Aiper Scuba S1 Review

As someone who has tested over 50 different pool robots in my career as a Pool Robot Specialist, I was curious to see how the Aiper Scuba S1 would perform. The Scuba S1 is marketed as an entry-level, budget-friendly cordless pool cleaner, ideal for small pools or spas. While the concept of a lightweight, easy-to-use cleaner sounds great, my hands-on experience with the Scuba S1 revealed several limitations that make it a less-than-ideal choice for serious pool owners. Below is my comprehensive review based on rigorous testing.

Battery Life: Short and Inconsistent

The Aiper Scuba S1 advertises a runtime of about 60 minutes, which, on paper, seems adequate for smaller pools or above-ground setups. However, in practice, the cleaner rarely met this claim. During my testing, the battery consistently ran out around the 40 to 45-minute mark, barely enough time to make a noticeable difference in a small pool.

Furthermore, the battery life proved to be inconsistent. On some days, the S1 would last close to an hour, while on others, it would barely make it past 30 minutes. This inconsistency made it difficult to rely on the cleaner for regular pool maintenance. The Scuba S1 required at least 3 to 4 hours to fully recharge, which became increasingly frustrating when the cleaner needed to be charged more often than I had anticipated.

Lack of Power: Inefficient Cleaning

The Scuba S1 is designed for small pools or spas, but even within this context, I found its cleaning power to be lacking. The suction capacity was quite weak compared to other entry-level models, and the cleaner struggled to pick up even moderately sized debris like small leaves or twigs.

The cleaner seemed to push debris around rather than actually capturing it, resulting in multiple passes over the same areas without substantial cleaning. Fine debris such as sand, dirt, and small insects were often left behind. This lack of suction power greatly diminished its effectiveness, even in the controlled environment of a small pool.

Limited Range and Poor Navigation

One of the significant downsides of the Aiper Scuba S1 is its lack of sophisticated navigation technology. The robot moves in a random pattern, bouncing off walls and occasionally changing direction. While this might cover some areas of the pool, it often leads to significant portions being missed entirely.

During my tests, I observed that the cleaner would repeatedly clean one side of the pool while leaving the other side almost untouched. The lack of a systematic cleaning pattern meant that I had to manually reposition the robot multiple times to achieve any kind of comprehensive cleaning, which defeated the purpose of having an automated cleaner.

Frequent Stoppages: A Major Drawback

A significant issue with the Scuba S1 was its tendency to stop frequently. The robot would run for a few minutes, then suddenly pause, requiring manual intervention to restart. This happened frequently enough to become a major annoyance, as I found myself constantly needing to monitor the cleaner and push it back into motion.

Moreover, the cleaner often got stuck on small obstacles like pool steps, drain covers, or even minor wrinkles in the pool liner. This was particularly frustrating because I had to be on hand to untangle it, making the Scuba S1 far from a “hands-off” solution.

Poor Performance on Inclined Surfaces

Another critical limitation of the Aiper Scuba S1 is its inability to handle even slight inclines or slopes. My pool has a gentle slope from the shallow end to the deep end, and the Scuba S1 struggled significantly on this gradient. It often lost traction and slid back to the bottom, unable to climb back up without assistance.

This is a substantial drawback for pool owners whose pools aren’t perfectly flat. The inability to navigate slopes effectively means that large areas of the pool might not get cleaned at all.

Weak Build Quality and Durability Concerns

The overall build quality of the Aiper Scuba S1 left much to be desired. The plastic housing felt flimsy, and the wheels seemed like they could easily break under minimal stress. After only a few uses, I noticed visible wear on the brushes and wheels, raising serious concerns about the cleaner's longevity.

The battery compartment also appeared poorly sealed, which could potentially allow water to seep in over time, damaging the internal components. For a product that is designed to operate underwater, such a design flaw is unacceptable.

Tedious Retrieval and Charging Process

Unlike some more advanced models, the Aiper Scuba S1 does not return to a designated spot when its cycle is complete. Instead, it stops wherever it runs out of battery, requiring manual retrieval. The provided hook did not fit my standard pool pole, necessitating an additional purchase for compatibility.

Charging the Scuba S1 was equally frustrating. With a long charging time and short battery life, I found myself constantly managing the charging process. The charging port was not easily accessible, and the overall process felt cumbersome and inconvenient.

Why Corded Pool Cleaners Are Superior

Having tested numerous pool robots, I firmly believe that corded models offer a more reliable and efficient solution compared to cordless cleaners like the Scuba S1. Here’s why:

1. Consistent Power Supply: Corded cleaners provide a steady power source, allowing them to operate continuously without the limitations of a battery. This results in more consistent and thorough cleaning performance.
2. Systematic Cleaning Patterns: Most corded models are equipped with advanced navigation systems that cover the entire pool methodically, avoiding the random and inefficient movements seen in the Scuba S1.
3. Better Durability: In my experience, corded cleaners are generally built to withstand rigorous use. They have stronger motors, better components, and are designed for long-term durability.
4. No Need for Supervision: A corded cleaner can be left to do its job without constant monitoring. Unlike the Scuba S1, which frequently required manual intervention, a corded model will not get stuck or run out of power mid-cycle.

Conclusion: Not Recommended for Serious Pool Owners

In conclusion, the Aiper Scuba S1 may appeal to those looking for a budget-friendly, cordless pool cleaner, but my experience suggests that it falls short in several critical areas. With its short battery life, lack of power, erratic cleaning pattern, frequent stoppages, and poor build quality, it fails to provide the reliability and convenience that pool owners need.

If you are considering an entry-level pool cleaner, I would strongly recommend looking at corded models. While the Scuba S1 might be suitable for very small, flat pools or spas, it is not an ideal choice for most pool owners. For those seeking a more dependable and efficient pool cleaning solution, a corded cleaner remains the superior option.

Opt for reliability, and choose a corded cleaner to avoid the frustrations I encountered with the Scuba S1.