Head-to-Head Comparison
Dolphin W20 vs Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
Our pool experts compare features, filtration, specs, and value to help you pick the right robotic pool cleaner.
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus or Dolphin W20 — which wins?
Our Recommendations
Neither the Dolphin W20 nor the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is one of the cleaners our pool experts promote. Consider a proven ProLine, Max-Series, or Clear model instead — each is backed by its full manufacturer warranty and our 30-day in-pool trial.
Dolphin Quantum
Open Box $1529Refurbished $1419
- myDolphin Plus App with Weekly Timer
- XXL MaxBin™ with NanoFilters
- 2 Year Warranty
- Built for Inground & Above Ground Pools up to 50ft
Dolphin Cayman
Open Box $1059Refurbished $999
- Free NanoFilter Panels with Purchase
- Active Brush - Scrubs 2X Faster
- 2 Year Warranty
- Built for Above Ground and Inground Pools Up to 33ft
Dolphin Escape
- Free NanoFilter Panels with Purchase
- Active Brush - Scrubs 2X Faster
- 2 Year Warranty
- Built for Above Ground and Inground Pools Up to 33ft
More ways to save on the Quantum
Certified & warranty-backedMore ways to save on the Cayman
Certified & warranty-backedMore ways to save on the Escape
Certified & warranty-backedWhat Sets Them Apart
Key Differences
W20
Nautilus CC Plus
- No Waterline Cleaning - Won't clean the dirtest part of your pool
- Utilizes the smaller Gen 1 filter cartridges, rather than utilizing the newer NanoFiltration™ or MaxBin™
- No NanoFilters™ - Nautilus CC Plus cannot clean smaller debris and algae
- Standard Brush - No HyperBrush like on similarly priced models such as Dolphin Cayman
- Overshadowed by the newer Gen 2 models with more features - such as the ProLine and Max-Series
Side by Side
Feature Comparison
The features that matter most when comparing the Dolphin W20 and Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus.
| Feature | W20 | Nautilus CC Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Filter | ||
| NanoFilters™ | ||
| Multi-Media™ | ||
| Oversized Leaf Bag | ||
| Wall Climbing | ||
| Waterline Cleaning | ||
| Hands-Off Weekly Timer | ||
| Hands-Off Daily Cleaning | ✓ No manual recharge | ✓ No manual recharge |
| Smartphone App Control | ||
| Full Filter Indicator | ||
| Gyroscope Navigation | ||
| Dual Stabilizer | ||
| Anti-Tangle Swivel | ||
| 3-Year Warranty |
Explained
Compare Features in Detail
Hands-Off Weekly Timer
An automatic pool cleaner should be automatic. A true weekly timer runs a complete pool-cleaning cycle on schedule — every day, every other day, or a few times a week — without you retrieving or recharging the robot between cycles.
Dual Stabilizer
Essential for waterline cleaning, dual stabilizers let the unit cling to the walls for a more precise, deeper clean at the waterline — with increased agility and an easy pickup handle.
Anti-Tangle Cable Swivel
Say goodbye to tangled cords. An anti-tangle swivel lets the robot move 360° around your pool without the cord getting tangled, so you can sit back while it cleans. Learn more ›
Warranty Coverage
A robot is only as good as its warranty. The Dolphin W20 is backed by a 3-year warranty, while the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus carries a 1-year warranty. Buying through an Authorized Dealer like Poolbots gets you the full manufacturer warranty — never pro-rated or limited by cleaning cycles — plus a 30-day in-pool trial with no restocking fees. Learn more ›
Watch
Videos
See the Dolphin W20 and Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus in action.
The Details
Specifications
| W20 | Nautilus CC Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Part Number | 99996904-US | 99996403-PCF |
| Waterline Cleaning | No | No |
| Multi-Media® | No | No |
| Filters Included | 1 | 1 |
| Filter Cleaning | Bottom Access | Top Access |
| Cleaning Coverage | Floor | Floor and Walls |
| Cleaning Cycle | 3 hours | 2 hours |
| Number of Brushes | 2 | 2 |
| Cable Length | 80 ft | 60 ft |
| Anti-Tangle Swivel | Yes | Yes |
| Pool Types | In Ground | In Ground |
| Maximum Pool Size | 68 ft | 40 ft |
| Pool Shape | Rectangular, Free Shape, Hopper, Kidney, Zero (beach) entry | Rectangle, Oval, or Freeform |
| Obstacles | Steps, Ladder, Drain Cover, Ledges, Pop-Ups | Steps, Ladder, Drain Cover, Ledges, Pop-Ups |
| Surface | Gunite, Fiberglass, Vinyl, Liner | Gunite, Fiberglass, Vinyl, Liner |
| Media-Alert® | No | No |
| Hands-Off Weekly Timer | No | Yes |
| Daily Recharging Required | No | No |
| Smartphone App | No | No |
| Remote Operation | Yes | No |
| Restocking Fee | No | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 Years | 1 Years |
Go Deeper
Read Our Expert Reviews
Our in-depth reviews are written by pool experts to help you make an informed decision.
Dolphin W20
Read Dolphin W20 ReviewDolphin Nautilus CC Plus
Read Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus ReviewKeep Comparing
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What’s Next?
Still narrowing it down? These expert guides and tools make it easy to find the right pool robot for your pool — most ship free, same day.
Pool Robot Buying Guide
Everything to know before you buy your first robot.
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Robot Selector
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Videos
Watch reviews, comparisons, and expert how-tos.
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Pool Volume Calculator
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Read more →Try It in Your Own Pool for 30 Days
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