Help me choose
A stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Nautilus CC 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
Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 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 or Dolphin Proteus DX3: our take
Dolphin Nautilus CC 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. Both are rated for pools up to 33 ft. Each cleans floor and walls, so coverage alone does not separate them. Dolphin Nautilus CC's documented cleaning system includes 1 active brush.
Filtration and debris
Both models include Basket.
Controls and day-to-day ownership
Dolphin Nautilus CC provides one-touch starts and power-supply controls; Dolphin Proteus DX3 provides a weekly timer and power-supply controls. Both use a 50 ft corded cable.
Price, warranty and the decision
Both are listed at $699. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Dolphin Nautilus CC 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 | 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic scheduling | No | YesEdge |
| 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 Nautilus CC stands out
Dolphin Nautilus CC is the better fit for inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
- 50 ft cable, no swivel
- Manual start, no timer
Where Dolphin Proteus DX3 stands out
Dolphin Proteus DX3 is the better fit for inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
- Can start on a weekly schedule without a manual launch before every cycle
- 50 ft cable
Dolphin Nautilus CC 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 | Dolphin Proteus DX3 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning. | Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning. |
| Starting price | $699 | $699 |
| Pool type | Inground, Above-ground | Inground, Above-ground |
| Maximum pool length | Up to 33 ft | Up to 33 ft |
| Cleaning coverage | Floor, Walls | Floor, Walls |
| Power | Corded | Corded |
| Filtration | Basket | Basket |
| Scheduling | One-touch start | Weekly schedule |
| App and remote | Power-supply controls | Power-supply controls |
| Cable | 50 ft | 50 ft |
| Robot weight | Not listed | 14 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Consider the stronger Pool Express option
Dolphin Nautilus CC 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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