The 10 Best Pool Skimmers in 2020

The kick off the list, we have the best above ground pool skimmer available in the Hayward SP1091LX Dyna-Skim Above-Ground Pool Skimmer. This skimmer model mimics the traditional in-ground pool skimmers you would find around the edges of an in-ground pool.

Accordingly, the Hayward SP1091LX Dyna-Skim is installed into the wall of above ground pools, where the water is collected, the debris is filtered out, and then the water proceeds to the pump.

This automatic Hayward SP1091LX Dyna-Skim is a fantastic pool skimmer for above ground pools. While installation does take a few steps, it’s easy to do yourself and the resulting clear water is worth the time you’ll put into it.

Being automatic and requiring no manual skimming, this option is ideal for those looking to kick back more often and spend less time cleaning the pool.

The next skimmer in review is the best skimmer basket for in-ground pools. While built-in, automatic skimmers are capable of a lot, sometimes you need to bring in the big guns.

Built-in filters can often use a little help clearing the big debris like leaves, twigs, etc. In this case, the ProTuff Pool Net Leaf Skimmer Rake may be the what you need.

This skimmer is a manual skimmer with pocket netting, allowing you to collect more debris at one time before expelling it from the pool.

For those looking to keep it traditional and manually skim their pool, this ProTuff Pool Net Leaf Skimmer Rake is an amazing option. Not only will the bulletproof, aluminum alloy frame not bend, but the entirety of the product is also covered by a lifetime guarantee replacing for free should it every break.

The Hayward brand is a prominently known brand in the pooling industry and they make some of the best swimming pool skimmers out there. This next skimmer, the Hayward SP1091WM Dyna-Skim Above-Ground Pool Skimmer, lives up to that reputation.

Operationally, this skimmer is identical to the Hayward SP1091LX skimmer reviewed at number one. It differs in the size of the skimmer opening or the mouth. This model, the SP1091WM, has a larger mouth than its counterpart.

The large mouth on this automatic skimmer makes it a viable option for those with larger above ground pools, requiring more skimming. Like its Hayward counterpart, the SP1091WM requires you to cut out a spot in the pool wall to fit it to. Installation can be done on your own without professional help as well.

This next skimmer model, the Solar-Breeze NX2 Robotic Solar Pool Cleaner, is the best automatic pool skimmer around. This solar-powered robotic pool skimmer floats/swims across the surface of your pool collecting unwanted debris before it has a chance to fall and decay on the floor of your pool.

Equipped with solar panels on its top, this automatic skimmer runs on an endless power source. Additionally, the unit can carry two trichlor tabs to sanitize your pool simultaneously.

The Solar-Breeze NX2 Robotic Solar Pool Cleaner is definitely the best robotic pool skimmer on the market. It runs without your intervention and works continuously to keep your pool clean. Being solar powered, this skimmer can save money by slashing energy consumption needed to keep your pool clean.

This unit is ideal for any pool owner, in-ground or above, who wishes for hands-free pool care while also saving energy and money.

Coming in at the fifth spot is the PoolSkim Pool Skimmer and Pool Cleaner, the best pool leaf skimmer available. While this skimmer, in particular, is more fit for in-ground pools, it may work on above ground pools too (though you’ll likely need to find adapters, etc.).

They specifically do not fit Intex brand pools! This skimmer functions by attaching to the return jet of your pool to create a venturi suction flow, attracting all of the debris in your pool like a magnet.

This skimmer, utilizing venturi suction, creates a small whirlpool-like flow to the pool that attracts the debris and keeps your water clean without your intervention. This skimming option is ideal for those who have a leaf or large debris problem and wish for it to be tended to automatically.

Another top water pool skimmer is the Intex Deluxe Wall Mount Surface Skimmer. This skimmer operates similar to the previously mentioned PoolSkim unit at number five, but it’s specifically designed for above ground pools.

The Intex Deluxe Wall Mount Surface Skimmer is intended to remove large debris such as leaves before they sink to the bottom of your pool. Easy to install and manufactured by the trusted brand of Intex

This skimmer is great for those with above ground pools and leaf or large debris issues. The skimmer is also ideal for those looking for a relatively hands-off skimming method for their pool. Just as with most Intex products, this thing delivers and is one of the best pool skimmers you’ll find.

Just as Intex produces some of the best pools on the market, they produce some of the best skimmers on the market for above ground pools. Nearly identical to the skimmer mentioned previously at number six, this Intex wall mounting skimmer is great for ridding your pool of large debris before it has a chance to reach the bottom of the pool.

An ideal skimmer model for above ground pools, the Intex Deluxe Wall Mount Swimming Pool Surface Model is sure to keep your water free of heavy, large debris such as leaves. Easy to install and even easier to clean out, this Intex skimmer is a quality option.

Next up in the skimmer reviews is the Swimline Professional Heavy Duty Deep-Bag Pool Rake, possibly the best skimmer for in-ground pools. Similar to the ProTuff skimmer discussed earlier in the reviews, this skimmer is of the manual type and attaches to a pool pole.

Skimmers such as this one by Swimline are great for removing the additional, large debris that your built-in skimmer may have trouble clearing.

The Swimline Professional Heavy Duty Deep-Bag Pool Rake is perfect for professionals and even more convenient for your home pool. Sometimes your built-in skimmer could use some backup in keeping that pool water crispy clear for you. This model of skimmer is ideal for those who enjoy having a part in cleaning their pool and are also looking for more targeted cleanup.

The next skimmer in review is one of the absolute best floating pool skimmers. The SkimmerMotion (The Automatic Pool Cleaner, Skimmer & Clarifier) skimmer is a powerful skimmer that operates by floating around your pool. The unit creates a whirlpool-like effect on the water as it moves around the surface.

Similar to other skimmers, this model connects to the suction port of your in-ground pool. The head of the skimmer, the part that floats, collects debris and sends it down the line to a vacuum that sits on the pool floor, where the debris and water is sent out to the filter pump.

This SkimmerMotion skimmer is ideal for those looking for some added surface water debris cleanup. The unit is only capable of collecting debris smaller than 0.8 inches so a good wall skimmer, or manual skimming, will likely still be needed. The ability for the skimmer to run off of the suction power of the vacuum and save energy is an added bonus.

The final skimmer in review is also the best fine mesh pool skimmer available. The Gator AutoSkim Suction Skimmer functions almost identically to the SkimmerMotion skimmer reviewed just before this at number nine.

The difference is in the design of the skimmer head that floats along the pool surface. This skimmer also works at any water level. It utilizes the automatic suction of a pool vacuum to run.

The Gator AutoSkim Suction Skimmer is our final suggestion for an ideal pool skimmer. This model is automatic and runs off of the suction power of your pool vacuum. For hands off debris collection, get yourself this Gator AutoSkim and watch it float into eternity (won’t actually last forever) collecting debris for you.

Types of Skimmers for Your Pool

As you may have noticed from the list of reviewed skimmer models, there are multiple types of skimmers on the market. We’ve got you covered with a detailed breakdown of each one and their method of operation:

Skimmer Rakes

Skimmer rakes are skimmers such as the Swimline and ProTuff rakes that attach to a pool pole. These skimmers are simply open ended net bags that you drag through the water to collect debris and unwanted material.

Some skimmer rakes come with a flat mesh wall instead of a mesh bag, which only reduces the amount of debris you can collect at once. Regardless, these skimmers are the simplest form of pool skimmer and operate manually under your own control.

Wall Skimmers 

Wall skimmers are skimmers such as the Hayward models reviewed early on the list. The popularized method of skimming for in-ground pools, these skimmers are also available, as we’ve seen, for above ground pools. You can learn more about above ground pools from our reviews.

These skimmers operate by sucking in debris contaminated water into their baskets, where the debris is filtered out and the water is sent to the connected filter pump. These debris collection baskets can be cleaned by opening the lid on the ground, or top of the unit, near the edge of the pool where the wall skimmer sits.

This is where the water filter is pumped. Where the wall skimmer sits. Definitely, when choosing a skimmer you need to know about all its details, you need to check out more about the skimmer baskets.

These skimmers should be a part of every pool as they help regulate the cleanliness of your water.

Floating Skimmers 

Floating skimmers are skimmer models such as the vacuum connected models that round out the bottom of the review list. Floating skimmers operate with no need for human intervention. Floating models such as the Solar-Breeze skimmer operate by floating across your pool surface and separating debris from water.

Models like the Gator AutoSkim operate by utilizing the suction ability of pool vacuums, floating along the pool taking in debris and sending it through the vacuum, and then to the filter pump.

Tips on Choosing the Pool Skimmer

Compare and Contrast

I know, it sounds like homework, but it really is the best way to gain an understanding on the differences between individual skimmer products. Many skimmers will offer the same exact things and the small details that do not pertain to its function may be the deciding factor for you.

That’s why it’s best to create comparison charts and note all of the differences you can find between skimmer models.

Ask around

Whether it’s your neighbor, best friend, an acquaintance, or a professional, ask for help if you need it. If there are terms you aren’t familiar with, look them up. The internet is a valid place for questions too and actually might provide the quickest response.

Pool owners should be your chief source of opinion alongside that of a professional. Professional advice is almost always right on the money, however, you do have to be concerned about being sold on something; which is why we prefer to seek out the advice of owners first.

Get familiar

Much as you should get familiar with associated vocabulary, it would serve you well to associate with the various skimmers in person. Having hands on experience with something like a pool skimmer may help you to better understand their operation or their suitability for your pool.

The secret is once you get into the top skimmers on the market, the differences are not so subtle or important, but rather preferential.

Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Pool Skimmer

Type of skimmer needed

The first factor to consider before buying a pool skimmer is the actual type of skimmer that you are in need of. For in-ground pools, you’re likely all set on wall filters as they are typically not built without them. However, above ground pools don’t come equipped with wall skimmers.

If you simply need additional skimming to help you, you could opt for a floating skimmer that attaches to a pool vac. Then there is the skimmer rake for quick hit cleanups of debris that cannot be cleaned by the other skimmers/filters. Knowing which type of skimming your pool is in need of is the first step to getting the right skimmer for your pool.

Hands on/Hands off

Do you prefer a hands on or hands off skimming experience. If you’re like most people, you’d prefer a hands off experience with one of the automated skimming options, like wall and floating skimmers.

If you’re not like most people, in addition to our respect, you can opt for the traditional skimmer rake. Your prefence of being involved in or not being involved in your debris cleanup plays a role in your skimmer purchase.

Ability

While most of the skimmers on the list, if not every single one of them, is suitable for the DIY warrior, some require you to be more hand than others. For example, the wall skimmers for above ground pools require some altering of your pool’s sidewalls to fit the skimmer onto it.

Additionally, they are comprised of multiple parts that need assembly. While there is no doubt that anyone can take care of the assembly of these skimmers, it’s the commitment of the buyer that needs consideration.

If you don’t wish to spend time on the assembly of a skimmer and would prefer something that can begin working with little assembly or intervention, you should note that when exploring options. Knowing what you want and are willing to do is paramount to a successful skimmer purchase.