Best Pool Skimmer For Maintaining Clean Swimming Pools

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Swimming pools have become a significant constituent of our homes. We can enjoy and use up our free time in the pool after a busy and tedious day or exercise and playing around with our kids. However, harsh pool environments can raise some issues if the pools are not well taken care of. Equipping yourself with the best pool skimmer that ensures your pull is all cleaned up will be a great decision.

Most pool owners need a good pool cleaner to clean and also remove dirt from the swimming pool. Lack of proper pool maintenance can lead to clogged pool drainage due to the build-up of debris. There are many alternatives in the market, making it tougher to choose the best pool skimmer that will clean your pool best. We have researched and put together a list of the best skimmers with their notable pros and cons.

1. Hayward SP1091LX Dyna-Skim Above-Ground Pool Skimmer

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Hayward SP1091LX Dyna-Skim Above-Ground Pool Skimmer
  • Large debris collection basket
  • Heavy duty UV resident ABS construction
  • Top and front basket access
  • Snap-in and removable weir
  • Compatible with wide top seat pools

Hayward SP1091LX Dyna- pool skimmer best for is an above-ground pool. The greatest merit of this skimmer is that you don't have to clean your pool manually all the time. Instead, you can find a place and fit it in your pool. It

This swimming pool kit with all the equipment you need to get your swimming pool clean. It is designed with UV resident ABS material that makes it more durable. This Hayward skimmer looks decorative and improves the appearance of the pool. It has a filter basket that comes with it to help collect all large debris. All the hardware and the butterfly gasket required to assemble the skimmer are included when purchasing this device.

Pros:

  • Has a Large debris skimmer basket
  • Durable
  • Top and front basket access
  • Comes all installation equipment
  • Large debris basket
  • Snap-in and removable weir
  • Easy to install

Cons:

  • Not be compatible with all pool hoses

2. Stargoods Pool Skimmer Net, Heavy Duty Leaf Rake Cleaning Tool, Fine Mesh Net Bag Catcher

Stargoods Pool Skimmer Net, Heavy Duty Leaf Rake...
  • POOL LEAF RAKE: Strong and durable frame with rounded borders and...
  • MULTIFUNCTION: Pool leaf cleaner with deep fine mesh bag handles...
  • STURDY DESIGN: Universal holder fits any telescopic pole to...
  • SAFE TO USE: Efficient in scooping up debris with rounded borders...
  • EASY TO HANDLE: Keep your pool clean with minimal effort. The...

Stargoods Pool net is the best pool skimmer for getting yourself a durable and most reliable manual skimmer. It has a long handle that can reach each side of your pool. It is designed and constructed with a high-quality frame made from heavy-duty plastic, and this makes sure that you get a long-lasting skimmer. It is also designed with curved edges that do not damage the liners of your pool. The slender design on the front side of this manual skimmer ensures that you scoop the debris from the surface of your pool.

Stargoods manual Pool skimmer Reduces the amount of time and energy used while cleaning your swimming pool. It also helps to scoop any lost items and toys in the pool. It reduces the time of scooping and avoids wasting such a lot of energy. It will be less demanding to make appropriate pool maintenance. The pool is best for any pool type and gives pool owners an easy time.

Pros:

  • Satisfactory for above and inground pools
  • Easy to use and handle
  • The fastest way to clean your pool
  • Durable pool cleaners
  • Energy saving
  • Strong design
  • Affordable in comparison to other skimmers

Cons:

  • They cannot clean oil or grease in the pool

3. INTEX Deluxe Wall Mount Swimming Pool Surface Skimmer

INTEX Deluxe Wall Mount Swimming Pool Surface Skimmer
  • Works in conjunction with your filter pump for easy automatic...
  • The Intex Deluxe Surface Skimmer requires an Intex filter pump...
  • Easily mounts to your Easy Set or Metal pool side with included...

INTEX Deluxe Wall Mount Swimming Pool Surface Skimmer is a whirlpool type that is automatic. It can works greatly on your above-ground pool, Coleman pools, and Intex pools. These are the best pool skimmers when it comes to pools that do not have inbuilt pool skimmers.

The Intex pool skimmer is easy to use and install; it will take you less than 20 minutes to set it up. It is connected directly to your pool's output haven, and this way, all the dirt, and debris go to the filter straight away. The best part of these skimmers is that they clean up all the small particles and grease or oils in the swimming pool.

The Index deluxe wall Mount surface Skimmer keeps your pool cleaner from leaves and floating debris in all seasons. The surface water goes through the skimmer basket as it passes the filter pump; this way, all the leaves and other dirt are automatically cleaned up before they get to the bottom of the pool.

Pros:

  • Pool skimmer best most above ground pools
  • Comes with a top and front basket access that is easy to clean
  • Has connector pool hoses
  • Easy to mount and install
  • Made from durable polypropylene plastic
  • Removes oils and small bugs from your pool surface

Cons:

  • The guide or manual book is hard to understand the instructions

4.SkimmerMotion - The Automatic Pool Skimmer & Clarifier - Suction Floating Skimmer

SkimmerMotion - The Automatic Pool Cleaner, Skimmer &...
  • NOT FOR BIG LEAVES - removes all particles and debris, BEFORE...
  • Clarifies your pool removing all SMALL particles and debris...
  • Automatically moves in parallel with your bottom vacuum cleaner...
  • Compatible add on device for most vacuums cleaners (Check list...
  • For +1HP Pumps - Patented, designed and made in USA to be...

SkimmerMotion is a suction type of floating skimmer that works together with a vacuum to ensure that your swimming pool is well maintained. It is a premium option if you are looking to get an automatic skimmer. This skimmer removes all the floating debris and all particles before they even get to the surface of the pool, which makes it tremendously effective.

This automatic pool skimmer is easy to install and can be used for in-ground pools and above-ground pools. The device has a compact and sleek design that makes it easy for it to function efficiently and improves the pool's appearance. It is made of high-quality materials. They do not require any power source. When you place it in the water, the SkimmerMotion makes sure that the pool hoses are well connected.

Pros:

  • It is Automatic
  • Easy to install
  • Has a sleek, attractive design
  • Ensures effective cleaning
  • Reduction of chemicals abilities
  • Moves around your pool to make sure it cleans every part
  • Great for both in-ground pools and above-ground pools

Cons:

  • Requires compatible vacuum

5. DOLPHIN Nautilus CC Supreme WiFi Operated Robotic Pool skimmer [Vacuum]

DOLPHIN Nautilus CC Supreme WiFi Operated Robotic Pool...
  • Triple threat cleaning action. Equipped with powerful motors,...
  • Interactive pool cleaning. This premium cleaner is WiFi connected...
  • From an impromptu pool party to the calm after a storm, the...
  • Plug and play for an uncompromised clean. Since this cleaner...
  • With more than 35 years of cleaning the world’s residential...

DOLPHIN Nautilus CC Supreme WiFi Operated Robotic Pool [vacuum] Cleaner is the best pool skimmer for robotic skimmers. The skimmer has Three scrubbing brushes that make sure that the pool is superiorly cleaned. This robotic skimmer works alone and does not need a vacuum to help clean because it has its vacuum. It cleans all the pool surface, pool wall and also collects floating and surface debris and small particles, leaving your swimming pool water clean.

Additionally, you can connect this pool skimmer to WiFi and smartphone using the MyDolphin plus application. This way, you will be able to control the device to clean the specific places you want. You can set if you want a quick clean or a slow and thorough cleaning with this device. It makes you work easy as a pool owner. It is a pool skimmer best for in-ground pools and above-ground pools.

Pros:

  • Has a great Cartridge Filter Set
  • Full cleaning Coverage
  • Great for both in-ground pools and above-ground pools
  • Smart Phone and WiFi Connectivity
  • No Extra pieces of equipment Needed
  • Ability to control it from anywhere and any Time
  • Has center scrubbing brush

Cons:

  • It can be a bit expensive compared to the other pool cleaners

What to Consider Before Purchasing the Best pool skimmers

1. Type of Pool skimmers

a) self-propelled

All automatic pool skimmers are self-propelled, there float and move freely on the pool and you do not necessarily need a hose. And are powered using batteries or can also use solar energy. The power compartment of battery-powered swimming pool devices needs to be kept out of the water to avoid quick corroding and fast damages that are hard to repair. The corrosion of the battery compartment is the leading cause of damages that occur to the self-propelled skimmers.

b) Suction

The device usually works alongside the self-propelled skimmer but can also work alone. When the skimmers work along with the self-propeller, they normally work faster and cleaner than immobile skimmers. This way, they clean larger swimming pools and remove all kinds of debits and oils. The disadvantage of this skimmer is that you have to check if they are compatible with your pool.

c) Return Jet

Return jet style works more like the suction with a slight difference. The skimmer cleans after the filter, and this way, the pool filter pump does not need to do a thorough cleaning. The limitation of this skimmer is that it does not clean grease or oils.

d) Manual Skimmers

A manual skimmer is inexpensive and is readily available in the market. The manual skimmers are straightforward pool cleaning devices with a long handle or hose and a mesh net. They are usually used for filtering large floating debris.

2. Setup/Installation

Most of the swimming pool skimmers are generally easy to install. The manual skimmers area usually does not need installation because they are operated by hand to collect the debris floating on the pool. On the other hand, automatic pool skimmers need to be properly installed, and you need to connect them to the pool pump. Most manufactures have manual books that are provided alongside the best pool skimmers to help you fit them.

3. Compatible With Your Pool System

Another crucial part of keeping in mind while shopping for your pool skimmer is the compatibility with your swimming pool. It is very important to understand the model of the pool skimmers will function efficiently for your pool. Both above-ground and in-ground swimming pools have great cleaners that will work for them.

More so, some other best pool skimmers are made for a specific pool size and pool brands. It would help if you had additional pieces of equipment that can make them compatible with your swimming pool, but this will mean an extra cost.

4. Durability

Durability is another key factor to consider. Highly durable pool cleaners will last much longer, and you will not need a new skimmer now and then. The materials used to construct and design the best pool skimmer sound be strong enough. Good skimmers should properly maintain and care for the swimming pool and go for several seasons without repacing.

5. Filtration System

The main duty of a swimming pool filtration system is to clean up and keep the pool water sparkling. The pool's filtration system should be effective and properly remove floating debris and clean the pool surface. Put in mind the size of particles you want to clean in your pool so that you can choose a pool skimmer that meets your needs. Like the manual pool skimmers, some will only filter the large debris, dog hair, and leaves in the pool. Most of the automatic skimmers will be able to keep your pool cleaner but filtering both the large debris and small particles in the pool.

6. Effectiveness of cleaning and emptying

A good swimming pool skimmer will collect small particles and large derbies from the pool faster and effectively and, after that, will have a good cleaning system for itself. It is crucial that you get a skimmer with high pool maintenance standards and has easy and accessibility points to keep the skimmer clean.

The cleaning process of the skimmer and the filter pump should be done frequently as a procedure for pool maintenance. Clogged skimmers and pumps can make it hard to have a good water cycle and shorten your skimmers' life span.


Frequently Asked Questions about Best Pool Skimmer

1. Are pool skimmers worth it?

The best pool skimmers help remove debris or dirt on the surface and pool walls of your in-ground or above-ground swimming pool. They make the swimming water sparkling clean. They also make your pool's pump work much easier and deal with the unseen dirt and scum.

2 Where should a pool skimmer be placed?

Placing and positioning the skimmer well is fairly important. This best pool skimmer should be placed in the pool shell, and then you have to position it at the top part of the skimmer's flush system. The skimmer should be leveled up to the top bond beam, and the front part of the pool skimmer should be parallel to the front part of the bond.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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