Aiper Seagull Pro Review

After testing over 50+ different pool cleaners across dozens of reviews, I was eager to see how the Aiper Seagull Pro would measure up. The idea of a cordless pool cleaner is appealing on paper — no tangled cords, no fuss with power outlets, and the freedom to clean wherever it’s needed. But sadly, that is not the case.

After putting the Seagull Pro through its paces in a variety of real-world conditions, I found that the Aiper Seagull Pro cleaner fell short of the promises made in its marketing. Below, I provide a thorough breakdown of my experience, detailing the specific areas where the Seagull Pro underperformed and why, ultimately, I recommend sticking with a corded cleaner for pool maintenance.

Aiper Seagull Pro Catching on Fire

You read that right. Catching on fire. While over 22,000 other Aiper pool cleaners in the past have been recalled for catching on fire, such as the Aiper Elite Pro Fire Recall, we found that the Aiper Seagull Pro was catching on fire for multiple users. As you can see in the video below, one person experinced their Aiper fully catching on fire and being burnt to a crisp.

And this isn't the first one either. We've had multiple users since posting this review reach out and share their own experinces with their Aiper pool cleaner.

Battery Life: Underwhelming and Unreliable

Right out of the gate, the Aiper Seagull Pro was hampered by its battery life. The manufacturer claims a 90-minute runtime on a full charge, but my experience was quite different. Despite charging the unit for the recommended 4-5 hours, I consistently achieved only around 45 minutes of cleaning time after running it for a few weeks. This is barely enough to cover a small or medium-sized pool, and certainly insufficient for larger ones.

The most frustrating aspect was how quickly the battery's capacity degraded. After only a few weeks of use, the runtime dropped to less than 45 minutes. For a pool robot designed to offer convenience, having to recharge it after such a short period negated any benefits. In the world of cordless pool robots, the battery is the lifeblood, and if it can’t sustain a decent runtime, it becomes more of a hassle than a helper.

Constant Supervision: Not a Set-and-Forget Solution

One of the biggest draws of a robotic pool cleaner is its promise of automation — you should be able to drop it into your pool, walk away, and return to a sparkling clean surface. Unfortunately, with the Seagull Pro, I found myself playing the role of a poolside lifeguard more often than not.

Compared to the automation a weekly timer brings, such as the Dolphin Cayman's, you simply just set it and forget it. You don't have to recharge, as the Dolphin Cayman automatically cleans daily for you. You just empty out the filter at the end of the week. At the same price point, it is well worth the upgrade to an automatic pool cleaner.

Read my Dolphin Cayman Review →

The robot frequently got stuck on obstacles like pool steps, wrinkles in the liner, or even minor debris. At least once per cleaning session, I had to manually intervene, repositioning the cleaner to keep it moving. This wasn’t an occasional annoyance; it happened almost every time I used the Seagull Pro. The lack of advanced navigation or obstacle detection meant it often needed a helping hand, and this significantly diminished the convenience factor.

Erratic Cleaning Pattern: Misses More Than It Hits

While some pool robots use sophisticated algorithms, such as ProLine's SmartNav 2.0™, Dolphin's CleverClean™, or Aquabot's AquaX™ to map out and systematically clean the entire pool, the Seagull Pro seemed to operate on a “hope-for-the-best” strategy. During testing, I observed the robot zigzagging erratically across the pool, covering some areas multiple times while completely neglecting others.

This lack of a reliable cleaning pattern left large sections of my pool untouched. The robot would often climb halfway up a wall, stop, turn around, and move off in another random direction. For anyone expecting a thorough clean, this behavior is a major drawback. In my experience, pool cleaners with erratic patterns are less effective and often leave owners frustrated with the results.

Poor Performance on Sloped Surfaces and Debris Management

My pool features a slight slope, which isn’t uncommon, but the Aiper Seagull Pro seemed to struggle significantly with this challenge. On more than one occasion, the robot got stuck on the incline, unable to maintain traction or move back up. When it did manage to navigate the slope, it often settled in the deeper end, missing the shallower sections entirely.

Debris management was another significant issue. While the Seagull Pro could handle larger debris like leaves, it was less effective with finer particles such as sand, dirt, or silt. The filter system didn’t seem capable of trapping these smaller particles, which meant I often had to perform additional manual cleaning after the robot had finished its cycle. For a pool cleaner, this is a critical failing.

Durability and Build Quality: Not Built to Last

Durability is a key factor in choosing a pool cleaner. In my tests, the Aiper Seagull Pro felt disappointingly fragile. The plastic clips that secure the unit seemed delicate, and I constantly worried that they might break with regular use. After just a few months, one of the clips snapped, rendering the robot inoperable until a replacement part could be obtained.

The battery also proved problematic. Not only did it fail to hold a charge for long, but its capacity diminished quickly over time. This rapid decline in battery performance was concerning, especially considering the investment required to purchase the unit. A pool robot should be a reliable, long-term solution—not something that degrades after a season or two of use.

Retrieval and Charging: More Work Than It's Worth

Retrieving the Seagull Pro from the pool was another frustrating experience. Unlike more advanced models that return to a specific location when their cycle is complete, the Seagull Pro had to be manually fished out each time.

The hook provided by the manufacturer clips on to a standard pool clip. Once you do this, you have to lug the heavy cleaner out of the pool like a balancing act on the pool pole. It isn't easy.

The charging process was equally cumbersome. With a charge time of 3-4 hours and a frustratingly short runtime, I found myself spending more time managing the cleaner than I would have spent manually cleaning the pool. The charging port was awkwardly positioned, making it difficult to connect, and overall, the entire process was far from user-friendly.

Why I Recommend Corded Pool Cleaners

Having tested over 50 pool robots, I can confidently say that corded robotic pool cleaners models generally offer a more reliable and efficient cleaning solution than their cordless counterparts. Here’s why:

1. Unlimited Power: A corded cleaner doesn’t suffer from the limitations of a battery. It provides consistent cleaning power without the need for frequent recharges, ensuring your pool gets cleaned thoroughly every time.
2. Superior Navigation and Coverage: Corded models typically feature more advanced navigation systems that systematically cover the entire pool, avoiding the erratic and unpredictable patterns seen in cordless models like the Seagull Pro.
3. Enhanced Durability: In my experience, corded pool robots are built to last. They don’t have the fragile components or battery issues that often plague cordless models, making them a better long-term investment.
4. No Need for Supervision: With a corded pool cleaner, you can truly set it and forget it. It won’t get stuck, won’t run out of battery mid-cycle, and doesn’t require constant attention or manual intervention.

Conclusion: Save Your Money and Opt for a Corded Cleaner

After extensively testing the Aiper Seagull Pro, I cannot recommend it for most pool owners. Its poor battery performance, constant need for supervision, erratic cleaning patterns, and flimsy build quality make it a less-than-ideal choice for those seeking a reliable, hands-off pool cleaning solution.

If you’re considering a robotic pool cleaner, I highly advise opting for a corded model. While the cordless concept is appealing, the reality is that corded cleaners provide superior performance, durability, and ease of use. Don’t compromise on your pool cleaning experience—choose a cleaner that will deliver the results you need.