Choosing between the Dolphin Cayman vs Dolphin Nautilus CC requires a close look at cleaning performance, design functionality, navigation technology, and filtration efficiency. Both robotic pool cleaners are tailored to residential users with pools under 40 feet, offering affordable automation without unnecessary frills. In this detailed comparison, we highlight every critical specification and real-world difference that matters to pool owners seeking hands-free maintenance.
Contents
Differences Between Dolphin Cayman vs Dolphin Nautilus CC
Below is a summary of the specifications:
Design Comparison
Both the Dolphin Cayman and the Dolphin Nautilus CC are compact, ergonomically designed robotic pool cleaners, optimized for homeowners who value simplicity and ease of handling. Each model weighs under 15 pounds, making them ideal for frequent lifting in and out of the pool. The Cayman’s slim frame and top handle offer excellent grip and control, even when soaked. Its modern, angular design gives it a sleek aesthetic edge, while its materials feel durable and well-constructed.
The Nautilus CC is marginally lighter, which can be beneficial for users with mobility concerns. Its more rounded structure, however, can be slightly less efficient when maneuvering around tight pool corners compared to the Cayman’s flatter body profile. In terms of cable design, both units feature a 50-foot floating cable without a swivel, which may require occasional manual untangling after several uses.
Neither model includes a transport caddy, but both are compact enough to store in sheds or garages without taking up much space.
Winner: Dolphin Cayman
The Cayman’s modern design, better handgrip, and structural integrity make it slightly more user-friendly in day-to-day handling.
Cleaning Performance Comparison
The most notable distinction between the two models lies in brushing technology. The Dolphin Cayman features a HyperBrush™, a fast-spinning active brush that rotates at double the speed of traditional brushes. This allows it to agitate and lift tough debris, algae, and biofilm from the pool floor and walls with enhanced intensity. The Nautilus CC, while equipped with an active brush as well, relies on a slower-moving unit that delivers adequate—though less aggressive—scrubbing.
Both models support floor and wall cleaning, yet neither provides true waterline scrubbing. They reach partway up the walls and do an excellent job cleaning vertical surfaces, but will not clean the pool’s waterline tile thoroughly. Their suction rate of 4,000 GPH is identical, ensuring strong water circulation and dirt removal during their 2-hour cleaning cycles.
Filtration systems reveal another key difference. The Cayman uses a top-access filter basket, which is easy to remove and clean. It captures fine debris efficiently and simplifies post-cleaning maintenance. The Nautilus CC employs a bottom-loading cartridge, which can be more cumbersome to remove and rinse, especially when clogged with leaves or algae.
Despite their technical similarities, the Cayman’s stronger brush mechanism and user-friendly filter design give it the edge in real-world cleaning, particularly in pools with tougher sediment or algae build-up.
Winner: Dolphin Cayman
With a faster spinning HyperBrush and easier-to-maintain top-loading filter, the Cayman delivers deeper, more efficient cleaning.
Feature Comparison
Neither of these models includes advanced features such as Wi-Fi control, smartphone apps, or remote programming. Instead, they are designed for plug-and-play use. Once connected to a power supply, each robot starts its cleaning routine automatically, following a pre-programmed logic based on internal scanning.
The Cayman leverages SmartNav 2.0, a navigation system that maps out the pool’s dimensions and determines the most efficient cleaning path. It reduces redundant passes and focuses on high-traffic zones. The Nautilus CC utilizes CleverClean™ scanning, which similarly allows the unit to plan a coverage pattern, though not as dynamically as SmartNav.
In terms of usability, the Cayman’s filter basket is accessible from the top, making it much easier to maintain. You simply lift the lid, pull out the basket, rinse it, and reinsert. The Nautilus CC’s bottom-load filter system requires the user to flip the unit over and disassemble the base, which is less convenient and potentially messier.
Both models operate quietly, and their internal DC motors are designed to be energy efficient, costing only a few cents per cycle in electricity usage. Neither offers programmable schedules, smart mapping, or integration with home automation systems.
Winner: Dolphin Cayman
Its superior navigation logic and top-access filtration system streamline usability, making it more convenient for everyday operation.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Cayman
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Nautilus CC
Conclusion
Choose the Dolphin Cayman if you prioritize deeper scrubbing performance, easier maintenance, and faster debris removal. Its HyperBrush™ and SmartNav 2.0 scanning offer a refined cleaning experience, especially for pools with persistent dirt or algae.
Choose the Dolphin Nautilus CC if you prefer a simple, reliable unit with basic wall-cleaning capability and compact construction. It’s well-suited for in-ground pools with average debris levels and users who value quiet, uninterrupted cleaning sessions.
Overall Winner: Dolphin Cayman
With a superior brushing mechanism, more intuitive filtration access, and smarter navigation, the Dolphin Cayman takes the lead as the more advanced and user-friendly robotic pool cleaner in this comparison. It offers long-term convenience, thorough cleaning, and a refined design that makes pool maintenance effortless.