Keeping your swimming pool clean is a daunting task. It involves balancing the water, vacuuming the bottom, cleaning the pool accessories, pulling the pool cover on, and other things.
The best pool skimmers can be powerful additions for keeping the pool clean and prolonging its shelf life. They collect all debris that can block the pool filter at the bottom, making them the perfect pool surface skimmer models.
Pool skimmers also do the heavy work of cleaning up large leaves, twigs, and dead bugs. You can keep your facility sparkling and crystal-clean by picking one or more of the pool skimmers in the reviews.
Reviews of the Top 8 Best Pool Skimmers
Below is a list of the best pool skimmers you can find on the market today. They are different types of pool skimmers to meet all your needs.
Hayward SP1091LX Dyna Skim Above-Ground Pool Skimmer
Skimming above-ground pools can never be much more comfortable than having the Hayward SP1091LX Dyna Skim.
It comes as a kit with everything you need to install it and clean your facility within minutes.
You get a gasket, screws, faceplate, and the skimmer basket. They combine to get all large debris from your pool.
The above-ground pool skimmer best captures large trash. It was designed to allow for simple installation in your pool wall. Besides, it is made of heavy-duty ABS material that also helps to resist UV.
It might be a pool skimmer for above-ground pools, but it is also perfect for in-ground pool maintenance.
General Specifications:
- Made from heavy-duty ABS material
- For above-ground pools
- Captures all large debris like big leaves and bugs
- For installing in your pool wall
- Weighs 4.9 pounds
- Measures 12.75-inch x 10.25-inch x 8.25-inch
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Recommended for some an in-ground pool
- Easy to install and maintain
- Able to collect all large debris
Cons
- Not compatible with all hose sizes
Intex Deluxe Wall Mount Swimming Pool Surface Skimmer
Save effort, time, and money when keeping your swimming pool clean with the help of this Wall Mount Skimmer by Intex.
You get to attach the Intex Deluxe Wall Mount directly to the filtration section to stop every debris and leave it from hitting the bottom of the pool.
It was designed to provide an easy and quick way of maintaining the pool, and you can combine it with the existing filter pump.
The system requires an Intex filter pump with an 800 gph flow rate or higher to function effectively.
General Specifications:
- Made from long-lasting polypropylene plastic material
- It comes with a 12-month warranty
- Requires an 800 gph filter system
- Automatic pool skimmers skimming service
- Weighs 4.1 pounds
- Measures 13-inch x 8.5-inch x 9.5-inch
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It easily mounts to the metal poolside
- For above-ground swimming pools
- Able to provide automatic filtration service
Cons
- Requires a filtration system to function properly
Instapark Betta Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
You can remove the various debris floating on the water like dead insects, dust, pollen, and leaves using this cleaner.
It is a solar-powered model that conserve energy and minimize the operation cost, saving you money.
Besides, the model does not have any cable, a common nuisance that can tangle the pool cleaners when you are not around.
Another great thing is the underwater brushless motor for driving the thruster to remove the issues of gears.
General Specifications:
- Unique wireless remote-control operation
- Easy to switch between remote and automatic control
- It offers a top handle basket design
- Underwater brushless motor for directing the thruster
- Powered by the solar energy
- Weighs 14.43 pounds
- Measures 22-inch x 19-inch x 8-inch
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Saves the operation cost
- Easy to empty the debris basket
- It has a large debris basket
Cons
- It might not operate during the winter
SkimmerMotion – The Automatic Pool Cleaner, Skimmer & Clarifier
The SkimmerMotion is a set premium automatic pool skimmer, clarifier, and cleaner. It works with the pool vacuum cleaner to reduce cleaning time.
You only need to plug the skimmer into the pool’s output line, and it will start to function effectively.
Besides the simple installation, the system requires a 1HP filter pump to eliminate all the surface debris floating around.
The pool skimmer creates a whirlpool action when pulling the debris from all corners of the facility into the collecting chamber.
General Specifications
- Removes small debris and particles to clarify your swimming pool
- Able to move with the pool vacuum cleaner to reach the bottom of the pool
- Compatible with most add on gadgets for cleaning the pool
- It uses a 1HP pump
- Perfect pool leaf skimmer
- Weighs 2.5 pounds
- Measures 9-inch x 4.5-inch x 9-inch
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing and sleek
- Energy-efficient to save operation cost
- It easily matches other pool accessories
Cons
- It needs a filter pump to work
ProTuff Products Pool Net
ProTuff Pool Net comes with a 100% lifetime guarantee. The fine mesh is made of quality material to ensure it does not tear, fail, or break.
It is also 3x faster when collecting debris from the water than most pool nets out there. You can bet on the fast cleaning due to the 19.5-inch mouth.
The durable aluminum alloy frame of the net does not break, twist, or bend even under heavy load.
Besides, the model is tightly secured within a “winged” handle to add much-needed stability. You can add a telescoping pole to the handle to provide better reach.
General Specifications:
- Deep, durable, double-stitched nylon bag
- Able to resist mildew and mold
- Rim is made of durable and heavy-duty ABS construction top material
- For cleaning pool of 24-30 feet
- Weighs 1.25 pounds
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to use and maintain
- Cleans all pool types, whether triangular or rectangular
- Durable products with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Slightly heavy
SkimDoctor 2.0 Pool Skimmer Basket Turbocharger
Here is a swimming pool skimmer for cleaning your facility 3x faster than the conventional cleaning apparatus. It helps to catch all floating debris and pool leaves before they get to the pool’s bottom.
The skimmer offers a quick cleaning and drying process. You only need to grab the tower to get rid of all the trash without touching the water.
The fine mesh skimmer sock captures dust, pollen, bugs, leaves, and more while allowing you to empty it without a hassle.
General Specifications
- Easy five-minute assembling process
- For most commercial in-ground swimming pools
- Resistance to water-chemicals and weather
- Easy to empty the debris without getting your hands debris
- Works as a pool leaf skimmer
- Weighs 1.5 pounds
- Measures 8-inch x 8.25-inch x 7.5-inch
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It prevents big leaves and trash from turning to surface debris
- Collects all manner of trash
- Made of durable material
Cons
- Mainly for commercial use
PoolSkim Pool Skimmer and Pool Cleaner
Get this award-winning automatic pool cleaner and swimming pool skimmer to maintain your swimming facility. The model helps to collect all debris like leaves, dead bugs, and more.
You connect PoolSkim Pool Skimmer to a 1.5-inch threaded outflow return jet to get it working the right way. Thus, you filter the swimming pool water as it gets back to the facility.
One superb feature is the self-adjusting features for enabling it to stick to the level of the water. You can have the confidence it will always remove the debris.
General Specifications:
- Made of durable material to last for years
- Connects to the 1.5-inch threaded outflow return jet
- An award-winning auto pool skimmer best for all trash
- Self-adjusting to the level of the water
- Weighs 4.0 pounds
- Measures 9-inch x 9-inch x 9-inch
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Make swimming pool cleaning easier
- It helps to prolong the pool filtration life
- Easy to connect and maintain
Cons
- It does not provide a universal fitting
Dunnrite Hydro-Net Remote Controlled Pool Skimmer
Dunnrite Hydro-Net is an automatic pool skimmer you can use to remove bugs, leaves, and other debris from your swimming pools.
The model comes with the NI-MH battery to provide power for a prolonged duration, and it charges fast.
You get both the battery and the charger when you purchase this skimmer for cleaning your facility.
Its remote control allows you to skim your pool when up to 100 feet away. You can clean the pool for about five hours when the battery is full.
It is a more advanced skimmer than the Stargoods Pool Skimmer or ProTuff Pool Net Leaf Skimmer Rake.
General Specifications:
- Great for an above-ground pool, an in-ground pool, and a pond
- The package includes a charger and battery
- Its battery runs for 5-hour when fully charged
- The remote control enables you to skim when up to 100 feet using a pool vacuum
- That remote has an excellent menu-menu that programs the system
- Weighs 8.98 pounds
- Measures 24-inch x 20-inch x 2-inch
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Automatic pool skimmers
- Easy to use
- It comes with a battery and charger
Cons
- It only runs for five hours
How Much Suction Should a Pool Skimmer Have?
One key factor to consider when adding the best pool skimmer is ensuring it operates within the desired suction.
100% Suction of Desired Flow Rate
Pool skimmers should handle 100% of the swimming pool’s desired water turnover or turnover rate. This should also be the case for suction outlets like main drains.
With that said, you should consider having a pool with 200% suction capacity between the drains and skimmers.
Skimmer Design and Plumbing Line
The 200% suction is not practical, and most spas and pools operate with at least 2/3 suction being handled via the skimmers.
Flow via the pool skimmers depends on various factors like the skimmer design and the plumbing size.
The flow rating is usually based on the least operational level and cannot be more than six feet per second.
It is also not possible to suck air at the minimum operating level. That is why you find a skimmer sucking air at 60 GPM when running at a low level of water with a 2-inch pipe sizing.
The pool codes require you to develop a skimming capacity for 100% of the turnover rate or desired flow.
How Many Skimmers Should a 20×40 Pool Have?
One of the most significant variables of the skimmer is ensuring you have enough for your swimming pool. So, how many pool skimmers should your pool have?
Residential and Commercial Pools
There are different types of pool skimmers you can add to your pool, but how many do you add?
According to most recommendations and standards, a public facility requires about one skimmer for every 500 sq. ft. of pool surface area.
The residential one requires fewer skimmers at a ratio of one for every 800 sq. ft. of surface area. That means having two skimmers if you have a 1,200 sq. ft. pool at home or three pool skimmers if it is a commercial one.
But that is not always true because an area that experiences heavy debris will require you to add more skimmers. You should also consider having more skimmers if your pool has an odd shape.
20×40 Ground Swimming Pools
Most pool owners often use two skimmers for a facility of 20×40, but this is often overusing these accessories.
Experts recommend having between four to six pool skimmers for these pools, depending on the area’s debris condition.
How the Pool Owner Can Determine the Ideal Number of Skimmers
Although it is adequate to determine the number of pool skimmers to add to your pool by calculating the facility’s square footage, there is much more to consider.
The shape of your pool can play a significant role. For instance, most rectangular pools will be okay with two skimmers – each on one side.
That changes when you have a complex-shaped pool. You need additional skimmers to cover different areas like step-outs or different sizes of the L-shaped facility.
These odd areas hold a lot of dead debris.
The right number of skimmers can also depend on the environment, like the wind. There are regions with strong winds that take debris to one side of the pool.
You need to position the pool skimmers to collect the heavy load of debris being pushed on that side.
Skimmers Tips: Many experts recommend having manual skimmers and the best automatic pool skimmers at your pool. An automatic skimmer cannot collect debris, making it vital to have manual skimmers like pool leaf rakes and fine mesh to capture those floating particles.
Should Pool Skimmers Be on All the Time?
The pool pump is the primary part of the circulation system. It keeps the water chemicals balanced and clears debris by pushing the pool water via the filtration area and back.
The system controls the skimmer’s working hours, and many factors determine the duration it runs, like pool size and usage.
A pool that is used often will require the filtration system to operate for many hours. So is true of a facility in places with a lot of leaves and debris.
Energy Conservation
The one reason why a pool owner can turn the filtration off is to save on energy. We all want to conserve energy and save money.
For example, if you use an efficient system that operates for a few hours, you will save energy and money.
That also means the skimmer will end up operating for a few hours. The critical point you should note is that the water should run through the skimmer at least once per 24 hours.
You can even decide to remove the floating debris from the pool surface using a hand-held skimmer, reducing the pump’s workload.
Another way is to run the system several times a day in short periods. However, the filtration and skimmer should never be in operation for less than five hours a day.
It would also be uneconomical to run the filtration system for over eight hours a day. The average time the skimmer should run is six hours for every 24 hours cycle.
How Do I Get More Suction on My Pool Skimmer?
The best pool skimmer can lack suction due to different reasons like clogging, low water level, leaks, etc. You can get more suction by resolving these issues:
The Clogging Problem
Clogging or blockage can put the filtration mechanism out of service as there will be little going on and low water pressure.
Below are clogging problems and solutions that can lead to low suction power for swimming pool skimmers:
- Clogged Skimmer
The skimmer might lack suction due to clogging from leaves, stones, toys, and other trash and debris.
You solve this problem by unclogging the skimmer system using a garden hose to spray water on the trash.
- Clogged Skimmer/Strainer Basket
A clogged filter basket with debris shuts the pipe connecting the skimmer and the pump, leading to a low flow rate.
You should clean the debris collection basket to get rid of bugs, leaves, rocks, and other materials.
- Clogged Filter
The filter allows less water to flow through if it is clogged. That will increase the pressure.
Soak the cartridge filter in TSP solution for about 12 hours to remove grease and gunk. Backwash a sand filter.
- Clogged Impeller
A clogged impeller can prevent the water from flowing effectively, preventing it from reaching the pool skimmer.
Clean the impeller to solve this problem.
Other issues include.
- Low Water Level
Low water level or PSI can lead to low suction power and make the trash float around.
Always make sure the level of the water is at least half of the skimmer’s opening.
- Suction Leak
The lid o-ring, drain plug, and intake fitting are typical areas that draw in air. These often lead to many problems, not just the suction issue:
- A big hole lets in air to the system, and this can make the filtration system lose prime
- A small leak allows the air to enter the system, and it collects at the filter system tank – it is a significant cause of backpressure and low water flow.
Look for the leaks and seal them accordingly. You should consider seeking professional help when faced with this issue.
- Small Pump
Most pool owners add accessories to their facilities over the years and fail to change the pump. It is one of the causes of low suction you should resolve.
The only solution is to purchase a bigger pump that meets all the needs of your pool.
Preventing Pool Skimmer Clogs
The skimmer gets blocked most of the time because the basket’s trash has reached the plumbing pipe or line.
A clog can quickly form in the system that connects with the filter as the skimmer skims the waste and impurities in the water like insects, plants, twigs, grass, and more.
You can prevent this blockage by checking the baskets regularly to see if they need to be emptied or cleaned.
It is also vital to insect for crack and wears when checking the baskets. Small toys also block the pool skimmers – clean the pool after every swim.
In Conclusion
It makes sense to get the best pool skimmers for your swimming pool instead of cleaning it multiple times or seeking a professional cleaning service.
They help to clear out all every floating mess from the water within an hour or so. One thing, it is critical to consider getting both the manual, like leaf rake and automatic skimmers for your pool.
A skimmer that connects to the existing pool system does not require an external power source. That can help reduce the operation cost.