If you own a pool in Australia, you know the constant mental burden: Is it clean enough for guests? Should I skim it before work? Can the kids swim, or does it need cleaning first?
After six years of pool ownership, including storms, algae blooms, and one memorable afternoon where we accidentally drained the whole pool, I’ve learned one truth: a robot pool cleaner changes everything.
I already own an Aiper and love it, so when I got the chance to test their new $3,499.99 flagship model, the Scuba X1 Pro Max, I jumped at it. The promise? Press a button, leave the house, and come home to a spotless pool. Here’s whether it delivers.
What is the Aiper Scuba X1 Pro Max?
The Aiper Scuba X1 Pro Max is the brand’s premium, cordless robotic pool cleaner. It launched earlier this year, and it’s easily one of the most advanced cleaners available right now.
Key upgrades at a glance:
- All-in-one coverage: cleans floors, walls, waterline and surface
- Nine motors for powerful suction
- 40 smart sensors that map your pool to ensure complete, wall-to-wall coverage
- Cleans pools up to 300m²
- 10–15-hour battery (depending on cleaning mode)
- Sleek black and chrome finish
- Wireless charging dock
- App control (with mapping, battery status and cleaning reports)
At around $3,499.99 AUD, it is definitely a luxury option. And at 15kg, it’s also noticeably heavier than other models. I should mention that underwater communication requires a separate accessory- HydroComm Pro. Using this accessory, you can monitor water quality and communicate with the Scuba X1 Pro Max while it is underwater.
But does it justify the price? Let’s get into it.
My pool setup (so you know what it was dealing with)
- 9m long
- Two curved sections + two ledges
- Pebblecrete surface
- Trees surrounding the pool
- Exposed to all-day sun
- Regular sand tracked in (thanks to beach days)
- Straight walls
First impressions and setup
This pool cleaner is a beast compared to my previous Aiper model. It’s visibly larger and packed with more features. My husband was extremely excited when he saw it.
The setup was straightforward. I assembled the wireless charging dock and left the cleaner to charge for a few hours. Everything you need comes in the box, including spare filters that are easy to remove and clean.
At the time of testing, Australia was experiencing a chlorine shortage, and we were battling some algae growth. So it was perfect timing to put this machine through its paces.
The test: How it performed
I heaved the Aiper Scuba X1 Pro Max off its charging dock and carried it to the pool. Turning it on and selecting the cleaning settings in the app were intuitive and straightforward. You can also make your selections on the pool cleaner itself.
First cleaning cycle: I selected Max power mode with floor and wall cleaning. Once in the water, it took off immediately. The cleaner climbed my pool walls without hesitation and even navigated onto the ledges.
After the cycle finished, the robot perched itself on the surface, waiting to be retrieved.
Second cleaning cycle: With algae disturbed and floating to the surface, I ran the skimmer mode. The cleaner floated around the pool surface, sucking in and filtering water. The skimmer box filled with algae debris that my husband took great pleasure in hosing out. This model is far easier to clean out debris than my smaller model.
My only regret? I didn’t photograph the amount of algae it collected. It was impressive.
On my second use, I easily ran two cleaning modes – the wall and floor, plus the skimmer mode – without the battery running out.
Why does this change everything for pool owners?
Here’s the benefit that justifies the $3,499.99 price tag: complete automation without supervision. I can start a cleaning cycle from my phone in the morning, head to work, and come home to a crystal-clear pool.
The Aiper Scuba X1 Pro Max maps the entire pool, tackles floors, walls, and waterline, then parks itself at the edge when finished.
For Australian families juggling summer activities, this eliminates the mental load of pool maintenance. No more weekend mornings spent skimming leaves. No more turning down spontaneous swim invitations because ‘the pool needs cleaning first.’ This level of hands-off automation is what separates a $3,499.99 robot pool cleaner from a $1000 one.
Pros and cons
What I loved:
- Three cleaning power modes to suit different debris levels (eco, auto, max)
- Four cleaning modes (hero, floor, floor+wall, skimming)
- Wireless charging dock is a huge improvement
- Easy-to-use app with real-time monitoring
- Simple user experience – no complicated setup
- Longer battery life means less frequent charging
- Exceptional wall-climbing ability
What could be better:
- This thing is heavy at 15kg. Take care getting it in and out of the pool, especially after a cleaning when it’s full of water and debris.
- The price point is relatively premium.
Who should buy the Aiper Scuba X1 Pro Max?
This pool cleaner is perfect for:
- Owners of large pools (over 50m²)
- Anyone dealing with constant leaf drop from trees
- Pools prone to algae in hot Australian summers
- People who value their time and want minimal manual cleaning
- Those wanting app control and smart features
Who should skip it:
- Small pool owners (under 30m²). The cheaper Aiper models will do the job
- Anyone on a tight budget
- People who don’t mind manual pool cleaning
What comes in the box?
- Aiper Scuba X1 Pro Max
- Wireless charging dock
- Caddy for easy transport (limited-time offer)
- Spare filters
- Hook attachment for your pool pole
- User manual
How does it compare to cheaper models?
The Aiper Scuba X1 Pro Max sits at the top of the range at $2,999. Smaller Aiper models start around $1,000. The main differences?
The Pro Max offers significantly more suction power, better wall-climbing, longer battery life, and a wireless charging dock. If you have a large pool or serious debris issues, the upgrade is worth it.
Final verdict: Is it worth $3499.99?
My rating: 8.5/10
Absolutely yes. If you have a decent-sized pool and want to reclaim your weekends, the Aiper Scuba X1 Pro Max is like having a pool guy on standby, ready to clean whenever you need.
While it’s the most expensive model in the Aiper range, the time you’ll save not manually fishing out leaves, scrubbing walls, and dealing with algae makes it worthwhile.
Bottom line: This is the robot pool cleaner for serious pool owners who want the best. If you’re still using a manual vacuum or a budget robot that misses spots, this is your upgrade.
Where to buy the Aiper Scuba X1 Pro Max
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