Help me choose
Our pick: Dolphin Escape
Dolphin Escape is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Escape weighs 14.2 lb versus 18 lb. Dolphin Escape cleans the pool floor in pools up to 30 ft.
Max-Series
Dolphin Escape
Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning.
Nautilus
Dolphin Nautilus Pool Up
Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor and wall cleaning, with heavy leaves.
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 Pool Up: our take
Dolphin Escape and Dolphin Nautilus Pool Up 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. Both are rated for pools up to 30 ft. Dolphin Escape cleans floor; Dolphin Nautilus Pool Up cleans floor and walls. Dolphin Escape lists 1 active brush, SmartNav 2.0 navigation, and Dual 24-volt DC motors. Dolphin Nautilus Pool Up lists 1 active brush.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Escape includes MaxBin; Dolphin Nautilus Pool Up includes Oversized leaf bag.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Both models provide one-touch starts and power-supply controls. Both use a 40 ft corded cable. Dolphin Escape is listed at 14.2 lb versus 18 lb for Dolphin Nautilus Pool Up; that 3.8000000000000007 lb difference matters when lifting the robot from the pool.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Escape is listed at $669 and Dolphin Nautilus Pool Up at $499; Dolphin Nautilus Pool Up is $170 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Pool Express pick: Dolphin Escape. Dolphin Escape weighs 14.2 lb versus 18 lb. Dolphin Escape cleans the pool floor in pools up to 30 ft. Choose Dolphin Nautilus Pool Up when it is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $499 starting price.
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 Pool Up |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Not listed |
| 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 inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning.
- Weighs 14.2 lb versus 18 lb
- Cleans the pool floor in pools up to 30 ft
Where Dolphin Nautilus Pool Up stands out
Dolphin Nautilus Pool Up is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $499 starting price.
- Adds wall climbing and scrubbing
- Includes an oversized leaf bag for bulky seasonal debris
- Is listed $170 lower
Dolphin Escape vs Dolphin Nautilus Pool Up 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 Pool Up |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor cleaning. | Inground and above-ground pools up to 30 ft that need floor and wall cleaning, with heavy leaves. |
| Starting price | $669 | $499 |
| Pool type | Inground, Above-ground | Inground, Above-ground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 30 ft | Up to 30 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor | Floor, Walls |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | MaxBin | Oversized leaf bag |
| Scheduling | One-touch start | One-touch start |
| App and remote | Power-supply controls | Power-supply controls |
| Cable | 40 ft | 40 ft |
| Robot weight | 14.2 lb | 18 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Choose Dolphin Escape
Dolphin Escape is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Escape weighs 14.2 lb versus 18 lb. Dolphin Escape cleans the pool floor in pools up to 30 ft.
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