Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus and Dolphin Proteus DX3 are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Cayman. Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 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.
Proteus
Dolphin Proteus DX3
Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
What we recommend instead
Dolphin Cayman
Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
$1,079
Buy Dolphin CaymanDolphin Nautilus CC Plus or Dolphin Proteus DX3: our take
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus and Dolphin Proteus DX3 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 Nautilus CC Plus is rated for pools up to 50 ft; Dolphin Proteus DX3 is rated up to 33 ft. Each cleans floor and walls, so coverage alone does not separate them. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus lists 2 active brushes and CleverClean navigation. Dolphin Proteus DX3 lists 1 active brush.
Filtration and debris
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus includes Standard filter; Dolphin Proteus DX3 includes Basket. Dolphin Proteus DX3 has the better documented path for bulky leaves and larger debris.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus provides a weekly timer and smartphone control; Dolphin Proteus DX3 provides a weekly timer and power-supply controls. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus uses a 60 ft corded cable with an anti-tangle swivel, while Dolphin Proteus DX3 uses a 50 ft corded cable. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is listed at 20 lb versus 14 lb for Dolphin Proteus DX3; that 6 lb difference matters when lifting the robot from the pool.
Price, warranty and the decision
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is listed at $949 and Dolphin Proteus DX3 at $699; Dolphin Proteus DX3 is $250 less. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus lists a 2.5-year warranty compared with 2 years for Dolphin Proteus DX3. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus and Dolphin Proteus DX3 each have a specific fit, but neither is the Pool Express pick for this job. Our better alternative is Dolphin Cayman. Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
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 Nautilus CC Plus | Dolphin Proteus DX3 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | YesEdge |
| Automatic scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Smartphone app | YesEdge | No |
| Anti-tangle swivel | Yes | 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 Nautilus CC Plus stands out
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is the better fit for pools up to 50 ft.
- Uses 2 active brushes instead of 1
- Adds smartphone control
- Carries a 2.5-year warranty instead of 2 years
- Is rated for pools up to 50 ft
Where Dolphin Proteus DX3 stands out
Dolphin Proteus DX3 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $699 starting price.
- Includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves
- Is listed $250 lower
- Weighs 14 lb versus 20 lb
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus vs Dolphin Proteus DX3 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 Nautilus CC Plus | Dolphin Proteus DX3 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground and above-ground pools up to 50 ft that need floor and wall cleaning. | Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning. |
| Starting price | $949 | $699 |
| Pool type | Inground, Above-ground | Inground, Above-ground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 50 ft | Up to 33 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls | Floor, Walls |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | Standard filter | Basket |
| Scheduling | Weekly schedule + app | Weekly schedule |
| App and remote | App control | Power-supply controls |
| Cable | 60 ft with anti-tangle swivel | 50 ft |
| Robot weight | 20 lb | 14 lb |
| Warranty | 2.5 years | 2 years |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus and Dolphin Proteus DX3 are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Cayman. Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
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