The AIPER Surfer S1 is not just another swimming pool robot on the market, but is specially designed for cleaning the water surface. Most pool robots are limited to the floor or, more recently, the walls. Only in the premium segment are robots to be found that also include the surface. The AIPER Surfer S1 takes this as an opportunity and focuses fully on this niche. The pool skimmer is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. For example, it can be charged while on the move thanks to a large solar panel on the housing cover. In addition to app support, navigation with ultrasonic sensors is also on board.
Today we take a closer look at the AIPER Surfer S1 and examine its performance and handling. The question arises as to whether such an investment is worthwhile or whether manual netting is enough?
Technical data
| Pool type | Pool cleaning robot |
| Model | Surfer S1 |
| Color options | Dark gray |
| Ideal pool type | Both in-ground and above-ground pools / except glass infinity pools |
| Pool size | Any pool size |
| Suitable pool material | Any pool material |
| Surfaces to be cleaned |
Water surface |
| Water condition: Temperature | 10 °C – 35 °C |
| Water condition: pH value | 7,0 – 7,4 |
| Water condition: Chlorine | max. 4 PPM |
| Water condition: NaCl | max. 6,500 PPM |
| Motor | 2x propeller (brushless), 1x impeller (brushless) |
| Filter type | Closed filter basket |
| Filter basket size | 5 L |
| Filtration specification | 200 μm filter basket |
| Max. running time | approx. 12 hours |
| Charging time | approx. 2.5 hours |
| Battery size | 4,000 mAh |
| Charging method | Solar and direct current charging |
| IP protection class | IPX7 |
| Dimensions (L x W x D) | 560 x 460 x 200 mm |
| Weight | 5.8 kg |
| Price |
€ 799.99 * |
Scope of delivery
- Pool robot and power supply included
- Operating instructions in turquoise envelope
- No further extras
The scope of delivery of the AIPER Surfer S1 can be summarized without much ado: It is limited to the essentials. This includes the pool robot itself and the power supply unit. The usual documents, including the operating instructions, are contained in a separate turquoise envelope.
Appearance & finish
- Looks like a catamaran
- Ultrasonic sensors for obstacle detection and turquoise propellers
- Solid workmanship, timeless color scheme, high-quality appearance
In the world of pool robots, the AIPER Surfer S1 has an extraordinary look. It resembles a catamaran. A large part of the extendable cover is fitted with a solar panel that automatically charges the robot during operation. The front of the cover is adorned with bronze-colored AIPER lettering. The AIPER Surfer S1 is also equipped with ultrasonic sensors for obstacle detection. These are visible on the front in the form of eyes. The controls and charging port are located on the back. Below this, two turquoise propellers ensure the robot’s locomotion.
In terms of workmanship, the AIPER Surfer S1 offers a good overall package. All components appear solidly made and all housing parts are flush with each other. The color scheme also makes a timeless impression and the AIPER lettering in bronze in particular gives the pool robot a high-quality appearance. The filter basket also has a pleasingly thick mesh. Accordingly, the workmanship and the technology under the hood are commensurate with the price.
Features
- Large solar panel and brushless motor
- Ultrasonic sensors and UV-resistant body
- Large filter basket with 5 liter capacity
In addition to the large solar panel on the housing cover, which is probably the most striking feature, the AIPER Surfer S1 also has a number of other technical refinements. These include the brushless motor and the paddle wheel design of the brush. The filter basket has a capacity of up to 5 liters, making it the largest pool robot we have tested in our blog so far. The AIPER Surfer S1 can get through the day for up to 12 hours on a single charge. Provided the sun is not shining at all, which is rarely the case in summer. Otherwise, the battery is charged during operation.
Ultrasonic sensors are used to avoid getting caught on the edge of the pool or on the ladder. On the other hand, support beams are mounted on the underside on each side to prevent the Surfer S1 from tilting on the steps. By releasing the locking mechanism, these can be pulled out downwards if necessary. The robot is also compatible with all types of pools, both conventional and saltwater and natural pools. The fact that the body does not show any weak points over time is also crucial, especially in summer or on hot days. For this reason, the entire body is UV-resistant. The handle on the top is used for transportation.
App scope
- App for Android and iOS with Bluetooth or QR code coupling
- Control, cleaning history, water temperature display and digital manuals
- Stable app, but minor translation errors present
The manufacturer offers an optional app with additional functions for controlling the AIPER Surfer S1 pool robot. The app is available for both Android and iOS. If you do not yet have an account with AIPER, you must first create one. The Surfer S1 is then paired with the account via Bluetooth. Alternatively, it is also possible to scan a QR code on the underside of the robot. The robot can now be connected directly to the WLAN. Please note that only 2.4 GHz is supported.
The app’s range of functions includes starting and stopping the cleaning process as well as manual control of the robot. So if you want the Surfer S1 to move to a specific dirty spot, you can control the whole thing using the joystick. It should be noted that direct turning with the swimming pool robot is not possible. Although the steering works without any problems, there is of course no precise steering as in a car. An active Bluetooth connection to the robot is also required. Ingenious: The current water temperature is also measured and can be called up in the app!
It is also possible to display the cleaning processes of the last seven days. There is a nice but, in our opinion, useful little feature under the “Support” tab. The instructions for all pool robots can be displayed digitally here. So anyone who likes to misplace manuals or can’t find them quickly will appreciate something like this. In the event of a defect, it is also possible to contact AIPER in this way or submit a warranty claim.
Overall, the app appears to have been carefully developed and the interface is well thought out. We did not experience any app crashes and the app always ran smoothly. However, there are minor translation errors in the German language.
Practical test
- Quiet propellers but noisy brush during operation
- Good navigation, but damage due to protruding edges
- Solar panel charges battery reliably, power supply therefore often unnecessary
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, a height of 120 cm and a diameter of 460 cm. The following test will therefore examine whether the AIPER Surfer S1 is able to completely remove all dirt particles from the water surface. Or do some flies, leaves or similar remain in the tank?
Commissioning
The AIPER Surfer S1 reached us with a 54% battery charge according to the app. As the robot has a large solar panel on the roof and the weather is very sunny at the moment, we opted for the environmentally friendly option. Accordingly, the pool robot went straight into the pool. To switch it on, simply press the power switch on the back of the housing for 2 seconds. Pressing the middle start/stop button again starts the cleaning process.
Of course, it is also possible to simply charge the device using the mains adapter. The charging connection of the Surfer S1 is also located on the back and is covered by a rubber coating. If the pool robot is actually completely empty, it takes around 2.5 hours to charge the 4,000 mAh battery.
Cleaning the water surface
In the test, the AIPER Surfer S1 was completely convincing and sucked up numerous insects from the water surface. The large lamellar brush inside the robot helps with this, which transports all particles into the filter basket. However, the pool robot is always audible when it is in operation. However, the cause is probably not even in the two propellers, as originally assumed. These are completely submerged in the water, which has a dampening effect. The main noise therefore comes from the brush itself.
Navigation works quite well, even though the robot does not follow a fixed driving pattern. Instead, the Surfer S1 consistently drives across the pool and turns in again just before the wall. Thanks to its ultrasonic sensors, it can also recognize people in the pool and drive around them. This worked very well in the test. However, it must be mentioned that the sensors probably only detect obstacles at direct height. In our case, for example, the edge of the pool sticks out a little, which the AIPER Surfer S1 likes to bump into from time to time. The result is a few scratches in the paint on the two front sides of the robot. If necessary, a foam coating on the sides could have helped here, even if this would probably have been at the expense of the design.
Charging during cleaning works wonderfully. While we went into the race or pool with 54%, after six hours of cleaning it was even 82%. The exciting thing about it: depending on the position of the sun and the surrounding houses, the pool is not even completely hit by the sun’s rays. The sky was also cloudy at times, which is why we consider the solar panel on the roof to be a complete success. The whole thing can be reproduced over several days, so we were never left with an empty battery. It can therefore be said that charging with the mains adapter is generally not necessary in the hot summer months. Simply place the pool robot in the water and at the end of the day the AIPER Surfer S1 has a higher battery charge than before.
Cleaning
- Unlock and push back the housing cover using the turquoise button
- Filter basket can be cleaned with a garden hose
- Then reinsert and slide the cover forwards
Cleaning the AIPER Surfer S1 is similar to other pool robots. To access the filter basket, press the turquoise button on the back of the housing, which unlocks the cover. The cover can now be pushed backwards. Please note that the cover can be moved very far. The end point is only reached when the AIPER lettering is behind the filter basket. In the meantime, the handle of the filter basket already folds upwards and makes it easier to remove.
The filter basket opens by means of a catch on the back and can be easily rinsed out with a garden hose. Insertion is carried out in exactly the reverse order, after which the lid is simply pushed forward and closed. This makes cleaning simple and straightforward. The size of the filter basket is also impressive and offers enough space for several consecutive days of use.
AIPER Surfer S1 test: Conclusion
If you look at the many advantages of the AIPER Surfer S1, you can hardly blame the pool robot. The cleaning performance is convincing all round. The solar panel on the roof is a particularly clever move and saves the hassle of recharging in summer. Added to this is the app, which is a very good companion with useful functions and provides information on the current cleaning status. Orientation also works superbly in general, although the ultrasonic sensors only work at eye level and do not detect protruding objects at height.
In conclusion, the question arises as to whether the investment in the AIPER Surfer S1 is really worthwhile. The advantages speak for themselves, of course. On the other hand, the price is likely to put most customers off. The Surfer S1 is currently available on Amazon for around 800 euros. Despite the enormous technology under the hood, this is certainly too much when you consider the limited range of applications. After all, the robot can only clean the surface of the water. Another pool robot would have to be purchased for the floor or walls. However, the robot is currently available directly from the manufacturer at half price ($399.99). The price-performance ratio is right here and the investment is definitely worth it. However, if you own a smaller pool anyway, the manual scraper from the DIY store is probably more worthwhile.
AIPER Surfer S1
Design & processing
Ease of use
Cleaning performance
Equipment
Value for money
90/100
Excellent solar-powered pool skimmer for continuous use! However, the limited area of application, namely only the water surface, demands a high price.
