Keeping your pool surface clean used to mean dragging out the net every morning—or spending hours watching leaves drift while you swore you’d get to it later. But in 2025, a new generation of tech-forward solutions is making pool maintenance smarter and hands-free. At the top of that list is the Betta SE Plus, a robotic pool skimmer powered entirely by solar energy. But does it really live up to the hype? We put this sleek little surface rover to the test to find out.
What Is the Betta SE Plus?
The Betta SE Plus is a solar skimmer designed to autonomously clean your pool’s surface using smart radar navigation, twin motors, and a large-capacity debris basket. Produced by Betta, a brand known for innovating pool tech with sustainability in mind, the SE Plus is the company’s latest flagship model.
Unlike most skimmers that connect to your pool’s pump or require manual handling, the Betta SE Plus is a fully cordless, robotic pool skimmer. It uses solar power exclusively—no charging ports, no batteries to swap out, and no app required. Just drop it in the pool, and it gets to work.
Key Features That Set It Apart
Solar-Powered Autonomy
Equipped with a high-efficiency solar panel, the Betta SE Plus uses the sun to power its twin motors. As long as there’s daylight, it’s cleaning. The unit stores a bit of backup energy in an internal battery, allowing limited nighttime operation or movement during cloudy weather.
Brushless Twin Motors
The SE Plus runs on two brushless, salt-chlorine-tolerant motors, increasing durability and reducing maintenance. These motors give the skimmer more thrust and directional control, improving coverage across large pools or pools with unusual shapes.
Large Fine-Mesh Debris Basket
This skimmer doesn’t just move around aimlessly—it collects. The fine-mesh filter basket is spacious enough to hold several days’ worth of leaves, bugs, pollen, and other floating gunk. A top-load design makes it easy to remove, empty, and rinse out.
Ultrasonic Radar Navigation
Instead of bumping around randomly, the Betta SE Plus uses ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles and re-route itself, giving you more even coverage. That means fewer missed spots and less babysitting.
Night Mode + UV-Resistant Design
While solar power is the primary energy source, Betta includes a night mode that uses reserve battery power. The UV-resistant shell is built to last through scorching summers, and it can be left in the pool 24/7—even in heavy rain or sun.
Real-World Performance: How Does It Stack Up?
We tested the Betta SE Plus in a 20×40 inground pool shaded by trees—arguably a worst-case scenario for a solar-powered skimmer. And to its credit, it still got the job done.
During sunny days, it cruised efficiently across the surface, corralling leaves and even catching stray insects before they waterlogged and sank. Navigation was smooth and deliberate, with few collisions into the pool wall or steps. Debris collection was consistent, and the filter basket only needed emptying every 2-3 days, depending on conditions.
In low light or overcast skies, performance dipped. The skimmer still moved but at reduced speed and range. During a stormy week, it would sometimes stall overnight and need to “recharge” in the sun the following morning before resuming.
Pros
- 100% solar-powered (no cords, no charging required)
- Brushless twin motors offer great power and longevity
- Large fine-mesh basket works well for varied debris
- Smart radar navigation means efficient coverage
- Weather-resistant design—can be left in the pool
Cons
- Struggles in shaded pools or low-light conditions
- May not collect oils or extremely fine particles
- Occasional need to reset if it stalls in a corner
How It Compares to Other Robotic Skimmers
Here’s how the Betta SE Plus stacks up to a few other popular models:
Betta SE Plus Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Betta SE Plus | Aiper Surfer S2 | WYBOT F1 |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
|
| Power Source | Solar + AC adapter backup | Solar + AC adapter | Solar + internal battery |
| Navigation | Ultrasonic radar obstacle avoidance | Dual sensors + app steering | Bump-and-turn, app steering |
| Motors | Dual brushless, salt/chlorine safe | Not specified | Dual motor system |
| Debris Basket | Large, top-load, fine-mesh (200 µm) | Medium, rear-load (150 µm) | Large, bottom-load tray (~7 L) |
| Run Time | 30+ hours (solar + reserve) | Up to 35 hours | ~8–24 hours depending on mode |
| Durability | UV- and chemical-resistant shell | UV-resistant, moderate build | Good build, weak battery longevity |
| Smart Features | Auto-resume, ultrasonic radar | Remote control, app navigation | Manual/auto modes, LED indicators |
| Price Range | ~$369–$399 | ~$339–$349 | ~$329–$499 |
| Warranty | 1 year standard (2-year at select retailers) | 1 year | 6–12 months depending on vendor |
Who Should Buy the Betta SE Plus?
The Betta SE Plus is best suited for residential pool owners looking for:
- A solar-powered robotic pool skimmer with minimal maintenance
- A tool that runs quietly, efficiently, and doesn’t require tech know-how
- An eco-conscious solution that reduces energy usage and pump reliance
It may not be the best fit for pools that stay shaded all day or for pool owners seeking fine particle filtration, but for leaf-heavy, sun-drenched backyards? It’s a home run.
Price, Warranty & Where to Buy
The Betta SE Plus retails around $369–$399, depending on the vendor and promotions. It includes a 1-year manufacturer warranty, and support is generally praised as responsive.
Betta SE Plus – Solar-Powered Robotic Pool Skimmer with 24/7 Continuous Cleaning Power, Dual Charging Options, Twin Salt Chlorine Tolerant Motors, and Shallow Water Safeguard
- Betta SE Plus automatically skims the surface of your pool, powered by solar energy and advanced Aqua Dynamics design for over 30 hours of continuous operation—even in cloudy or rainy conditions with the backup adapter charging. Note: This unit is designed for surface cleaning only and does not clean the pool bottom.
- Quick recharge time: 5-6 hours under direct sunlight during cleaning, or just 3.5 hours using an adapter, minimizing downtime between uses.
- Innovative shallow water safeguard design prevents the cleaner from getting stuck at pool stairs, adapting effortlessly to various pool types for reliable performance.
- Equipped with patented twin Salt Chlorine Tolerant (SCT) motors and a large fine-mesh debris basket (200 um) for efficient removal of leaves, dust, pollen, insects, and pet hair from the pool surface.
- Includes smart pool surface auto-cleaning, a wireless remote control for easy mode adjustments, ultrasonic radar for obstacle detection, UV-resistant coating.
$399.89
Final Verdict: Betta SE Plus, A Solid Entry In The Robotic Pool Skimmer Category
The Betta SE Plus combines clean design, solid performance, and a truly solar-powered operation into a device that delivers exactly what it promises. For anyone in the market for a robotic pool skimmer that runs without hassle, power cords, or apps, this solar skimmer hits the sweet spot of price, simplicity, and effectiveness.
Whether you’re a pool tech looking to recommend a hands-off skimmer to clients, or a homeowner tired of scooping leaves before every swim, the Betta SE Plus is worth a serious look.
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