A skimmer basket is an essential component of any swimming pool’s filtration system, responsible for trapping debris and preventing it from reaching the pump and filter. However, not all skimmer baskets are created equal, and choosing the best one for your pool can make a significant difference in its maintenance and cleanliness. In this blog, we’ll explore the top options for the best skimmer baskets for swimming pools and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. From types and materials to maintenance and cleaning tips, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to selecting the right skimmer basket for your swimming pool, there are a few key factors to consider. Below are some tips to help you make the best choice:
- Compatibility: Check the skimmer basket’s compatibility with your specific pool type, size, and brand. Not all skimmer baskets are universal, so make sure to verify before purchasing.
- Size: Ensure that the skimmer basket you choose fits properly into your pool’s skimmer. A skimmer basket that’s too small will allow debris to bypass the basket, while a basket that’s too large won’t fit snugly and may impair water flow.
- Material: Skimmer baskets can be made from various materials, including plastic, metal, or mesh. Consider which material will work best for your pool’s needs. Plastic is a popular option due to its durability, while mesh baskets are great for capturing smaller debris.
- Capacity: Determine how much debris your pool typically collects, and choose a skimmer basket with an appropriate capacity. A larger capacity basket will require less frequent cleaning, but if it’s too large, it may impede water flow and cause issues with your pool’s filtration system.
- Maintenance: Look for skimmer baskets that are easy to clean and maintain. Some baskets have removable handles or lids for easy access, while others require disassembly. Consider how often you’re willing to clean the basket and choose accordingly.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can select the best skimmer basket for your swimming pool and keep it clean and well-maintained. Don’t forget to check product reviews and ask for recommendations from other pool owners to make an informed decision.
Types of Skimmer Baskets
Skimmer baskets are essential components of swimming pool filtration systems. They sit inside the skimmer and collect debris before it enters the pump and filter. There are several types of skimmer baskets available, each with its unique features and benefits. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common types:
- Standard Skimmer Basket: This is the most basic type of skimmer basket and is found in most swimming pools. It is typically made of plastic and has a cylindrical shape with a handle for easy removal. Standard skimmer baskets can collect a wide range of debris, including leaves, bugs, and twigs.
- Mesh Skimmer Basket: Mesh skimmer baskets are designed to capture smaller debris like sand and pollen. They are made of a fine mesh material that prevents smaller particles from passing through. Mesh skimmer baskets may require more frequent cleaning than standard baskets due to their finer filtration, but they can help to keep your pool water clearer.
- Heavy Duty Skimmer Basket: Heavy-duty skimmer baskets are designed to withstand harsh pool environments and can last longer than standard baskets. They are made of thicker plastic or metal and may have reinforced handles and rims to prevent cracking or breaking.
- Float Skimmer Basket: Float skimmer baskets are designed to float on the water’s surface and collect debris as it passes by. They can be useful for pools with a lot of surface debris, like leaves and bugs. Float skimmer baskets are typically made of plastic and have a rounded shape.
- Automatic Skimmer Basket: Automatic skimmer baskets are designed to adjust to changes in water level, ensuring that the skimmer remains effective at collecting debris. They typically have a weighted ballast at the bottom that keeps the basket submerged, and a floating collar that adjusts to changes in water level. Automatic skimmer baskets can be more expensive than standard baskets but can help to keep your pool cleaner with less maintenance.
When selecting a skimmer basket for your pool, consider your pool’s needs, including the amount and type of debris it collects, and your budget. By choosing the right skimmer basket, you can keep your pool clean and well-maintained all season long.
Top Picks for Best Skimmer Baskets
Intex Wall Mount Surface Skimmer Basket for Above ground pool
Intex
Keep your above-ground pool clean and debris-free all season long with the Intex Deluxe Wall Mount Surface Skimmer Basket! This handy device easily mounts to Easy Set or metal frame pool sidewalls, then attaches to the filter pump for automatic skimming. The durable polypropylene plastic is unaffected by pool chemicals, and the strainer basket pulls out for easy cleaning. Make swimming more fun and worry-free with the Intex Deluxe Wall Mount Surface Skimmer Basket!
- Easily mounts to Easy Set or metal frame pool sidewalls
- Includes a rust-proof, durable filter basket with a handle for easy emptying and cleaning
- Large basket capacity that can hold a large amount of debris before needing to be emptied
- Requires an Intex filter pump with a minimum flow rate of 800 gph (3,028 L/hr).
- Durable, rust-resistant plastic construction ensures long-term use
- Easily attaches to most Intex filter pump systems for hassle-free operation
- Automatic water level adjustments maintain an ideal level in the pool
Swimming Pool Replacement Plastic Skimmer Basket
U.S. Pool Supply
Keep your pool clean free of leaves and debris before they clog your pump and filter with this U.S Pool Supply replacement swimming pool skimmer basket with a convenient handle. The 8" top diameter, 5.5" bottom diameter, and 5" deep making it a perfect fit for many pools. while the durable chlorinated-resistant plastic mesh construction will last season after season.
- Easy to install and maintain
- Affordable price
- Lightweight design
- Non-weighted
- Removable handle
- Chlorine-resistant plastic
- 2 Pack
Replacement for Hayward Pool Skimmer Baskets
Custom Molded Products
This replacement skimmer basket is just what you need to keep your pool looking great! It's a direct replacement for the Aladdin B-9 or Hayward SPX1070E, and it has a weighted bottom to keep it in place. With a standard 8-1/4" Top, 5-3/4" Bottom, and 5-1/8" Height it's designed to fit most inground pools. Plus, the removable handle makes it easy to clean.
- Easy installation
- Cost-effective compared to other skimmer replacements
- Weighted bottom
- Handle breaks too easily
- Removable handle
- Direct replacement for Aladdin B-9, Hayward SPX1070E, and many more
- Standard 8-1/4" Top, 5-3/4" Bottom, and 5-1/8" Height it's designed to fit most inground pools.
Replacement Skimmer Basket
GVT
This replacement skimmer basket is designed with a tower vent that provides continuous water flow even when debris fills the basket area. This protects your pump motor from running dry, and also allows you to remove an overfilled basket without having to reach into the water or debris to find the handle. The unique tower-vent design is compatible with Hayward Skimmer SP1070, Pacfab, Jacuzzi Deckmate, SwimQuip, and American Products skimmers.
- Heavy-duty construction - this skimmer basket is made from a heavy-duty material that should last for many years.
- Easy to install - the skimmer basket is designed to be easy to install, requiring only a few minutes of work.
- Affordable price - this skimmer basket is priced affordably and offers great value for money.
- Easy to clean - while the basket may clog easily, it is also easy to clean when necessary.
- Not weighted
- Designed with a tower-vent that provides continuous water flow even when debris fill the basket area
- Fits Hayward Skimmer SP1070, Pacfab, Jacuzzi Deckmate, SwimQuip, and American Products skimmers
- Basket measures 8 7/16 inches W X 6 1/8 inches H, Handle measures: 12 15/16 inches H
CMP FlowSkim Skimmer Basket
Custom Molded Products
Looking for an easy way to empty your swimming pool skimmer basket? Look no further than the CMP FlowSkim Skimmer Basket with an integrated handle. This handy little basket Dimensions: Top 8-5/16" Bottom 5-3/4" Height 5-3/16". is weighted at the bottom, making it easy to remove from the skimmer and easier to empty. Plus, the angled handle provides a bypass for water flow when the basket is packed full.
- Heavy duty basket
- Easy to use
- Good value for the money
- Only one basket size
- Weighted bottom
- Integrated 12" handle
- Dimensions: Top 8-5/16" Bottom 5-3/4" Height 5-3/16"
Generic Hayward Replacement Skimmer Basket
Super Pro
Looking for a quality replacement skimmer basket? Look no further than this Generic Hayward SPX1082CA replacement skimmer basket. Dimensions: 7-1/8" Top, 6-1/2" Bottom, 5" Height with handle for easy removal. It's made of heavy-duty materials and fits perfectly, plus it's available at a great price. So if you're looking for an upgrade or just a spare, don't go past this awesome replacement skimmer basket.
- Easy to install
- Weighted
- Handle for easy removal
- Handle tends to break too easily
- Replacement Skimmer Basket for Hayward SP1082CA or SPX1082CA
- Dimensions: 7-1/8" Top, 6-1/2" Bottom, 5" Height
- For Hayward S1082 Skimmers, Aladdin B-152 and Vac-Mate 211112
Genuine Hayward SPX1082CA Replacement Skimmer Basket
Hayward
With this genuine Hayward replacement skimmer basket, you can keep your pool looking great all season long! Hayward's SPX1082CA replacement skimmer basket is designed to make replacing your old basket a breeze. It's made to fit SP1082, SP1083, SP1084, SP1085, and SP1086 series skimmers. This genuine Hayward replacement part is made to the same high standards as all Hayward products, ensuring years of dependable service.
- Easy Install
- Handle for easy removal
- High quality construction that is built to last
- Not weighted
- Handle
- Inground Pool
- Genuine Hayward Replacement Part
- Fits SP1082, SP1083, SP1084, SP1085, and SP1086 series skimmers
Pentair Sta-Rite U-3 Skimmer Basket
Pentair
Keep your pool clean and looking great with this genuine Pentair brand replacement skimmer basket! This basket is designed to fit the Pentair U-3 skimmer and features a handy handle for easy removal. The measurements are approximately 5.25 in. H, 8.5 in. W (top), 5.75 in. W (bottom) making it the perfect fit for your inground pool skimmer!
- Genuine Pentair brand replacement part
- Easy to install and set up
- Not weighted
- Handle Included
- Basket measurements: Approximately 5.25 in. H, 8.5 in. W (top), 5.75 in. W (bottom)
Genuine Hayward Replacement Skimmer Basket SPX1091C
Hayward
Looking for a replacement skimmer basket that will fit your Hayward automatic skimmer? Look no further than this genuine Hayward replacement skimmer basket SPX1091C with Handle. It's designed to fit the Hayward SP1091LX and SP1091WM models, as well as the Hayward Dyna-Skim automatic skimmer model SP1091LX. It even includes a handle, making it easy to remove from the pool. Approximate measurements of 5 3/4" (handle to handle), top to bottom 3 7/16", and weighs 0.65lbs. Make your pool experience worry and hassle-free with Hayward brand name replacement parts trusted by pool owners for over 80-years.
- Includes handle
- Easy to install and maintain
- Just like the original, over time, they do tend to become fragile and break.
- Fits hayward automatic skimmer models sp1091lx, sp1091wm
- Also fits hayward dyna-skim automatic skimmer model sp1091lx
- Approximate measurements 5 3/4" (handle to handle), top to bottom 3 7/16"Weighs 0.65lbs
Hayward SPX1070E Basket Replacement for Hayward Automatic Skimmers
Hayward
Looking for a replacement basket for your Hayward automatic skimmer? Look no further than the SPX1070E basket! This genuine Hayward brand replacement part is designed to perfectly fit Hayward automatic skimmers SP10712S, SP1071210FVA, and SP1070. Weighing just 6 pounds, this basket is easy to install and perfect for in-ground pool applications.
- Easy to install and setup
- Genuine Hayward brand replacement part
- Not weighted
- Included handle for easy removal
- Fits Hayward automatic skimmer models sp10712s, sp1071210fva, sp1070, sp1071
Pentair Skimmer Basket Replacement for Bermuda Gunite and Vinyl Liner Skimmers
Pentair
Looking for a replacement handle basket for your Pentair Bermuda gunite or vinyl liner skimmer? Look no further than this handy option! It measures 5-1/2-inch length by 5-1/2-inch height by 8-1/2-inch width and is a genuine Pentair brand replacement part designed and engineered to work with Pentair Bermuda gunite and vinyl liner skimmers.
- Handle Included
- Easy to install and maintain
- Genuine Pentair brand name replacement part
- Could be more sturdy
- Fits Pentair Bermuda gunite and vinyl liner skimmers
- Measures 5-1/2-inch length by 5-1/2-inch height by 8-1/2-inch width
Maintenance and Cleaning of Skimmer Baskets
Skimmer baskets are an essential part of any swimming pool filtration system. They collect debris before it enters the pump and filter, preventing damage and prolonging the life of your pool equipment. However, skimmer baskets require regular maintenance and cleaning to function properly. Here are some tips on how to maintain and clean your skimmer basket:
- Regular Inspection: Check your skimmer basket regularly to ensure that it’s not cracked or damaged. A damaged skimmer basket may not function correctly and can allow debris to bypass the basket and enter the pump and filter.
- Frequent Cleaning: Skimmer baskets should be cleaned frequently to prevent buildup and ensure proper filtration. Depending on the amount of debris your pool collects, you may need to clean your skimmer basket every few days or weekly. Remove the basket from the skimmer and empty the contents into a trash can. Rinse the basket with a hose to remove any remaining debris.
- Deep Cleaning: Over time, skimmer baskets may become clogged with debris that can’t be removed by rinsing alone. To deep clean, your skimmer basket, fill a bucket with warm water and mild detergent. Soak the basket in the solution for a few hours or overnight, then rinse thoroughly with a hose.
- Replacement: Skimmer baskets can crack or break over time, or become warped due to prolonged exposure to sunlight. If your skimmer basket is damaged, it’s important to replace it promptly to ensure that your pool filtration system is working correctly.
- Maintenance Schedule: To keep your skimmer basket working effectively, create a maintenance schedule that includes regular inspection, cleaning, and replacement as necessary.
By maintaining and cleaning your skimmer basket regularly, you can ensure that your swimming pool stays clean and well-maintained throughout the swimming season. Don’t forget to consult your pool’s owner’s manual for specific maintenance instructions and recommendations.
