After 10+ years of pool cleaning, I’ve skimmed more leaves, bugs, and mysterious floating things than I care to admit. I’ve done the early morning net drag, the frantic pre-guest leaves scoop, the post-thunderstorm sludge haul — and I thought that was just how it had to be.
Then I met the robotic pool skimmer.
And honestly - courtesy of my new Aiper Surfer cordless robotic pool skimmer - I may never touch a pool net again.
What Is a Robotic Pool Skimmer?
The Aiper Surfer class of solar-powered robotic skimmers — including the Aiper Surfer S1 (now available at WestOak Pool Supply) — patrols the surface of your pool like a tiny, solar-charged lifeguard. Its job? Skimming off debris before it sinks. Its secret weapon? It never needs a plug.
With a sleek, cordless, flat design and a built-in solar panel, it floats quietly on the surface, gobbling up leaves, bugs, pollen, and more — all without you lifting a finger.
Why It’s Smarter Than the Old Skimmer Net
Let’s be honest: the old-school skimmer net work was a love-hate relationship. Sure, it looks great when you're done, but it's a constant fight to keep out leaves, bugs, and debris. (Raise your hand if you've cursed Mother Nature for dropping debris in your pool 2 minutes after guests arrive!)
The Surfer S1 is completely cordless, and smart enough to avoid steps, walls, and your pool cleaner’s path. It's solar-powered too -- you literally can drop it in the pool, set it, and forget it while it quietly and efficiently runs for the rest of the day. 
Tech Specs That Make It Cool (and Effective)
Ok this is for the gear-heads...it's a sleek, futuristic piece of tech that wouldn't look out of place in the latest cinematic blockbuster:
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☀️ Solar charging panel for continuous daylight operation
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🔋 Lithium battery for 20 hours of non-solar runtime (nighttime, cloudy days)
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📱 Wi-Fi-enabled alerts via the Aiper app (in case it gets stuck).
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🏎️ Manually pilot your skimmer around the pool via the phone app
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🧠 Smart sensors to avoid obstacles and prevent hang-ups
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🧺 Mesh debris basket that holds a surprising amount without clogging
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🚫 No cords, docks, or scheduled charging needed (comes with wall charger cord)
Works Smarter — With Your Pool Robot Too
One of the best surprises? It makes your regular pool robot’s job easier. By clearing the surface of floating debris before it sinks, the Surfer S1 reduces the load on your robotic floor cleaner. That means:
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You run your robot pool cleaner less often because the skimmer catches most debris BEFORE it sinks to the bottom
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You empty it way less frequently - the Surfer S1 has a 5L capacity basket
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You save on wear and tear
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And your pool stays cleaner overall with less effort
It’s a dream tag team: one skims the top, the other handles the bottom.
Why We Recommend the Aiper Surfer S1
Compared to other surface skimmers like the Dolphin Skimmi (which we also carry), the Aiper Surfer S1 delivers serious value. The Skimmi is great, but it costs nearly twice as much. Unless you’re after premium features like ultrasonic mapping or just love spending money, the Surfer S1 is the smarter buy for most backyard pools.
Final Verdict
Robotic pool skimmers are no gimmick — the Aiper Surfer S1 is a perfect example of what happens when clean design meets smart tech: it makes pool ownership easier, cleaner, and just a little more fun.
👉 Check it out now on WestOak Pool Supply, on sale now!
Let the robots do the work. You’ve earned your lounge chair time.
