[numbers needed, grab the weight and psi reading]
This is the Aiper Scuba X1. And it’s the newest cordless robotic pool cleaner from Aiper. With claims of smart navigation, powerful motors, and [AIR QUOTES] “ultra-fine filters”, it’s supposed to be the best Aiper pool cleaner yet. Sounds great, right? Well… not really.
It has the same battery life as the previous, cheaper mfilodels, mesh filter, and half the suction rate of the top corded models I’ve used. So it’s safe to say this robot if a flop…
But that got me thinking—what makes a great robotic pool cleaner? So, I put the Scuba X1 up against some of the best in the game, including the coraded Dolphin Premier that I’ve tested previously. And let’s just say, the difference is night and day.
Welcome back to ActuallyUsed, I’m Ryan. Today, we’re putting the Aiper Scuba X1 to the test. I borrowed a neighbor’s pool to see what it is actually like to use and own one. And let me tell you, for over a thousand dollars, it’s disappointing…
Sometimes a product just doesn’t live up to the hype. And we found out the hard way that the Aiper Scuba X1 is one of those products. So, we wanted to shoot this video so you can learn and figure out for yourself whether the Aiper Scuba X1 is right for your pool.
First Impressions: Looks Can Be Deceiving
Right out of the box, the Scuba X1 makes a solid first impression. The design is sleek and modern - matte black with carbon fiber accents that give it that tech-forward look we’ve come to expect. Aiper clearly put thought into the aesthetics and unboxing experience.
But , the X1 is heavy. It weighs over [PUT WEIGHT HERE ON SCALE] pounds dry [Weigh on Scale], so getting it out of the pool isn’t exactly easy. I think that’s because of the lithium-ion battery inside, but I’ll talk more later about why cordless robots aren’t really my thing.
Suction Power
Now to the most important aspect of any pool cleaner - how well does it actually clean? This is where the Scuba X1 really disappoints, and it’s not just a minor issue.
Aiper claims the Scuba X1 has 6600 gallons per hour of suction power. But I just didn’t buy that. So, I put it to the test and bought this manometer.
What is a Manometer and Why Did We Use It?
A manometer is a precision instrument used to measure pressure—in this case, suction power. Think of it as the ultimate lie detector for pool robots. Instead of taking manufacturer claims at face value (which, let’s be honest, are often exaggerated), we wanted real, measurable data to see how these cleaners actually perform.
By using a manometer, we could quantify suction strength in a controlled environment, giving us a clear comparison between different models—no marketing fluff, just hard numbers.
After rigging it with a manometer and testing it, it had only around [CHANGE NUMBER BASED ON WHAT YOU GET] 1 PSI of suction power coming out of the port. Which is disappointing when the similarly price corded model, Dolphin Premier, has around double the suction power.
Just watch as I rig up both the Dolphin Premier and Aiper Scuba X1 to compare.
You get nearly double the suction for the same price on the corded Dolphin Premier.
Why? The constant corded power and commercial-grade motors in the Premier.
That’s a big deal. You’re paying the same amount for a robot that delivers around half the suction power. I just can’t see how I’d recommend it over a corded model—especially knowing it’s working with such a significant disadvantage. Less suction means less debris picked up, less effective cleaning, and more frustration for you. And at this price point? That’s a hard pass.
Filtration
This cleaner comes with what might be the most disappointing filter basket I’ve ever tested. Let me show you the measurements.
So it’s about 9.5 × 4 × 6 inches, giving you around 228 cubic inches of total space. In real-world terms? That’s about average for pool robots. .
For perspective, look at something like the Dolphin Quantum. Its XXL MaxBin basket gives you over 400 cubic inches – almost double the capacity.
And yes, that difference is huge when you’re actually using them to clean your pool. With a powerful corded model like the Dolphin Quantum, you get a full, thorough clean in one go. But with the Scuba X1? You’d likely have to stop, empty the filter, and recharge it twice just to match the same level of cleaning. That’s not just inconvenient—it’s a dealbreaker.
The cleaning process is another frustration. The Scuba X1’s filter basket opens from the top, meaning you have to flip the whole thing upside down and spray water upward to clean it off—and yeah, it gets messy real quick.
Compare that to something like the Dolphin Quantum, which has a bottom-release basket—just pop it open, dump the debris, give it a quick rinse, and you’re done. less hassle, less mess.
Ultrafine Filtration
Now let’s talk about what they’re calling an “ultrafine filter.” Spoiler alert: it’s not. This is just standard mesh with a fancy marketing name.
Real ultrafine filters have pleats and ridges—like what you’ll find in Dolphin’s NanoFilter lineup. And when you put them side by side? No contest. After extensive testing, I’d take a NanoFilter any day. It actually traps microscopic debris instead of letting fine particles slip right back into your pool.
The Scuba X1 just misses the mark. It feels like Aiper is playing in the minor leagues, while other brands are delivering professional-grade cleaning solutions.
Battery Life and Charging
And after all that, the filter still isn’t the worst part about the Aiper Scuba X1. The battery is.
You’re spending all this money on a robotic pool cleaner that’s supposed to revolutionize pool maintenance—but the Scuba X1? It only cleans for one three hour cycle before it needs to be recharged.
And unlike a Roomba that docks itself automatically, this thing? Nope. You have to go outside, grab the hook and pole, and fish it out of the pool.
Every. Single. Day.
Yeah… it’s a pain. Meanwhile, corded cleaners I’ve tested turn on daily without you lifting a finger. But with the Scuba X1? I had to interact with it twice a day—once to pull it out, and once to put it back in—just to keep yourpool clean.
And let me tell you… that gets old fast.
For something that’s supposed to be the robot of the future, it feels anything but.
Sure, charging it is easy—you can hook it up directly or place it on the included charging stand. But that doesn’t change the fact that you have to do it every single day just to keep your pool clean. And that’s the problem. Cordless battery robots just don’t run long enough on a charge to make them a serious piece of equipment.
Safety Concerns
There’s something else worth noting: safety concerns. While I didn’t have any issues with mine, there have been multiple reports online of alleged fires involving Aiper pool cleaners—some burning up in the yard, others linked to entire house fires.
Now, to be fair, these alleged incidents involved a different model. But it was still on my mind every time I plugged in the Scuba X1. Because of that, I didn’t feel comfortable charging it unattended.
And while those are just allegations, Aiper’s recall history is real.
In 2023, over 22,000 Aiper Elite Pro cleaners were recalled due to burn and fire risks. And now? Another 35,000 Aiper Seagull Pros have just been recalled for safety concerns.
According to the official recall notice, Aiper has received 19 reports of Seagull Pro units melting, smoking, or catching fire while charging—resulting in five incidents of property damage. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.
That’s two major recalls in just over a year. So if you’re considering one of these cordless models, it’s definitely something to think about.
So Why Are There So Many Cordless Pool Cleaners?
The answer is simple: they’re cheaper to make.
These Chinese brands cut costs by using low-cost lithium-ion batteries, which not only limit performance but also introduce safety risks. Cordless models might sound convenient, but they’re almost always less powerful, less reliable, and—frankly—more of a hassle than a proper corded robotic pool cleaner.
The App
On the surface, the Aiper app seems solid. It lets you select cleaning modes, schedule cleanings, and check diagnostics. The interface is sleek, intuitive, and easy to navigate, even if you’re not super tech-savvy.
But here’s the catch—and trust me, it’s a big one:
It only works when the robot is out of the water.
Yes, you heard that right. Picture this—your robotic cleaner is submerged, scrubbing your pool, and you suddenly remember you forgot to check the cleaning mode. Naturally, you pull out your phone, open the app, and… nothing.
Absolutely zero functionality while the robot is actually doing its job. To make any adjustments or even glance at a setting, you have to chase it down and fish it out of the water.
It’s frustrating and makes what could’ve been a useful feature completely pointless.
Now, Aiper claims that once the HydroComm module releases, you’ll be able to connect while the robot is in the water. But here’s the problem:
- It’s not available yet. It’s slated to release later this year.
- It’s an extra $500.
So even if HydroComm works as promised, it turns what should’ve been a standard feature into an expensive add-on.
Camera & Navigation
The built-in camera and ultrasonic sensors sound impressive on paper. High-tech, smart navigation, real-time obstacle avoidance—what’s not to love?
Well, in reality? It’s underwhelming.
You’d think with all this tech, it would actively seek out leaves and debris. But instead? It seemed to still miss them.
While it’s not a dealbreaker, for a robot that claims to be cutting-edge, the navigation felt basic at best. And at this price tag, I expected it to actually clean smarter, not just claim to.
The Bottom Line
The Aiper Scuba X1 promises more than it delivers. And the battery technology just isn’t there. It just doesn’t live up to the performance that I’ve come to expect after testing corded models.
The battery hinders the robot’s performance in nearly every category. From filtration to disappointing suction power, it holds it back. It’s the classic case of solving a problem that doesn’t exist. Corded robots are the better option if you want a pool robot that can clean with power and precision.
Would I buy it again?
No, I would not. It’s way too expensive to justify its performance. Maybe if the battery technology improved and it could run for a week at a time while providing the same suction power of a corded model. The daily recharging gets old.
Recommendations: What Should You Buy Instead?
If you’re in the market for a robotic pool cleaner, I’d highly recommend checking out the Dolphin Quantum, Dolphin Premier, or Dolphin Sigma.
I’ve personally tested all three, and they outperform the Aiper Scuba X1 in every single category. Stronger suction, continuous power, hands-off scheduling, and top-tier filtration—these are the features that actually make a pool cleaner worth investing in.
I have detailed reviews on all three, so be sure to check those out.
Why Choose a Corded Cleaner Over a Cordless One?
Cordless robots sound convenient, but in reality, they come with serious trade-offs. Weaker suction, limited battery life, and constant recharging mean you’re spending more time maintaining the cleaner than actually enjoying a clean pool.
Meanwhile, corded robotic cleaners like the Quantum, Premier, and Sigma offer unmatched power, reliable performance, and true automation.
- No daily charging. They turn on automatically on a schedule.
- No weak suction. They use constant power for deeper, more effective cleaning.
- No small, inefficient filters. You get high-capacity, ultra-fine filtration that actually traps debris instead of circulating it back into the pool.
At the end of the day, it’s the difference between truly effortless pool cleaning and adding yet another daily chore to your routine—plugging, unplugging, and constantly recharging a robot that just doesn’t deliver.
Final Thoughts
You know I always try to find the positives in the products I review, and I appreciate what Aiper is trying to do with the Scuba X1. Building a truly effective cordless pool cleaner is no small task. But the reality is, the technology just isn’t there yet.
At the end of the day, I only recommend products that actually deliver. And I just can’t justify telling you to spend over $1,100 on something that struggles with its core purpose—keeping your pool clean.
The Aiper Scuba X1 is a product that tries to solve a problem that doesn’t exist. Corded robots already offer stronger suction, better navigation, and a hassle-free cleaning experience—without the limitations of battery life, weak filtration, or daily recharging.
So for now, this is one of those rare cases where the technology just isn’t ready. And until it is, your pool cleaning budget is better spent on a high-quality corded robot that actually gets the job done.
Thanks for watching, catch y’all on the next one.
