In the competitive landscape of robotic pool cleaners, Maytronics consistently dominates with its acclaimed Dolphin series. Among the most trusted and well-reviewed models for in-ground pool owners are the Dolphin S200 vs Dolphin Nautilus CC. Both models cater to medium-sized pools and promise thorough cleaning with intelligent navigation and energy-efficient operation. However, key differences in brush systems, mobility technology, filtration efficiency, and waterline coverage can make one model more suitable than the other depending on user needs.
This in-depth comparison explores every aspect of the Dolphin S200 and the Nautilus CC to help pool owners identify which robotic cleaner offers the best performance, convenience, and long-term value.
Contents
Differences Between Dolphin S200 vs Dolphin Nautilus CC
Pool Size and Cleaning Coverage
The Dolphin S200 is engineered to handle in-ground pools up to 50 feet, offering full coverage that includes the floor, walls, and waterline. This extended reach makes it ideal for medium to large residential pools, particularly those with deep ends or complex shapes.
The Nautilus CC, on the other hand, is optimized for pools up to 33 feet and provides reliable cleaning of the floor and walls, but it does not clean the waterline. For pools with tile bands that accumulate scum, pollen, and sunscreen residues, this omission means additional manual scrubbing may be required.
Winner: Dolphin S200
With broader compatibility and full vertical cleaning, the S200 provides complete pool surface maintenance without extra effort.
Both robots feature CleverClean™ technology, which scans the pool to chart an optimal cleaning path and avoid inefficient, random movement. This algorithm ensures full pool coverage within the 2-hour cleaning cycle.
However, the S200 integrates PowerStream™ technology, which uses lateral water jets to stabilize the cleaner during vertical climbs and enhance maneuverability. This system allows the robot to adhere to vertical surfaces with greater precision, resulting in more consistent wall and waterline cleaning.
The Nautilus CC lacks PowerStream™, and while its navigation is smart and efficient on horizontal planes, it occasionally struggles with consistent wall contact, particularly in curved or sloped pools.
Winner: Dolphin S200
With enhanced mobility and real-time wall stabilization, the S200 navigates more intelligently and efficiently across all surfaces.
Brush System and Scrubbing Performance
The Nautilus CC comes with dual high-speed brushes, which spin rapidly to dislodge dirt and algae from the pool floor and walls. This setup delivers solid cleaning power, especially on smooth surfaces like vinyl and fiberglass.
The S200, while featuring a single active front brush, also includes a rear passive brush, providing two contact points for scrubbing. The front brush spins independently to agitate and loosen stubborn debris, while the passive brush assists with polishing and ensuring finer debris is captured during filtration. When combined with PowerStream stabilization, the scrubbing action remains consistently strong even during vertical cleaning.
Winner: Dolphin S200
Its dual-point brush system, combined with PowerStream wall control, provides better overall surface engagement and dirt removal—especially on varied textures and deeper pools.
Filtration System and Debris Handling
Filtration is one of the most significant differentiators between these two models.
The Nautilus CC includes a top-load fine filter cartridge, which is effective for medium debris like dirt and leaves. However, it lacks an ultra-fine layer by default and may require aftermarket upgrades to trap smaller particles such as silt or pollen.
The S200, in contrast, offers a multi-layer filtration basket with both fine and ultra-fine inserts included out of the box. This setup captures large debris, fine sand, and microscopic contaminants in a single cycle—enhancing water clarity and reducing chemical use.
Additionally, the S200’s larger filter basket reduces maintenance frequency, even during heavy spring or fall cleaning periods.
Winner: Dolphin S200
With dual-layer filtration and a larger capacity, the S200 provides a superior debris management system that supports less frequent rinsing and cleaner water overall.
Cable Length and Anti-Tangle Engineering
Cable management affects how far and effectively the robot can travel during its cycle.
The Nautilus CC uses a 50-foot floating cable without a swivel, which can occasionally result in tangling—especially in irregular pools or those with multiple obstructions.
The S200 includes a 60-foot anti-tangle swivel cable, allowing full coverage of larger pools and maintaining continuous movement without cable resistance or coiling.
Winner: Dolphin S200
With longer reach and a swivel design, the S200 operates more freely and requires less manual adjustment mid-cycle.
Automation and Convenience
The Dolphin S200 is equipped with a weekly scheduler, enabling owners to automate cleaning sessions for every day, every other day, or every third day. This level of automation ensures consistent pool maintenance without the need to remember to start the unit manually.
The Nautilus CC lacks scheduling functionality, which means the power supply must be activated before each cycle. While this suits occasional users, it may not be ideal for those who prioritize a hands-off experience.
Winner: Dolphin S200
With built-in automation, the S200 delivers a more convenient, set-it-and-forget-it solution for regular cleaning.
Weight, Portability, and Maintenance Ease
At 13.8 lbs, the Nautilus CC is lighter and easier to lift out of the pool. This is particularly advantageous for older users or those with limited mobility.
The S200 weighs 16.5 lbs, slightly heavier but still manageable for most users thanks to its ergonomic handle and balanced design. Its top-load filter basket also makes maintenance simpler and less messy than older bottom-load systems.
Winner: Tie
The Nautilus CC is lighter and easier to handle, but the S200’s ergonomic enhancements and better filter access level the playing field.
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin S200
Quick Rundown Of Dolphin Nautilus CC
Conclusion
Choose Dolphin Nautilus CC if you’re seeking a cost-effective, reliable robotic cleaner for a small to medium-sized in-ground pool, and you only need basic cleaning of the floor and walls. It’s a strong performer in its price class and ideal for users who prefer a lightweight, plug-and-play option.
Choose Dolphin S200 if you need a powerful, full-coverage robotic cleaner that delivers wall-to-waterline cleaning, multi-layer filtration, and automated scheduling. Its intelligent mobility system, superior debris management, and extended reach make it ideal for homeowners who want a more thorough and hands-free pool cleaning solution.
Overall Winner: Dolphin S200
With more advanced features, stronger cleaning capabilities, and greater pool compatibility, the Dolphin S200 is the better investment for users who want deeper cleaning, smarter navigation, and easier maintenance across a wide range of pool environments.