If you are looking for a quality skimmer basket, you will find our review useful. We looked at 17 of the skimmer baskets on the market to find the best one, and concluded that the winner is the Pentair 516112. This basket is well-built and comes with a handle replacement, and is made from plastic for extra easy maintenance. We also included four other models in our review, so you can easily find the best model for your needs.
Top 5 Pool Skimmer Baskets Review 2020
When reviewing the best pool skimmer baskets out there, we considered a range of features such as dimension, material, handle and installation, as all these are essential for a quality basket. All the information we gathered is condensed in the comparison table below, which is followed by in-depth reviews of each of the skimmer baskets we decided to include. To help you make the correct decision, we also included a buying guide in the end, which can offer you all the details required to decide which of the best pool skimmer baskets is the one for you.
Image and Rating
Name and Features
Price
9.9
1.
Pentair 516112
Editor's Choice
Editor's Choice
The open and clear design of the Pentair 516112 results in a better flow and increased skimmer performance, while metal and slightly curved handle makes the use extra easy.
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9.7
2.
Hayward SPX1091C
Best Value
Best Value
This model is well-designed and offers excellent value for money, while also being compatible with multiple Hayward automatic skimmer models.
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9.5
3.
Pentair 08650-0007
Budget Pick
Budget Pick
This heavy-duty skimmer basket has a reinforced rim and the metal handle adds some extra weight so the basket sits better in the skimmer.
Check PriceRead Our Review
9.1
4.
SkimPro Tower
Best Tower-Vented Skimmer Basket
Best Tower-Vented Skimmer Basket
The SkimPro Tower is a very good option for those who want to safeguard their pump moor, as it allows it to work even when the basket is full.
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8.8
5.
Custom Molded Products 27182-300
Best Vented Handle Skimmer Basket
Best Vented Handle Skimmer Basket
This basket is made entirely from heavy-duty plastic so it stands up to the sun. And the fact that that this basket is adequately weighted means that it sits nicely in the skimmer.
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1.
Pentair 516112 –
Editor's Choice
Features
Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5 x 5.5 inches
Material: plastic, metal
Handle: yes
Installation: fits Pentair Bermuda gunite and vinyl liner skimmers
VIEW ON AMAZON
9.9
Our editor’s choice, the Pentair 516112 is a high-quality skimmer basket that comes with a metal handle that is lifted for extra easy use. We liked the placement of the metal handle as well as the fact that it is slightly curved upwards, which makes it easier to use when compared with some of the other models we’ve seen.
This skimmer basket is very easy to install and use and is also compatible with Pentair Bermuda gunite and vinyl liner skimmers. Most of the users who tested and reviewed this product mentioned that it is not flimsy like some of the cheaper, low-quality skimmers out there, and also that the metal handle doesn’t pull out of the basket when removing it from the skimmer. Reviewers also mentioned that the open and clear design of the Pentair 516112 results in a better flow and increased skimmer performance.
Pros
Highly durable
Smart design
Lifted metal handle
Cons
Price
2.
Hayward SPX1091C –
Best Value
Features
Dimensions: 5.2 x 3 x 5.9 inches
Material: plastic
Handle: yes
Installation: fits Hayward automatic skimmer models sp1091lx, sp1091wm, sp1091lx
VIEW ON AMAZON
9.7
Easy to get in and out, the Hayward SPX1091C is well-designed and offers excellent value for money, while also being compatible with multiple Hayward automatic skimmer models, including Hayward SP1091LX, SP1091WM, and SPX1091C. this means that you can easily select the correct basket by model number. The basket has a convenient handle that makes it very easy to maneuver, and it makes cleaning an above ground pool very easy.
When we looked at the reviews from consumers who used this pool basket skimmer, we noticed that most of them mentioned that the basket fits perfectly and that it has a durable construction that is bound to last for years. The handle is also sturdy and doesn’t have the tendency to break after a number of uses like in the case of low-quality products.
Pros
Easy to use handle
Fits multiple Hayward models
durable
Cons
May crack if you bang it too hard
3.
Pentair 08650-0007 –
Budget Pick
Features
Dimensions: 5.25 x 8.5 x 5.75 inches
Material: plastic, metal
Handle: yes
Installation: sta-rite U-3 vinyl liner skimmer, Hayward SP-1070 Skim master skimmer and the Pentair Bermuda skimmer
VIEW ON AMAZON
9.5
If you want to get ready for swimming season without breaking the bank, the Pentair 08650-0007 is just the right pool skimmer basket for you. Made from plastic and sporting a metal handle, this skimmer basket fits the Sta-rite U-3 vinyl liner skimmer, Hayward SP-1070 Skim master skimmer and the Pentair Bermuda skimmer, thus being a versatile option to suit the needs of various users.
We found the construction of the Pentair 08650-0007 to be on the solid side, and users mentioned that it is a basket that is sure to last more than one season. This heavy-duty skimmer basket has a reinforced rim and the metal handle adds some extra weight so the basket sits better in the skimmer. Some users mentioned that the metal handle tends to pop out rather often, though, but that is something that is to be expected with most skimmers when they’re full.
Pros
Sturdy metal handle
Fits multiple brands of skimmers
Solid construction
Cons
Handles may pop out when in use
4.
SkimPro Tower –
Best Tower-Vented Skimmer Basket
Features
Dimensions: 6 x 8.5 x 13 inches
Material: plastic
Handle: –
Installation: fits most popular skimmers
VIEW ON AMAZON
9.1
The tower-vent design of the SkimPro Tower is an innovative one and its purpose is to allow the water to flow through the basket. Even when it is full of leaves and other debris. It works with the majority of skimmers and we liked its very solid construction. In fact, we thought it was one of the most heavy-duty skimmer baskets available on the market.
The SkimPro Tower is a very good option for those who want to safeguard their pump moor, as it allows it to work even when the basket is full. Some of the users who reviewed this vented pool skimmer basket mentioned that the tower handle may be a bit too big to fit the skimmer, so it’s important to check for model compatibility beforehand, maybe by looking at reviews. The basket is compatible with Hayward Skimmer SP1070, Jacuzzi Deckmate, SwimQuip, Pacfab, and American Products skimmers.
Pros
Compatible with multiple brands of skimmers
Protects the motor pump from running dry
Heavy-duty construction
Cons
Expensive
Could be heavier to avoid floating when pump shuts off
5.
Custom Molded Products 27182-300 –
Best Vented Handle Skimmer Basket
Features
Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 12 inches
Material: plastic
Handle: –
Installation: fits standard size skimmers
VIEW ON AMAZON
8.8
Suitable for standard size skimmers, the Custom Molded Products 27182-300 is an excellent choice for those looking for a pool skimmer basket with a vented handle. This basket is made entirely from heavy-duty plastic so it stands up to the sun. We like the ergonomic handle that makes it easy to remove the basket from the skimmer. The vented handle guarantees a continuous flow of water even when the collection basket is full.
Users who reviewed this skimmer basket particularly liked the fact that this basket is adequately weighted, which means that it sits nicely in the skimmer. While it is designed to fit most standard size skimmers, this basket may require a bit of fiddling with to be able to use it with some skimmer models, so it’s a good idea to read some reviews from consumers who used it with the particular type of skimmer you intend to use.
Pros
Made from heavy-duty plastic
Fits numerous types of skimmers
Ergonomic handle
Cons
May not be a perfect fit for some skimmers
Buying Guide
Keeping your pool clean is not an easy job, but a very important one nonetheless, as having clean water is essential for enjoying your swim. Pool skimmers are key elements in the filtration system of your pool, and they all need a basket to function properly. When choosing a pool skimmer basket, you need to check not only for compatibility with your existent skimmer, but also for various design features to make sure they fit your needs. Whether you are looking for your first pool skimmer basket or are interested in getting a replacement, this buying guide offers you all the details you need to make an informed choice.
Why do I need a pool skimmer basket?
Skimmers are essential parts of any pool setup, but it is the skimmer basket that does all the heavy lifting. A good basket is vital for the skimmer to work properly, as it prevents debris from clogging up the filtration system. The basket traps all the large pieces so they don't reach the skimmer that sucks in debris floating on the surface of the water, so you can see how it's a pretty essential piece of equipment.
Picking the best pool skimmer basket
There are multiple features to take into account when shopping for a pool skimmer basket, with some of the most important of them being the dimensions, material, handle, and installation type. You should also keep in mind the fact that not all baskets are compatible with all skimmers, as for example the Pentair 516112 is compatible with Pentair Bermuda gunite and vinyl liner skimmers, so it's always a good idea to check before making a purchase. You should also consider the type of pool you have, as skimmer baskets can vary based on whether they are designed for inground or above-ground pools. The size of the pool is another important factor to keep in mind, because you need to estimate how strong the basket should be based on this.
Dimensions
Not all pool skimmer baskets are designed the same, and as such there are no universal dimensions and fits. However, it's vital to get the correct basket size to ensure the basket does the job properly.
Because skimmers rely on suction, they won't be efficient without a basket installed, and the basket should remain in place at all times for the system to work, so a good fit is essential. All of the pool basket skimmers we listed have the dimensions listed, so you can easily check whether they are compatible with your skimmer. The measurements that you'll generally find listed include opening and bottom diameter and overall height. If you already have a basket, it's a good idea to measure it carefully and buy one with the same dimensions.
Material
All skimmer baskets are made from plastic, but you should look at its quality and durability to find a model that will last more than one season. Baskets such as the Custom Molded Products 27182-300 are made from heavy-duty plastic that also withstands damage from the sun, whereas others such as the Pentair 08650-0007 are also made from plastic, but they have a metal handle, which adds to its weight.
A basket made from heavy-duty plastic is always a good idea, as cheaper models made from low-quality plastic may become brittle quickly and you may even discover that pieces of it come off when you're taking it out from cleaning.
Handle
The handle of the skimmer basket should be sturdy so you can easily life the basket and remove with from the skimmer effortlessly. Some of them are made from plastics, and others from metal, like in the case of the Pentair 08650-0007. A metal handle is preferred by many users because it is the more durable choice. Tower-handle models, such as the SkimPro Tower are a solution for users who want to be able to grab the basket without sticking their hand in the contents. Vented models such as this one are also pump friendly, as they don't allow the pump to run dry.
Installation
Pool skimmer baskets are generally easy to install, but you need to be careful about the fit, to be sure that the basket actually remains in place. Some models allow you to lock the basket in place by simply turning it. If the baskets becomes loose, it may end up in the plumbing and damage the pool pump of filter when you turn the system on again. Floating skimmer baskets are not a very good idea in most of the cases, because they are not guaranteed to remain in place unless you screw it in.
Besides installing it properly, you also need to clean the basket properly and on a regular basis. With most models, all you need to do is take the basket out, dump the contents, and then secure it back in. If there are small pieces caught in the basket, you can use a garden hose to remove them.
FAQ
What else can the pool skimmer baskets be used for?
The main purpose of a pool skimmer basket is to keep the water clean by catching debris such as leaves, dirt, petal flowers, dead insects and more before it can sink to the bottom of the pool. However, you can also use the basket for other purposes, such as adding chlorine tablets to the skimmer. Many pool owners agree that placing chlorine tablets in the basket cuts down on the time, so they prefer to use the basket for this purpose.
Are there any different types of pool skimmer baskets for the in-ground pools and above-ground pools?
There are different types of pool skimmer baskets depending on whether you have an in-ground or above-ground pool. Skimmers for in-ground pool are generally made from plastic or precast concrete. They are often equipped with automatic chlorinators and automatic water level controls. Most of the models we included in our review are for above ground pools, though, which have thin walls and require the basket to be cleaned every day.
Our Verdict
After reviewing the best pool skimmer baskets on the market, we concluded that the Pentair 516112 is the best choice for most users, and this is why we featured it as our editor's choice. This high-quality skimmer basket is sturdy and sports a metal handle for extra easy use. It is also compatible with multiple pool skimmers and it does a good job at improving the flow. On a second place we have the Hayward SPX1091C, which is compatible with several Hayward skimmers and is made from sturdy plastic. This skimmer basket is easy to install and is safe to leave in the sun thanks to the high-quality plastic. Finally, those looking for a budget model may want to have a look at the Pentair 08650-0007, which is highly versatile and is made from plastic with a metal handle for extra durability and added weight. No matter which of the best pool skimmer baskets you decide to go for, don't forget to double check for compatibility with your existent skimmer.
The post 5 Best Pool Skimmer Baskets – Take Care of Your Pool Filtration System appeared first on WisePick.org.
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