Aiper has quickly made a name for itself in the field of pool robots. With the Scuba X1 recently tested, maintaining the bottom and walls has become a distant memory. The surface remained to be treated. For that, the manufacturer offers the Aiper Surfer S2. “S2”, because it is indeed the second model. We actually had the opportunity to test the Surfer S1 last year. After testing it all summer in our pool, it’s time to tell you more about it and see the improvements it brings compared to the first version of this very innovative robot in the field.
Unboxing the Aiper Surfer S2 skimmer robot
Opening the box, you’re greeted with the promise of a (mostly) hassle-free summer.
The Aiper Surfer S2 immediately surprises with its massive and angular design: gone are the smooth curves of the S1, and here we have a solid build with a remarkable sobriety that exudes robustness. The device makes its intentions clear: here, we want a clean pool!
The top plate features a large solar panel, which is the robot’s true energy core.
Next to it, there is a central power button (extremely easy to use) and a discreet status LED, which blinks depending on battery life or operating modes.
At the front, a well-designed integrated handle allows you to grab it on the fly to install or remove it from the pool, even with wet hands.
As for accessories, it’s complete without any fuss: a wall charger (useful on gloomy days… or in winter, let’s not kid ourselves), an adapter, and a foam “noodle” to cut to avoid blockages in some masonry skimmers (a thoughtful attention for owners of pools with tricky architecture).
We finally spot the drawer debris basket, with a capacity of 4 L, accessible from the front via a small secure hatch.
But the real highlight of the design is the “anti-stranding bars,” these retractable feet that prevent the machine from getting stuck on a ledge, stairs, or submerged beach. Well done! If all of this reminds you of a mini Martian rover, that’s normal: Aiper really pays attention to detail.
Configuration and discovery of the Aiper Surfer S2
No engineering degree is required, nor do you need to sacrifice a Saturday afternoon to install the Aiper Surfer S2. Once out of the box, a quick glance at the instructions (rich and well-designed), the power button pressed, and off the S2 goes.
No complex settings: just gently place the device on the water, wait for the optical sensors to activate, and… it’s time for cleaning.
The companion app (iOS/Android) adds that little connected touch that smart object enthusiasts appreciate. Head to the store, download the official Aiper app, connect the robot via Wi-Fi, and then sync it to your local network.
The app opens onto a clear dashboard, displaying battery level, cycle history, scheduling, and remote control to operate the skimmer from a distance (handy for bringing the robot back to you or targeting a pollen-filled area after a storm).
Let’s be honest: the “manual control” mode is amusing for two minutes, and the main interest of the app remains the battery autonomy tracking, accompanied by alerts to anticipate recharging in case of bad weather. For those fond of home automation scenarios, we would have dreamed of an API or Home Assistant integration; but from the first use, we focus on simplicity… and it works!
From a safety perspective, the charging connector is not magnetic, which would have been a small plus against water splashes; but once the plug is well dry, there’s nothing to report on reliability.
The first launch always has its little effect: the beast glides on the water, detects corners with its two optical sensors, spins as soon as it encounters a wall… a real aquatic ballet! Special mention to the SolarSeeker technology: as soon as it senses its battery weakening, the Aiper Surfer S2 automatically goes to “sunbathe” in the sunlight, allowing it to recharge in 15 minutes flat. We’d almost want that on electric cars…
User Experience: the Aiper Surfer S2 put to the test in everyday life
Whether it’s windy, 40°C in the shade, or clouds are gathering, the Aiper Surfer S2 shows remarkable endurance. After several weeks of use in a family pool heavily exposed to trees, there’s no sign of fatigue. The manufacturer promises up to 35 hours of autonomy on a full battery (without solar recharging), which is literally 3 to 4 times the duration of its predecessor. In practice? Even with a few days of rain and intensive cleaning after a storm, the promise is kept.
For those living under pine trees or in a very leafy area (we’re talking about chestnuts and large ash trees?), the 150 µm filtration works wonders: pollen, dust, needles, leaves, and even unlucky insects end up captured without a fight. The DebrisGuard, that internal check valve, which we wish to see everywhere, prevents any re-emission of debris when the device moves back or stops. No more unpleasant surprises when emptying the basket!
Once full, the 4 L drawer is handled without risking spillage (bonus for the integrated chlorine tablet compartment, which doubles as a float and a dispenser).
After three slightly windy days and a family gathering with chips, the Surfer S2 brings back a varied basket of debris, from a classic grass blade to a kamikaze butterfly.
Note: the absence of a “water” sensor makes the robot a bit stubborn if it continues to run outside the pool (unnecessary in the closet, but it’s better to put it back in the water to avoid draining the battery).
To conclude, the device is surprisingly discreet: a light hum, inaudible during a nap on the deck chair. The corner wheels and anti-blocking feet live up to their promise: goodbye to frustrating blockages on submerged beaches and slightly treacherous steps.
It really takes shallow steps or “exotic” obstacles (we tried: a small toy boat, a child’s hula hoop) for it to get stuck. In most standard pools, the ballet continues without a hitch.
Comparison with the Surfer S1: the good, the better, and a couple of regrets
Last year, the test of the Surfer S1 already set a milestone in the “mainstream” pool automation. But the Aiper Surfer S2 clearly hammers the point home. Without completely revolutionizing it, it refines.
First, on the endurance side: 12 hours for the S1, up to 35 for the S2 (going back is hard after having tasted this freedom). You have to take the robot out less often for recharging, and you almost forget it exists while it’s working.
On the filtration side, while the S1 had the advantage in basket capacity (5 L compared to 4 L here), the S2 more than makes up for it with the fineness of the filter (150 µm instead of 200 µm), the impressive DebrisGuard, and the now adjustable chlorine tablet compartment. No need to add a separate chlorine float: it’s all-in-one, simple and smart. It’s a pity that the basket is slightly smaller, but at 4 L, it still exceeds market standards.
On navigation, the S2 innovates with its fast optical sensors: gone is the ultrasonic system of the S1. The built-in intelligence detects, navigates, and adapts almost instantly. Note: these sensors are sensitive to cloudy or overly dirty water, but that’s common to these technologies.
Finally, in the realm of connected experience, there is little evolution: the app remains the same, still improvable but pleasant for basic functions (battery life and control in sight). We would have dreamed of more, but in real life, we only touch it occasionally. Simplicity is almost an advantage here.
Conclusion
With the Aiper Surfer S2, we touch the dream of many pool owners: a water surface always pristine, without lifting a finger or checking the weather every two hours. Its wide autonomy (up to 35 hours of effective activity: who can top that?), coupled with responsive solar recharging, definitely puts an end to the tedious ballet of the pole and net. We fondly look at this machine that, from the first heat waves, becomes a discreet companion: it glides on the water, swallows pine needles and pollen, and even treats itself to the luxury of sunbathing alone when it needs to recharge.
The fine filtration (150 µm) hunts down everything that may cloud the surface, even the invisible dust. The DebrisGuard, a small invention that changes lives, ensures that no waste escapes its vigilant watch. A few practical details show that the brand has thought of everyday life: the easy-to-empty accessible basket, adjustable anti-blocking feet, and effortless handling.
The app, while pleasant and useful for monitoring battery levels and operating the robot, is not always as responsive as we would like, especially on slightly overloaded Wi-Fi networks. We also regret the incompatibility with some “non-standard” pools (overflow pools, spas), as well as a slightly reduced basket compared to the S1, although the difference is minimal in practice.
But these reservations weigh little against the daily comfort: goodbye to the hassle of long afternoons “skimming” while others enjoy swimming! The Aiper Surfer S2 targets demanding profiles, those who want to spend more time enjoying the summer than chasing after fallen leaves or aquatic insects. Tech-savvy, efficient, and overall reliable, it firmly establishes itself as the ideal partner for family pools and deserves its place among the big players in aquatic home automation.
Please remain courteous: a hello and a thank you cost nothing! We're here to exchange ideas in a constructive way. Trolls will be deleted.