Aiper Scuba E1 Review

Today, we are diving into Aiper’s newer cordless pool cleaner, the Aiper Scuba E1. Designed for flat bottom pools only, it seems like a great deal, but after testing, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Let’s be real: when I first came across the Aiper Scuba E1, a cordless pool robot priced under $400, I thought I’d hit the jackpot. It looked like the ultimate budget-friendly hack for pool maintenance. The ads make it seem like a game-changer.

Well, after testing it in my own pool, I can confidently say this might be the perfect example of “you get what you pay for.” And trust me, what I discovered could save you a lot of money—and frustration.

I’ve tested over 30 robotic pool cleaners, so let me break down where the Aiper Scuba E1 falls short.

Safety Concerns with Aiper Cordless Pool Cleaners

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, I need to address something important: fire risks with Aiper’s cordless models. While the Scuba E1 itself hasn’t been involved with any fires directly from what I could find, there have been reports of other Aiper models, like the Seagull Pro, allegedly catching fire during charging—even allegedly leading to house fires. There are some videos circulating online showing Aipers bursting into flames.

Disclaimer: While no fire incidents have been reported with the Aiper Scuba E1, safety concerns with other Aiper models highlight potential risks of lithium-ion batteries. Always follow proper charging and handling guidelines to ensure safe operation.

These investigations and cases are still ongoing, but I wanted to warn y’all before buying one.

These incidents likely stem from the lithium-ion batteries used in cordless robotic cleaners, which can overheat and suffer from thermal runaway. As of now, Aiper hasn’t publicly addressed these safety concerns, and that’s troubling. And some past models, like the Aiper Elite Pro, have 22,000 units already recalled by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission – so it isn’t the first time Aiper has had battery issues.

Until manufacturers can guarantee the safety of cordless models, I’d recommend sticking with corded cleaners—not only are they safer, but they have much better power and suction.

Flat Pools Only

The Aiper Scuba E1 is strictly for flat pool floors. If you have an above-ground pool or a flat-bottom inground pool, you’re in luck. But if your pool has slopes, steps, or walls? Forget it. This robot can’t handle any inclines, and it won’t climb walls.

My 8x20 flat-bottom pool was the perfect testing ground for this cleaner. But for anyone with a more complex pool layout, the E1 just doesn’t cut it.

Constant Recharging

Here’s where things start to get frustrating. The Scuba E1 runs for 100 minutes on a full charge, which sounds decent—until you realize it takes over 3 hours to recharge.

If your pool needs more than one cleaning cycle, which it probably will most of the time, you’re stuck waiting. Even with my small pool, one cycle wasn’t always enough. The downtime completely negates the convenience of owning a robotic cleaner.

With the Aiper Scuba E1, you're forced to interact with the robot twice a day to get in one cleaning cycle. A corded model, on the other hand, eliminates this hassle entirely.

Once a corded model like the Dolphin Cayman is plugged in, you can set the Weekly Timer to run on a schedule. And instead of constantly babysitting the E1, you could simply set up a corded cleaner and let it automatically clean every single day. You may only need to clean the filter once a week. Not to mention getting better cleaning, better motors and higher suction.

Weak Filtration and Suction

The Scuba E1 boasts an ultrafine filter panel and a mesh basket, but in practice, they’re underwhelming. Smaller debris often escapes back into the pool, and heavier dirt can be a challenge due to weak suction power.

Compared to corded models like the Dolphin Escape or Dolphin Cayman, the E1’s motor seemed underpowered, struggling to keep up with the power and performance of a corded model. If your pool collects leaves or fine particles, don’t expect the E1 to handle it well.

Comparing the Competition

Let’s talk alternatives. The Scuba E1’s debris basket is noticeably smaller than what you’ll find in Dolphin models like the Escape or Cayman, meaning you’ll be emptying it more often.

But the real game-changer? Corded pool cleaners, like the Cayman, offer a Weekly Smart Timer. You can set it to clean daily—it’s set it and forget it. With the Scuba E1, you’re pulling it in and out of the water multiple times a day, making it feel more like a chore than a convenience.

Price: The Only Real Selling Point

At under $400, the Scuba E1 is cheap—there’s no denying that. But the compromises in performance, reliability, and usability make it hard to justify, even at that price.

For just a bit more, you could get a powerful corded Dolphin model with a two-year warranty from a trusted brand. That’s a far better investment in the long run.

You can even look for Certified Dolphin Refurbished and Open Box, which save you hundreds with a full warranty. Check out the full selection at ThePoolNerd.com/deals.

Motors

The Scuba E1’s motor claims 3,600 gallons per hour (GPH) of suction—but I’m not buying it. I’ve tested both, and it seems nowhere near the 4,000 GPH you’d get from models like the Dolphin Escape or Cayman. Combined with its limited functionality, it’s clear this cleaner sacrifices too much to hit its budget-friendly price point.

Warranty

With only a one-year warranty, the Scuba E1 has one of the shortest warranties on the market. Many competitors offer longer coverage of 2-3 years, which is worth it when investing in a pool cleaner. It’s not a dealbreaker, but just another reason I’d consider a corded cleaner.

Final Verdict

So what’s my final verdict on the Aiper Scuba E1?

It’s Pool Nerd Disapproved.

The Aiper Scuba E1 might seem like a good deal at first, but its lackluster performance, constant recharging, and limited functionality make it hard to recommend.

If you want a pool cleaner that saves you time and effort, skip the Scuba E1. Corded models like the Dolphin Cayman or Dolphin Premier offer far superior performance, reliability, and convenience.

Bottom line? Don’t waste your money on the Aiper Scuba E1. Spend a little more on a cleaner that actually works.

Your resident pool aficionado.

For over 4+ years, The Pool Nerd has been a leading source in the swimming pool industry. With years of experince owning a swimming pool, our hope here is to guide and help making owning a swimming pool easier.