Aiper Surfer S2 Review It Rocks

After testing several robotic pool cleaners over the past couple of years, one thing is clear: the premium models often don’t excel in every aspect despite their high costs and numerous promises. One area that often disappoints is their surface-skimming ability for debris removal. Perhaps they are too heavy to move quickly across the water surface, or maybe their battery life runs out before completing surface cleaning. Regardless, the alternative is to use a traditional pool net or invest in a dedicated skimmer, such as the Aiper Surfer S2. Having just reviewed the Aiper Scuba X1Pro Max, I was eager to see how this dedicated skimmer would perform.

Features and Price of the Aiper Surfer S2

Sell price is generally below the suggested retail of $399.99, yet the Surfer S2 boasts a range of noteworthy features that caught my attention. I appreciate that the manufacturer claims continuous 24/7 operation thanks to its large integrated battery and solar panels. It also has a chlorine dispenser, which might appeal to some users, although I didn’t need it for my pool. If you live in a dusty or desert environment, the ultra-fine filter could be very beneficial for capturing dust on the water surface. Measuring 16.3 inches long, 7.9 inches wide, and 21.3 inches tall, with a weight of 12.6 pounds, the design is straightforward. It features a wide mouth on the front that uses a turning wheel to scoop debris, two rear propellers to navigate the pool, a solar panel on top, and fold-out legs underneath to prevent it from getting stuck on stairs.

Comparison to Other Pool Skimmers

Below is a comparison chart illustrating how the Surfer S2 stacks up against other robotic skimmers. Out of the options I’ve looked at, Aiper and BeatBot seem to be the closest competitors. Both brands continually upgrade with each model iteration. For example, the BeatBot iSkim Ultra is priced around $1,499, which is significantly higher than the Surfer S2’s $399. The iSkim Ultra features more advanced technology, including 20 sensors (versus two), added brushes for enhanced debris collection, and a larger filter basket. However, it might be overkill for typical residential pools.

Compared to the earlier Aiper S1, the S2 nearly triples its runtime, eliminates the battery drain issues S1 users experienced, offers improved navigation and a debris guard, along with several other minor upgrades.

Real-World Testing of the Aiper Surfer S2

I found the Surfer S2 extremely easy to set up and operate. Simply pair it via your phone, input your Wi-Fi details, and it appears in the app alongside my other device, the Aiper Scuba X1Pro Max. Swiping left or right switches between devices. The app allows manual control to direct the S2 to specific pool areas or retrieve it, as well as scheduling cleaning sessions on specific days and times.

In everyday use, I typically let the Surfer S2 run around the clock on certain days and remove it during pool use. During tests, I observed about a 20-25% battery drop when leaving it running overnight. On sunny days, the battery remained stable and even gained a little charge from the panels. I drained its battery to 10% and recharged it fully in under two hours via the solar panels. Using the AC adapter, a full charge took less than 30 minutes. It performed well at collecting large debris like leaves (near trees hanging over the pool) and smaller debris such as pollen. It even managed to pick up shredded pieces of a blue pool noodle, along with small foam chunks floating just beneath the surface.

Warranty Information

During my three-week trial, I repeatedly took the Surfer S2 in and out of the pool, often dropping it onto the deck. Despite some scratches, it still functions perfectly. The company offers a two-year warranty, comparable to that of the BeatBot iSkim Ultra. For comparison, models like the Betta SE Plus and Dolphin Skimmi have only a one-year warranty, and the Aiper S1 comes with 18 months.

Final Thoughts: Should You Purchase the Surfer S2?

The Surfer S2 genuinely does what it promises: it’s low-maintenance, reliable, and durable. Manual surface cleaning with a net is faster, sure, but having a dedicated robot that continuously cleans your pool offers a significant convenience—beneficial especially for those who prefer a more relaxed approach. The BeatBot iSkim Ultra offers more features but at trip the price, and with the same warranty. Overall, the Surfer S2 provides excellent value for its price. You can often find discounts, making it an even better deal.