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Cleaning your pool is a daily necessity, and to do the job right, you need the right equipment. One item you’re sure to need is a pool skimmer basket. This handy item attaches to a skimmer to make it easy to sweep out leaves, twigs, and other dirt from your pool’s surface.
With all the choices out there, how do you pick the best pool skimmer basket? This is an item that you’re going to use day in and day out, so you want something sturdy and reliable. It should also be easy to use. The last thing you want is something that makes you grumble every time you have to haul it out.
Never fear, because our team of expert reviewers has been on the job, checking every pool skimmer out there to bring you only the best when it comes to features, reliability, and value. We think the Aladdin B-9 meets every requirement, and that’s why it’s our top choice. Here’s our roundup to help you make a decision.
Pool Skimmer Baskets: My Top Picks
Aladdin Swimming Pool Replacement Skimmer Basket
This sturdy, well-made basket is designed to last longer than typical baskets that only last a year or two. Made from sturdy plastic, it features a weight in the bottom to keep the basket from bobbing to the surface.
The Aladdin B-9 is our pick for the best skimmer basket for the inground pool. It hits every target when it comes to price, ease of use, and quality construction. You don’t need fancy features on a skimmer basket. You need it to fit and last. That’s what you get with the Aladdin B-9.
This is a replacement for the Hayward cleaning system, but it will work in a variety of pool cleaning systems.
This is a well-made skimmer basket with extra features that make it stand out. It is a great value for the price.
Pros
- The weighted bottom helps the basket stay in the water.
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
- A low-cost option for Hayward system replacement.
- The flexible handle stays inside the basket when it’s submerged.
- Plastic parts won’t rust.
Cons
- It won’t fit every system. You should measure your current basket to make sure that this one is the right size for you.
GVT SP-HP Skimmer Basket
The unusual tower design of this basket allows you to remove the filled basket without having to reach into the water. It also ensures that water continues to flow through the basket even when it’s full. You don’t have to worry about having to turn the pump off every time you skim your pool.
This basket will be your go-to if your pool regularly collects a lot of leaves and debris. When it’s time to clean it out, you just grab the handle and dump out whatever’s in the basket.
This pool skimmer basket with a handle is a great choice if you’re tired of reaching into the water to clean your pool.
Pros
- You never have to reach into the water to pull out a skimmer basket.
- Sturdy, flexible plastic construction won’t split or rust.
- Tower construction allows water to flow through even when the basket is full.
Cons
- If you do have to reach into the basket to clean it, it’s a tight squeeze.
- Some reviewers cautioned that the basket won’t stand up to pumps with extra-strong suction.
SkimPro Tower-Vented Skimmer Basket with Tower and Handle
Like the GVT SkimPro, this swimming pool skimmer basket is designed to make your pool-cleaning life easier. The tower allows water to continue flowing through the basket even when it’s full. This can save you worry when you can’t get to your pool right away.
The tower also makes it easy to clean the basket by simply lifting it with the handle and dumping the filled basket. Reviewers pointed out that the tall tower construction makes it possible for small animals to climb out of the pool to safety. If this is a concern for you or you don’t like dealing with dead animals in your basket, this is a good choice.
Try this one if you have an inground pool and you’re tired of reaching into the water to clean your basket.
Pros
- You don’t have to turn the pump off every time you clean your basket.
- It’s designed to fit various skimmers and systems.
- The metal handle helps weigh the basket down even when the pump is off.
Cons
- The weighted handle does not always keep the basket down.
- The tower makes for a tight fit if you have to reach inside the basket to clean it
Hayward SPX1091C Basket with Handle Replacement for Hayward Automatic Skimmers
Hayward is one of the most trusted names in pool maintenance, and this little basket shows why. It is solidly made with larger holes to capture larger items that drop into the pool. This basket fits a number of skimmers. The simple construction and round shape make it adaptable to many types of pools.
If you have a Hayward skimmer that this is designed for, you can get this replacement skimmer basket at a great price.
Pros
- Solid, sturdy plastic construction keeps its shape season after season.
- The handle makes it easy to lift out of the pool.
- The basket is designed to work well in both in-ground and above-ground pools.
Cons
- The large holes allow some debris to escape and clog the pump.
- The basket is not weighted.
Hayward SPX1070E Basket Replacement for Hayward Automatic Skimmers
Hayward makes excellent pool products, and this one has several features that set it apart. If you have a Hayward skimmer, replace your basket with this well-constructed option. Unlike baskets with a flexible handle, this has a handle that is set below the rim. The placement helps the basket keep its shape.
This is overall an excellent skimmer basket. If you have a Hayward skimmer, you can complete your cleaning system with this basket. Consider adding weight to the bottom to hold it in place.
Pros
- The set-in handle makes the basket sit firmly in place.
- It’s easy to fit a skimmer sock into the basket.
- The stainless steel handle won’t rust.
Cons
- The handle can make it hard to clean out the basket.
- The basket is not weighted.
- The larger holes can allow debris to float into the pump.
Milliard Replacement Skimmer Basket
This tough little basket is an excellent above-ground pool skimmer basket, but it will also work for older inground pools that have smaller skimmers. It has a handle for easy lifting and no complicated parts.
Replacement baskets can be hard to find in this smaller size, but this one is easily available and at a great price. If you’re having trouble getting the right size for your pool skimmer, this replacement basket is here to save the day.
This no-frills basket gets the job done. It’s great for people with older pools who are having trouble finding replacement baskets.
Pros
- This works well in above-ground pools or smaller inground pools.
- There are no metal parts to rust.
- There are no complicated or removable parts.
Cons
- Be careful not to lift this while the pump is running.
- You should measure your skimmer or your old basket to ensure that the size will work for you.
Pentair 516112 Handle Basket Replacement Bermuda Gunite and Vinyl Liner Skimmer
If you have a larger skimmer, this large basket is the ticket. It’s well-made by Pentair, a quality manufacturer of pools and pool supplies. The curved handle provides a sure, comfortable grip. The handle lies flat when it’s submerged. It can also be removed if you want to put a sock on the basket.
This is a large, sturdy basket with a unique handle design. If you need a larger size, you can buy this one with confidence.
Pros
- The metal handle stays firmly put. It doesn’t pull out when you lift the basket.
- Although the basket isn’t weighted, the weight of the handle keeps it firmly locked in place without bobbing.
- The larger size is perfect for Pentair and other larger skimmers.
Cons
- If you don’t have the system this is designed for, it may not work. Measure your old basket to be sure this will fit on your skimmer.
Super Pro Generic Hayward B-152 Skimmer Basket
This pool skimmer basket is a replacement for the Hayward B-152 model. It is round with a handle that lies flat when it’s in the pool. Most reviewers gave this one a good rating as a perfect fit. This basket is solidly made and designed to last for a long time.
This is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a low-cost replacement for your Hayward skimmer. It’s designed to be easy to use.
Pros
- The fit is right.
- Solid plastic construction is resilient.
- There are no metal parts.
- The handle can be moved or removed.
Cons
- Some reviewers found that the handle got in the way when cleaning the basket.
- The basket is not weighted.
Custom Molded Products GVT SP-HP Skimmer Basket
This is on the higher price end compared to others on our list, but the price is justified by the design and construction. The long, wide handle is curved and features an easy-grip shape. This basket is easy to hold and easy to use.
Although this basket is high in price, reviewers gave it high marks for its easy-to-use design and solid construction.
Pros
- The specially designed handle makes this basket easy to lift out of the pool.
- You can lift the skimmer basket without reaching into the water.
- The basket is weighted.
- Unlike other baskets with handles, this one allows enough room for cleaning by hand.
Cons
- The handle is not removable.
- The price is considerably higher than others on this list.
Maccify 20-Pack Pool Skimmer Socks
Make your skimmer basket work twice as well with a skimmer sock. These Lambow socks are designed for all types of pools and baskets, but they work especially well in an above-ground pool skimmer basket.
These fine-meshed socks keep your basket and your pump clean. They can be used over and over, making this 20-pack a great deal that will take you through a full season of daily pool cleaning.
There are plenty of advantages and a few disadvantages to these versatile, practical skimmer socks.
Pros
- Adaptable to fit any size of the skimmer basket.
- Each sock can be used many times.
- Clean the socks easily by holding them down.
- Excellent at catching pollen and other fine particles.
Cons
- If you use these, you must empty the skimmer basket daily to avoid clogging the pump.
- It would help if you did not use these with chlorine tabs in the basket.
Tips on Choosing
How often do you use your pool? If you use it all year long, you need a sturdier basket that can stand up to heavy use. If you only use your pool a few months out of the year, you might be fine with a lightweight basket.
What type of pool do you have? Skimmers and baskets are different for in-ground and above-ground pools.
What kind of debris does your pool catch? If you’re mostly scooping lightweight material out of your pool, consider a basket with larger holes to catch leaves, grass, and twigs. If you’re catching fine particles, consider a tighter mesh or a basket sock.
Factors to Consider
Durability
The bottom line is that most pool skimmer baskets won’t last that long. Daily use and being submerged in water can start to wear out even the sturdiest plastic. You’ll have to decide if you want to pay a little more for one that you’ll have to replace less often.
Ease of use
Your skimmer basket should be something that you don’t mind using every day. You should consider whether you want a handle that makes lifting easy or a tower construction that lets you lift the basket without touching the water.
Size
This is clearly an important factor in your selection. All basket manufacturers give the dimensions of their products. You should measure the basket that you’re replacing before you buy a new basket.
Making the Decision
The right skimmer basket lets you look forward to many days of enjoying a fresh, sparkling pool. Our top choice, the Alladin B-9, has durability and ease of use that will help you relax and enjoy your pool. You put your pool in because you wanted to have fun. Look through our list of skimmer baskets and pick the one that lets you do just that.