Robotic pool cleaners serve as a “set-it-and-forget-it” maintenance partner. They need to be reliable and actually clean your pool!
The Aiper Scuba S1 is a mid-range, mid-priced cordless cleaner that offers no frills or cool gadgetry. It simply cleans the pool, and does it well!
Editor’s Note: This review is for the standard version. There is a 2026 upgraded S1 that includes app support, OTA updates, and a 3-micron Ultra-fine Filter.
Aiper Scuba S1
The Scuba S1 delivers reliable scrubbing and cleaning including waterline tiles.
Pros
Cons
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Are S1 and N1 the Same? What’s The Difference?
When shopping, you may see this machine named as both the Scuba N1 and the Scuba S1, but they are fundamentally the same robot.
Aiper typically uses the N1 designation for models sold in brick-and-mortar retail stores like WalMart or Best Buy, while the S1 branding is used for the version sold through online-only retailers like Amazon.
Aside from potential differences in shell color, the internal motors, battery, and cleaning capabilities remain identical.
The only difference I have found is the N1 includes two additional brushes inside its box.
For transparency, I have tested the Scuba N1.
Scuba S1 Overview
The Scuba S1 is manufactured by Aiper, a company known for its focus on cordless robotic pool technology.
It is described as a high-performance cleaner designed to provide a “tangle-free” experience experience by removing the need for external power cables or hoses. It’s rechargeable battery provides a runtime of up to 150 minutes per charge.
In terms of cleaning capacity, the S1 is engineered for any type of pool surface with a 1,600 sq. ft. coverage. It uses WavePath Navigation 2.0 to follow a systematic path rather than a random pattern, ensuring full coverage of the pool floor and walls.
Pricing and Warranty Information
As of March 2026, the Aiper Scuba S1 typically retails from $450 to $600. It is frequently discounted online and through the Aiper store.
The 2026 upgraded version that includes app support and OTA upgrades is around $600 to $700.
Aiper provides a 2-year limited warranty on the Scuba series, which covers the battery and motor, offering a standard level of protection.
Unboxing and Setup
The robot is pretty much ready to go after taking it out of the box. All you need to do is make sure it is fully charged and it’s good to clean.
As mentioned above, the Scuba N1 comes with two additional scrubbers which is a nice addition. I have a concrete pool, so those will hopefully come in handy down the road.
Cleaning Performance: Floor, Walls, and Waterline
The Scuba’s WavePath Navigation 2.0 technology is its biggest asset. One of the bigger complaints for this mid-priced robots is the inability to properly “scan” the pool, and sometimes getting stuck.
The S1, however, never seems to have that issue. It clears the entire surface and rarely misses an area. Its caterpillar treads are able to grip my pool’s concrete surface and ride it up to the waterline.
The robot itself has 4 cleaning modes:
- Auto mode: The default setting that cleans the entire pool.
- Wall mode: Cleans just the walls.
- Floor mode: Cleans just the floors
- Eco mode: Cleans for 45 minutes every 48 hours until it runs out of battery (typically a week).
After trying eco mode for a few cycles, it’s not something for larger pools. I have a 20×40 pool, roughly 1,500 sq. ft.. While the other modes finish the pool in a single charge, eco mode will not cover the entire pool before shutting off.
It’s their take on scheduled cleaning, which I get. But if you are getting this robot, you’re going to have to live with not having a true scheduled clean.
Filter and Debris Handling
The S1 comes with a 3.5L top-loading basket which is on the larger side for robots of this price-range.
The 180-micron filter basket is great for leaves, bugs, and larger debris. Where it does struggle is the smaller, hard-to-see debris. I’ve had a few cleaning cycles where visible particles were left floating in the water.
Aiper seemed to have fixed this with a 3-micron ultra-fine filter in the upgraded version.
In terms of cleaning, it cannot be easier. The top-loading basket easily snaps out and is very simply to empty and hose off before putting it back in.
Durability and Seasonal Storage
I used and ran the Scuba S1 as a primary cleaning for an entire swim season (6 months), storing it in a pool shed between each use and charge.
It has held up just fine. The brushes don’t seem to have that much wear on them considering the concrete pool.
There’s been no issues, mechanical failures, or leaks to note.
When storing for the season, Aiper recommends charging it every TWO months to 40 – 60% battery to maintain the health of the battery itself. Just remember to set some calendar reminders!
Final Verdict
Overall, I have been happy with the Scuba S1 considering its price and capabilities. I am typically wary of cordless robots, but this has been a nice surprise.
If you are looking for an affordable robot, I think this is a great choice.
I would recommend the upgraded version for app integration and the ultra-fine filter.