Help me choose
Our pick: Dolphin Escape
Dolphin Escape is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Escape includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves. Dolphin Escape is listed $280 lower.
Max-Series
Dolphin Escape
Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning.
Nautilus
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
Inground and above-ground pools up to 50 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
Why Dolphin Escape is our pick
Dolphin Escape
Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning.
$669
Buy Dolphin EscapeDolphin Escape or Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus: our take
Dolphin Escape and Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus 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 Plus is rated up to 50 ft. Dolphin Escape cleans floor; Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus cleans floor and walls. Dolphin Escape lists 1 active brush, SmartNav 2.0 navigation, and Dual 24-volt DC motors. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus lists 2 active brushes and CleverClean navigation.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Escape includes MaxBin; Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus includes Standard filter. Dolphin Escape also has the better documented path for bulky leaves and larger debris.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin Escape provides one-touch starts and power-supply controls; Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus provides a weekly timer and smartphone control. Dolphin Escape uses a 40 ft corded cable, while Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel. Dolphin Escape is listed at 14.2 lb versus 20 lb for Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus; that 5.800000000000001 lb difference matters when lifting the robot from the pool.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Escape is listed at $669 and Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus at $949; Dolphin Escape is $280 less. Dolphin Escape lists a 2-year warranty compared with 2.5 years for Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus. Pool Express pick: Dolphin Escape. Dolphin Escape includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves. Dolphin Escape is listed $280 lower. Choose Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus when it is the better fit for pools up to 50 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 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | YesEdge | No |
| Automatic scheduling | No | YesEdge |
| Smartphone app | No | YesEdge |
| Anti-tangle swivel | No | YesEdge |
| 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.
- Includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves
- Is listed $280 lower
- Weighs 14.2 lb versus 20 lb
Where Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus stands out
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is the better fit for pools up to 50 ft.
- Adds wall climbing and scrubbing
- Uses 2 active brushes instead of 1
- Can start on a weekly schedule without a manual launch before every cycle
- Adds smartphone control
Dolphin Escape vs Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus 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 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning. | Inground and above-ground pools up to 50 ft that need floor and wall cleaning. |
| Starting price | $669 | $949 |
| Pool type | Inground, Above-ground | Inground, Above-ground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 30 ft | Up to 50 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor | Floor, Walls |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | MaxBin | Standard filter |
| Scheduling | One-touch start | Weekly schedule + app |
| App and remote | Power-supply controls | App control |
| Cable | 40 ft | 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel |
| Robot weight | 14.2 lb | 20 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2.5 years |
Choose Dolphin Escape
Dolphin Escape is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Escape includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves. Dolphin Escape is listed $280 lower.
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