Aiper's EcoSurfer S2 functions as a relatively leisurely surface skimmer, compensating for its moderate pace with exceptional runtime capabilities.
Autonomous surface cleaners for pools represent a reliable segment in underwater robotics, usually equipped with solar energy for hands-free performance that allows owners to deploy them and leave them unattended for extended periods.
Aiper updates its skimmer lineup with the EcoSurfer S2, enhancing power reserves and adding smarter features. Although many pool enthusiasts might manage fine without one, it's an appealing option for those dealing with frequent buildup of floating waste on the water's surface.
Owners will rarely need to manually recharge the EcoSurfer after placing it in the pool.
Similar to other models in its class, the EcoSurfer S2 boasts a straightforward build. Weighing 13 pounds, the unit relies on dual rear propellers housed within the frame, giving it a sleek, miniature turbine appearance. Its aesthetic stands out as contemporary and attractive amid competing products.
Passive front-mounted horizontal wheels assist in steering the device away from barriers like walls. Additionally, forward ultrasonic detectors enable the skimmer to decelerate and pivot as it nears obstructions.
Debris gathered by the EcoSurfer S2 accumulates in a front-accessible basket lined with a fine-mesh bottom to trap even tiny particles. While this design choice adds refinement, it's less critical for skimmers since minuscule waste often settles at the pool's base swiftly. The basket also features a slot for an optional chlorine puck, allowing chemical distribution via the floater rather than the filtration system.
Equipped with a 5200mAh power source—half the size of the Beatbot iSkim Ultra's—Aiper claims the EcoSurfer S2 delivers more than 30 hours of continuous use per charge, whether recharged via its 24-watt solar panel or the supplied wall adapter.
Extendable bars on the underside prevent the device from lodging on low steps, and a foam insert comes included to seal off wall intakes if the skimmer drifts toward them.
Aiper advises starting with an AC outlet charge, which requires roughly six hours for a complete fill. Alternatively, brief sun exposure suffices to begin operations without a full battery.
Post-unboxing, an indoor charge might aid connectivity setup. The skimmer connects through Bluetooth or 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, with the pairing process wrapping up in minutes, followed by a brief firmware upgrade that necessitates internet access.
Once submerged, the EcoSurfer S2 immediately begins navigating the pool to intercept waste. Its navigation relies on random encounters rather than targeted detection, as it lacks visual sensors to spot incoming foliage.
For evaluation, I scattered artificial leaves across my pool and activated a charged EcoSurfer S2. The outcome proved solid: In 3.5 hours, the surface cleared, with the device capturing around 80% of the material while the rest submerged or adhered to the edges. This performance impresses, despite the unhurried pace, and heavier loads might yield poorer results as bulkier pieces sink faster than the skimmer reaches them.
The unit's deliberate speed contributes to this balance; quicker models sometimes generate waves that scatter debris ahead, thwarting collection efforts. Conversely, the gradual motion extends overall cleaning duration.
The EcoSurfer S2 adeptly sidestepped wall impacts using its sensors, and its endurance matched Aiper's assertions. Despite prolonged cloudy and rainy conditions, it maintained a 10-hour daily runtime without faltering.
A 24-hour continuous test, including darkness, resulted in just 25% battery drain. This indicates the device pauses briefly overnight but sustains near-daily operations indefinitely. Lacking a standard recharge benchmark due to solar integration, it's clear most users won't face manual recharging needs after deployment.
Periodic maintenance remains necessary, however.
The skimmer occasionally stalled as its basket neared fullness, especially near intake currents from wall skimmers when laden with leaves. No ideal fix emerged beyond using these instances to empty the container. (The app lacks fullness alerts but notifies of entrapments.) Basket removal proves tricky due to its snug fit, though rinsing with a hose is straightforward.
The companion app offers basic controls for initiating or halting operations, detailed timers for non-constant use, and a snappy remote interface that performed reliably. It also tracks total runtime to monitor durability.
At a discounted rate of $360, the EcoSurfer S2 presents strong value against the Beatbot iSkim Ultra, now $649 from its original $1,499. Though less vigorous in speed and strength, it handles routine tasks capably, with its prolonged battery making it even more compelling.