Alongside the Surfer S2, pool robot manufacturer AIPER also announced the AIPER Scuba X1 at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. It comes with all kinds of advanced technology, placing the X1 model series in the higher price segment. Features include the manufacturer’s OmniSense™ technology, which is designed to enable precise obstacle detection using ultrasonic sensors, and WavePath™ navigation, which enables efficient route planning. The AIPER Scuba X1 is also one of the pool robots with double roller brushes at both the front and rear. Thanks to a suction power of up to 6,600 GPH and various cleaning modes that reach right up to the waterline, it should be of interest to most pool owners.
The following report clarifies how the AIPER Scuba X1 performs in the test and for which target group it is suitable. It also needs to be clarified whether the cheaper AIPER Scuba S1 (our test) is sufficient as a cheaper alternative.
Technical data
| Pool type | Pool cleaning robot |
| model | Scuba X1 |
| Color options | Dark gray |
| Ideal pool type | Inground |
| Possible pool shapes | Rectangular, Round, Kidney-shaped, Random |
| Pool size | 200 m² |
| Suitable pool material | Concrete, fiberglass vinyl, tiles |
| Surfaces to be cleaned |
Floor, wall & waterline |
| Water condition: Temperature | 10 °C – 40 °C |
| Water condition: pH value | 7,0 – 7,8 |
| Water condition: Chlorine | max. 4 PPM |
| Water condition: NaCl | max. 5,000 PPM |
| Quantity: Motors | 4 |
| Number: Sensors | 14 |
| IP protection class | IPX8 |
| Suction capacity | 6600 GPH / 25200 L/h |
| Cleaning type |
Suction and double active front/rear rollers |
| Filtration specification | Filter basket + MicroMesh™ ultra-fine filter |
| Filter basket | 5 L |
| Max. Running time | approx. 3 hours |
| Charging time | approx. 4 hours |
| Battery size | 7,800 mAh |
| Dimensions (L x W x D) | 487 x 420 x 245 mm |
| Price |
€ 1,499.00 * |
Scope of delivery
- Includes pool robot and power supply unit as well as a grab hook
- Charging dock included, which consists of four individual parts
- Usual documents in turquoise envelope
As far as the delivery is concerned, this includes the pool robot itself as well as the corresponding power supply unit and a turquoise-colored grab hook. In addition, there are the usual documents, including an information card, operating instructions and a quick start guide. Last but not least, there is the charging dock, which has to be assembled first. It consists of four individual parts.
Appearance & finish
- Voluminous housing with a large number of motors and sensors
- Double roller brushes available on the front and back
- High-quality workmanship, but cumbersome opening of the housing cover
In contrast to the AIPER Scuba S1, the Scuba X1 is much bulkier and also weighs a few kilograms more. This makes sense, of course, as more motors and sensors lead to additional weight. As is usual with appliances in this price segment, the caterpillar tracks can be seen on both sides and the double roller brushes on the other. It is worth mentioning that the AIPER Scuba X1 has these at both the front and rear. Otherwise, the typical AIPER turquoise accents can be found, for example on the rings on the front and on the handle of the large filter basket.
The underside has a large suction opening and a rubberized strip that also helps to clean the floor. The double roller brushes appear again in the field of vision – supplemented by the pins for the loading dock, the type plate and a large water drainage flap.
In terms of workmanship, we have nothing to criticize. All components make a high-quality impression and fit together seamlessly. Operation via the individual buttons proves to be intuitive and the internal components, such as the filter basket, are also designed for a long service life. Only the clip for opening the housing cover on the AIPER Scuba X1 is comparatively slower than on the AIPER Scuba S1. This means that a little more force is required to release the cover from the housing.
Features
- Around 30 % more suction power than the Scuba S1
- 7,800 mAh battery ensures a runtime of up to 3 hours
- Filter basket with multi-layer structure for collecting micro-dirt
Let’s now take a closer look at the technology of the AIPER Scuba X1. Compared to the Scuba S1, the manufacturer has visibly upgraded it. As a result, the X1 now has four motors and 14 sensors built into the housing. The suction capacity has also increased to 25,200 liters per hour, which is a good third more than the S1. However, more technology, which consumes electricity, also takes its toll. AIPER has installed a battery with a capacity of 7,800 mAh so that the pool robot does not run out of light straight away. This is sufficient for a running time of around three hours, making the pool robot suitable for larger pools of up to 200 m². There is always enough space for dirt, as the filter basket not only has an integrated 5 mm thick multi-layer structure for micro-dirt, but also has a capacity of five liters.
For navigation and obstacle detection, the manufacturer uses patented technology such as WavePath™ 3.0 and OmniSense™ to determine the best paths and ideally cover a wide variety of pool types. With Waveline™ 2.0, cleaning at waterline level has also been optimized. Five cleaning modes are also available in conjunction with the app. Four different programs can be selected with the pool robot itself.
When it comes to easy charging, the charging dock is a convenient extra supplied by the manufacturer. As soon as the power supply is connected, the pool robot is simply placed on the dock from above after the cleaning process and charged automatically. This solution not only looks more elegant, but also saves space and reduces annoying cable clutter.
For the ultimate experience, you can go one better and get the manufacturer’s caddy. In this case, you don’t even have to carry the robot to the pool. For owners of the AIPER Scuba X1, the HydroComm series or the HydroComm Pro might be more exciting. The latter in particular is an intelligent measuring device for the pH value and temperature, which also “communicates” with the pool robot. After all, a WLAN or Bluetooth connection is not known to work underwater, which would circumvent the problem.
App scope
- Simple app with modern user interface
- Good range of functions for controlling the pool robot
- German translations a little bumpy in some areas
To control the AIPER Scuba X1, the manufacturer also offers an app with additional functions for the pool robot. The app is available for both Android and IOS. As soon as the account has been set up with the manufacturer and the pool robot has been paired via QR code or Bluetooth, it can be used immediately without any restrictions.
The functions of the app in conjunction with the AIPER Scuba S1 enable remote control of the cleaning modes and the definition of the navigation pattern. Another practical feature is the planning function for cleaning processes, which allows the robot to stay in the pool for several days and become active at a certain time of day. The app also gives us an insight into all relevant information about the consumables and gives us access to the records of past cleaning processes.
As already shown in the test of the AIPER Surfer S2, the user interface of the app looks modern and up-to-date. Anyone should be able to find their way around in no time at all, although there are still some areas where the translations could be improved.
Practical test
- Excellent cleaning results, also thanks to the use of the ultra-fine filter in the filter basket
- Reliable routing through the pool
- Obstacle detection on the walls still in need of optimization
The test environment
A round pool surrounded by a steel wall is used for our test. The pool has a capacity of approx. 19,000 liters with a height of 120 cm and a diameter of 460 cm. In the following, we want to investigate whether the AIPER Scuba X1 is able to completely remove all dirt particles from the pool.
Commissioning
As far as the charging process is concerned, we are flexible in two ways. We can use the charging dock, where the power supply unit is connected at the back, or plug the power supply unit directly into the pool robot. In principle, the first case is usually more convenient, as only the pool robot needs to be placed on top. With variant no. 2, on the other hand, you first have to open the rubber cover for the charging flap.
In both cases, the charging process is indicated by an LED. The control modes are also located nearby. You can select either the standard mode, which includes all elements, or alternatively the individual areas such as floor, wall and waterline.
While we were still complaining about the power supply unit on the little brother Scuba S1 back then, this problem no longer exists here. As a reminder: when charging, it emitted a kind of high-frequency tone sequence. AIPER has made improvements in this respect and has now provided a quiet charger – there is certainly power in silence.
Cleaning the floor
In the following, we will look specifically at the cleaning processes provided by the AIPER Scuba X1. We differentiate between the results on the floor and on the wall – up to the waterline. So after charging, it’s straight off – or for the pool robot: off into the cool water!
In the first case, the expected positive result can be seen. We are currently filtering the pool with sand, which is why some fine sand particles form as deposits at the bottom. With the ultra-fine filter, the AIPER Scuba X1 can skillfully suck these in. However, if you only want to suck up larger particles such as leaves or branches, the regular filter basket is perfectly adequate. The bottom navigation also works precisely, so that no dirt deposits were found at the end of the day. Just for the sake of completeness, it should be noted that we do not have a special pool shape. However, we assume that the pool robot can also use its sensors to find specific paths to adequately cover other pool variants.
Cleaning the wall
Let’s now take a closer look at wall cleaning: In this area, the AIPER Scuba X1 scores significantly better and outshines its little brother, the Scuba S1. In retrospect, the Scuba S1 was probably unable to climb every wall due to the piled-up sand corners. This actually works differently with the X1, so that the different drive-up angles do not cause the pool robot any problems here.
The cleaning results on the wall or waterline are just as impressive as those on the floor. Afterwards, we could not find any spots where dirt had remained. However, it was astonishing that the robot, although AIPER advertises with many sensors, wanted to kiss the pool ladder without further ado. Nevertheless, it did not get stuck here during the previous cleaning processes. The event did, however, briefly cause astonishment.
One thing is certain: the cleaning result from the wall to the waterline corresponds to AIPER’s specifications. The manufacturer could probably only optimize the obstacle detection with a further firmware upgrade.
Cleaning
- Simple cleaning process thanks to large filter basket
- Filter basket is multi-part, ultra-fine filter can be removed
- All components can be rinsed out with a garden hose
In terms of cleaning the filter basket and handling, the AIPER Scuba X1 is comparable to other pool robots in its price range. To clean the pool robot, you need to lift the rear part of the housing cover and then pull the turquoise-colored handle of the filter basket upwards. You then hold the filter basket in your hand, which opens by pressing the locking button. It should be noted that the AIPER Scuba X1 has two different types of filter elements. The white attachment is an ultra-fine filter. This can simply be pulled out upwards and then both individual parts can be rinsed out with the garden hose.
The multi-part filter basket is inserted in the opposite order. All in all, it can be said that the AIPER Scuba X1 has a solid integrated cleaning process that requires a moderate amount of effort. Only the aforementioned locking mechanism for opening the housing cover makes a rather cumbersome impression.
AIPER Scuba X1 test: Conclusion
With the AIPER Scuba X1, the manufacturer is launching a significantly more powerful model on the market, whose technology clearly surpasses the Scuba S1. Among other things, various additional sensors are used, the maximum suction power has been increased and the app connection offers numerous additional functional options. In terms of cleaning results, the pool robot was able to impress both on the floor and on the walls up to the waterline. Thanks to the use of the ultra-fine filter, operators of a sand filter system also have additional added value, as more dirt is deposited in the filter basket. What’s more, operating the pool robot is simple and intuitive thanks to the single button on the device.
The only noticeable optimization aspect is the cumbersome opening of the housing cover. In contrast, the obstacle detection works reliably when dealing with people. Nevertheless, the Scuba X1 briefly grazed the pool ladder during the cleaning process in our test. AIPER could subsequently optimize the situation further via an OTA update.
Finally, the question arises as to who should buy the AIPER Scuba X1. The shape of the pool and the amount of cleaning required are the main factors here. If you have a larger pool and frequently have to deal with fine dirt particles such as sand, hair or dust, you will probably be happier with the ultra-fine filter. For simple pools with moderate walls, the inexpensive class, as found in the AIPER Scuba S1, should also be suitable. At the end of the day, of course, it is always a question of budget and the desired level of comfort. In both cases, the manufacturer AIPER has some very successful solutions.
- Strong cleaning result
- Filter basket with insert for fine filtration
- Time-controlled cleaning modes possible
- Smart app with additional options
- Cumbersome locking mechanism on the housing cover
- Obstacle detection could be further improved
AIPER Scuba X1
Design & processing
Ease of use
Cleaning performance
Equipment
Price-performance ratio
91/100
With the AIPER Scuba X1, the manufacturer presents a smart pool cleaning robot that thoroughly sucks up even the smallest particles. In combination with a variety of other technical features, it offers a great deal of convenience, although this is also reflected in the price.
