Swimming pools can be fun, but maintaining them is an entirely different story. You’ll have to put in a lot of effort to ensure that your swimming pool is clean and hygienic.
But if you have an efficient pool skimmer, your swimming pool will be in optimum condition and you can enjoy more time swimming in it than cleaning it. That’s why it’s recommended that you invest in the best automatic pool skimmer. They can prove to be very advantageous since your manual skimming will be reduced tremendously.
There are so many variants on the market, how do you go about it? Our review can help you find the best pool skimmer your money can fetch.
Review Of Best Automatic Pool Skimmers 2022
Through extensive research, personal use, and examining customer reviews, we present to you the 6 best automatic pool skimmers you must invest in.
1. INTEX Deluxe Wall Mount Swimming Pool Surface Skimmer
Key Features:
Intex is a trusted name when it comes to swimming pool maintenance. They’ve created and developed some great pool vacuums and skimmers over the years and they still managed to surprise us with this automatic pool skimmer unit.
This Intex deluxe pool skimmer works surprisingly well to keep the water surface clean and free of debris. Moreover, it’s super easy to install as it conveniently mounts to the Easy Set connections that come with your pool. Thanks to the adjustable brackets, the skimmer can seamlessly mount to a metal-frame pool sidewalls in a matter of minutes.
Even if you have never used a pool skimmer before, you won’t have any problems with the installation process. It’s super easy to assemble and comes with detailed directions. Moreover, it’s constructed with durable polypropylene plastic and it’ll certainly last you for a while. Not just that, given the price tag, the durability is a huge selling point.
After it reaches its full capacity, it’s effortless to clean this unit. Simply take out the pool skimmer’s strainer basket and clean it for a quick cleaning process. This entire process will hardly take 5 minutes.
Thanks to it being a wall skimmer, missed spots and huge hose lengths won’t be an issue. For those looking for an affordable and simple unit, this is one of the best automatic pool skimmer your money can buy.
What We Like:
- Affordable
- Easy to clean
- Easy to assemble
- Long lasting
What We Don’t Like:
- Not suitable for large debris
- Only works with Intex pools
2. Solar Breeze Nx2 Automatic Pool Skimmer
Key Features:
Solar Breeze NX2 is the only self-contained pool skimmer in our list. It’s an autonomous unit that can efficiently navigate your entire pool surface while capturing leaves, debris, and dirt.
The manufacturer claim that, this skimmer can effectively remove 90-95% of pool debris. Despite being, solar powered, this pool robot can last for couple of hours after sundown. It has been design to make pool cleaning not only hassle free but also energy efficient.
This model comes with a large mesh net for collecting more surface debris with less effort. The size of the collection bag is pretty decent in the industry. Therefore, you don’t have to make frequent stops for emptying it during cleanup.
Not only that, but you can also clean the bag conveniently. For added convenience, it also features an efficient filter that can capture not only leaves and twigs but also different water insects and needles. Even, you can use this skimmer for removing dog hair.
One of the bestselling points of this solar powered unit is that, it has a built-in chemical dispenser tray. Therefore, you can use it as a floating Chlorine Dispenser to evenly distribute chlorine to your pool water. Many pool owners claim that, this feature has cut down their time and money.
And lastly, it’s a cordless unit meaning that, you will experience a tangled free vacuuming. Overall, it’s one of the best solar powered automatic pool skimmer that comes with a premium price tag.
What We Like:
- Well-built and long lasting
- Use solar power instead of existing power source
- The skimmer basket is pretty large.
- Cordless
- Can be used as chlorine dispenser
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Great customer support
What We Don’t Like:
- Sometimes missed leaves and needles at the pools side
- No handle for carrying
- Relatively expensive
3. SkimDoctor 2.0 Pool Skimmer Basket
Key Features:
With this automatic pool skimmer from SkimDoctor, your pool maintenance time can be cut in half. Thanks to this efficiency, your pool pump can be used to do other important things, like evenly distributing the chemicals in your pool.
The unit’s basket produces vortex over your pool’s filtration system to aid in skimming your pool up to 3 times faster than other automatic pool skimmers. In fact, this unit is very effective in attracting bugs, dust, leaves, and pollen directly into the basket, reducing the workload for your pool vacuum.
This unit is great in improving pool circulation and the function of your in ground pool vacuum to clean automatically. Thanks to this, you’ll save a lot of money on pool chemical supplies. The basket also fits most skimmers. However, make sure to measure your skimmer first.
To set it up, you hardly need five minutes, and no special tools are required. Featuring corrosion and chemical resistant fittings, this unit will certainly last for a very long time.
What We Like:
- Can pull debris from long distance
- Can work on different water levels
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Works with most skimmers
What We Don’t Like:
- Doesn’t come with a basket
- Hard to empty
4. Pooldevil Pro Swimming Pool Skimmer
Key Features:
This simple yet powerful automatic pool skimmer from Pooldevil functions at the top layers at the pool’s water. It produces a powerful circular motion at the top and pulls in all the unwanted particles to the surface through the unit’s filter bag. Thus, this unit ensures that your cleaning process is not just efficient but also easy and quick.
It also automatically positions itself along your pool’s wall allowing your existing cleaner to move freely. Additionally, the unit’s tubing sits at the side, so you don’t have to worry about it getting in your way while swimming. The mesh of this pool skimmer is also excellent. It works better than actual built-in skimmer in keeping your pool clean.
Despite its price tag, this unit is also constructed with sturdy materials. You’ll certainly be using it for years to come. The Pooldevil pro surface skimmer is also very easy and quick to install. You can complete the installation process in about two minutes.
What We Like:
- Works on both In and Above ground pool
- Fast and efficient
- Easy to install
- Comes with a fine mesh
- Filter and skimmer
What We Don’t Like:
- Not suitable for large pools
- Replacement parts are hardly available
5. Dunnrite Hydro-Net Remote Controlled Pool Skimmer (Automatic)
Key Features:
Want a hi-tech remote-control pool skimmer? Then the Dunnrite Hydro-Net Remote-Controlled Pool Skimmer is a must-have.
It’s a versatile unit that can work on pools and ponds. It’s super convenient to operate; you can gather all the leaves while sitting comfortably in your pool lounge chair as you control it via remote control. It covers a wide range of 100 feet so it’s suitable for most pools.
What’s more? It has an impressive battery life of 5 hours, so it’ll certainly last your whole swimming pool cleaning session. You don’t have to worry about the battery dying in the middle of your cleaning. On top of that, this skimmer runs independently ( without using the pool pump ) so it will save your electricity bills significantly.
It’s very effective in collecting various types of particles like sticks, twigs, leaves, pollutants, dust, and insects from your pool. It also makes sure that your pool is spotlessly clean in no time. In addition, it has a powerful motor that’ll greatly speed up your cleaning process. This unit also comes with a battery and charger, so you don’t have to worry about spending money.
This pool skimmer is also very lightweight and compact. Considering the price and cool features, Dunnrite Hydro-Net will’be a great choice for your swimming pool.
What We Like:
- Great at collecting debris
- Impressive battery life
- Large pool coverage
- Impressive motor power
- Well constructed
- Energy efficient
What We Don’t Like:
- Water might get into the battery parts
- No fine mesh for capturing seeds.
6. SkimmerMotion – The Automatic Pool Cleaner
Key Features:
The SkimmerMotion Pool skimmer can effectively remove all unwanted debris and particles that are one inch or smaller from your pool’s surface without the use of any chemicals. In fact, this unit is capable of eliminating particles and debris before they combine or reach your swimming pool’s base.
The unit moves in a parallel direction along with your vacuum covering the entire surface of your swimming pool. As a result, it can reach areas other skimmers can’t reach. What makes this unit so powerful is that it continuously recycles pool surface water to the filtration system, effectively purifying the water and making it clean and hygienic.
Installation of this unit is also hassle-free and takes just a few minutes. You can attach it to any of the existing automatic pool cleaners. However, we highly recommend to use it with a suction pool cleaner for the best result. It’s made of durable materials, so you’ll certainly be using it for a long time.
What We Like:
- Compact and sleek design
- Excellent at removing debris and tiny particles
- Constructed with durable materials
- Easy to install
- Energy efficient
- Easily connects to your pool cleaner
What We Don’t Like:
- Not suitable for large leaves
Now that you know which automatic pool skimmers are worth investing in, there is important information about automatic pool skimmer you must be aware of.
What Is A Pool Skimmer And How Does It Work?
Pool skimmer’s primary job is to eliminate dirt and debris from the surface of your pool. They are composed of three essential components: Lid or cover, weir door, and basket. They make sure that your pool is clean and healthy for swimming.
They are designed to pull the top 1/8 inch of your pool water, and their suction power is capable of doing that, but at the same time, they’re so subtle that you wouldn’t even notice that skimmers are installed in your pool.
Skimmers can be installed on or near the surface of your pool to net floating debris and dirt before they sink to the bottom of your pool and prevent damage to your pool filter or pump. Water enters your pool through a skimmer, main drain, or both. It advances to a three-port valve and inside the pump which is operated by a pump motor.
After that, the water travels up to the heater through the filter towards the pool return lines. And this is where the skimmers do its job. Some pools maintain more than one skimmer with a primary function of pulling water into the system through a skimming action. This allows skimmers to eliminate all unwanted particles before they reach the bottom of your pool.
Different Types Of Pool Skimmers:
There’re three different types of pool skimmers. Whether you have an in-ground or above ground pool, some skimmers can work for both. When you purchase a pool skimmer, ensure that they are suitable for your pool type, or they might not function optimally and cause damage to your pump system.
Self-Contained Skimmers:
They’re also known as solar pool skimmer. They’re new to the market and pleasing alternative to traditional skimmers. These automatic floating pool skimmers are powered by the sunlight, which is collected by solar panels. They are affordable, save’s energy, but can only work when there is sufficient sunlight.
Automatic Skimmers:
Automatic skimmers are attached to your pool’s pump inlet. They are moved around your pool’s surface by tiny paddles or propellers that are steered by water when they enter through the hose. Some automatic pool skimmers feature random movements that prevent them from getting tangled on one side of the pool.
Manual Skimmers:
They are fine mesh nets attached to poles. These types of pool skimmers don’t utilize any power, and you’ll have to operate them manually. However, they are not suitable for filtering tiny particles. They are most suited for stones, large leaves, and other debris. Manual skimmers are also significantly cheaper than robotic or self contained skimmers.
Why Do You Need An Automatic Pool Skimmer?
If you want optimum cleaning of your pool’s surface, an automatic pool skimmer is your best bet. Most are easy to install, come with large collection bags, and are very effective in picking up even the tiniest of particles which manual pool skimmers simply can’t do. On top of that, you don’t even have to be physically present to have it work. You can simply start it and leave it running in your pool.
They connect to your pump or filtration system and produce a powerful movement through their suction below the surface of the water. As a result, they can easily collect unwanted particles and filter them out of your pool’s water. Some are even remote controllable and come with many other cool features.
Key Features Of A Quality Pool Skimmer
Now that you know the benefits of the automatic pool skimmer, there’re some key features that you must look out for in a quality pool skimmer.
Functionality:
The most important feature will be to ensure that its effective in eliminating debris and dirt. Many pool skimmers fail to net the smaller particles. Read reviews and do research to ensure that the unit you’re purchasing does its work effectively. Make sure it comes with a big collection bag and an effective filter.
Easy Cleaning Process:
Your skimmers filter will fill up really fast, so you have to make sure that the filter is easily accessible so that you can clean it. Particularly if you have a large pool, you might have to remove your filter multiple times a day. Make sure your pool skimmer possesses easy access points for optimum cleaning.
UV Resistant:
There are many pool skimmers on the market that break down after a while due to the sun’s heat. Therefore, you must ensure that your unit is UV resistant. If it’s constructed of UV resistant materials, it’ll last for a long time.
Extra Features:
Depending on your type of pool skimmer, you must also look out for extra features. For instance, if your pool skimmer is remote control operated, ensure that it has long battery life.
Buyers Guide Of The Automatic Pool Skimmer
Swimming Pool Types:
There are various kinds of pool skimmers, and you must ensure that your unit is compatible with your pool system. Not only must you figure out if the unit works with in or above ground pools, but some units are also specifically designed to function with certain pumps and filter. In this case, you can purchase additional connectors for compatibility, but we don’t recommend this as it requires additional investment.
Some units require extra equipment’s and others need to be fixed to your pool’s suction cleaner to work. You must be certain that your unit is perfectly compatible with your existing pool cleaner.
Durability:
Make sure that you invest in an automatic pool skimmer that’ll last you for a long time. Investing in a cheap unit might make you think you’re saving money, but it might cost you much more in the long run.
Many pool skimmers are constructed of plastic, but that doesn’t mean its not durable. Make sure that your unit is composed of durable materials.
Functionality:
Choose a pool skimmer that comes with an easy to remove debris basket. In addition to that, the basket should be of an ideal size for collecting more debris and dirt. If you’re going to choose a solar powered pool skimmer then it should have a decent running time for an optimum cleaning.
Ease Of Installation:
If you’re going for an automatic pool skimmer, we highly suggest a thorough investigation of how it’s installed before you purchase it. If you can install a complex unit on your own, you can go for it. However, if you’re like us that prefer a unit that’s easy and quick to install, this is a feature you must certainly look out for.
Price:
Price is perhaps the most significant factor. Don’t spend on a unit more than you have to. It’s important to note that just because its pricier doesn’t mean its better. In our above list of the automatic pool skimmer, we have listed the best units across various price points.
Warranty:
The longer the warranty, the better. If anything goes wrong with it, a warranty is backing from the company that they are willing to take care of it. A long warranty is a display of how much the manufacturer trusts the product.
FAQ’s:
Finally, you might have some questions about the functionality of an automatic pool skimmer. Here are some frequently asked questions about them.
Q1: How Do I Make My Pool Skimmer Work Better?
Ans: To ensure that your pool skimmer works better, you have to maintain it properly. There are some steps you can initiate to keep it in optimal condition. Properly clean your unit’s basket and remove all debris. You must also check the functionality of the weir. If it doesn’t move freely, it might be broken, and you’ll have to replace it.
Q2: Should The Pool Water Level Be Above Skimmer?
Ans: The ideal water level in both the above and in-ground pools should be at the midpoint of your unit. Your skimmer is responsible for allowing water to flow through to the filter where it gets cleaned. If the water level is too low, water can’t flow to the filter system. If the water level is too high, the flow won’t be optimal.
Final Words:
That brings us to the end of our review of the best automatic pool skimmer. The units in our list are all great options, and it all comes down to what you want from your automatic pool skimmer.
If we had to make a pick, the INTEX Deluxe Wall Mount Swimming Pool Surface Skimmer is our overall winner. It’s easy to use and functions very well. If you’re looking for a budget option, you won’t be disappointed with the SkimDoctor 2.0 Pool Skimmer Basket; it’s a complete value for money.
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