As a pool owner, I know how tough it can be to keep your pool water crystal clear. Between leaves, debris, and algae buildup, it takes regular maintenance and cleaning to keep your pool swimmable. While manual scrubbing with a pool brush can work, it’s time-consuming and tedious. A better solution is using an automatic pool cleaner to do the hard work for you.
I recently had the chance to test out the Aiper Seagull Pro robotic pool cleaner and was blown away by its cleaning performance. After several weeks of use, I’m convinced it’s one of the best robotic pool cleaners on the market today. Keep reading for my full Aiper Seagull Pro review.
Overview of the Aiper Seagull Pro Robotic Pool Cleaner
The Aiper Seagull Pro is a top-of-the-line robotic pool cleaner designed to thoroughly clean the floor, walls, and waterline of in-ground pools up to 4300 sq. ft. It uses an advanced quad-motor system to provide maximum power and suction for grabbing debris of all sizes.
Some of the key features and specifications:
- Quad-motor system: 4 independent motors provide strong cleaning power.
- Smart navigation: Scans pool and calculates the most efficient cleaning path.
- Multiple cleaning modes: Choose from Floor, Wall, Floor & Wall, or Waterline modes.
- Top-access filter basket: Easy to remove and clean.
- Hose-free operation: No hoses or hookups required.
- Cordless design: Battery-powered for full mobility.
- 9000 mAh battery: Provides up to 3 hours of runtime.
- Ideal for all pool surfaces: Works on concrete, tile, fiberglass, or vinyl liner pools.
- Extra-large wheels: Climbs walls and maneuvers over obstacles with ease.
- Brushless motors: Quiet operation.
- 4-color LED indicator: Shows cleaning status and battery life.
I was eager to put the Aiper Seagull Pro to the test in my own backyard pool. Keep reading for my hands-on review after several weeks of use.
Hands-On Review After Extended Use
When the Aiper Seagull Pro arrived on my doorstep, I was eager to get it into the pool and see it in action. Initial setup took about 10 minutes. All I had to do was charge up the battery, then place the cleaner in the water and press the power button.
From there, it was hands-off as the Seagull Pro took over, scanning the pool and starting its automatic cleaning cycle. Here were my impressions after the first few cleaning runs:
Powerful Quad-Motor System
The Seagull Pro lives up to its name with an aggressive motor design. It has not one, not two, but four separate motors to provide maximum suction power. There are two motors dedicated to the drive system for propelling itself around the pool. The other two motors power the vacuum intake to suck up dirt and debris.
I have a medium sized pool, yet the quad-motor system had no problem scanning and cleaning the entire pool floor in just under two hours. The extra motor power really makes a difference compared to cheaper robotic cleaners I’ve tried in the past.
Cleans All Pool Surfaces Effectively
My pool has a plaster bottom and tile sides. The Seagull Pro cleaned both surfaces without issue during testing. The rubber tracks provide grip to drive up vertical walls, while the advanced intake design creates enough suction to vacuum up algae and debris stuck to the tile line.
After each cleaning cycle, the walls and floor were left spotless. I no longer have to scrub the sides manually.
Smart Navigation Coverage
One of my frustrations with previous robotic cleaners was their seemingly random movement patterns. They would spend too much time in one spot while missing other areas entirely.
The Aiper Seagull Pro solves this issue with intelligent navigation software. On its first run, it scans and maps out the pool shape to optimize cleaning coverage. It methodically traverses the entire floor and walls so that no areas are missed.
Watching its movements, you can see the logic in its cleaning path. The navigation system is very effective.
Easy Top-Load Filter Basket
Emptying the debris basket on other robotic cleaners I’ve used involved fiddling with latches and inconvenient bottom-loading designs. The Aiper Seagull Pro has a simple top-load basket that makes debris cleanup much easier.
After each run, I just lift the cleaner from the pool using the easy carry handle, flip open the top latch, and the filter basket pops out. It only takes a minute to dump out leaves and other gunk trapped by the extra-fine filter.
Quiet Operation
My old pressure-side cleaner would loudly rumble and roar when climbing the pool walls. In contrast, the Seagull Pro has a nearly silent operation. The company says this is thanks to the brushless motor system and optimized water flow design.
All I hear is a light hum as it moves around the pool. This quiet operation means I can use it at any time of day, even early morning or late evening when noise could disturb the neighbors.
Long Battery Life
The built-in 9000 mAh lithium battery powers the Seagull Pro for up to 3 hours of cleaning on a single charge. I have a roughly 25,000 gallon pool and a single charge lasts long enough to give the entire pool a thorough cleaning.
The 4-color LED battery indicator on top lets you check charging status at a glance. Blue means a full charge, green is good battery life, yellow means charge soon, and red indicates it’s time to recharge.
Charging back up takes around 5 hours total. Very reasonable given the long runtime.
Durable Construction
Over the past several weeks, I’ve encountered no durability issues with the Seagull Pro. It has a tough composite frame that withstands bumping into pool walls and steps without trouble.
The rubber tracks provide plenty of grip and leave no marks or scratches behind. Overall, it feels very solidly built compared to flimsier robotic cleaners.
Based on my experience so far, I expect it to deliver years of reliable service. Time will tell, but early signs are promising.
Floor, Wall, and Waterline Cleaning
The Seagull Pro was designed for complete pool cleaning. Using the control panel on top, you can choose from four specialized cleaning modes:
- Floor Mode: Vacuums only the pool floor.
- Wall Mode: Targets vertical pool walls and sides.
- Floor & Wall Mode: Combines floor and wall cleaning.
- Waterline Mode: Focuses on cleaning the tile line at the water’s edge.
After testing all modes, I’ve found the Floor & Wall setting works great for regular cleaning needs. The Waterline Mode is also useful for tackling built-up grime and algae on tile surfaces. No need for me to scrub those areas manually anymore!
Ideal for Pools up to 4,300 sq. ft.
Aiper rates the Seagull Pro as suitable for any in-ground pool from small to extra large. Specifically, it can handle pools up to 4300 square feet in size.
My pool is around half that size at roughly 20,000 gallons. For a pool of this size, the Seagull Pro has more than enough cleaning power. Based on its performance, I’m confident it can easily handle larger pools in the advertised range.
Larger pools may require 2-3 cleaning cycles to fully cover the entire surface area. But the long 3 hour battery life makes that easy to accomplish.
Pros and Cons of the Aiper Seagull Pro
Pros:
- Powerful quad-motor system
- Cleans all pool surfaces effectively
- Intelligent navigation for full coverage
- Top-access filter basket for easy cleaning
- Quiet operation
- Long 3 hour battery life
- Durable construction
- Ideal for pools up to 4,300 sq. ft.
Cons:
- On the expensive side but worth the price
- Very heavy at 52 lbs
The only real downside is the price, which runs about $1,500. That’s definitely on the high-end for robotic pool cleaners.
However, when you consider the cleaning performance and durability, I think the price tag is justified. This is a serious cleaner built to last and provide years of service.
The other minor issue is the weight. At 52 lbs, the Seagull Pro is one of the heaviest cleaners on the market. The upside is that heavy weight keeps it planted on surfaces for better cleaning traction. But it does mean you need a fairly high pool lift capacity to raise it out of the water.
For me, the pros far outweigh those small cons. Overall, I consider the Aiper Seagull Pro an outstanding pool cleaner that’s worth the investment.
How Does It Compare Against Other Top Robotic Pool Cleaners?
The robotic pool cleaner market keeps growing. As a result, there are lots of choices when it comes time to buy one. I did quite a bit of research on robotic cleaners before settling on the Aiper Seagull Pro. Here is how I feel it stacks up against some other popular options:
Dolphin Premier Robotic Cleaner – The Dolphin Premier has a solid reputation but just dual scrubbing brushes compared to the Seagull Pro’s quad motors. For large pools, the extra motor power of the Seagull Pro is more effective for grabbing stuck-on debris.
Polaris F9550 Sport Robotic Cleaner – Another well-rated choice but only suitable for pools up to 50 feet in length. The Aiper Seagull Pro works for much larger pools up to 4300+ square feet.
Pentair 360 Pool Cleaner – This cleaner is unique with its ability to pop out of the water and drive along the pool deck. However, that’s more of a gimmick in my opinion. For in-pool cleaning performance, the Seagull Pro out-cleans it.
Dolphin Sigma Robotic Pool Cleaner – The Sigma is a smart robot cleaner with some cool tech features like mobile app control. However, owners report some reliability issues. So far, the well-built Seagull Pro seems more heavy-duty and dependable.
Hayward Phoenix Pool Cleaner – The Phoenix is one of the few models that can match the large pool cleaning capacity of the Seagull Pro. But most reviews indicate the Aiper cleaner has superior debris pickup and battery life.
As you can see, the Aiper Seagull Pro holds its own against some stiff competition. While not the cheapest option, its unmatched cleaning power and durability make it well worth the investment in my view.
Who is the Aiper Seagull Pro Best Suited For?
The Aiper Seagull Pro makes an excellent pool cleaner choice for:
- Owners of large pools up to 4,300+ square feet in size.
- People frustrated with lackluster performance from lesser robotic cleaners.
- Those seeking a hands-free cleaning solution for spotless pool walls and floors.
- Anyone wanting a durable, long-lasting pool cleaner.
- People who don’t have time for frequent manual scrubbing and maintenance.
With its robust quad-motor design and intelligent navigation, the Seagull Pro reliably provides a sparkling clean pool week after week.
For best results, run the Seagull Pro 2-3 times per week for maintenance cleans. Its automatic operation frees up your schedule for more important or fun activities.
Is the Aiper Seagull Pro Worth the Price?
In my experience, the answer is a definite yes.
Here is a breakdown of why I feel the approximately $1,500 price tag is justified:
- It’s a workhorse cleaner built to last – The Seagull Pro doesn’t feel like a flimsy gadget that will break after a season or two. The durable construction and proven cleaning tech make this a pool cleaner that should provide 5+ years of reliable use.
- No more manual scrubbing needed – The combination of quad motors and smart navigation mean all pool surfaces get cleaned without any effort on your part. No more hassle of pulling out brushes to scrub the waterline or trying to vacuum debris in hard-to-reach areas.
- It will actually save you money in the long run – A quality robotic cleaner like the Seagull Pro minimizes the need to hire pool cleaners and handymen. Doing that for just a year or two can easily cost $1,500 or more. So the cleaner pays for itself over time by reducing maintenance costs.
- Peace of mind from cleaner water – Perhaps the best benefit is having the confidence that your pool water is getting cleaned multiple times per week without lifting a finger. That clean water means safer swimming for family and friends, and not having to worry about algae outbreaks or murky conditions.
When weighed against these benefits, the price is easy to justify in my opinion. This is an investment that will reward you with years of sparkling clean pool water and easier pool care.
Last Words
Robotic pool cleaners have come a long way in recent years when it comes to cleaning performance and ease of use. The Aiper Seagull Pro sits at the top of the pack with its quadruple motor system, intelligent navigation, and robust build quality.
While the investment is significant, the years of manual scrubbing it eliminates makes the cost worthwhile in my opinion. This cleaner allows any pool owner to enjoy consistently spotless water without lifting a finger.
If you seek the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it solution for debris-free pool maintenance, look no further than the Aiper Seagull Pro. Let this capable robotic assistant take over the hard work while you relax and swim in peace. Thanks to its uncompromising cleaning results, you can confidently invite friends over any time knowing your pool will sparkle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does the battery last?
A: The 9000 mAh lithium battery provides up to 3 hours of runtime per charge. Run times can vary based on pool size and conditions.
Q: Is the Aiper Seagull Pro suitable for above-ground pools?
A: This model is designed for in-ground pools only. The wheels and traction system are optimized for cleaning the flat bottoms and vertical walls of in-ground pools. Aiper does make a separate above-ground pool cleaner model called the KingFisher.
Q: What type of debris can it pick up?
A: The advanced hydraulic system provides suction power to pick up all common debris in any pool including leaves, pebbles, dirt, sand, acorns, insects, and other organic matter. The fine filter basket traps everything for easy disposal.
Q: Can I control the Seagull Pro robot from my smartphone?
A: No, this model does not currently support mobile app control or connectivity. It operates fully automatically using its internal navigation logic once powered on.
Q: How often should I run the Seagull Pro?
A: For regular maintenance cleaning, aim to use the Seagull Pro 2-3 times per week during pool season. More frequent cleaning may be needed if dealing with a lot of debris or algae buildup issues.
