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Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Dolphin Escape vs Dolphin Nautilus CC

A side-by-side comparison of pool fit, cleaning coverage, filtration, controls and the better Pool Express option.

Dolphin Escape Dolphin Nautilus CC
Pool Express pick

Our pick: Dolphin Escape

Dolphin Escape is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Escape is listed $30 lower. Dolphin Escape cleans the pool floor in pools up to 30 ft.

Pool Express pick

Max-Series

Dolphin Escape

Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning.

Current price $669MSRP $999 Save $330
Pool Express pick

Why Dolphin Escape is our pick

Buying guidance

Dolphin Escape or Dolphin Nautilus CC: our take

Dolphin Escape and Dolphin Nautilus CC are compared on pool fit, cleaning reach, debris handling, controls and ownership details. The recommendation is based on the job the robot must do—not a simple feature count.

Pool fit and cleaning reach

Both robots are intended for inground and above-ground pools. Dolphin Escape is rated for pools up to 30 ft; Dolphin Nautilus CC is rated up to 33 ft. Dolphin Escape cleans floor; Dolphin Nautilus CC cleans floor and walls. Dolphin Escape lists 1 active brush, SmartNav 2.0 navigation, and Dual 24-volt DC motors. Dolphin Nautilus CC lists 1 active brush.

Filtration and debris

Dolphin Escape includes MaxBin; Dolphin Nautilus CC includes Basket.

Controls and day-to-day ownership

Both models provide one-touch starts and power-supply controls. Dolphin Escape uses a 40 ft corded cable, while Dolphin Nautilus CC uses a 50 ft corded cable.

Price, warranty and the decision

Dolphin Escape is listed at $669 and Dolphin Nautilus CC at $699; Dolphin Escape is $30 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Pool Express pick: Dolphin Escape. Dolphin Escape is listed $30 lower. Dolphin Escape cleans the pool floor in pools up to 30 ft. Choose Dolphin Nautilus CC when it is the better fit for pools up to 33 ft.

Feature check: what each robot actually has

A green check means the feature is documented as included. A red X means it is documented as absent. A dash means the source does not make the feature clear.

Feature Dolphin Escape Dolphin Nautilus CC
Cleans the pool floor Yes Yes
Climbs and cleans walls No YesEdge
Scrubs the waterline No No
Fine-debris filter included No No
Large-debris filter Yes Yes
Automatic scheduling No No
Smartphone app No No
Anti-tangle swivel No No
3-year warranty No No
No recharging between cycles Yes Yes
Built-in UV-C water treatment No No

Unknown is not treated as “no.” Specifications come from the product pages, current catalog records and manufacturer material collected for this site.

Where Dolphin Escape stands out

Dolphin Escape is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $669 starting price.

  • Is listed $30 lower
  • Cleans the pool floor in pools up to 30 ft

Where Dolphin Nautilus CC stands out

Dolphin Nautilus CC is the better fit for pools up to 33 ft.

  • Adds wall climbing and scrubbing
  • Is rated for pools up to 33 ft

Dolphin Escape vs Dolphin Nautilus CC specifications

Use pool fit first. Price and app control do not make up for a robot that cannot cover the length or surfaces you need cleaned.

Specification Dolphin Escape Dolphin Nautilus CC
Best fit Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning. Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
Starting price $669 $699
Pool type Inground, Above-ground Inground, Above-ground
Maximum pool length Up to 30 ft Up to 33 ft
Cleaning coverage Floor Floor, Walls
Power Corded Corded
Filtration MaxBin Basket
Scheduling One-touch start One-touch start
App and remote Power-supply controls Power-supply controls
Cable 40 ft 50 ft
Robot weight 14.2 lb Not listed
Warranty 2 years 2 years
Final call

Choose Dolphin Escape

Dolphin Escape is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Escape is listed $30 lower. Dolphin Escape cleans the pool floor in pools up to 30 ft.

Buy Dolphin Escape

Keep comparing without rebuilding the same specification table yourself.