Swimming Pool Skimmers & Leaf Nets
When it comes to pool cleaning, the water can get just as dirty as the sides and bottom. Pool Supply Unlimited enables you to keep the water clean with a wide variety of skimmers and nets. Depending on where you live and the types of objects you find floating in your pool, we have the right net to make the job easier and faster.
Why Do I Need a Pool Skimmer?
Pools are magnets for undesirable elements. These elements can include leaves, bugs, animals, and any other debris that may fly into the water on a windy day. Without a skimmer, you would have to jump into the water and remove these things by hand. As you can imagine, that wouldn't be very fun, especially when the pool is at its dirtiest after being opened for the season.
How to Choose the Best Pool Skimmer
When looking at the variety offered by Pool Supply Unlimited, it's easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices. When looking at different skimmers, you must consider the design, net material, and size. Here's a breakdown of each factor.
Skimmer Design
Not all pool skimmers are alike, and there are crucial differences between each one. For example, a pool leaf rake has prongs to help catch leaves and prevent them from escaping the net when moving the skimmer around. Additionally, these rakes come with a unique pool leaf net designed to accommodate more leaves and more weight.
Other skimmers may have a boxier design to fit square edges around your pool. This way, if leaves or bugs find their way to the corners, you won't struggle to get them out.
Another option is to get a skimmer designed to scrape the bottom of the pool. For example, the Piranha Leaf Rake has a thin edge in the front, making it easier to collect items that have sunk down. It's so thin that you can even grab coins and other small particles.
Net Material
Almost all skimmers use vinyl nets, but you have to pay attention to the thickness of the mesh. Some nets are made for leaves and other large objects, so they have more space between the mesh sections. Other skimmers may have extra-fine nets so nothing gets out, such as small bugs or debris. You can even find "sandbags," which are so fine that they can collect sand without it falling through the mesh.
Size
As a rule, larger skimmers are ideal for daily cleaning, as they can collect virtually anything that might be floating in your pool. However, you may also need a smaller, pointed skimmer to get into corners or hard-to-reach spaces. Also, pay attention to the size of the bag. Larger bags are best for scooping up a lot of leaves, or they can help remove unwanted animals (like frogs).
What Size Pole Do I Need for My Skimmer?
Choosing the right skimmer is only the first step to keeping your water clean. Next, you must also choose the right pole size. When sizing your pole, consider these factors:
Pool Dimensions - While it may seem prudent to get a pole that can reach all the way across your pool, you don't want anything too long. Otherwise, it can be harder to maneuver and grab an object from so far away. As a rule, the skimmer should be able to reach the midpoint of the shortest diameter.
Surface vs. Bottom Cleaning - Most skimmers are designed for scooping debris from the surface of the water. However, you may also want to grab debris from the bottom when a brush won't do the trick. So, make sure to have a pole long enough to reach the bottom from the water's edge.
Fixed vs. Telescoping Pole - As a rule, telescoping poles are easier to handle and are far more versatile. However, they can be more expensive than fixed-length poles, so consider the expense when buying supplies.
No matter how much debris winds up in your pool, the right skimmer can make all the difference. Pool Supply Unlimited is here to help make the job as easy as possible so you can spend more time swimming and less time skimming. C
heck out our extensive collection of pool supplies and pool cleaning supplies, including pool brushes, pool thermometers, and replacement pool vacuum hoses! Or, if you're interested in learning more about pool maintenance, head over to the Pool Supply Unlimited blog, where you will find hours of educational posts teaching you the many different aspects of proper pool maintenance.