The 10 Best Pool Skimmer Baskets 2019 Reviews | UPDATED

UPDATED: Nov 01, 2019.

A pool skimmer basket is an accessory that resembles a basket and is tasked with the functions of trapping large debris and objects in order to thwart them from entering your swimming pool’s pump or filter. The basket usually rests inside your facility skimmer, where it collects pieces of toys, debris, bugs, and all other materials that can harm or damage your pool pump or filter.

This skimmer basket can be square or round, depending on the type, and brand of your pool skimmer. In most cases, the basket won’t fit in your skimmer if it isn’t from the same manufacturer or model. Therefore, you need to know how to choose the best pool skimmer baskets for your swimming pool.

Follow our guide to accomplish that.

At a Glance: Our 10 Choices for Best Pool Skimmer Baskets to Feature in This Article:

  • Hayward Basket Assembly Replacement (Top Pick)
  • SkimPro V000334370 Skimmer Basket (Top Rated)
  • Aladdin Replacement Skimmer Basket (Editor Choice)
  • Pool Ruler Skimmer Basket
  • Milliard Replacement Skimmer Basket
  • Pentair Handle Basket Replacement Skimmer Basket
  • Pentair 08650-0007 Sta-Rite U-3 Skimmer Basket
  • GVT Skim Pro Skimmer Basket
  • CMP Vented Handle FlowSkim Skimmer Basket
  • SkimDoctor 2.0 Pool Skimmer

Top 10 Pool Skimmer Baskets Reviews for 2019

These are the top 10 pool skimmer baskets on the market today.

1. Hayward SPX1082CA Basket Assembly Replacement

If your pool skimmer has a unique shape that you cannot find a basket that can fit in, the Hayward SPX1082CA might just be the unit for you. This basket works well for most Hayward skimmers SP series including 1082, 1083, 1084, 1085, and 1086.

The accessory also works effectively with other skimmers that match its dimensions since every skimmer has its own unique size and shape. Another notable thing about this basket is its affordability – you don’t need to break a bank to get this unit.

Furthermore, it provides you impeccable filtration to keep out stones, leaves, and other large debris away from your pool filter and pump. And the best part, it is very easy to install and does its job effectively.

2. SkimPro V000334370 Skimmer Basket

The SkimPro V000334370 Skimmer Basket is among the most universal skimmer baskets on the shelves today. It is compatible with Hayward 1070, Jacuzzi Deckmate, Sta-Rite, American, and PacFab skimmers.

This basket prolongs the life of your swimming pool filtration system by extending the life of your pool cartridge filter. What this means is saved money that you would have used to replace the overworked system. That is made possible by the fine net that catches all unwanted elements such as dirt and hair.

Another great feature of this unit is its ease of use and installation – you only need to slip it into your skimmer and you will be good to go. The model is also very affordable and will catch a lot of debris before you think of empting it.

3. Aladdin Swimming Pool Replacement Skimmer Basket For Hayward SP1070E B-9 B9

Aladdin Swimming Skimmer Basket is made from a durable and fine mesh that enables it to function like a net that traps pollen, bugs, leaves, scum, and other debris with ease. This prevents the debris from reaching your swimming pool filter system where they can block it.

The skimmer basket also protects the pump impeller and shaft seal from blocking and damage, thus, extending the life of your pool cartridge, filter pump, as well as the entire filtration mechanism. It is also very easy to clean this basket and even to install it.

One main benefit of the basket is that it fits almost all types of pool skimmer including vinyl liner and Pentair Bermuda gunite skimmers.

4. Pool Ruler Skimmer Basket

Another skimmer basket that is known to be effective and last for long is the Pool Ruler Skimmer Basket. This unit drops straight into the Hayward SPX1070 skimmers, replacing it without leading to any problem. Furthermore, it easily fits StaRite U3 skimmers, meaning that it’s a universal product.

The product comes in handy to trap big leaves, bugs, toys, and other debris in order to prevent them from reaching your swimming pool filter or pump. The manufacturer stands behind this basket with a one year limited warranty that covers any manufacturer defect and other issues that might arise during the manufacturing process.

Just like most skimmer baskets, the unit is easy to install and won’t take much time when emptying it. It also provides value for your money.

5. Pentair 516112 Handle Basket Replacement Skimmer Basket

This skimmer basket from Pentair comes with a handle that makes it easy to remove when full of debris. The unit was designed to fit vinyl liner, Pentair Bermuda gunite, and other skimmers that match its measurement.

Very effective, the unit is able to trap large leaves, bugs, and other debris. This prevents them from reaching your pool filtration system where they can lead to premature clogging. The unit lasts long, thanks to its high quality plastic material.

Additionally, it is one of the most affordable baskets on the market today and is very easy to maintain. So, if you want a fresh swimming pool that is free of large debris, this might be just the basket to do the trick for you.

6. Pentair 08650-0007 Sta-Rite U-3 Skimmer Basket

Get ready for a new pool season with the Pentair 08650-0007 preventative basket that will protect your pool from large debris. The product comes with an ergonomic handle that allows you to take off the basket when it’s full for emptying.

Another great feature of this unit is the durable plastic material that ensures you use your basket for long without worrying about breaking. Hence, you won’t need to go to the market any time soon to get another basket to replace it.

Also, being made of a plastic material, the basket doesn’t corrode easily and meets all the required standards of a skimmer basket. It is also very effective and easy to maintain.

7. GVT Skim Pro Skimmer Basket

GVT Skim Pro is designed with a vent that guarantees continuous flow of water even when dirt fills the skimmer basket. The basket also protects your pool’s pump motor from getting dry due to its ability to provide water even when it’s full of debris.

Another notable thing of this product is the ability to remove the filled basket without needing to enter the pool or even touch the debris. This is made possible by its long handle that protrudes on top of the water.

And the unit is compatible with Pacfab, SwimQuip, American Products, Jacuzzi Deckmate, and Hayward Skimmer SP1070. Furthermore, this unit will provide you with years of service since it is made of high-quality and durable plastic material.

8. CMP Vented Handle FlowSkim Skimmer Basket 27182-300

CMP Vented Handle Skimmer Basket comes with a great handle that makes it easy to remove from the skimmer when full. It is made of high-quality material that provides it durability and strength; hence, it lasts for years.

The other feature of this skimmer is the ability to match different skimmers. Therefore, you can use it to replace other skimmers that have become worn out. That is all possible and yet it’s one of the most affordable units on the market today.

Moreover, this unit is able to trap big and medium bugs, leaves, dirt, and other debris to ensure that your pool is ready for a swim. The skimmer basket also comes in handy as it minimizes the work-load of your pool pump and filter system.

9. SkimDoctor 2.0 Pool Skimmer

SkimDoctor 2.0 Pool Skimmer comes in handy to ensure that you maintain your pool less often. This means that your pool pump will be used to do other chores like distributing the chemicals more evenly.

The basket creates vortex over your pool filtration system to help skim your facility three times faster. In fact, the unit totally attracts pollen, leaves, dust, and bugs straight into the basket leaving less for your vacuum cleaner.

With this product, you get more time to swim as opposed to cleaning your pool. And the basket fits mots skimmers – but make sure that your skimmer matches its measurement. It is also an affordable product when you compare it to other brands on the market today.

10. Milliard Replacement Skimmer Basket

Milliard Replacement Skimmer Basket was designed to provide the optimum water flow and filter life. Actually, it meets the OEM standards while being affordable. This means that you get value for your money when you purchase the basket and install it in your pool system.

Talking of installation, it is very easy to install the Millard Basket as all you need to do is drop it into your pool skimmer. And it is perfect for above ground swimming pool, where it can help you to trap leaves, bugs, toys, and other debris.

The basket is made of a durable plastic material that ensures it lasts for years and is resistance against all kind of brittleness. Moreover, it comes with a built-in handle that enables you to remove it from the skimmer with ease.

Pool Skimmer Basket Cleaning Tips

The purpose of cleaning your skimmer basket is to get rid of all objects from the unit and make sure that all its holes are cleared.

If you clean your skimmer basket daily, you simply need to take it out and dump out the trash inside and then insert it back. You might need to hit your basket lightly to ensure that every leaf, toy, and other debris are gone from your basket.

On the contrary, if you only clean it once per week, there is a high chance that there will be more trash inside your basket. In this case, you might need to get a garden hose and spray the unit to completely remove every item. In fact, you should spray your basket at least once per week even if you empty it daily.

Skimmer Basket Keeps Floating

Ensure that you secure your skimmer basket by locking it in place once you have cleaned it. If the pool’s pump is operating when the basket is floating, some leaves or debris will get past the skimmer and enter either the pump or filter or your second skimmer basket.

Some baskets and skimmers have a notch. Once you insert the basket into its skimmer, you simply turn it to secure it or lock it. This will effectively prevent your basket from floating in the skimmer. In case you want to remove the basket, you only need to turn it the other direction to unlock it.

If your skimmer and basket don’t have a notch for locking them, the basket might start to float around. If you find yourself in this situation, simply put a heavy rock in the basket to submerge it in the skimmer.

However, ensure that the rock you place isn’t dissolvable or the one that deteriorates slowly. Another thing, ensure that it isn’t too big and it doesn’t affect the pump or filter. Also, don’t place a metal or any item that can corrode. This might cause damage to the skimmer or basket if used for a long time.

Best Pool Skimmer Baskets FAQs

Q: What is the main function of a skimmer basket?

A: The primary purpose of a basket is to provide a shield for big leaves, dirt, toys, and other debris. This is to ensure that they don’t enter the filter or pump.

Q: What is a skimmer basket made of?

A: Generally, a skimmer basket is made of durable plastic and comes with a handle for ease of use. The handle is made of metal or plastic material and is located in the center so you can swiftly grab and lift it.

Q: What is the right way to remove a skimmer basket?

A: You can easily remove your skimmer basket by opening its lid. On most inground swimming pools, the lid might be locked; hence you need to unlock it before you grab it and lift it. For above ground facilities, simply open, grab, and lift the lid. Now you can easily access your skimmer basket.

Q: What should I consider when buying a skimmer basket?
A: You should ensure that the skimmer basket you buy will fit your pool skimmer. Also, ensure that it will be easy to remove when emptying the trash.

Q: Can a pool work without a skimmer basket?
A: Yes. However, the pool filter system and the pump will need to be replaced regularly since they will have a lot of work to do. Skimmer basket captures the big debris to prevent it from heading to the filter system.

Final Verdict

Swimming pool skimmer baskets come in a variety of deigns and sizes, but they all do the same work – collecting toys, leaves, bugs, and other debris that fall into your facility. The best pool skimmer baskets will last for decades, are made of durable plastic, and should be affordable and easy to replace.