Aiper Scuba S1 Pro Review

Introduction

As a Pool Robot Specialist who has tested over 50 different pool cleaners, I was excited to see what the Aiper Scuba S1 Pro had to offer. Marketed as a step up from the standard Scuba S1, the S1 Pro promises improved performance, longer battery life, and a more robust cleaning capability. However, after putting the Scuba S1 Pro through extensive testing, I found that it still suffers from many of the same limitations as its predecessor, with only a few minor improvements. Below is my in-depth review based on my hands-on experience.

Battery Life: Slight Improvement, But Still Lacking

The Aiper Scuba S1 Pro claims a longer battery life than the standard S1, boasting up to 90 minutes of runtime. Unfortunately, in my experience, this was rarely achieved. Most of my test runs resulted in a battery life closer to 60 to 70 minutes, which is an improvement over the standard S1, but still falls short of the advertised claims.

Even with this improvement, the battery life is not enough to cover larger pools adequately. The charging time remains lengthy at around 4-5 hours, which means extended downtime between cleaning sessions. For pool owners who require more frequent or thorough cleanings, this limited runtime and long recharge time may not be sufficient.

Cleaning Power: Underwhelming Performance

Despite being marketed as a more powerful option, the Scuba S1 Pro still struggles with the same issues that plagued the original S1. The suction power is marginally better but remains insufficient for more substantial debris. While it did pick up small leaves and bits of dirt, it struggled with anything more substantial, such as small twigs or acorns.

I found that the Scuba S1 Pro often pushed debris around rather than effectively capturing it, which required multiple passes to achieve even a basic level of cleanliness. This inefficiency becomes more evident in larger pools, where the robot's limited cleaning power and random navigation patterns result in uneven coverage and missed spots.

Improved, But Still Limited Navigation

One area where the Scuba S1 Pro shows some improvement is in its navigation. Unlike the standard S1, the S1 Pro is equipped with basic obstacle detection sensors that help it avoid some pool walls and steps. However, the navigation system is still far from sophisticated.

The robot's movement remains somewhat random, and while it does avoid some obstacles, it still tends to repeat paths and miss large sections of the pool. In my tests, the S1 Pro often cleaned the same areas multiple times while leaving other sections virtually untouched. For pool owners looking for thorough, systematic cleaning, this is a significant drawback.

Frequent Stoppages and Manual Intervention Required

Like the original S1, the Scuba S1 Pro frequently stopped mid-cycle, requiring manual intervention to restart. Despite the upgraded sensors, the robot often got stuck on minor obstacles, such as wrinkles in the pool liner or small protrusions on the pool floor. This was particularly frustrating because it required me to be on hand to untangle the robot and get it moving again.

The frequent stoppages negated the convenience of having an automated cleaner and made it clear that the Scuba S1 Pro is not a "set it and forget it" solution. For a robot that is supposed to save time and effort, requiring constant supervision is a significant failing.

Struggles with Sloped and Textured Surfaces

The Aiper Scuba S1 Pro also struggles with sloped or textured surfaces. My pool has a gentle incline, and the S1 Pro had difficulty maintaining traction and moving smoothly. It would often slide back down the slope, unable to climb back up without assistance. This was a consistent problem throughout my tests and greatly limited the cleaner's effectiveness.

Additionally, the cleaner did not perform well on textured surfaces. It often got caught on small irregularities, which caused it to stall and required manual intervention to correct. For pools with non-uniform surfaces, the Scuba S1 Pro may not be the best choice.

Build Quality: Improved, But Still Not Durable Enough

The build quality of the Scuba S1 Pro is slightly better than its predecessor, but it still leaves room for improvement. The materials feel a bit more robust, and the components seem slightly more resistant to wear. However, the overall construction still feels somewhat flimsy compared to other models in the same price range.

After several uses, I noticed signs of wear on the brushes and wheels, raising concerns about the cleaner's long-term durability. The plastic body also seemed vulnerable to cracks and damage, especially when the robot bumped into walls or pool fixtures.

Retrieval and Charging: Remains a Hassle

Retrieving the Scuba S1 Pro from the pool was just as challenging as with the standard model. The robot does not automatically return to a specific spot when the battery is low, so it often stops in random locations, requiring manual retrieval. The provided hook does not fit all standard pool poles, which may necessitate purchasing additional equipment.

Charging the unit remains a lengthy process. The charging port is awkwardly positioned, making it difficult to connect. With a charging time of 4-5 hours, the short runtime of the S1 Pro feels even more limiting, especially for those looking to clean their pools more frequently.

Why Corded Pool Cleaners Still Reign Supreme

After thoroughly testing the Aiper Scuba S1 Pro, it’s evident that corded pool cleaners continue to offer more reliable performance for most pool owners. Here’s why:

1. Consistent Power Supply: Corded cleaners don’t suffer from limited battery life. They can run continuously, providing consistent power and cleaning performance without interruption.
2. Advanced Navigation: Most corded models are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems that methodically cover the entire pool, avoiding the erratic movements and missed spots seen with the Scuba S1 Pro.
3. Better Durability: Corded pool cleaners are typically built to last, with more robust components that can handle regular use without significant wear or damage.
4. Truly Hands-Free Operation: Corded cleaners are designed to be set-and-forget solutions, requiring no manual intervention to complete their cleaning cycles. This is a stark contrast to the S1 Pro, which frequently needed my attention.

Conclusion: A Limited Upgrade with Persistent Flaws

While the Aiper Scuba S1 Pro offers some improvements over its predecessor, it still falls short in many areas. The slightly better battery life, marginally improved navigation, and minor build quality enhancements are not enough to make it a strong contender in the pool cleaning market.

If you are considering a robotic pool cleaner and are tempted by the Scuba S1 Pro’s cordless convenience, I recommend reconsidering. For most pool owners, a corded cleaner will offer better performance, greater reliability, and a more hassle-free experience. The Scuba S1 Pro may suffice for very small, flat pools or spas, but for those seeking a dependable pool cleaning solution, a corded model remains the superior choice.

Invest wisely—choose a corded pool cleaner to avoid the limitations and frustrations I encountered with the Scuba S1 Pro.