Beatbot, a company that manufactures technically advanced swimming pool robots, now also offers a mobile skimmer. The Beatbot iSkim Ultra aims to raise the bar even higher than the AquaSense series. Compared to the regular AquasSense pool robot, the number of sensors has been increased from 15 to 20 in addition to the number of motors. To prevent the pool robot from running out of power unexpectedly during cleaning, there is a large 24 watt solar panel on the head. This means that the Beatbot iSkim Ultra is continuously charged, provided the sun is shining, of course. Also on board is an app connection and a filter basket with a capacity of 9 liters, so that dirt particles can be easily collected over several days.
In this test, we will find out how the extra technology affects the cleaning of the pool and for whom the Beatbot iSkim Ultra could be worthwhile.
Technical data
| Type | Pool cleaning robot |
| model | iSkim Ultra |
| Color options | Blue color |
| Cleaning surfaces |
Water surface |
| Cleaning path | S-path |
| Water condition: Water depth | ≥ 0,15 m |
| Water condition: pH value | 7,0 – 7,8 |
| Water condition: Chlorine | max. 4 PPM |
| Water condition: Salt | max. 5,000 PPM |
| Number: Motors | 7 |
| Number: Sensors | 20 |
| Number: Double-sided brushes |
2 |
| Quantity: Guide protection wheels | 6 |
| Filter basket capacity | 9 L |
| Charging time | ≥ 5 h |
| Battery size | 10.000 mAh |
| Solar module current | 24 W |
| Charging method | Solar and magnetic wireless |
| dimensions | 536 x 511 x 226 mm |
| weight | 7.7 kg |
| price |
€ 1,699.00 * |
Scope of delivery
- Includes pool robot, clarifier and magnetic power supply unit
- Additional accessories such as gripping hook, screwdriver, screws and manual
In addition to the Beatbot iSkim Ultra pool robot itself, the scope of delivery includes a kit with clarifier and a magnetic power supply unit. The grab hook for easy removal from the pool completes the equipment. The package is rounded off with the accessories, consisting of a screwdriver, screw set and the quick start guide/user manual.
Appearance & processing
- Design resembles a catamaran
- Operation via two push buttons on the head
- Robust workmanship without visible defects
With its two hulls, the Beatbot iSkim Ultra looks like a catamaran. The large solar panel serves as the carrying deck, which constantly recharges the pool robot during the cleaning process. There are four ultrasonic sensors at the front that detect the surroundings and are visually reminiscent of human eyes. While there is a lot of technology hidden under the hood, Beatbot relies on just two buttons in the head area when it comes to operability. The side brushes and a front wheel are located on both flanks. If you turn the robot by 180°, the two blue propellers appear, which are used for locomotion.
To counteract the problem of potential entanglement, four optional pull-out guards are fitted to the base of the housing. Additional damper strips in the side area of the Beatbot iSkim Ultra absorb accidental impacts with the edge of the pool. Another key component of the pool robot is the filter basket with a capacity of 9 liters. This is also equipped with a carrying handle, which can be used to lift the pool robot at the same time.
The Beatbot iSkim Ultra is at its best when it comes to workmanship. The components are recessed flush with each other, the housing has no flaws and the mechanisms for opening and closing glide flawlessly. There are also no cracks or other loose parts on the chassis. Considering the high price, the quality is impeccable and impressive.
Features
- Front roller brush and double side brushes are used to remove dirt
- Large solar panel charges the robot during operation
- Ultrasonic sensors detect the surroundings
Numerous ultrasonic sensors, which are located both above and under water, are designed to enable precise surface and edge cleaning. Rotating double-sided brushes, each with 16 bristles, are used to optimally remove dirt particles. A 26.5 cm long front roller brush ensures the final transport into the 9 liter filter basket. AI algorithms are even used for path finding, although the Beatbot iSkim Ultra largely sticks to the familiar S-pattern. As soon as an obstacle is detected, e.g. a person or the usual pool ladder, this is automatically recognized by the ultrasonic sensors and avoided accordingly.
The Beatbot iSkim Ultra also has its own purification system, which the manufacturer calls ClearWater™. Put simply, this is a clarifying solution that is located in the blue container. In use, this ensures better removal of oil or metal residues and is intended to prevent foaming or discoloration of the water. One kit lasts up to one month and must therefore be replaced regularly during the season. As already mentioned, charging takes place automatically via a 24 watt solar module during cleaning or via the magnetic charger, also with 24 watts. The solar module in particular is said to offer very good power consumption, which means that the 10,000 mAh battery is charged even in poor daylight or cloudy weather.
Other features include WiFi and Bluetooth, which can be used to connect the pool robot to the Beatbot app. Any status messages are then sent either via push notification on the smartphone or via a status LED on the robot. If you wish, you can also use the voice function. In this case, the Beatbot iSkim Ultra would output the information in real time, although this is currently only available in English. The overall package is rounded off by IP68 certification including UV resistance.
App scope
- Greater functionality of the pool robot by using the Beatbot app
- Can be connected via WLAN or Bluetooth
- Manual control of the robot possible
The Beatbot iSkim Ultra can be controlled manually using the manufacturer’s own app on the smartphone. The Beatbot app is available for both iOS and Android. After creating an account, the connection to the pool robot is established by scanning a QR code. In our case, this was even quicker via Bluetooth, as the robot immediately identified itself as a free device. The connection to the WLAN network is established via the 2.4 GHz frequency band.
Once set up, you have access to the pool robot and can control it from there. In addition to starting and stopping the cleaning process at the touch of a button and switching on the clarifier, the Beatbot iSkim Ultra can also be conveniently moved to the edge of the pool and parked there. If you want, you can even do it yourself and maneuver the Beatbot iSkim Ultra using a control pad. The manual steering worked quite well in the test and is a little more direct than on the Aiper Surfer S1(our test). The range of functions is supplemented by the usual features already familiar from a cleaning robot. In addition to viewing the cleaning history, scheduling individual tasks and time-controlled interruption of the cleaning process, the usual features are also available. Nice feature: the water temperature is displayed live in the app during cleaning.
As in the previous test, the Beatbot app makes a very good impression with a high level of user-friendliness. However, as some translations are still missing and there is therefore a mixture of German and English, there is still room for optimization. However, we did not encounter any bugs or similar issues and the app’s response time was consistently fast.
Practical test
- Effective cleaning of the water surface with quiet operation
- Good edge cleaning in round pools, but better usable in rectangular pools
- Clarifier offers additional comfort, but entails follow-up costs
The test environment
The practical test is carried out with a round basin whose walls are made of steel. The pool itself has a capacity of approx. 19,000 liters, a height of 120 cm and a diameter of 460 cm. How the Beatbot iSkim Ultra behaves in this body of water and whether it can remove all dirt particles is explained below.
Commissioning
At the time of initial setup, the Beatbot iSkim Ultra’s battery charge was 39%. Of course, now is not the best time of year to test pool robots, especially those with a solar panel. For this reason, we opted for the tried and tested method and charged the Beatbot iSkim Ultra to just under 70% on a test basis. One major advantage is the magnetic power connection. While other robots require a rubber cap to be opened and closed again, this is no longer necessary. As soon as the cable is connected to the back of the Beatbot iSkim Ultra, it adheres reliably to the charging pad.
Next, the purification unit is installed. Here, the cover including aluminum foil is removed once and inserted into the corresponding device on the back of the device. To switch on the Beatbot iSkim Ultra, simply press the power button on the side of the head.
Cleaning the water surface
As soon as it is placed in the water, the Beatbot iSkim Ultra starts cleaning automatically. The pool robot moves purposefully and confidently around the circular pool in an S-shape and brakes again just before the edge of the pool or turns independently. Compared to the AIPER Surfer S1, the noise level is particularly noteworthy. Even with the very thick front brush and the double side brushes, it moves much more quietly on the water surface.
Another positive aspect is the cleaning of edges and corners. This has the advantage that one or two additional deposits can be removed, especially on the walls. In the test, this works quite well despite the round shape of the pool, i.e. any mosquitoes on the pool liner are definitely collected. However, the result is likely to be even better for rectangular pools, as the Beatbot iSkim Ultra should be able to reach the corners better there. All in all, the double side brushes work and fulfill their purpose. The dirt yield is therefore decent.
We are completely satisfied with the solar panel on the top of the Beatbot iSkim Ultra. To clarify: Our test takes place in November here in Germany, which is really no longer the swimming season. Regardless of this fact, charging via solar panel works. After several hours in the water under a very overcast and rainy sky with occasional sunshine, the battery was already charged to over 10 %. On sunny summer days, the 24 watt solar panel will probably deliver more power, but even with little sunlight, the yield is sufficient.
Use of the clarifier
Using the approx. 300 ml clarifier set offers even more convenience. For example, the so-called “liberation clarification” can be started by pressing a button in the app. The Beatbot iSkim Ultra then lights up with a purple status LED and distributes the clarifier evenly in the pool. One kit is sufficient for a total of 4 applications, i.e. about one month of use over a week. It should be noted at this point that the whole thing is of course associated with follow-up costs. A set of 2 clarifiers from the Beatbot accessories store costs around €40.
The use of the clarifier worked perfectly in the test and naturally simplifies further maintenance of the pool. However, it is not a miracle cure. Constant monitoring of the pH value and chlorine content is the responsibility of every pool owner anyway.
Cleaning
- Filter basket should be rinsed out approx. 3 times a week
- Convenient removal and quick cleaning
- Solar panel can be gently wiped clean with a dry cloth
Despite its large capacity, the 9-liter filter basket should be cleaned approx. three times a week. To do this, press the button on the front of the Beatbot iSkim Ultra firmly inwards. At the same time, the filter basket unlocks and can now simply be pulled out. The filter basket can then be opened using a buckle and any residue can be quickly rinsed out with a garden hose.
Insertion is also done in no time at all, as the filter basket only needs to be pushed in from the front. It then locks into the Beatbot iSkim Ultra with an audible click. Regular maintenance worked perfectly in the test and is completed in just a few steps. In this sense, it can be said that an actually tedious procedure has been made simple. The solar module, on the other hand, can be wiped clean with a soft, dry cloth. Top!
Beatbot iSkim Ultra test: Conclusion
The question now is whether the Beatbot iSkim Ultra is actually worth buying. From a technical point of view, it definitely is, because the more than 20 sensors in combination with the 7 motors under the hood do a great job. In addition, the large solar panel continuously charges the pool robot, which works despite bad weather. In addition, the Beatbot app provides excellent service, paired with a simple and appealing user interface. Another feature that other pool robots usually cannot offer is the use of clarifying agents.
And yet the question cannot be answered with a clear yes. The Beatbot iSkim Ultra was available to pre-order for around 1000 dollars. The price on Amazon is now a good deal higher at €1699, which seems too high to us. Potential buyers should therefore keep their eyes open and look out for offers. Beatbot is offering discounts again right now for Black Friday, which significantly improves the price-performance ratio of the iSkim Ultra.
To summarize: If you have a simple pool and want to be economical, you should go for the manual landing net. If, on the other hand, you have a large pool and want to enjoy maximum cleaning performance even on the water surface, you should opt for the Beatbot iSkim Ultra.
Beatbot iSkim Ultra
Design & processing
Ease of use
Cleaning performance
Equipment
Price-performance ratio
93/100
The Beatbot iSkim Ultra lives up to its name and stands for maximum water surface cleaning including a purification system. However, this technology takes its toll, which is reflected in a steep price.
