Aiper Scuba S1 Vs. S1 Pro: Which Robotic Cleaner Transformed My Pool?

As someone who’s spent countless hours maintaining my own backyard pool, I’ve always been on the lookout for tools that make the job easier without breaking the bank.

In this article, I’ll compare the Aiper Scuba S1 and S1 Pro robotic pool cleaners, sharing my thoughts on their features, performance, and value to help you decide which one fits your needs.

Whether you’re dealing with daily debris or tougher grime, I’ll break it down from a practical standpoint.

Key Differences Between The Aiper Scuba S1 And S1 Pro

Deciding between these two often comes down to specifics. Here’s how they stack up, based on my side-by-side use.

• Size and Weight: The S1 is lighter at 16 pounds, making it easier for me to handle alone. The Pro’s 26 pounds requires more effort, but it feels sturdier. For smaller pools, the S1’s compactness wins; for larger, the Pro’s build excels.
• Battery Runtime: S1’s 150 minutes suits quick jobs, but Pro’s 180 gives peace of mind for big areas. I’ve noticed the Pro lasts longer in intensive modes.
• Suction Strength: 4,200 GPH vs. 6,000 GPH—the Pro’s edge shows in heavy debris. In a test with leaves, the Pro cleared faster.
• Filtration Capacity: S1’s 3.5L vs. Pro’s 5L means fewer stops with the Pro. Dual-layer in Pro captures finer stuff better.
• Cleaning Modes Variety: S1 has basic three plus eco; Pro adds dedicated waterline and periodic. This makes Pro more versatile for thorough cleans.
• Navigation Enhancements: Both use WavePath 2.0, but Pro’s extra sensors improve accuracy. S1 sometimes misses spots; Pro is more consistent.
• Motor Configuration: S1’s three motors vs. Pro’s quad—Pro delivers more power for scrubbing.
• Pool Coverage: 1,600 sq ft for S1 vs. 2,150 for Pro. If your pool is bigger, Pro is essential.
• App Functionality: S1’s app is monitoring-focused; Pro’s allows custom periodic cleans.
• Price Point: S1 at $500-700 is budget-friendly; Pro at $1,000+ is an investment. Value depends on needs.

Key Features of The Aiper Scuba S1

When I first got my hands on the Aiper Scuba S1, it struck me as a straightforward machine designed for everyday pool owners like me who don’t want a lot of fuss. It’s cordless, which means no tangled hoses getting in the way while I’m trying to relax by the pool. Let me walk you through what stands out about it.

• Cordless Design and Portability

This thing is all about freedom from cords, and in my experience, that’s a game-changer for smaller setups. Weighing just 16 pounds, I can easily lift it in and out of the water without straining my back.

Imagine finishing a swim and just dropping it in—no plugging in or dealing with power outlets near the pool edge. It’s built for in-ground pools up to 1,600 square feet, which covers most average backyards.

I’ve used it in my rectangular vinyl-lined pool, and it handles the space without issue, though I notice it takes its time mapping out irregular shapes. The caterpillar treads give it good grip on surfaces like concrete or fiberglass, allowing it to climb walls at a 90-degree angle plus or minus 15 degrees.

That’s useful for getting up to the waterline, even if it’s not as aggressive as some pricier models. In one session, I watched it navigate around a small step without getting stuck, which saved me from having to fish it out manually.

• Suction and Scrubbing Power

The S1 packs a 4,200 gallons per hour suction rate, which sounds impressive on paper, and in practice, it does a solid job picking up leaves, sand, and hair from the floor.

There’s one active PVC roller that scrubs as it goes, combined with a dynamic silicone brush that helps loosen dirt.

I remember a time when my pool had a layer of fine dust after a windy day; the S1 managed to clear most of it in about an hour.

However, it’s not the strongest for heavy debris like acorns or thick algae buildup.

The brushless filtration motor keeps things efficient, filtering water as it cleans, which indirectly helps maintain clearer water over time. I’ve found that running it daily prevents that murky buildup, but if your pool sees a lot of traffic from kids or pets, you might need to pair it with manual skimming for the best results.

• Filtration System

Here’s where the S1 shines for its price point—a 3-micron ultra-fine filter made with hydrophilic fibers that traps tiny particles like algae and microorganisms, plus a 180-micron fine basket for larger stuff. The basket holds 3.5 liters, which means fewer trips to empty it during a clean.

In my tests, it captured everything from insects to dust without clogging too quickly. The multi-layer structure of the filter is about 5mm thick, ensuring it doesn’t let much slip through. I appreciate how easy it is to access the top-load basket; just pop it open, rinse, and you’re good.

Compared to older cleaners I’ve owned, this reduces maintenance time significantly, though I do wish it had a finer option for sunscreen residues that sometimes linger.

• Battery and Charging

With up to 150 minutes of runtime, the S1 gives me enough juice for a full clean in my 1,200-square-foot pool. Charging takes 3-4 hours, and there’s an option for solar charging if you’re eco-conscious like I try to be. I’ve left it charging on sunny days and noticed it tops up faster.

The battery is reliable, but I’ve learned to check the indicator before starting—nothing worse than it dying mid-cycle. In eco mode, it runs 45 minutes every 48 hours for a week, which is perfect for when I’m away on a short trip.

• Cleaning Modes and Navigation

The S1 offers three main modes plus eco: floor-only for quick bottom cleans, wall mode that climbs from bottom to top, and auto which combines both. WavePath 2.0 navigation uses sensors to map paths systematically—N-shaped on walls and back-and-forth on floors.

In my pool, it covers most areas, but sometimes misses corners if there’s a strong current from returns. The app lets me monitor progress and schedule, though it’s basic—no fancy customizations.

• App Integration and Accessories

The app is simple, showing cleaning history and allowing OTA updates. Accessories include a retrieval hook and charger, making setup a breeze. I’ve hooked it out of the water countless times without hassle.

Pros of The Aiper Scuba S1

From my perspective, the S1 has plenty going for it, especially if you’re starting out or have a straightforward pool setup. Let me expand on why these aspects make it a solid choice based on my hands-on time with it.

• Affordability: At half the Pro’s price, it’s accessible for most budgets. I got mine on sale and felt it paid for itself in saved time within a couple of months, avoiding the need for professional cleaning services that can add up quickly, especially during peak summer seasons when pools get extra use.
• Lightweight and Easy Handling: 16 pounds means I can manage it solo without much effort. Great for frequent use, like after a weekend barbecue when leaves and dirt accumulate, and I don’t want to wrestle with a heavier device while still dripping from a swim.
• Long Enough Battery for Most Jobs: 150 minutes covers my pool twice over if needed, giving flexibility for spot cleans or full sessions. In practice, this runtime has let me handle unexpected messes, like after a storm, without rushing to recharge midway through.
• Simple Operation: One-button modes and quick setup mean no steep learning curve. I appreciate this when I’m tired after a long day and just want to start the clean without fiddling with complicated settings or apps that require constant updates.
• Effective for Daily Maintenance: Keeps floors and walls clean without much fuss, picking up routine debris like pollen or small twigs efficiently. Over weeks of use, I’ve seen it maintain water clarity better, reducing how often I need to shock the pool chemically.
• Eco Mode for Vacations: Runs intermittently every 48 hours for a week, keeping things tidy while away on short trips. This feature has been a lifesaver during business travels, ensuring I return to a pool that’s not overgrown with algae.
• Good Traction: Caterpillar treads handle various surfaces well, from smooth fiberglass to textured concrete, preventing slips that could interrupt cleaning. In my slightly sloped pool bottom, this grip has minimized the times it gets stuck on transitions.

Cons of The Aiper Scuba S1

No tool is perfect, and the S1 has some drawbacks that I’ve encountered, particularly in more demanding scenarios.

• Limited Suction for Heavy Debris: Struggles with larger items like acorns or thick grime buildup from neglected periods. I’ve had to pre-skim bigger leaves manually to avoid clogs, which adds an extra step that can be annoying on busy days.
• Occasional Missed Areas: Navigation isn’t flawless in complex or irregularly shaped pools, sometimes skipping corners or edges. In my setup with a small bench area, I’ve noticed it requires a second run to catch everything, extending overall cleaning time.
• Smaller Basket: 3.5L capacity fills quicker in dirtier pools, meaning more frequent emptying mid-cycle. During high-pollen seasons, this has interrupted my routine, as I’d prefer to set it and forget it without checking halfway.
• No Dedicated Waterline Mode: It climbs walls to reach the waterline but lacks targeted horizontal scrubbing, so stubborn stains like oil rings from lotions don’t always come off completely. I’ve resorted to manual brushing for those spots, which defeats some of the automation purpose.
• Basic App: Lacks advanced controls like custom mapping or detailed progress tracking. While it shows basic status, I’ve wished for more insights, such as estimated time remaining, especially when scheduling around family pool time.
• Recharge Frequency: For daily intensive use, it means plugging in more often, and without a dock, it’s a minor hassle to position it correctly. On forgetful days, I’ve started a clean only to have it stop short, requiring a quick top-up.

Also Read: Is Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Worth It?

Key Features of The Aiper Scuba S1 Pro

Upgrading to the S1 Pro felt like stepping up to a more robust tool, especially for my pool that occasionally deals with heavier loads. It’s bulkier, but that extra size brings power. I’ll share what I’ve observed.

• Enhanced Cordless Design and Build: At 26 pounds, the Pro is heavier, but that weight helps it stay planted during cleans. It’s for pools up to 2,150 square feet, ideal for larger in-ground setups. The caterpillar treads are wider, improving mobility over obstacles up to 4cm and slopes. In my experience, it handles free-form pools better, navigating around curves without as much redirection.
• Superior Suction and Scrubbing: With 6,000 GPH suction, the Pro tackles tougher jobs. Quad-brushless motors (two drive, two pump) power dual front and rear PVC rollers for better scrubbing. I’ve seen it remove stubborn oils and sunscreen that the S1 struggled with. It’s like having a dedicated scrubber team.
• Advanced Filtration: Dual-layer system—180μm for visible debris and 3μm ultra-fine for micros—with a 5-liter basket (30% larger). This means less frequent emptying. The hydrophilic fibers capture fine particles effectively, and it’s replaceable.
• Longer Battery Life: 180 minutes runtime, charging in 4 hours. The wireless dock is a nice touch. I’ve run full cycles without interruption.
• Expanded Cleaning Modes: Four modes plus periodic: floor, wall, floor+wall, dedicated waterline, and app-based periodic. WaveLine tech scrubs horizontally at the waterline for 60 seconds per spot.
• Smarter Navigation and App: WavePath 2.0 with four infrared sensors for better obstacle avoidance. The app offers more—scheduling, history, updates. It’s more interactive.
• Additional Perks: Handles all pool types, includes hook and charger. The larger size means better stability.

Pros of the Aiper Scuba S1 Pro

The Pro steps up in ways that justify the cost for some users, particularly those with larger or more challenging pools. Here’s a deeper look at its strengths from my testing.

• Powerful Cleaning: 6,000 GPH suction and quad motors handle tough jobs like embedded dirt or heavier sediment with ease. In a side-by-side with the S1, it cleared a post-party mess of snacks and leaves in half the time, making it ideal for households with kids or pets.
• Larger Coverage: Up to 2,150 sq ft suits bigger pools, ensuring thorough cleans without multiple sessions. For my friend’s oversized free-form pool, this capability meant no more partial coverage issues that plague smaller models.
• Extended Battery: 180 minutes for uninterrupted cleans, even in wall or waterline modes that drain power faster. This extra runtime has allowed me to tackle deep cleans after weeks of neglect, without the anxiety of it quitting prematurely.
• Advanced Modes: Dedicated waterline focus removes stubborn buildup by scrubbing horizontally, which is a big win for aesthetic maintenance. I’ve seen it erase those unsightly rings that form from body oils, saving me from chemical treatments or elbow grease.
• Bigger Basket: 5L reduces maintenance by holding more debris before needing a dump. In high-traffic pools, this translates to fewer interruptions, letting the device run its full course more often.
• Better Navigation: Extra sensors avoid obstacles effectively, mapping paths more accurately. Around pool toys or steps, it rarely gets hung up, which has cut down on my intervention compared to simpler cleaners.
• App Enhancements: Periodic scheduling via app is handy for set-it-and-forget-it routines. With OTA updates, it stays current, and features like cleaning history help track performance over time, informing when filters need replacing.

Cons of the Aiper Scuba S1 Pro

It’s not without issues.

• Higher Price: Double the cost—make sure you need the extras.
• Heavier Weight: 26 pounds is cumbersome.
• Complex Filter Cleaning: Dual-layer can be trickier to rinse.
• Overkill for Small Pools: Features may be unnecessary.
• Longer Charge Time: 4 hours vs. S1’s 3-4.

Also Read: Comparison of Polaris 280 And Polaris 380 Pool Cleaners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

As I wrap this up, you and I both know pool maintenance can be a chore, but choosing the right cleaner like the S1 or Pro can turn it into something manageable. If your setup is modest, go with the S1—it’s reliable and won’t overwhelm your wallet.

For more demanding pools, the Pro’s extras make it worthwhile. Whatever you pick, you’ll spend less time cleaning and more enjoying the water.