The 3 Best robotic Pool Cleaners Under $1000

Want a robotic pool cleaner but don’t want to spend over $1000? Good news, you don’t have to. At Clark Rubber, we’ve gathered a lineup of affordable, reliable cleaners that we call the “Under $1000 Club.”

Each member has its own specialty, from budget-friendly floor scrubbing to high-tech wall climbing. Think of it as a club where everyone brings something different to the pool party.

Here’s your guide to the five models in the club, all available right here in Australia.

Cheap vs Premium Pool Robots: What’s the Real Difference?

With the prices ranging from $400 to almost $5k, you are probably asking yourself: “What’s the difference between a cheaper robot under $1000 and those premium ones that cost two or three times as much?”

The truth is, the cheaper models are fantastic for everyday cleaning in most Aussie backyard pools. They’re cordless, simple to use, and perfect if you mainly need the floor kept clean or want to stop leaves from building up on the surface. 

For many pool owners, that’s all you really need.

The premium robots come in when you’ve got a bigger or more complex pool, or if you want every last detail taken care of. They’ll usually run longer, map the pool more precisely, and climb walls and waterlines for a full top-to-bottom clean. 

They’re also a bit more powerful, so they can handle heavier debris or stubborn dirt that budget models might leave behind.

Most customers find that an under-$1000 cleaner does the job beautifully, but if you’ve got a large or unusual pool design, or you just want the absolute top level of convenience, that’s when a premium model makes sense.

And if you’re not sure which way to go, you can always visit one of our stores and the team will happily walk you through the options so you only pay for the features that suit your pool.

So What’s the Best Robotic Pool Cleaner Under $1000 

Finding the right pool cleaner doesn’t have to mean spending thousands. Each model earns its spot by offering real value for pool owners, whether that means handling leaves, scrubbing floors, or delivering the latest technology at a fraction of the premium price.

Let’s meet the members.

The Fresh New Face: Aiper Scuba S1 2025 Model - Clark Rubber Exclusive ($849)

The Aiper Scuba S1 2025 Model is the headline act of the under $1000 range. Compared with the 2024 model, it now offers a longer run time, smarter navigation, app control, and an ultra-fine filter basket for capturing even the smallest particles. 

Not only can it manage floors & walls, it will also scrub the waterline which makes it the most complete cleaner in this price range. With up to 180 minutes of operation and coverage of pools up to 150m², it’s a strong fit for most Australian backyard pools.

As a Clark Rubber exclusive, the Aiper Scuba S1 2025 Model stands out as the newest and most advanced robotic pool cleaner you can buy without breaking the $1000 mark.

Specs: Works in both above-ground and inground pools, 180-minute run time, up to 150m² coverage, cleans floor, walls, and waterline.

Shop The Aiper Scuba S1 Model Exclusively at Clark Rubber

The Solar Powered Pool Marathoner: Aiper Surfer S2 ($749)

The Aiper Surfer S2 is more of a pool skimmer than a pool cleaner but it will sure keep your pool surface free of any debris. It is built for continuous, reliable surface cleaning with solar-powered design that truly backs the “marathoner” name. 

It leverages SolarSeeker™ technology to recharge itself in sunlight and maintain operation around the clock and on a full DC charge, it can run up to 35 hours. 

It carries a 4L debris basket and uses 150 µm filtration, meaning it can catch finer particles in addition to leaves, insects, and surface debris.

Other features include dual optical sensors to avoid obstacles, a built-in chlorine dispenser and DebrisGuard leak prevention. The Aiper app also allows you to schedule cleanings and to steer it remotely..

Specs: SolarSeeker solar recharge capability, 35h battery life (adapter charging), 4L basket, 150 µm filtration, suitable for inground and large above-ground pools, cleans surface only.

Shop The Aiper Surfer S2 Now at Clark Rubber

The Entry Pass – Aiper Scuba SE ($239)

Looking for the simplest, most cost-effective way into robotic pool cleaning? The Aiper Scuba SE delivers that. It’s compact, cordless, and built for ease-of-use, making it ideal for pool owners who want automation without complexity.

It handles everyday floor cleaning efficiently giving you 90 minutes of runtime for a 3h charge and a dual-drive motor offers suction up to 1200 GPH (approximately 75 LPM).

The Scuba SE features a hydrodynamic design to maximize cleaning power, one-click activation for convenience, and an auto-parking function so it returns to the pool’s edge when done.

Because it’s cordless and weighs only about 3.4 kg, it’s easy to move in and out of the pool. That said, it’s best suited for above-ground and flat-floored pools, it will not climb walls or navigate steep slopes.

Specs: Best for above-ground and small inground pools, 90-minute run time, cleans the floor only, 2-litre filter box with 180 µm mesh.

Shop The Aiper Scuba SE Now at Clark Rubber

Robotic pool cleaners are a must-have if you own a pool, there’s really no debate about that. The only real question is your budget. 

The Under $1000 Club delivers on both performance and technology, giving you options that fit different pool types and lifestyles. 

Your decision will depend on what specs matters most to you and your family then choose the model that matches them.