Aiper Seagull SE Review

The Aiper Seagull SE was a huge disappointment. As a Pool Robot Specialist with years of experience and having tested over 50 different pool cleaners in pursuit of the best robotic pool cleaners, I was keen to see how the Aiper Seagull SE would perform. The Seagull SE is marketed as a simple, cheap, cordless solution to pool cleaning, designed to offer convenience and ease of use. But does it deliver on its promises?

After extensive testing, I found the Aiper Seagull SE failed to deliver a solid pool cleaner performance due to its weak motors, short battery life, and poor filtration. I found the Aiper Seagull SE to be lacking in several key areas. Here’s my in-depth review and why I believe there are better options available for serious pool maintenance.

Battery Life: Short and Unreliable

One of the most critical aspects of any cordless pool cleaner is battery life. The Aiper Seagull SE claims to have a runtime of 90 minutes, but in practice, I found that it rarely met this standard. On a full charge, which took about 4 hours, I was able to get roughly 60 minutes of operation before the battery died after only a few uses. This was barely enough time to clean a small pool, and it left larger areas only partially cleaned.

The most concerning issue, however, was the battery's rapid degradation. After only a few weeks of regular use, the battery performance declined significantly, dropping to just 30 minutes of runtime. This kind of battery deterioration is unacceptable for a product intended to provide convenient, hands-free cleaning.

Compared to some of the best robotic pool cleaners that include a weekly timer, this was a total pain! We had to pull it out of the pool multiple times per day just to get a decent clean.

Lack of Automation: Constant Monitoring Required

One of the main reasons to invest in a robotic pool cleaner is to minimize the time and effort spent on pool maintenance. However, the Aiper Seagull SE required almost constant supervision. It frequently got stuck on pool steps, drains, or even small wrinkles in the pool liner. This wasn’t a sporadic occurrence; it happened nearly every time I used the unit.

The robot’s inability to navigate around obstacles meant that I had to be on hand to rescue it constantly. The frequent stops and starts made the cleaning process far longer and more tedious than it needed to be. For a device that is supposed to offer convenience, this was a significant drawback.

Inconsistent Cleaning Coverage

The Seagull SE does not have a sophisticated navigation system, and this lack of technology shows in its performance. The cleaner’s movement pattern was erratic at best, moving randomly across the pool with no apparent logic. As a result, certain areas were cleaned multiple times while others were completely missed.

During my tests, I noticed that the Seagull SE would often spend a lot of time in one section of the pool, leaving other areas untouched. This lack of systematic coverage is a major flaw, especially for those who want a thorough clean without having to manually adjust the robot's position every few minutes.

Difficulty Handling Sloped Surfaces and Debris

My pool features a gentle slope, which should not pose a challenge to most pool cleaners. However, the Aiper Seagull SE struggled with even this mild incline. The robot frequently got stuck or lost traction on the slope, which meant it needed to be manually repositioned to continue cleaning. This was frustrating and time-consuming, further negating any benefit of using a "hands-free" cleaner.

The Seagull SE also had trouble picking up finer debris. While it could handle larger leaves and twigs, smaller particles like sand or silt were often left behind. The filter system did not seem adequate for capturing these smaller contaminants, which meant additional manual cleaning was needed after each session. Compared to the modern NanoFiltration found in newer robots, it was disappointing.

Flimsy Build Quality and Limited Durability

Durability is another area where the Aiper Seagull SE falls short. The plastic components felt cheap and fragile, and I was constantly concerned that something might break. This worry was not unfounded; after only a few uses, one of the clips holding the cleaner together snapped, requiring a replacement part.

Additionally, the wheels and brushes appeared to wear down quickly, which could impact the robot's long-term performance. Pool cleaners should be robust and built to last, but the Seagull SE did not inspire confidence in this regard.

Difficult Retrieval and Charging Process

Retrieving the Seagull SE from the pool proved to be more challenging than expected. Unlike some advanced models that return to a designated spot for easy collection, the Seagull SE required manual retrieval. The provided hook did not fit my standard pool pole, necessitating the purchase of a new, compatible pole. This added both cost and inconvenience to the experience.

Charging the unit was another hassle. It took about 4 hours to charge fully, which wouldn’t be an issue if the battery life were better. However, given the short runtime and rapid battery degradation, I found myself charging the cleaner more often than I would like, which was not in line with the convenience I expected from a cordless model.

Why Corded Pool Cleaners Are a Better Choice

After my experience with the Aiper Seagull SE, I have once again found that corded pool cleaners offer a far more reliable and effective solution. Here’s why:

1. Unlimited Power: With a corded cleaner, there are no concerns about battery life. It can run continuously until the job is done, providing consistent power and cleaning performance throughout.
2. Superior Coverage: Corded cleaners are equipped with advanced navigation systems that ensure complete and systematic coverage of the entire pool. This eliminates the erratic movement and missed spots I experienced with the Seagull SE.
3. Greater Durability: In my experience, corded models are built to last. They have stronger components, better motors, and are designed to handle tough cleaning jobs over many years without degrading in performance.
4. No Supervision Needed: A corded cleaner is a true set-and-forget solution. It won’t get stuck on minor obstacles, won’t lose power mid-cycle, and doesn’t require constant attention to complete its job.

Conclusion: A Disappointing Experience with the Aiper Seagull SE

Overall, my experience with the Aiper Seagull SE has been disappointing. Between the short battery life, the need for constant supervision, erratic cleaning patterns, and flimsy build quality, it fails to deliver the convenience and effectiveness one should expect from a robotic pool cleaner.

If you are considering a cordless pool cleaner, I would urge you to think twice. While the idea is appealing, the execution falls short with the Seagull SE. For those who want a reliable, hands-free cleaning experience, a corded pool cleaner remains the superior choice. It offers consistent power, thorough coverage, and the durability to last for years.

Stick with what works—choose a corded pool cleaner and avoid the frustrations I encountered with the Seagull SE.

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