At first glance, the Scuba SL and Scuba S1 2025/26 are remarkably similar. Both deliver floor, wall and waterline cleaning. The biggest difference isn't what they clean, but how each feels to own and use day after day.
What matters most?
A robotic cleaner is judged by the pool it leaves behind. But it's also judged by how easy it is to live with.
When two cleaners produce similarly clean pools, the deciding factors often extend beyond the headline specifications. Ease of handling. Ease of use. The small details that influence how a cleaner feels as part of everyday pool care.
Side by side
Both models are designed for in-ground pools up to 150m², with floor, wall and waterline cleaning.
| Scuba SL | Scuba S1 2025/26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pool compatibility | ||
| Ideal for | In-ground pools | In-ground pools |
| Pool size coverage | Up to 150 m² (15 m in length) | Up to 150 m² (15 m in length) |
| Surfaces | Concrete, Pebblecrete, Quartzon, Glass Beads, Fibreglass, Vinyl, Tiles | Concrete, Pebblecrete, Quartzon, Glass Beads, Fibreglass, Vinyl, Tiles |
| Cleaning areas | Floor, walls & waterline | Floor, walls & waterline |
| Max slope in floor mode | 45° | 45° |
| Cleaning performance | ||
| Navigation | WavePath™ | WavePath™ 2.0 |
| Water flow / suction | 15,000 LPH (250 LPM) | 15,900 LPH (265 LPM) |
| Motor system | Tri-Motor (2× Drive + 1× Pump) | Tri-Motor (2× Drive + 1× Pump) |
| Brush system | 1× Active PVC Roller | 1× Active PVC Roller |
| Cleaning modes | Smart/Auto, Floor, Wall, Periodic (Eco) | Smart/Auto, Floor, Wall, Periodic (Eco) |
| Battery and runtime | ||
| Standard runtime | Up to 150 minutes | Up to 180 minutes |
| Periodic / Eco cleaning | 45 min every 48 h | 45 min every 48 h; custom weekly via app |
| Charging time | 3 hours | 3–4 hours |
| Filtration | ||
| Standard filter | 180 μm fine filter basket | 180 μm fine filter basket |
| Ultra-fine filter (3 μm) | Optional accessory | Included in box |
| Filter basket capacity | 3.5 L | 3.5 L |
| Convenience & smart features | ||
| Activation | One-click start | One-click start |
| App control | No app required | App support; limited once cleaner is underwater |
| OTA firmware updates | No | Yes |
| Self-parking | Yes, parks near the wall when finished | Yes, parks near the wall when finished |
| LED indicators | Status and error indicators | Status and error indicators |
| Quick water release | Yes | Yes |
| Physical details | ||
| Weight | 6.5kg | 7.5kg |
| Retrieval hook | Included | Included |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
| In the box | Scuba SL, DC charger, retrieval hook and user manual | Scuba S1, DC charger, retrieval hook and user manual |
Runtime and cleaning results can vary by pool shape, surface, debris load and selected mode.
Real-world difference
The specifications show how close these two cleaners are. The more useful comparison is what changes in the routine around the clean: handling, control and filtration.
The Scuba SL follows Aiper’s newer physical design direction, with a lower-profile body and lighter 6.5 kg build compared with the S1’s earlier chassis style. The difference is most noticeable when lifting the cleaner out, carrying it back to charge and working around shallow pool areas.
The S1 offers app support, cleaning history and OTA updates. These can be useful for owners who want app-based features, but the main cleaning modes can still be selected from the robot itself, and app communication is limited once the cleaner is underwater. The SL keeps the process simple: select the mode, place it in the pool and let it clean.
The S1 includes the 3 μm MicroMesh filter in the box. The SL includes the standard 180 μm basket, with 3 μm ultra-fine filtration available as an optional accessory. For everyday debris, the standard basket keeps cleaning simple and practical. For fine dust, silt or pollen, the optional 3 μm filter gives SL owners a clear upgrade path.
Customer feedback
The customer feedback is clear: owners notice the freedom from long cords, the easier setup and the amount of labour saved. The SL earns its place by making routine cleaning feel less demanding.
"It is wonderful, keeps my pool looking so good. It picks up dust particles smaller than I thought it would."
"Very simple and easy to use. No long cords to worry about, and it cleaned the leaves and dirt from the base and walls."
"Saves me a massive amount of labour and is much easier to set up and take down than a traditional hose type cleaner."
- Verified Customer Reviews
Final verdict
The Scuba SL introduces Aiper's newer design direction. Its lower-profile body and 6.5 kg weight make it easier to handle as part of regular pool care, whether that's lowering it into the pool, retrieving it after a cycle, or carrying it back to charge. For many pool owners, this will be the most meaningful difference between the two models.
Where it matters most, the gap is surprisingly small. Both cleaners cover the floor, walls and waterline, support similar pool sizes, and offer comparable cleaning performance. The Scuba SL simply delivers that experience with less weight to lift and less effort to manage as part of regular pool care.
Not sure which cleaner suits your pool? Tell us about your pool and we'll check it for you.
