Aiper Scuba SE Review

As a Pool Robot Specialist with years of experience and over 50 pool cleaners tested, I was eager to evaluate the Aiper Scuba SE. Promoted as a budget-friendly and cordless solution for maintaining small to medium-sized pools, the Scuba SE promises simplicity, ease of use, and reasonable performance. However, after putting it through a series of rigorous tests, I found that the Aiper Scuba SE leaves much to be desired in key areas of performance and reliability. Below is my comprehensive review, based on real-world use.

Battery Life: Limited and Inconsistent

The Aiper Scuba SE is advertised with a runtime of about 90 minutes, which, if achieved, would be reasonable for a smaller pool. Unfortunately, during my testing, the battery life consistently fell short of this claim. In most cases, the cleaner lasted only about 60 to 70 minutes on a full charge, which took approximately 4 to 5 hours. This limited runtime is a significant drawback, particularly for those who need a thorough clean or have a slightly larger pool.

Moreover, the battery's performance was inconsistent. At times, the unit would run for closer to 80 minutes, but on other occasions, it would barely make it past 50 minutes. This unpredictability made it challenging to plan cleaning sessions effectively and left me feeling uncertain about whether the pool would be fully cleaned in one go.

Cleaning Performance: Lacks Power and Efficiency

The Aiper Scuba SE is designed to be a lightweight, easy-to-use pool cleaner, but it lacks the cleaning power necessary for effective pool maintenance. The suction capability is weak, making it struggle to pick up anything larger than light debris. Leaves, small twigs, and larger dirt particles were often left behind, requiring multiple passes to achieve an acceptable level of cleanliness.

In addition to its inadequate suction power, the Scuba SE has a basic filtration system that fails to capture finer particles such as sand, silt, and small insects. After several cleaning cycles, I noticed that the pool still appeared cloudy, and additional manual cleaning was required to achieve the desired clarity. For a device marketed as an all-in-one solution, this was a significant letdown.

Navigation and Coverage: Erratic and Unreliable

One of the biggest challenges with the Aiper Scuba SE is its lack of effective navigation. The robot moves in a seemingly random pattern, bouncing off walls and occasionally changing direction. This erratic movement results in inconsistent cleaning, with some areas receiving multiple passes while others are completely missed.

During my tests, the Scuba SE frequently focused on one side of the pool while neglecting other areas. Without any smart navigation or mapping technology, the cleaner fails to ensure comprehensive coverage. For pool owners who expect a uniform clean without having to reposition the robot manually, this is a major disadvantage.

Struggles on Inclined and Textured Surfaces

My pool has a gentle slope from the shallow end to the deep end, and the Scuba SE struggled significantly with this incline. The robot often lost traction, especially when moving from the deeper sections to the shallow end, frequently sliding back down and requiring manual intervention to continue its cycle. This difficulty in handling slopes severely limits the cleaner's effectiveness in pools that are not perfectly flat.

The Scuba SE also had trouble on textured surfaces. It tended to get caught on minor irregularities, such as small wrinkles or seams in the pool liner. Each time it got stuck, I had to intervene to free the robot, which added to the frustration and completely defeated the purpose of having an automated pool cleaner.

Build Quality: Fragile and Prone to Damage

The build quality of the Aiper Scuba SE is another area of concern. While the unit is lightweight, the plastic components feel flimsy and fragile. After only a few uses, I noticed visible wear on the brushes and wheels, raising doubts about the cleaner's durability over time.

The body of the Scuba SE also seemed prone to cracking, especially when it bumped into pool walls or fixtures. A pool cleaner should be robust enough to handle regular use, but the Scuba SE does not inspire confidence in this regard. I worry that a few bumps or accidental drops could render the unit unusable, which is not what you want in a pool cleaner.

Difficult Retrieval and Charging

Retrieving the Scuba SE from the pool was another challenge. Unlike more advanced models that return to a designated spot when their cycle is complete, the Scuba SE stops wherever it runs out of battery. This often meant fishing it out from a difficult-to-reach spot, which could be particularly frustrating if the robot stopped in the middle of the pool.

The charging process was equally cumbersome. The charging port is awkwardly located, making it difficult to connect. The long charging time of 4 to 5 hours only adds to the inconvenience, especially given the limited runtime. For pool owners looking for a quick and easy cleaning solution, these issues can be deal-breakers.

Why Corded Pool Cleaners Are a Better Choice

After thoroughly testing the Aiper Scuba SE, it's clear that corded pool cleaners offer a far superior option for most pool owners. Here’s why:

1. Unlimited Power Supply: Corded cleaners operate continuously without being limited by battery life, providing consistent power and performance throughout the entire cleaning process.
2. Advanced Navigation: Most corded models are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems that ensure complete and systematic pool coverage, avoiding the erratic movements and missed spots characteristic of the Scuba SE.
3. Greater Durability: In my experience, corded pool cleaners are built to last, with stronger materials and components that can withstand regular use without significant wear or damage.
4. True Set-and-Forget Convenience: Corded models are designed to operate without constant monitoring. Unlike the Scuba SE, which frequently required manual intervention, a corded cleaner completes its cycle with minimal user involvement.

Conclusion: A Disappointing Pool Cleaner

In conclusion, the Aiper Scuba SE falls short in several key areas. Its limited battery life, weak cleaning power, erratic navigation, poor build quality, and cumbersome retrieval and charging process make it a less-than-ideal choice for most pool owners. While it may appeal to those with very small, flat pools or spas, it does not provide the reliability or efficiency needed for more comprehensive pool maintenance.

For anyone considering a cordless pool cleaner, I recommend looking elsewhere. The Scuba SE’s performance does not justify its price, and there are better options available. A corded pool cleaner, in particular, will offer more reliable performance, better durability, and a more convenient pool-cleaning experience overall.

Make the smart choice—opt for a corded cleaner to avoid the frustrations I encountered with the Scuba SE.