to some of the cordless models I tested. But it still is only around 65% of the suction power that the Premier and Sigma bring in.
These readings are from our independent testing under our specific setup and are not manufacturer specifications. They are numbers that we gathered in our pool to share with you.
Here’s the numbers:
- Dolphin Premier: 2.2 PSI
- Dolphin Sigma: 2.0 PSI
- Dolphin Quantum: 1.5 PSI
- Dolphin Cayman: 1.5 PSI
In your backyard, that difference determines whether heavier debris actually gets vacuumed up… or left behind for another pass.
And here’s what’s wild:
The Quantum and Cayman’s 1.5 PSI + HyperBrush that spins 2-times as fast (which the CC Plus doesn’t have) gives it way more bite on debris stuck to the floor. It’s a huge real-world advantage the CC Plus just can’t touch.
The Waterline Problem
Here’s something that bugged me far more than I expected:
The CC Plus climbs walls… but doesn’t clean the waterline. This is where the water meets the area – and it is where bacteria and algae can grow. And it may even reach the waterline, but it will go back down quickly. True waterline cleaning robots will move horizontally along the waterline, scrubbing away.
But the Quantum, Premier, and Sigma? Full waterline cleaning.
And where does the Cayman fall?
The Cayman climbs walls, but does not have waterline scrubbing — just like the CC Plus.
But, unlike the CC Plus, the Cayman has:
- HyperBrush scrubbing and the optional NanoFilters
So even though waterline scrubbing is still reserved for the upper-tier models, the Cayman’s performance was better in my opinion.
If you specifically want waterline scrubbing, Quantum is the sweet spot. But if you simply want a meaningful upgrade at a similar price, Cayman beats the CC Plus in every measurable way.
Navigation
The CC Plus uses Dolphin’s CleverClean navigation system. Other Dolphin models use SmartNav 2.0 or SmartNav 3.0, but in practical use, all three systems navigate well.
Across testing, each system — CleverClean, SmartNav 2.0, and SmartNav 3.0 — consistently covered the pool, avoided major trouble spots, and completed full clean cycles without meaningful issues.
I’m not really sure what the technical differences are between the navigation systems, but you shouldn’t have any issues with the CC Plus navigating a standard pool. It finds its way around just fine.
Does the Nautilus CC Plus clean stairs and ledges?
No — it’s not designed to clean stairs or ledges, so you’ll still need to brush those areas by hand.
The App
The Nautilus CC Plus does have an app, but it’s very limited. You don’t get the features that make Dolphin’s app truly useful on their higher-end models like the Sigma. There’s:
- No remote control
- No manual steering
- No Cycle Selector
- No advanced modes
- No scheduling through the app
It’s basically an app without the functions you’d actually want from an app.
If you want real app features — the kind that let you steer the robot, choose specific cleaning modes, start and stop cycles, or schedule cleanings — the Dolphin Sigma is the one to get. That app is full-featured, responsive, and actually worth the upgrade.
Why We Prefer a Physical Timer
The CC Plus doesn’t include any sort of physical buttons besides the on button. The Cayman, Quantum, and Premier do — and honestly, that makes a huge difference in daily use. You can set the robots in just a click of a button compared to pulling out the app every time.
What we’ve found after testing dozens of robots is that a physical weekly timer is actually better than relying on an app. It’s faster, it’s always available, and it takes about two seconds to set. No loading screens, no pairing, no Wi-Fi range issues — just press a button and walk away.
Why use an app to do something a single physical button already solves?
Especially when the CC Plus app doesn’t add anything meaningful.
On the Dolphin Premier, you also get a full filter indicator on the smart timer, which is even more convenient. Quick glance, you know whether to empty it.
If you actually want an app with real benefits, get the Sigma.
If you want simple, reliable automation, get a model with a physical weekly timer.
And if you stick with the CC Plus, just know the app doesn’t add much.
Filtration: One of the Biggest Differences Between Models
Filtration is where many Dolphin models separate themselves — not just in how much debris they hold, but how easy they are to clean and how well they filter the fine stuff that affects water clarity.
And while the Nautilus CC Plus does have top-loading filters, the overall design is still more limited than Dolphins other models.
Nautilus CC Plus: Dual Top-Loading Cartridges (Smallest Capacity + No NanoFilters)
The Nautilus CC Plus uses two top-loading filter cartridges. They’re easier to access than bottom-loading cartridge systems, but they still require a bit more effort than a single-basket design.
Here’s what that looks like in everyday use:
- Lift the top lid
- Remove two separate cartridges
- Rinse each one individually
- Reinstall both cartridges side by side
It’s not difficult — but it is more work compared to the one-piece baskets used on newer Dolphins like the Cayman and Quantum.
Capacity
The CC Plus cartridges have the smallest overall debris capacity in this lineup. In leafy or high-debris pools, they’ll fill quickly and reduce suction performance until emptied.
Filtration Quality
The CC Plus includes only standard mesh, and NanoFilters are not offered for this model.
I found in my testing that:
- Fine dust
- Pollen
- Silt
- Micro-debris
…will often pass right through the filter and cloud the water.
It works, but it’s the most basic filtration setup in the Dolphin family.
Cayman: MaxBin (Larger, Easier, and has NanoFilters)
Stepping up to the Cayman gives you Dolphin’s MaxBin — a one-piece, top-loading basket that pulls straight out of the top of the robot.
Why MaxBin is an upgrade
- Larger capacity than CC Plus
- Single-piece basket = much faster cleaning
- Top-loading design
- Accepts NanoFilters (and they’re usually included free)
If you care about water clarity, adding NanoFilters to the Cayman makes an immediate and noticeable difference.
Quantum: XXL MaxBin
The Quantum takes the MaxBin concept even further with a massive XXL MaxBin, which is larger than the Cayman’s filter.
Highlights
- Among the biggest baskets Dolphin makes
- Holds 225% more debris than previous generations of filters
- Great for pools with trees and heavy debris
- Comes with both mesh and NanoFilter panels included
The extra capacity means fewer clean-outs and more consistent suction.
Premier with MultiMedia (Most Versatile Filtration System Available)
The Premier is the only Dolphin robot with MultiMedia, allowing you to swap filtration types depending on the debris:
- Oversized leaf bag – unbeatable for heavy leaves
- Standard cartridges – everyday cleaning
- NanoFilters – ultra-fine clarity
- Disposable bags – for dirty or seasonal cleanup
No other model offers this level of customization. You can easily swap and choose which filter you need for the job. Combined with the commercial-grade motors and higher PSI rating that we found, it can clean deeper.
The Bottom Line
The CC Plus isn’t a bad robot. It’s just underpowered compared to the top Dolphin models. It is a solid cleaner but just know you’re compromising by buying it. With so many options out there, this isn’t the one I would choose.
What I’d Buy Instead
Best CC Plus Upgrade at the Same Price
Dolphin Cayman
The Cayman is the direct upgrade. Strong suction, HyperBrush, MaxBin, Weekly Timer, and optional NanoFilters. It fixes most of my issues with the CC Plus.
The Smart Upgrade
Dolphin Quantum
With Waterline cleaning, XXL MaxBin, NanoFilters included, swivel, SmartNav 2.0, and powerful motors, the Quantum is a solid upgrade that improves upon the CC Plus.
The Premium Choice
Dolphin Premier
Commercial-grade motors, MultiMedia, powerful suction, 3-year warranty. It’s the strongest robot we’ve tested yet when it comes to suction power. And with a longer warranty, more filters, waterline cleaning, and more, it is well worth the upgrade.
The Tech Lover’s Dream
Dolphin Sigma
App control, gyroscope, NanoFilters, triple commercial-grade motors, full automation. If you still want the app, but want to unlock all the features – this is the robot for you. It is powerful, efficient, and smart.
So after running the CC Plus through every test I have — PSI readings, debris pickup, filtration comparisons, navigation, and app limitations — here’s the truth: it’s a good robot in a vacuum, but not a great one once you compare it to Dolphin’s current lineup. The Cayman, Quantum, Premier, and Sigma all bring better suction, better filtration, better automation, and better long-term usability. The CC Plus works, and it’s reliable, but it’s clearly Dolphin’s entry-level model. If you’re already spending this much, I think your money is simply better spent on one of the upgraded models. You’ll get a cleaner pool, less maintenance, and a better ownership experience overall.
Thanks for watching and I’ll catch you on the next one!
