Best Pool Skimmers in 2022 – Reviewed
Maintaining a pool over a week can be a demanding job. The pool water has to be tested, chemicals measured and added to the water, and the pump equipment has to be maintained. And that’s why it can be extremely frustrating when you head out to your pool after all of that work and find that there are dead insects, leaves, and other types of debris floating around.
What’s a pool owner to do? Why, grab a pool skimmer and put it to work, of course. Using a pool strainer can either be a pleasure or a chore—all depending on the quality of the skimmer and whether it meets your needs. That’s why we’ve done some research and have found some of the best pool strainers currently available.
Quick Summary of Best Pool Skimmers
Reviews
Best Overall: ProTuff Pool Net for Cleaning
This is a pool brush that we realize that some people are going to skip over because they feel that it might be too expensive for their budget. However, we feel that would be a terrible mistake and one that pool owners should take the time to thoroughly inspect this skimmer because it’s most likely one of the best pool skimmers currently available.
What makes this skimmer so great? Well, the first thing that makes it great is that it’s extremely durable, and it’s so durable that it’s backed by a lifetime guarantee by the manufacturer—as long as it’s used for residential purposes and not commercial.
It’s made with an aluminum alloy frame that’s designed to not twist or bend under duress. It also has a nylon net that’s double-stitched for added durability. And because the net has a width of 23-inches, it scoops up a lot more leaves and debris at one time than conventional skimmers. All of these are great reasons why this skimmer should be added to a person’s pool cleaning arsenal. That is precisely why we’ve decided to place this skimmer at the top of our list and give it the highest recommendation we can muster.
- This is an extremely high-quality model.
- This skimmer is extremely durable.
- This skimmer is easy to use.
- It costs more than other pool skimmers.
Best Value: Swimline Professional Heavy-Duty Pool Rake
Swimline is a company that’s known for creating a lot of pool accessory products. They have created everything from pool toys to covers, to boating merchandise, and even pool maintenance equipment like this skimmer. This is a company that’s been around since 1971 as well, so it should go without saying that they probably know a thing or two about making pool accessories. That’s why when we had the chance to review this pool skimmer, we jumped on the opportunity to review it, and we have to say that we glad we did.
This heavy-duty skimmer has a molded frame that’s designed to hold up to chlorine and UV radiation, and it has a net that’s made out of high-quality material. This skimmer has a nice deep net that’s perfect for grabbing and holding on to leaves, insects, and other debris out of the water. All of those are good reasons for us to give this model a thumb’s up.
However, that’s not to say that this model was perfect. There was one thing that we didn’t like all that much and that was the fact that we didn’t feel it did a good enough job of retrieving leaves from the pool’s bottom easily. It did a great job picking up leaves floating on top of the pool, but not the best job removing them from the pool’s floor. If that flaw didn’t exist, this skimmer would be the best skimmer available.
- This is a durable and high-quality pool skimmer.
- It’s easy-to-use.
- It doesn’t get the pool floor as well as other skimmers.
Best Affordable: Sukki Heavy-Duty Deep-Bag Pool Net
This is a pool net that’s made it onto our list primarily because of its affordability. Of all of the full-size nets that we’ve reviewed, this one has to be the most inexpensive of them. After all, we don’t think that a pool owner has to spend every last dime to get a good pool skimmer for their pool. And that’s why we knew we had to review this one and see if it was a good skimmer or just a cheap one.
What we discovered was pretty surprising. Although it isn’t the highest quality skimmer we’ve reviewed, we do feel that it has its good points. For example, it has an aluminum frame that’s capable of handling more weight than plastic handle nets. It also has curved edges that do a good job of scraping up leaves stuck to the bottom of the pool, and it fits on most telescopic vacuum pools as well.
If there’s one part of this that we might be considered about over the long haul is its fine netting. Even though we didn’t have any problem with it, we’re not sure if it’s capable of holding up as long as other nets. It’s just something that consumers need to consider when they’re thinking about buying this skimmer.
- The frame feels very durable.
- This is an affordable skimmer model.
- The netting isn’t as strong as we would’ve liked.
Best Handheld Skimmer: Aura Handheld Skimmer
The one thing that we think a lot of reviews miss out on is the fact that not every pool owner wants or needs a full-size pool skimmer. This is particularly true if they have a smaller pool, or already have a full-size skimmer that they like. That’s why we decided to go out and try to find a handheld skimmer that met our exceptionally high standards, and this is the one we discovered. This heavy-duty handheld skimmer is approximately 2-feet long—which is just long enough to allow the consumer to retrieve insects, leaves, and debris along the side of the pool, but small enough to be easily used with one hand.
Don’t get us wrong, we’re not saying that consumers should avoid buying a full-size pool skimmer for their pool, we’re saying that they should also have one of these handheld models available to them. After all, they never know when they might need a smaller skimmer for a quick cleanup so that they don’t have to assemble a larger skimmer.
- It’s small and easy to use.
- Not as effective as full-size models.
Pool Skimmer Guide
It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, you need to stay on top of the maintenance of your pool. This not only protects the water and makes it hygienic, but makes it more inviting. Part of this is finding the best pool skimmer. There is no end to the onslaught of leaves and debris that can build up but a quality skimmer can make life a lot easier.
When it comes to removing them, there are a few things that you need to know. Our buyer’s guide to the best pool skimmer will help make your next purchase a lot easier.
What To Look For In A Pool Skimmer
The Right Fit
Some pool skimmers are suitable for above ground pools whilst others are best used by in-ground pools. However, free-floating types can be used on any type of water as they do not need to be plugged into any part of the pool.
An above-ground pool skimmer will be attached to the side using some form of clamp which is not suitable for other types of pools. The in-ground version requires more permanent installation.
Connectors
Some products are high-performing but don’t always feel so secure. If this is the case, you can always purchase additional connectors. This helps to ensure that everything is held into place so the skimmer can do its job properly.
Effectiveness
Part of this will be down to your budget as the better products tend to be more expensive. However, you only need a skimmer that will gather certain types and sizes of debris.
Some people prefer a higher-spec that will collect larger sticks. Make sure you do your research as a standard skimmer will be able to gather items of around an inch.
Easy To Maintain
There are different types of pool skimmers and each one varies in how easy it is to clean. When you are getting rid of the debris and emptying the skimmer, is it easy to remove and put back together?
At certain times of the year or after adverse weather you will find yourself emptying it more frequently so make sure it has easy access.
Easy Installation
An in-ground pool skimmer will be more of a challenge to install and might require a professional to make sure it is done right. This will also help to protect your warranty as some companies do not cover a product that has been installed without the use of an expert.
Otherwise, some products are simple to install, particularly the types that connect to your pump and filter with ease.
Fine Meshing
If you are buying the manual pool skimmer type then you will want a product made of durable materials. They must also have a net with fine meshing. This will stop the minute bugs from slipping through the holes and back into the pool.
What Is a Pool Skimmer?
Some people consider them the saving grace if keeping the surface of a pool clean. That’s what they do essentially and when you buy a decent product you’ll find them very effective.
They connect to a pump and filter system to allow them to move the water and clear debris. This movement is subtle enough that it is unnoticeable as you swim yet it is effective at getting rid of bugs and leaves.
What Is A Pool Skimmer Basket?
This is the place where debris is pushed into. They are usually easy to remove so you can tip the debris out and put it back ready to collect stick, leaves, and bugs.
The holes should be small enough to let water pass through without taking the debris with it.
Different Types of Pool Skimmers
Automatic
These are one of the most common pool skimmers and a regular sight with most pools. They move the water just below the surface and suck the debris and keep it out the way. Connecting to the pump and filter they are low maintenance and are either fixed to the pool or can be left to skim the surface, moving around the pool.
Manual
As the name suggests, there is a level of graft involved although it is generally pretty simple. By moving the net around the pool you collect a top layer of bugs, leaves, sticks, and anything the kids have thrown into the pool.
Shake it off to dispose of the contents and when you’re done, you’ll see a noticeable difference and a pool that you’ll want to jump into.
These are among the cheapest types of pool skimmer and allow you to get rid of all the unwanted debris in one go. Some connect to the filter and pump whilst others are as simple as a basic net to attach. to a telescopic pole.
Self Contained
Using modern technology, self-contained pool skimmers are often solar-powered and have built-in filters and pumps so they don’t need to be connected to the pool.
You place them on the surface and they get to work. The downside is that they are more expensive and tend to need emptying more frequently.
How Long Does A Pool Skimmer Last?
To ensure you get the most use out of your pool skimmer as possible, it is best to clean and empty it regularly. Always replace any damaged parts to keep the whole unit running properly.
Because they are working under the rays of the sun, make sure the product you are considering has adequate protection from UV rays. Certain types of pool skimmers can last up to 25 years when looked after properly.
How Often Should I Clean My Pool Skimmer?
This depends on the amount of debris you get so certain times of year might require more cleaning. It’s never a bad idea to rinse the basket every time you empty it to keep it clean and to stop small parts from collecting in the corners and holes.
In the summer, most people tend to clean their pools twice a week which can be a good opportunity to stay on top of cleaning your pool skimmer.
