Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus vs Sigma: Which Should You Buy?
Both are excellent. Here's exactly what the $200 difference gets you.
Quick Summary
| Feature | Nautilus CC Plus | Sigma |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $699 |
| App Control | ✗ | ✓ WiFi |
| Brush Type | Single roller | Dual brushes |
| Max Pool Size | 50 ft | 50 ft |
| Weekly Scheduler | ✓ On-unit | ✓ Via App |
| Filter Access | Top-load | Top-load |
| Filter Capacity | Standard | Large |
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years |
The Cleaning Difference
In our tests, both robots cleaned the floor and walls effectively — we're talking about a real difference only in edge cases. The Sigma's dual brush system is noticeably better at:
- Removing stubborn algae spots that the Nautilus leaves behind
- Cleaning heavily textured pool surfaces (rough plaster, aggregate)
- Waterline scrubbing — the Sigma spends slightly more time at the tile line
For a clean, well-maintained pool, these differences are marginal. If your pool has algae problems or rough surfaces, the Sigma's extra scrubbing power matters.
The $200 Question
Is the Sigma $200 better than the Nautilus? That depends entirely on how you use it:
Get the Nautilus CC Plus if: You have a standard well-maintained in-ground pool, you just want it to run on schedule without thinking about it, and $500 is where you want to stop.
Get the Sigma if: You want WiFi app control (start it from your phone from anywhere), you have a textured or heavily used pool that needs strong scrubbing, or you want the extended 3-year warranty.