We originally owned the Nautilus CC for years before it finally reached the point where it made more sense to replace it than repair it. Since we had such a good experience with it overall, we decided to upgrade to the Nautilus CC Plus. After owning both models, I wanted to share the differences we noticed and whether the upgrade actually felt worth it in everyday use.
One of the biggest compliments I can give the original Nautilus CC is how long it lasted before needing replacement.
Why We Have Owned Both Robotic Pool Cleaners
Nautilus CC Purchase
We previously had a dedicated vac line for our traditional pool cleaner. However, there was also a tree planted right about the vac line (the old owner’s doing), and it eventually cracked the pipe. After we had it fixed, we closed that line and switched to connecting the vacuum hose to the skimmer. If you have a robotic pool cleaner like this, you know that doing this means the water can not pull through the skimmer to skim the top of your pool.
When we had our pool resurfaced in September 2020, we decided to splurge and purchase a robotic pool cleaner so that we would no longer have to use a vacuum house and our skimmer could work as designed. After much research, we found that the Maytronics Dolphin line of robotic pool vacuums was recommended the most. Hence, we purchased the Nautilus CC Dolphin robotic pool cleaner.
Nautilus CC Plus Purchase
In January of 2024, our Nautilus CC stopped working. It would try to start moving, spit out some water, and stop. We had tried to research how to fix it, and after a few troubleshooting steps, it still would not work. Since at this point we were very annoyed with the Nautilus CC robotic pool cleaner, we decided it was time to purchase a better one.. Don’t get me wrong, for the most part I liked it, but there was one annoying feature that would drive us insane, the dreaded twisted cord. So, after more research, we purchased the Nautilus CC Plus and have had time to thoroughly use the unit since the end of January.
The Cord Is Important
Nautilus CC
This was the main reason I wanted to get rid of the Nautilus CC and upgrade to a better pool cleaner. The cord on the Nautilus CC would always tangle, and the longer we had it, the worse it got. We would take it out of the pool, spend the time to untangle it, and the next day it would be tangled. Think of a landline phone with a curly cord that, no matter how many times you would unwind that cord, would just twist right back up. This is what this cord would do. We will note that the cord on the Nautilus CC is 33 feet, which was sufficient for us.
Nautilus CC Plus
The cord on the Nautilus CC Plus is a swivel cord, so it is supposed to swivel as the pool cleaner makes twists and turns around your pool. So far, we have not seen any issues with the cord. The swivel action appears to be acting as it should. In addition, should you have any issues with the cord, you are able to replace just the cord on this unit yourself. This is not an option on the Nautilus CC. The cord on the Nautilus CC Plus is 50 ft.
The Basket
Nautilus CC
Since this is an electric robotic vacuum and there is no house to suck the debris into, there must be a leaf basket to collect everything the Dolphin robotic pool cleaner picks up. On this front, the Nautilus CC wins over the Nautilus CC Plus. The basket in the Nautilus CC is a large basket with very fine screens and a spring handle. Despite the fact that my spring handle broke, it didn’t cause any issues with the basket. It is easy to take out and clean for use again.
Nautilus CC Plus
In the Nautilus CC Plus, there are two thin baskets; more isn’t always better. As mentioned, they are thin, and in order to clean them, you have to take the screens off, spray, and put the basket back together. We find this more cumbersome compared to the Nautilus CC.
The Price
Nautilus CC
It is no surprise, even just based on the name, that the Nautilus CC Plus is going to have a cheaper price point. When we purchased it in 2021, we paid $599. As of the writing of this article, the price remains the same. You can purchase this unit on Amazon today for $599.
Nautilus CC Plus
The Nautilus CC Plus price point is $799, which is what we paid for it in January 2024. However, it looks like they are now selling the Nautilus CC Plus with built-in W-FI now for the same price. At the time we purchased the unit, it was $899 for the Wi-Fi upgrade, so we did not get it. The Wi-Fi, while not necessary, would have been a nice option to have.
Differences We Noticed in Cleaning Performance
- Nautilus CC: Easier basket cleaning
- Nautilus CC Plus: Better wall and tile cleaning
- Nautilus CC: Cord tangles easily
- Nautilus CC Plus: Swivel cord works much better
- Nautilus CC: Lower price point
- Nautilus CC Plus: Better wall and tile cleaning
Nautilus CC
At the end of the day, you purchased a robotic pool cleaner to clean your pool, so while all the features are important, the question is which one cleans better? Hands down, this one goes to the Nautilus CC Plus. While we thought the Nautilus CC cleaned well, it wasn’t until we purchased the Nautilus CC Plus that we noticed the difference. The Nautilus CC does not go onto steps or stairs. It will ride up the wall some, but it stops about halfway or before it gets to the water line. If the cord is not tangled, it is able to clean the bottom of our pool well. When the cord becomes very tangled, it impedes movement, which is why the tangled cord drives us crazy.
Nautilus CC Plus
The Nautilus CC Plus is superior when it comes to cleaning. Not only does it clean the bottom of the pool, but it will ride up the wall all the way to the waterline and turn horizontally and clean the tiles. In addition, it cleans the steps. However, the one fault it has with this is that it gets stuck on the steps. It manages to get in just the right angle where it can not grasp onto anything to move itself. I assume this doesn’t happen to everyone and is dependent on the size and shape of your steps. We would say it gets stuck about 80% of the time. We usually have to go out and give it a little help to be able to grip the pool and continue working. While this is a little annoying, it is not nearly as annoying as that tangled cord.
Final Thoughts on the Nautilus CC vs Nautilus CC Plus
After a few months of use, my husband mentioned that his weekly pool cleaning time has really decreased, especially when brushing the pool walls and steps. Since the Nautilus CC Plus keeps the tiles and steps much cleaner, my husband said he has seen hardly any dirt when he brushes either one. For this alone, we recommend the Nautilus CC Plus over the Nautilus CC, despite the fact that the Nautilus CC Plus gets stuck on our steps and the higher price point of an additional $200, the thorough cleaning and swivel cord is well worth the upgrade.
For us personally, upgrading to the Nautilus CC Plus felt worth it because we already trusted the Dolphin brand after owning the original Nautilus CC for so many years. While the original model worked great, the updated features and convenience of the CC Plus made pool maintenance even easier.