Is it worth it?
Tired of wrestling with pumps and skimming nets to keep your inground pool spotless? The AIPER Scuba S1 tackles caked-on grime on floors, walls, and the waterline with powerful cordless suction, designed for pool owners who crave hands-free maintenance and crystal-clear water. With a smart WavePath Navigation 2.0 system and durable tracks, it promises full coverage of up to 1,600 sq ft in under two hours. Ready to discover why this mid-range robot cleaner might become your season’s must-have?
After a month using the Scuba S1, I’m impressed by its no-cord freedom and its ability to scale walls, but if fine sand is your nemesis, think twice—this isn’t its strongest suit. Ideal for busy homeowners with medium-sized pools who want effortless upkeep, it delivers reliable cleaning in automated or eco-friendly modes. However, perfectionists tackling micro-debris may find its suction lacking. Intrigued? Read on to see if the trade-offs fit your pool care ritual.
Specifications
| Brand | AIPER |
| Model | Scuba S1 |
| Battery Life | 150 minutes |
| Coverage | up to 1,600 sq ft |
| Filter Capacity | 3.5 L |
| Battery Capacity | 112.32 Wh |
| Charge Time | 150 minutes |
| Weight | 22.7 lbs. |
| User Score | 4 ⭐ (1598 reviews) |
| Price | approx. 530$ Check 🛒 |
Key Features
WavePath Navigation 2.0
AIPER’s upgraded WavePath Navigation 2.0 uses built-in sensors to map your pool’s contours and calculate the most efficient cleaning path. By dynamically adjusting to shape and obstacles, it minimizes wasted time and maximizes floor and wall coverage.
Why it matters: Traditional cleaners often retrace steps or miss corners, but WavePath ensures every section is addressed without overlap.
Example: In my rectangular 1,600 sq ft pool, it covered all edges and center in just under an hour.
Dual-Track Mobility
The Scuba S1 employs rugged rubber tracks instead of wheels, enabling superior traction on wet, inclined surfaces. These caterpillar-style treads cling to tile, vinyl, and concrete, allowing the robot to climb walls and steps without slippage.
Why it matters: Wheels can skid or stall, but tracks distribute weight and maintain contact, ensuring continuous cleaning.
Example: I watched it ascend a 45° pool wall and traverse my narrow steps smoothly, eliminating manual brushing.
Four Cleaning Modes
Scuba S1 offers Automatic, Eco, Floor-Only, and Wall-Only modes to match your cleaning needs. Automatic mode runs a full cycle of floor, walls, and waterline. Eco mode performs a 45-minute refresh every 48 hours, ideal for light maintenance.
Why it matters: Custom modes prevent over-cleaning and save battery life based on debris levels.
Example: I relied on Eco mode when my pool saw low traffic, then switched to full auto after a weekend party.
Large Filter & Tool-Free Cleaning
Equipped with a generous 3.5 L filter cartridge, the Scuba S1 traps both leaves and fine particles without frequent emptying. Its snap-in design lets you access the basket in seconds, no tools required.
Why it matters: Smaller baskets clog quickly, forcing multiple stops, but this large filter reduces interruptions and maintenance time.
Example: After a two-hour cleaning session, the basket was still half-empty, and a quick rinse restored full suction for the next cycle.
Firsthand Experience
Unboxing the Scuba S1 was a breeze—I pulled the compact gray unit from its sturdy packaging and appreciated the included charging cord and detailed manual. I set it on my concrete deck and admired its solid build and rubber treads before docking it for a full charge.
On day one, I dropped the Scuba S1 into my 3,500-gallon inground pool on full auto mode. Within 45 minutes the floor looked noticeably clearer though the shallow end needed a second pass. The soft hum of the motor never felt too loud, and I could continue gardening without headphone-level noise.
After a week of running it every other day, the 150-minute runtime held up well, rarely dipping below 20%. I watched the battery LED stay green as it completed wall and floor cycles, confirming AIPER’s 150-minute spec in real-life conditions.
Walls and steps became a highlight: the dual-track system climbed straight up tile surfaces and navigated my small built-in steps without tipping over. There was one tight corner where it stalled for a minute, but a gentle nudge freed it and it resumed cleaning.
My biggest frustration emerged when dealing with fine sand that settled after treatment: the Scuba S1 sometimes released particles from the exhaust port, requiring an extra manual skim afterward. It handled leaves and larger debris effortlessly, but micro-sand remained its Achilles’ heel.
Cleaning the filter basket took under two minutes: I lifted the top cover, pulled out the 3.5 L cartridge, and rinsed it with my garden hose. After drying, it slotted back in with a satisfying click, and the next cycle showed no drop in suction power.
Pros and Cons
Customer Reviews
With 1,598 global ratings averaging 4.0 stars, the AIPER Scuba S1 has generated solid praise for its wall-climbing ability and cordless convenience, though a noticeable minority mention struggles with fine debris and occasional navigation hiccups. Early adopters value hassle-free filter cleaning and long battery life, while critical voices highlight its mid-range suction power. Here’s a snapshot of real user opinions before you decide.
Exceptional customer service and the upgraded S1 Pro delivered powerful, spotless cleaning after my initial issues.
Disappointed by poor sand pickup and frequent stalling, leaving parts of my pool uncleaned.
Impressed by wall and step navigation and found the filter very easy to rinse out.
After adding a fine mesh liner to the basket, it caught dust and fine debris flawlessly.
Comparison
Compared to the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus, the Scuba S1 excels with cordless convenience and wall-climbing ability, whereas the Dolphin relies on a power cable and is limited to floor cleaning. The Nautilus offers strong suction at a lower price point, but sacrifices autonomy and ease of use.
Against the premium Polaris 9550, AIPER’s Scuba S1 delivers similar wall-scaling performance yet at roughly half the cost. Polaris adds remote control and more powerful hydraulics, making it better for large debris, but at a significantly higher investment.
In contrast to budget handheld vacuums like the Intex rechargeable model, Scuba S1 offers true hands-free operation and larger filter capacity. Handhelds demand manual guiding and frequent emptying, while Scuba S1 completes full cycles autonomously, freeing you from poolside oversight.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need Wi-Fi or an app to operate the AIPER Scuba S1?
- No, it runs independently using onboard tactile controls—no Wi-Fi or smartphone required.
- How often should I clean the filter?
- Rinse the 3.5 L cartridge after every cycle and perform a deep scrub weekly to maintain optimal suction.
- Can it clean both walls and floor in one cycle?
- Yes, in Automatic mode it tackles floor, walls, and waterline sequentially for full coverage.
- What pool surfaces are supported?
- Compatible with tile, vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete surfaces thanks to its durable rubber tracks.
Conclusion
Overall, the AIPER Scuba S1 delivers a compelling balance of cordless freedom, intelligent navigation, and versatile cleaning modes at a mid-range price point. Its robust tracks and 150-minute runtime make it ideal for busy homeowners with inground pools up to 1,600 sq ft who want hands-free upkeep without hauling hoses or cables. Occasional navigation stalls and limited fine-sand pickup represent its only major drawbacks.
If your priority is seamless removal of micro-debris or you own a very large pool, this model might leave some areas unswept. Conversely, if you value a set-and-forget solution for routine maintenance—and don’t mind an extra manual skim now and then—the Scuba S1 is a worthwhile investment. Prices fluctuate seasonally; check current offers to see if it’s on sale before you buy.
