Aiper Scuba V3 Pool Robot Review: Eye on the Prize

The app also includes access to two programmed operating modes for those who want to leave the robot in the pool, including a schedule-based mode with three frequency levels: 90 minutes x 2, 60 minutes x 3 or 45 minutes x 4. The other mode is a bit disappointing: the so-called AI Navium mode. sounds like it uses the AI ​​camera to periodically inspect the pool over the course of a week and perform routine cleaning only when necessary, but in reality this mode just does a quick scan of your previous runs and then uses the AI ​​to create a schedule for the next few days, based on how you’ve used the robot in the past.

Hunger for filth

The Scuba V3 cleared debris in my pool fairly quickly in testing, rarely requiring more than a few hours to pick up all the visible detritus on the pool floor while scrubbing the walls and waterline. The AI ​​camera system seems to work as advertised, even locating small pebbles I tossed into the pool and dutifully heading over to collect them. With organic debris, the pool seemed perfectly clean after every run (finishing between 170 and 190 minutes each time), and with synthetic debris, the Scuba V3 achieved a 96% cleanliness rating, with only a few test sheets remaining in some tricky corners. This is a particularly good performance considering that three hours isn’t a lot of running time. And note that there’s no way to adjust the runtime outside of scheduled modes; On-demand modes always run the battery until it’s almost empty. Fortunately, Aiper seems to be making the most of this time, formally specifying a maximum coverage area of ​​1,600 square feet.

I unfortunately didn’t have much success with the AI ​​planning mode. After running the analyzer, the app suggested a confusing five-day schedule that included two ground scans, two ground plus waterline scans, and a final ground scan. It then ignored the program and quickly performed a three-hour ground run, which completely drained the battery. I tried again the next day, and the robot missed its schedule, then ran randomly late at night. I wasn’t a big fan of planning to leave it in the pool before testing the Scuba V3, and this demo didn’t improve that opinion.

Once your run is complete, the Scuba climbs up to the waterline and sends a push notification to the app, letting you know it’s ready to be collected and cleaned. Note that you only have 10 minutes to reach it: the Scuba cannot float, so it must use the rest of its juice to run a motor to hover and stay in place. After these 10 minutes, the spent Scuba sinks to the bottom of the pool and must be recovered with a pool and a hook. My best tip is to set a timer for 175 minutes every time you start a run to remind you to watch for the completion notification.

Cleaning can be somewhat complicated. The filter basket design includes a large lid that makes it easy to access the inner filter, and cleaning both of these filters is simple. The removable inner basket mesh, however, is a different story. Although it is very effective at capturing dirt and other very fine debris, it is quite difficult to clean, and if you don’t remove it from the basket, a lot of debris gets stuck between the mesh and the basket itself. The mesh is difficult to remove and replace, especially when wet, so I usually leave it in place and clean it as best I can after each pass, accepting that it will never be perfect. I think most users will do the same.