Image: MomJunction Design Team
Keeping a pool sparkling clean can be a difficult task. The best pool skimmer baskets are a practical solution that helps in collecting debris and waste in your pool with ease. Skimmer baskets trap dirt and litter. It sits inside the swimming pool and strains out debris.
Simply clean out the trapped waste in the basket, and you can easily maintain the pool hygiene.
If you’re confused between the ones available online, here is our list of tried-and-tested baskets to help you shortlist and find the one that meets your unique needs.
Top Picks
10 Best Pool Skimmer Baskets
1. Best Durable: Custom Molded Products Pool Skimmer Basket
The durable skimmer replacement basket from Custom Molded Products is specially designed for Hayward SPX1070E and Aladdin B-9 skimmers. It has a height of 5 1/8 inches, 8 ¼ inches outside top, and 5 ¾ inches outside bottom to fit several filtration systems. The filtration skimmer basket is easy to install and will enable the user to empty the collected debris quickly.
Pros
- Weighted bottom
- Durable
- Removable handle
- Lightweight
- Made of high-quality material
Cons
- Handle may be flimsy
"The durable material and thoughtful design, including a weighted bottom to prevent it from floating, make it a reliable choice. I like that it includes a handle for easy removal but felt like the handle's attachment could be improved. Still, a good pick for maintaining a clean pool."
Remember
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 2,515 Amazon shoppers have left good reviews about this product, citing its quality features and benefits.
2. Best Heavy-Duty: GVT SP-HP Pool Skimmer Basket
Pros
- Easy debris removal
- Heavy-duty basket
- Lightweight
- Weighted
Cons
- Metal rod may rust
"In my experience, this durable skimmer basket has simplified debris removal from my pool. Though capacity could be more generous, it has been a practical upgrade from the standard, often flimsy options. Adding weight to the handle prevents buoyancy issues, and it's generally user-friendly, even after storms when it is full of debris."
3. Best Large-Sized: Pentair Skimmer Basket
The basket with an innovative design has a robust metal bar and an extra weight to enable it to rest in the pool skimmer. This pool leaf skimmer basket is carefully engineered to suit Pentair U-3 skimmer, so your pool can stay clean. The height, bottom width, and top width measure 5.25 inches, 5.75 inches, and 8.5 inches, respectively, thus collecting much debris.
Pros
- Large size
- Fits well
- Durable and reliable
- High-quality, reinforced rim
Cons
- Handle may be flimsy
"I've been trying out this skimmer basket, and what I particularly appreciate is the middle handle as it makes it easy to maneuver. The plastic feels lighter than others I've used, and I'm yet to see how it lasts long-term. But it fits well in the skimmer and the metal bar is a convenient touch for removal."
Custom Molded Products Pool Skimmer Basket Best Durable | GVT SP-HP Pool Skimmer Basket Best Heavy-Duty | Pentair Skimmer Basket Best Large-Sized | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.8 ounces | 9.9 Ounces | 5.9 ounces |
| Dimensions | 8.25"L x 5.75"W x 5.13"H | 9"L x 6"W x 12"H | 8.5 x 8.5 x 5.25 inches. |
| Color | Off-White | White | - |
| Material | Stainless Steel. | Metal. | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,515 | 1,993 | 1,127 |
| Price | $39.25 | $19.99 | $20.17 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Chlorine-Resistant: U.S. Pool Supply Swimming Pool Skimmer Basket
U.S. Pool Supply pool skimmer basket comes in a set of two, and it’s compatible with many skimmers. Its depth, top, and bottom measure five inches, eight inches, and 5.5 inches, respectively, which is spacious enough to handle your pool waste, making it a practical solution. Loved by many reviewers, the chlorine-resistant fine mesh skimmer basket is strong, durable, and practical and won’t be affected by water. These two replacement baskets allow easy and efficient extraction of debris and leaves before they clog your pump.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Provides an efficient storage solution
- Long-lasting performance
- Includes one-year warranty
Cons
- Bottom is not weighted
"These skimmer baskets fit seamlessly into standard skimmers. Though lightweight, they performed their intended function well once I added weight to combat buoyancy. I prefer them for a straightforward fix."
5. Best Easy-To-Maintain: Super Pro Generic Hayward B-152 Skimmer Basket
The pool debris skimmer replacement basket works with Hayward automatic skimmers and is large enough to let debris in, minimizing the need for frequent emptying. The high-quality plastic material enables the large-capacity skimmer basket to retain its functionality by evading the harsh pool chemicals. Its 5-inch deep, 7 1/8-inch wide top and 6 5/8-inch wide bottom take longer to fill. Generic Hayward B-152 has a mesh-like elegant design that is efficient at filtering debris and leaves.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Long-lasting performance
- Fits well
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- May be less dense
"Though it is slightly smaller than I expected, the fit is snug and the construction seems robust, which is reassuring. I like that it includes an extra weight that stops it from floating. Overall, it seems like a decent choice and I'm looking forward to see how it holds up over time."
Point to consider6. Best With Functional Handle: Aladdin Swimming Pool Skimmer Basket
Aladdin’s universal skimmer basket is designed to work with vinyl liner and Pentair Bermuda Gunite skimmers. Its sturdy plastic material makes it solid and durable, while its universal dimension allows you to use it in many pool skimmers, making it an excellent choice. This trusted pool surface skimmer basket is capable of handling debris, leaves, and pool pressure.
Pros
- Easy installation process
- Lightweight
- Functional and convenient handle
- Durable and reliable
Cons
- May float
"After testing this skimmer basket, I've found it to be durable, with a flexible nylon plastic make. The weight inside prevents inconvenient floating when the pump is off. It's a snug fit in the skimmer with a lip that efficiently catches debris, and it has made pool maintenance easier."
7. Best Lightweight: Hayward SPX1082CA Pool Skimmer Basket
Hayward’s pool skimmer basket with an innovative design is manufactured to work with several Hayward skimmer models. It has a small weight to the bottom to help it rest well on your pool’s filtration system. Its metal handle is reliable, and you can use it to remove debris from the pool quickly. The pool replacement basket filter is five-inch deep, 6.5-inch at the bottom, and seven-inch at the top. It is compatible with SP1082, SP1083, SP1084, SP1085, and SP1086 series skimmers, making it a reliable choice for its compatibility.
Pros
- Fits well
- Long-lasting
- Helps prolong the pool pump’s life
- Lightweight
Cons
- May float
"This replacement basket fits my pool filter just right. It seems to be quite durable and has been functioning quite well. I do wish it came weighted to prevent any buoyancy issues, but overall, it has been a dependable choice that keeps my pool clean and tidy."
8. Best Easy-To-Remove: Atie Pool Skimmer Basket
The top-rated pool skimmer basket is made of chlorine-resistant plastic, making it long-lasting and sturdy. This replacement basket strainer for pool filtration is five-inch deep, 5.5-inch wide (bottom), and eight-inch wide top. It can trap leaves and debris before they get to your filtration system, prolonging the pump’s lifespan. The deep net skimmer basket is a reliable choice as it works with Hayward SPX1070/SPX1071 Skim Master, SwimQuip U-3 skimmers, Pentair Bermuda, and more.
Pros
- Fits well
- Available in a pack of two
- Easy to remove
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not weighted
"I've found these skimmer baskets to be a practical option for pool maintenance - they fit well in the intended space and effectively catch debris. I felt like a wider edge would be more effective in preventing sinking. Overall, a decent, budget-friendly choice."
9. Best For Above-Ground Pool Skimmers: FibroPool Swimming Pool Skimmer Basket
FibroPool’s pool skimmer basket is suitable for above-ground pool skimmers. It’s available in a pack of two, so you can change the buckets when one is full. Each replacement basket is 3.8 inches tall and will work well with your pool skimmer to prevent levees, dirt, and debris from getting into your filtration system. With a bottom and top diameter of four inches and 6.2 inches, the specialized pool skimmer basket with a convenient handle makes it easy to keep the pool clean. It ensures smooth compatibility with above ground pool skimmers but does not support in-ground pools.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Fits well
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Easily removable basket
Cons
- May not suit all skimmers
"I recently swapped out my old skimmer basket for this new one and noticed it's quite a good fit. Even though it is a tad smaller, it fits well and captures debris effectively. I do need to be a bit gentle when I'm emptying it out as it feels slightly flimsy when full."
10. Best Easy-To-Clean: RightFit Above Ground Skimmer Basket
The tried-and-tested pool skimmer removable basket is designed with a plastic handle that allows easy removal of debris from the pool skimmer, making it a reliable choice. The top part has a slight extension to ensure it fits well on pool skimmers. It is suitable for Hayward SP1091LX or SP1091WM above-ground pool skimmers. The easy-to-clean skimmer replacement basket is crafted from sturdy plastic material that’s durable and resistant to chlorine.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Strong, reliable, and convenient handle
- Long-lasting
- Snug fit
Cons
- May not have a large capacity
"It fits my above-ground pool skimmer adequately. The suction meets my expectations, and the handle design is a plus for easy removal. It�s held up well since last summer despite the slightly delicate handle."
How To Choose The Right Pool Skimmer Baskets?
Consider the following product features when choosing the right pool skimmer baskets.
- Ease of installation: You should choose a product which you can install by yourself. Ensure it is tested and weighted or has a twist-lock system to make it remain underwater.
- Handle: Choose trusted skimmer baskets with metal rods, plastic handles, and more for easy handling and cleaning.
- Quality: Ensure the basket is made of durable plastic that doesn’t break easily due to water pressure. Choose chlorine-resistant, high-quality material for long-lasting use.
- Expert recommendations: To ensure you are making the best choice, consider consulting an expert. They can provide insights on the best pool skimmer baskets in the market and offer tips on how to maintain them properly for a hassle-free pool maintenance experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do pool skimmer baskets work?
Pool skimmer baskets are connected to the pool skimmer to collect all the dirt, debris, and leaves found within the pools. Once the basket is full, you can empty it and install it again.
2. How should I remove my skimmer basket?
When the basket is filled with dirt, you’ll need to disconnect it from the pool skimmer carefully, but the process depends on the type of skimmer you are using. Most skimmer baskets come with handles for easy removal.
3. How should I keep a skimmer basket from clogging?
You can empty or clean your pool skimmer as often as possible or at least once a week to avoid clogging. If you have many trees in your backyard, or if there is a storm before the day, you must clean the pool skimmer more often.
4. Are all skimmer baskets the same size?
No, skimmer baskets come in different sizes, and each model is compatible with different brands. It is important to check what size fits in your pool ground by checking the skimmer specifications provided by the manufacturer. You can check your old skimmer basket along the rim or the base for the model number.
5. How long do pool skimmers last?
With proper cleaning and maintenance, a good quality skimmer basket may last several years, and some may even last up to 20 years.
6. What happens if the pool skimmer basket is full?
If the skimmer basket is full, it hinders the filtration process and becomes ineffective as it has no capacity to take in the debris. This slows down the water flow and puts extra pressure on the water pump, thus reducing its lifetime. Leaving the debris for a long time also affects the color and chemical balance of the pool water.
7. Are there any different types of pool skimmer baskets for the in-ground pools and above-ground pools?
Yes, there are different types of skimmer baskets available for in-ground and above-ground pools.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah, the writer and reviewer of this article, aims at providing authentic product reviews to his readers. He has studied and analyzed feedback on pool skimmers and has filtered the best and trusted ones for this list. After considering their high-quality material and durability, some of the best pool skimmer baskets were selected for this post. He has also included a buyer’s guide and the working mechanism of skimmer baskets to help you choose the right one that suits your needs.
The Bottom Line
Swimming pools require good maintenance, and to ensure your swimming pool remains sparkling clean, bring home a pool skimmer basket. These baskets help you collect leaves and debris to prevent the blockage of the pipes and ensure the filter or pump of your swimming pool is clean. When choosing a pool skimmer basket, settle for one that is easy to install. Quality skimmer baskets with durable handles made of steel or sturdy plastic are easy to clean and maintain. We suggest you choose the Custom Molded Products Pool Skimmer Basket for its durable construction and ease of installation and the Hayward SPX1082CA Pool Skimmer Basket for its lightweight design and quality metal handle.
Infographic: How To Use A Pool Skimmer Basket Efficiently?
Pool skimmer baskets are essential components of a well-maintained swimming pool. These baskets effectively capture debris, preventing it from clogging the pool’s filtration system and enabling it to filter the water effectively. Check out the infographic below to learn how to use these skimmer baskets more proficiently to protect the pool pump from dirt and debris-induced damage.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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