When it comes to choosing the best robotic pool cleaner for your swimming pool, two models stand out in the market for their impressive features, reliable performance, and ease of use—the Dolphin Active 20 and the Nautilus CC. Both are designed to make pool cleaning more efficient, reducing the amount of time and effort you need to spend on pool maintenance. However, each comes with its own unique advantages and disadvantages that could make one a better fit for your needs than the other. In this article, we will delve into a detailed comparison of these two popular robotic pool cleaners to help you make an informed decision.
Contents
Overview of Dolphin Active 20
The Dolphin Active 20 robotic pool cleaner is one of the latest models in the Dolphin series, manufactured by Maytronics, a leader in pool cleaning technology. This model is designed to offer an efficient, hassle-free cleaning experience, with a focus on simplicity, affordability, and powerful performance. It’s known for its easy setup, superior navigation, and thorough cleaning capabilities.
Key Features of the Dolphin Active 20
- Smart Navigation System: The Dolphin Active 20 features advanced smart navigation technology, ensuring that it covers the entire pool efficiently. It can easily navigate complex pool shapes and adjust its path to clean every inch of your pool.
- CleverClean™ Technology: This patented technology ensures optimal coverage and smart navigation by mapping out the pool’s dimensions. It improves cleaning efficiency by reducing unnecessary movements and making the most out of every cleaning cycle.
- Powerful Cleaning: With its dual scrubbing brushes and high-performance suction, it is equipped to clean both the floor and walls of the pool. Whether you have a concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl pool, the Dolphin Active 20 handles debris of all sizes, including fine dirt and sand.
- Lightweight Design: Weighing just 7.5 kg (16.5 lbs), the Dolphin Active 20 is easy to handle, even when you need to remove it from the pool after cleaning. Its compact design ensures it is easy to store.
- Energy-Efficient: The Dolphin Active 20 uses minimal energy, making it one of the most energy-efficient robotic pool cleaners on the market. This helps to reduce electricity costs over time.
Overview of Dolphin Nautilus CC
The Nautilus CC is another excellent robotic pool cleaner manufactured by Maytronics, specifically designed for homeowners who want to ensure their pools remain sparkling clean with minimal effort. It offers many of the same features found in other Dolphin models but also provides specific advantages that set it apart in terms of usability, cleaning effectiveness, and design.
Key Features of the Nautilus CC
- Advanced Filter System: The Nautilus CC comes equipped with a top-load filter that is easy to clean and maintain. The filtration system captures debris of all sizes, from fine dirt to larger leaves, ensuring your pool water remains pristine.
- Efficient Cleaning Cycle: The Nautilus CC is designed to clean your pool in approximately 2 hours, which is faster than many other robotic pool cleaners. It uses a systematic cleaning pattern that ensures thorough coverage while conserving energy.
- CleverClean™ Navigation: Similar to the Dolphin Active 20, the Nautilus CC also utilizes CleverClean™ navigation to improve cleaning coverage. It is designed to navigate the pool’s surface, floor, and walls with precision, avoiding unnecessary re-cleaning and optimizing the cleaning process.
- Tangle-Free Cables: The Nautilus CC is equipped with a tangle-free swivel cable, which prevents the cleaner from getting caught on obstacles or tangling while cleaning. This makes the cleaning process smoother and more efficient.
- Lightweight and Easy to Use: Weighing about 8.5 kg (18.7 lbs), the Nautilus CC is slightly heavier than the Dolphin Active 20, but it remains easy to handle, making removal from the pool and storage a breeze.
| Dolphin Active 20 | Dolphin Nautilus CC | |
| Weight | 18,35 pounds | 14 pounds |
| Size | 22.24×17.6 x13.19 inches | 16.38 x 16.77 x 8.97 inches |
| Pool Size | Up to 50 Ft | Up to 33 Ft |
| Pool Type | In-Ground | In-Ground |
| Anti-Tangle Swivel Cable | Yes | No |
| Cable Length | 60 feet | 50 feet |
| Filter Type | Fine, Ultra Fine | Fine Filter Kit |
| Filter Access | Top Access | Top Access |
| Filter Description | Extra Large Basket, Top-load | Basket, Top-load |
| Cleaning Coverage | Floor, Walls, Waterline | Floor and Walls |
| Cleaning Mode(s) | Standard | Standard |
| Cleaning Cycle(s) | 2 Hours | 2 Hours |
| Mobility | PowerStream | CleverClean™ |
| Suction Rate | 4000 gph | 4000 gph |
| Number of Brushes | 2 Brush | 1 Brushes |
| Waterline Scrubbing | Yes | No |
| Brush Type | Standard Brush | Standard Brush |
| Active Brushes | 1 Active | 1 Active |
| Remote Control | No | No |
| Wi-Fi® | No | No |
| MyDolphin™ Plus App | No | No |
| Weekly Timer | Yes | Yes |
| Cycle Selector | No | No |
| Delay Mode | No | No |
| Full Bag Indicator | No | No |
| Delay Feature | No | No |
| Automation Mode | Yes | Yes |
| More | Buy Now At Amazon | Buy Now At Amazon |
Dolphin Active 20 vs Nautilus CC: Detailed Comparison
Cleaning Performance
Both the Dolphin Active 20 and the Nautilus CC offer powerful cleaning performance. However, the Dolphin Active 20 stands out with its superior scrubbing brushes and suction power. The dual scrubbing brushes in the Dolphin Active 20 scrub both the floor and walls of the pool effectively, while its high-performance suction ensures that both fine debris and larger debris are removed from your pool.
On the other hand, the Nautilus CC is designed with an advanced filtering system that captures various debris, ensuring the pool’s water remains clean and clear. While its cleaning performance is on par with the Dolphin Active 20, it is not quite as powerful when it comes to tackling stubborn algae or fine dirt.
Ease of Use
When it comes to usability, both models shine. The Dolphin Active 20 is praised for its lightweight design, making it easy to handle and remove from the pool after cleaning. Its compact and ergonomic design simplifies storage and handling, making it a great option for users who want a no-fuss pool cleaner.
The Nautilus CC, while slightly heavier, is still user-friendly. The top-load filter system allows for easy removal and cleaning, which is a huge benefit for those who want minimal maintenance. Additionally, the tangle-free swivel cable prevents the cleaner from getting stuck, enhancing overall convenience.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is another area where the Dolphin Active 20 excels. This model is designed to be highly energy-efficient, helping pool owners save on electricity costs in the long term. Thanks to its efficient CleverClean™ navigation and low power consumption, the Dolphin Active 20 delivers top-notch cleaning without putting a strain on your energy bills.
While the Nautilus CC is also energy-efficient, it slightly lags behind the Dolphin Active 20 in terms of power consumption. However, it still offers a highly cost-effective cleaning solution for pool owners.
Pool Size and Shape Compatibility
Both the Dolphin Active 20 and the Nautilus CC are suitable for cleaning pools of different shapes and sizes. However, the Dolphin Active 20 stands out with its superior ability to handle complex pool shapes, thanks to its advanced CleverClean™ navigation and smart mapping technology. Whether your pool is circular, rectangular, or has sharp corners, the Dolphin Active 20 adapts and covers the entire pool efficiently.
The Nautilus CC is also capable of cleaning most pool shapes, but it may not be as efficient in highly irregularly shaped pools as the Dolphin Active 20.
Maintenance and Durability
Both models require minimal maintenance and are built to last. The Dolphin Active 20 boasts a durable, high-quality design, with long-lasting components that ensure consistent cleaning performance. Regular maintenance involves cleaning the filters and occasionally inspecting the brushes and wheels.
The Nautilus CC, too, is built to be durable and long-lasting. Its top-load filter is easy to remove and clean, reducing the amount of time you spend on maintenance. However, some users may find that the brushes and filters need more frequent maintenance, especially when cleaning larger debris.
Which Robotic Pool Cleaner is Better: Dolphin Active 20 or Nautilus CC?
Choosing between the Dolphin Active 20 and the Nautilus CC largely depends on your pool’s needs and your preferences as a pool owner.
- If you have a pool with a more complex shape and require a highly efficient, energy-saving cleaner that handles fine dirt, algae, and debris with ease, the Dolphin Active 20 may be the best choice.
- On the other hand, if you’re looking for a slightly more affordable option that offers fast cleaning cycles, a tangle-free cable, and a simple yet effective filtration system, the Nautilus CC could be the right fit.
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Conclusion
Both the Dolphin Active 20 and the Nautilus CC are exceptional robotic pool cleaners that deliver top-tier performance, ease of use, and efficiency. By considering factors like cleaning power, energy consumption, maintenance requirements, and pool size compatibility, you can make an informed decision about which cleaner is right for your pool.
Ultimately, both models are designed to simplify pool maintenance, giving you more time to enjoy your pool without the hassle of manual cleaning.
