Imagine a pool perpetually sprinkled with leaves, pollen, and the remnants of summer fun. The constant battle against surface debris can be exhausting. But what if a surprisingly affordable solution could lighten the load? The Ultenic S1 Pool Skimmer enters the scene – a device that defies expectations, despite its humble appearance.
Don’t let its lightweight build and sub-$200 price tag fool you. This isn’t a high-tech marvel brimming with smart features. It’s a simple, surprisingly effective robot designed for one purpose: to relentlessly patrol your pool’s surface and capture floating debris. And in a category often lacking in real performance, the S1 genuinely delivers.
Unboxing the S1 is an experience in itself. It arrives partially disassembled, a collection of parts that initially feel daunting. The instructions, while ultimately helpful, require patience. Attaching propellers, guide wheels, and the two-part filter basket isn’t intuitive, and it takes a few minutes to conquer the assembly process. A curious omission: the power port lacks a protective cover, raising a slight concern about water exposure.
Once assembled, the S1 is powered by a 9-watt solar panel, supplemented by a USB-chargeable 5200mAh battery. Even on cloudy days, it consistently ran for hours, tirelessly circling the pool. A small chamber within the filter basket allows for the addition of a chlorine tablet, providing a subtle sanitizing effect as it cleans. However, the S1 operates independently, lacking any connection to a mobile app or wireless capabilities.
The S1’s operation is…unrefined. It doesn’t navigate with intelligence; instead, it moves in unpredictable bursts, alternating between straight lines and abrupt turns. Walls are met with a direct impact, the hard guide wheels offering no cushioning. While this might not damage most pool surfaces, it’s a noticeable characteristic of its operation. It feels, frankly, a little like a determined, slightly clumsy toy.
A slim remote control offers a degree of manual control, allowing you to steer the skimmer towards specific debris. While maneuvering on water presents a challenge, the remote is responsive enough to guide the S1 where needed. A “dock” button is intended to guide it to the pool wall, but manually driving it proved more reliable.
Despite its basic design, the S1’s cleaning performance is remarkable. In testing, it captured over 50 percent of the test debris – a better result than many significantly more expensive skimmers. Its lightweight design appears to be the key; it creates minimal wake, preventing leaves from being pushed aside. The front-mounted paddlewheel efficiently pulls in debris, even small branches.
The two-part filter basket, while effective, adds a slight complication to the cleaning process. Disassembly and reassembly take a few tries to master, but become easier with practice. The constant bumping against the pool walls, however, is a consistent reminder of the S1’s lack of finesse.
Do you *need* a robotic pool skimmer? Perhaps not. But if you frequently battle windblown leaves and debris, the Ultenic S1 offers an incredibly affordable and surprisingly effective solution. It’s a low-risk investment that can significantly reduce the burden of pool maintenance, especially considering its price point. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, simple is best.
