Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Explorer E25 and Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Quantum. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
Explorer
Dolphin Explorer E25
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
Nautilus
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
Inground and above-ground pools up to 50 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
What we recommend instead
Dolphin Quantum
Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
$1,649
Buy Dolphin QuantumDolphin Explorer E25 or Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus: our take
Dolphin Explorer E25 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
Dolphin Explorer E25 is intended for inground pools, while Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is intended for inground and above-ground pools. Both are rated for pools up to 50 ft. Each cleans floor and walls, so coverage alone does not separate them. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus's documented cleaning system includes 2 active brushes and CleverClean navigation.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus has documented included filtration—Standard filter—while the other model's included media is not fully published.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin Explorer E25 provides smartphone control; Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus provides a weekly timer and smartphone control.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Explorer E25 is listed at $899 and Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus at $949; Dolphin Explorer E25 is $50 less. Dolphin Explorer E25 lists a 2-year warranty compared with 2.5 years for Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus. Dolphin Explorer E25 and Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus each have a specific fit, but neither is the Pool Express pick for this job. Our better alternative is Dolphin Quantum. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
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 Explorer E25 | Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans the pool floor | Yes | Yes |
| Climbs and cleans walls | Yes | Yes |
| Scrubs the waterline | No | No |
| Fine-debris filter included | No | No |
| Large-debris filter | No | No |
| Automatic scheduling | Not listed | Yes |
| Smartphone app | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-tangle swivel | Not listed | Yes |
| 3-year warranty | No | No |
| No recharging between cycles | Not listed | 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 Explorer E25 stands out
Dolphin Explorer E25 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $899 starting price.
- Is listed $50 lower
- Smartphone app control
Where Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus stands out
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is the better fit for inground and above-ground pools up to 50 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
- Carries a 2.5-year warranty instead of 2 years
- 60 ft cable with anti-tangle swivel
Dolphin Explorer E25 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 Explorer E25 | Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor and wall cleaning. | Inground and above-ground pools up to 50 ft that need floor and wall cleaning. |
| Starting price | $899 | $949 |
| Pool type | Inground | Inground, Above-ground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 50 ft | Up to 50 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls | Floor, Walls |
| Power | Not listed | Corded |
| Filtration | Not listed | Standard filter |
| Scheduling | Not listed | Weekly schedule + app |
| App and remote | App control | App control |
| Cable | Not listed | 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel |
| Robot weight | Not listed | 20 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2.5 years |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Explorer E25 and Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Quantum. Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning, with fine debris.
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