Every once in a while, you need to replace your pool skimmer basket. You’ve probably seen how many different pool skimmer baskets are out there, the choices can be overwhelming. Which ones are compatible with your pool skimmer and equipment system? Are they going to fit? Will it last a long time? Below, I help you answer all of those questions and highlight some great pool skimmer basket replacement options that can hopefully fit your pool setup.
Pool Skimmer Baskets: My Top Picks
SkimPro Tower-Vented Skimmer Basket
⭐ Most Universal
Specs:
- Basket Dimensions: 6.125” x 8.44”
- Height of the Tower: 12.95”
- It fits most skimmers, including Hayward 1070 series, Jacuzzi Deckmate, American, etc.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Tower makes it easy to remove for cleaning
- Able to withstand excessive debris found after storms
Cons:
- A removable tower can fall off during the cleaning process
- The tower may protrude from the skimmer in some pool models
- Large debris, such as oak leaves, can clog the skimmer basket
If you’re looking for a one size fits all skimmer basket or are having trouble finding a basket that will work for your pool, the SkimPro Tower-Vented Skimmer Basket is the product for you. Compared to other products, with the list of pools they are compatible with, SkimPro beats out all of them.
With a wide range of compatible brands and models, this skimmer basket will work with almost every pool. To determine if this skimmer basket will work for your pool, you can check the bottom of your current skimmer for a serial number or measure the dimensions of your pool’s skimmer to see if it is the right size.
GVT SP-HP Skimmer Basket
⭐ Best Affordable Replacement Skimmer Basket
Specs:
- Basket dimensions: 8 7/16” x 6 1/8”
- Height of Tower: 12 15/16”
- It fits most American brand skimmers, Hayward 1070, SwimQuip and more
Pros:
- Tower vent to provide continuous water flow
- Tower allows for easy removal
- Has weights in the bottom so it will not float upwards
Cons:
- Thin, lightweight plastic not suited for pools with high suction filters
- Not universal sizing, make sure to measure your pool’s skimmer to determine what size you need
- Weights in the bottom can make it difficult to remove when the basket is full
The GVT SP-HP Skimmer Basket is another versatile product that will work for many different pool models. The dimensions are about the same as the SkimPro model, so if you’re looking for a more affordable version in the same size range or you’re looking to try something similar to compare the two, the GVT skimmer basket is an excellent option for you.
The GVT model’s design includes a weighted bottom, which will keep the skimmer basket safely in place, so you won’t have to worry about any debris sneaking their way past the basket and into your pool’s pump or filter.
SkimDoctor 2.0 Pool Skimmer Basket
⭐ Best for Fast Cleaning
Specs:
- Product dimensions: 8” x 8.25” x 7.5”
- The product includes plastic rods, fasteners, and a 20 pack of skimmer socks
Pros:
- Cleans pool three times faster than the average tower vented skimmer
- It fits most skimmer baskets for in-ground pools
- Included skimmer socks ensure debris does not make its way to the filter
Cons:
- More expensive model
- It does not come with a skimmer basket for collecting debris
- The heavy-duty design makes it more difficult to clean (hair wrapping around screws, etc.)
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty pool skimmer, the SkimDoctor 2.0 will be an excellent fit for you.
This skimmer is a great fit for pools that get a lot of debris, as it can quickly clean up the mess so that you can go back to enjoying your pool. If your backyard has many trees, or you live in an area that gets a lot of bad storms that will blow debris into your swimming pool, this skimmer will be your best friend.
Note that the SkimDoctor 2.0 does not come with a basket, but it does include a 20 pack of disposable skimmer socks that will make cleanup nice and straightforward for you. This is the most expensive option on my list, but it is also the most powerful pool skimmer available.
Hayward SPX1082CA Basket Replacement
⭐ Best for Hayward Automatic Skimmers
Specs:
- Product dimensions: 7” wide x 5” deep
- Item weight: 6.4 ounce
- Replacement basket fits Hayward skimmers for models SP1082 through SP1086
Pros:
- Dependable company in business for over 80 years
- Guaranteed fit for the specified Hayward skimmer models, as it is from the same company
- It catches and holds a lot of debris
Cons:
- Plastic handle can break easily
- Not a universal size
- It can be challenging to lift out when full
If you are looking for a replacement basket for your Hayward pool skimmer, this is an excellent option for you at a very affordable price. This is the most popular skimmer basket for the standard Hayward model skimmers. This basket is heavy-duty and will ensure that your pool stays clean and in working condition.
If you are hesitant to purchase the one size fits all varieties, the Hayward replacement would be a good fit for you, as the exact model numbers that it fits are in the description.
Pentair 516112 Handle Basket Replacement
⭐ Best for Pentair Skimmers
Specs:
- Product Dimensions: 5.5” x 5.5” x 8.5”
- Replacement bucket fits Pentair Bermuda gunite and vinyl skimmers
Pros:
- The metal handle makes for easier lifting
- Guaranteed fit for specified Pentair models, as the same company manufactures it
- Lightweight design allows for better flow of water
Cons:
- A plastic bucket that is fragile may break if overfilled
- Not meant for universal replacement
If you are looking for a replacement skimmer basket for your Pentair pool, this is the best choice for you. The Pentair 516112 Handle Basket replacement model is compatible with most Pentair in-ground swimming pools.
The basket comes equipped with a metal handle, which holds up much better than most baskets’ standard plastic handle. The metal handle, paired with the basket’s lightweight design, makes it much easier to remove when it comes time to clean the debris out of the basket.
Aladdin Replacement Skimmer Basket
⭐ Most Affordable for Some Hayward and Pentair Models
Specs:
- Product Dimensions: 8.31” x 5.75” x 5.19”
- It fits standard Pentair Bermuda skimmer models and some Hayward models (check dimensions of your skimmer before buying)
Pros:
- Versatile fit
- Weighted bottom stops basket from floating out of the skimmer.
- Sturdy handle for easy lifting
Cons:
- Weight in the bottom can come detached while cleaning
- Plastic can be damaged when pulling out of the skimmer
- Not made to fit all skimmer models
If you are on a tighter budget, the Aladdin Replacement Skimmer Basket is an excellent alternative for a replacement basket. The Aladdin skimmer basket is designed to fit most standard Pentair swimming pools and will work with some Hayward models.
Before taking the plunge to purchase this model, do some research on your pool, and check the dimensions of your current skimmer basket to ensure that this one will fit.
This affordable replacement basket has a great handle for easy lifting and a weighted bottom to ensure that the skimmer basket stays in place while it is cleaning.
Note that the weighted bottom makes it a little tougher to remove if your pool’s pump is on. Be sure to turn the pump off before removing the Aladdin basket to avoid damages.
Recap: The Best Pool Skimmer Baskets
- SkimPro Tower-Vented Skimmer Basket: Most Universal
- GVT SP-HP Skimmer Basket: Best Affordable Replacement Skimmer Basket
- SkimDoctor 2.0 Pool Skimmer Basket: Best for Fast Cleaning
- Hayward SPX1082CA Basket Replacement: Best for Hayward Automatic Skimmers
- Pentair 516112 Handle Basket Replacement: Best for Pentair Skimmers
- Aladdin Replacement Skimmer Basket: Most Affordable for Some Hayward and Pentair Models
My Research Criteria
How did I decide which products would cut my list? When I was searching through products, I had several factors that I took into consideration.
Price
Price is one of the most critical factors for many consumers. A product could claim to have life-changing qualities, but if it’s outside of your budget, why would you even consider it? Even worse, if the product falls short of its claims, you’ll feel like you wasted your money. All of the products that made my list are within an affordable price range for their quality.
Durability
You can’t judge a product’s abilities if it doesn’t last long enough to be tested. Having inexpensive options for pool skimmers is excellent, but is it saving you money if you have to replace it every month?
The high concentration of chlorine in the water can be hard on a plastic basket and cause general wear and tear, but I believe it is reasonable to expect a pool skimmer to last at least one year of use. To extend your skimmer’s lifespan, I recommend turning off your pool’s pump before removing the skimmer for cleaning so that you don’t have to fight against the suction to release it.
Performance and Compatibility
One of the essential things to consider before buying any product: does it work? Is it easy to install or set up? Will it be difficult to remove when you need to clean it? Will it work for every pool or just specific brands or models? There are a lot of different pool skimmers out there, so you need to make sure your replacement basket is going to fit your model.
Well, that’s about it for replacement pool skimmer baskets. Have questions? Shoot me a message. Also make sure to check out my support articles on replacing skimmer baskets and skimmer weirs.
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